Oregon MSW Programs Guide

If you are an Oregon resident that is interested in pursuing a masters degree in social work, you may be pleased to find out that there is currently 1 MSW program provided by educational institutions in this state.

Portland State University is a leading provider of MSW programs and is located in the popular city of Portland, Oregon. This program is currently accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and can provide students with high-quality education suitable to meet their needs.

Portland State University's MSW program is a 78 credit hour program available to students from different cities throughout Oregon. As a student here, you can take advantage of an advanced standing MSW option, full-time, or part-time option in your program.

If You Do Not Yet Have a Bachelors: View BSW programs in Oregon(includes online).

Online MSW Programs in Oregon

Online educational programs can be a game-changer for upcoming social work professionals with no extra free time for attending classes. In the state of Oregon, students can take advantage of an online MSW program offered through Portland State University. Portland State can partner with students to ensure that they are getting a great quality of education in the most convenient method possible.

This program works according to a cohort model and may include 3 on-campus intensive practica as part of the degree experience. Students all over the state of Portland can choose to be a part of this incredibly diverse and convenient program.

Portland State University's online MSW program can be a stepping stone for upcoming social work professionals interested in either specialized practice in social work or leadership. Specializations offered by this university can allow students to focus on the managerial needs of social service organizations, as well as public service agencies all over the country. If you have the desire to move higher in your current career or make a grand entrance into the field of social work, MSW programs online could be an excellent choice for you to consider.

Oregon Social Worker Careers with an MSW Degree

Oregon can be a great place to engage in a social work career. As you can see in the guide below, some of the most popular social work positions involve working with children and families, as well as with people that are struggling with their physical and emotional health.

• Child, Family, and School Social Work: $54,160 median salary per year. Social Workers in this specialized area may travel regularly to meet clients, attend court hearing, and educational meetings when needed. The goal of professionals in this area is to adequately coordinate services to help children and families thrive.
• Healthcare Social Work: $77,960 median salary per year. If you are interested in pursuing a career that supports and provides guidance to individuals with health-related diagnoses, Healthcare Social Work could be the right choice for you. Professionals in this field work closely with people as they find needed health services and navigate the healthcare system.
• Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Work: $49,220 median salary per year. Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers may partner with therapeutic providers to ensure that clients are adjusting their environment and lifestyle to accommodate positive change. Home visits, employment assistance, and life planning may be some responsibilities of individuals in this field.
• Social Work, All Other: $54,220 median salary per year. Social Work positions in Oregon may also be available in private practices for clinical workers, court systems, and non profit agencies serving the public.

Social Worker Salaries in Oregon’s Metropolitan Areas

• Bend: $60,250 median salary per year
• Portland: $54220 median salary per year
• Eugene: $46,530 median salary per year
• Grants Pass: $48,480 median salary per year

2021 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and employment figures for Child, Family, and School Social Workers; Healthcare Social Workers; Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers; Social Workers, All other, reflect national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed March 2023. 

Oregon Social Work Licensure

The Oregon Board of Licensed Social Workers requires the Licensed Master Social Workers (LMSWs) hold at minimum a MSW from a CSWE-accredited program.

Applicants must also provide proof of completion of the ASWB's master's examination and the Oregon Rules and Statutes examination. Once these items are provided to the board, applicants can be approved for licensing.

Social Work Agencies and Accreditation in Oregon

Licensing standards for positions in social work in the state of Oregon may follow the regulations set forth by the Oregon State Board Of Licensed Clinical Social Workers. The accreditation of your chosen program can help determine whether or not you can become licensed after a supervised internship experience. Students interested in working in the field of Social Work can choose from specializations such as Leadership in Communities and Organizations or Health across the Lifespan.