Oregon’s Master of Social Work education demonstrates the Pacific Northwest’s values of innovation and inclusivity, with the state housing a selective collection of CSWE-accredited programs that blend traditional excellence with cutting-edge delivery methods. The landscape includes one of only three CSWE-accredited Master of Social Work (MSW) programs in Oregon offering fully online options, alongside hybrid and campus-based alternatives that serve students across Oregon’s diverse metropolitan and rural communities. Portland State University is home to the first and only public MSW program in Oregon, providing comprehensive tracks including macro, micro, and school social work licensure preparation, while private institutions complement this foundation with specialized approaches and intimate learning environments. This strategic program distribution ensures that Oregon students have access to quality graduate social work education whether they’re based in urban centers like Portland and Eugene or serving remote coastal and mountain communities.

Oregon’s professional licensing structure establishes clear advancement pathways for MSW graduates through a four-tier system encompassing Registered Baccalaureate Social Worker (RBSW), Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), Clinical Social Work Associate (CSWA), and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) credentials. Holding an MSW from a CSWE-accredited program is the minimum educational requirement for earning an LMSW, CSWA, and LCSW, positioning graduate education as the gateway to advanced practice. For clinical licensure, Oregon mandates 3,500 hours of total experience with at least 2,000 hours consisting of direct contact with people who are receiving services. Oregon requires a minimum 100 hours of supervision, ensuring that online MSW programs prepare graduates for rigorous post-graduation professional development requirements.

The social work career environment in Oregon reflects the state’s progressive stance on mental health, environmental justice, and social equity, creating abundant opportunities for MSW graduates across diverse practice settings. Oregon’s emphasis on trauma-informed care, community-based interventions, and integrated healthcare delivery systems aligns perfectly with contemporary MSW curricula that emphasize evidence-based practice and cultural responsiveness. The state’s commitment to addressing homelessness, substance abuse treatment, and environmental social work creates specialized career niches, while Oregon’s tech industry growth and aging population generate demand for corporate wellness programs and gerontological social work services. Online MSW programs prepare practitioners to navigate this dynamic landscape through comprehensive field education experiences and coursework that integrates Oregon’s unique social, cultural, and environmental contexts.

2026 Best Oregon MSW Programs Online

Welcome to mastersinsocialworkonline.org, where we rank the best Oregon MSW programs online. Our team has carefully evaluated options to help you find a quality education that fits your life. Online programs offer flexibility for students balancing work or family, making distance learning a great choice for many. We provide trusted insights to guide your decision. Learn more about how we create our rankings at https://mastersinsocialworkonline.org/rankings-methodology/.
#1

Pacific University

Forest Grove, OR - Private 4-year - pacificu.edu

Master's - Master of Social Work

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Pacific University's hybrid MSW program emphasizes social justice and trauma-informed care, preparing culturally aware practitioners for diverse populations. It offers individualized mentoring and fieldwork in both rural and urban settings, with an advanced standing option for BSW graduates. This CSWE-accredited program does not require an entrance exam, focusing on anti-oppressive practices and scientific inquiry to enhance community wellbeing.

  • Advanced practice social work degree
  • Individualized professor mentoring
  • Focuses on social justice
  • Rural and urban practice opportunities
  • Advanced Standing option for BSW graduates
  • CSWE accredited program
  • Trauma-informed practitioner preparation

Master's - Master of Social Work

Concentration: Advanced Standing - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

The Advanced Standing MSW track at Pacific University is a hybrid program designed for BSW graduates, featuring guaranteed admission options and a minimum 3.0 GPA requirement. It provides advanced practice skills for careers in social services without an entrance exam, emphasizing professional development and CSWE accreditation for seamless academic progression.

  • CSWE-accredited MSW program
  • Two-year and advanced standing tracks
  • Guaranteed grad school admission
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA requirement
  • Apply during junior year
  • Professional preparation focus
  • Dual admission program available

Master's - Master of Social Work

Concentration: Generalist - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Pacific University's Generalist MSW hybrid program includes a 64-credit curriculum with online class options, fieldwork, and international travel opportunities. It offers full-time or part-time study, advanced standing for BSW graduates, and tuition assistance grants. No entrance exam is required for this CSWE-accredited program, which focuses on preparing professionals for Oregon and southwest Washington communities.

  • 64-credit generalist curriculum
  • CSWE-accredited program since 2014
  • Forest Grove campus location
  • Online class options available
  • International travel course opportunities
  • Advanced standing track available
  • Two-year full-time or part-time options
  • Fieldwork experiences embedded
  • Tuition assistance grants
  • Serves Oregon and southwest Washington
Show 2 More Programs ˅
#2

George Fox University

Newberg, OR - Private 4-year - georgefox.edu

Master's - Master of Social Work

Concentration: School Social Work - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

George Fox University's online Master of Social Work program specializes in School Social Work, preparing graduates to address mental health and social-emotional needs in educational settings through a CSWE-accredited curriculum. This hybrid-online format requires no entrance exam and offers flexibility with courses starting Fall 2025, allowing completion in 8-15 months. Students gain practical experience with over 400 hours of practicum, meeting Oregon licensure requirements. At $794 per credit hour, it includes options like an integrated MSW path and is military-friendly, emphasizing multicultural and systems perspectives for impactful school-based interventions.

  • CSWE Accredited Program
  • 8-15 Month Duration
  • $794 per Credit Hour
  • Hybrid-Online Format
  • School Social Work Licensure
  • 400+ Hours Practicum Experience
  • Portland Center Location
  • Online Courses Starting Fall 2025
  • Two Program Paths Available
  • Integrated MSW Option
#3

Portland State University

Portland, OR - Public 4-Year - pdx.edu

Master's - Master of Social Work

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Portland State University's hybrid Master of Social Work program, located in downtown Eugene, offers a three-year Advanced Clinical Practice concentration with 78 credits. It combines in-person and online learning, includes a two-year community-based practicum for hands-on experience, and focuses on clinical social work, social justice, and research. No entrance exam is required for this online-accessible program, which is military-friendly and begins its next cohort in fall 2025.

  • Three-year hybrid MSW program
  • Advanced Clinical Practice concentration
  • 78 total program credits
  • Flexible in-person/online learning
  • Two-year community-based practicum
  • Next cohort begins fall 2025
  • Located in downtown Eugene
  • Serves multiple Oregon counties

Master's - Master of Social Work

Online Learning - Visit Website

Portland State University provides a fully online Master of Social Work program, ranked #1 for Online MSW Macro Degrees and in the top 12% of social work schools. It emphasizes racial equity, offers flexible learning with field education opportunities, and does not require an entrance exam. The program includes substantial community service hours and scholarships, making it ideal for aspiring change-makers seeking to balance professional responsibilities with impactful social justice education.

  • Online and campus options
  • #1 Online MSW Macro Degree
  • Top 12% Social Work Schools
  • 280,000 community service hours
  • $250,000 annual scholarships
  • Racial equity focused curriculum
  • Multiple campus locations
  • Field education opportunities
  • Flexible learning formats
Show 1 More Programs ˅
*Source: IPEDS 2023 data files, National Center for Education Statistics.

List of Oregon Online MSW Programs

Jump to City:

Forest Grove, OR

Pacific University

  • Master's - Master of Social Work

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Advanced practice social work degree
    • Individualized professor mentoring
    • Focuses on social justice
    • Rural and urban practice opportunities
    • Advanced Standing option for BSW graduates
    • CSWE accredited program
    • Trauma-informed practitioner preparation
  • Master's - Master of Social Work

    Concentration: Advanced Standing - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • CSWE-accredited MSW program
    • Two-year and advanced standing tracks
    • Guaranteed grad school admission
    • Minimum 3.0 GPA requirement
    • Apply during junior year
    • Professional preparation focus
    • Dual admission program available
  • Master's - Master of Social Work

    Concentration: Generalist - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 64-credit generalist curriculum
    • CSWE-accredited program since 2014
    • Forest Grove campus location
    • Online class options available
    • International travel course opportunities
    • Advanced standing track available
    • Two-year full-time or part-time options
    • Fieldwork experiences embedded

Newberg, OR

George Fox University

  • Master's - Master of Social Work

    Concentration: School Social Work - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • CSWE Accredited Program
    • 8-15 Month Duration
    • $794 per Credit Hour
    • Hybrid-Online Format
    • School Social Work Licensure
    • 400+ Hours Practicum Experience
    • Portland Center Location
    • Online Courses Starting Fall 2025

Portland, OR

Portland State University

  • Master's - Master of Social Work

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Three-year hybrid MSW program
    • Advanced Clinical Practice concentration
    • 78 total program credits
    • Flexible in-person/online learning
    • Two-year community-based practicum
    • Next cohort begins fall 2025
    • Located in downtown Eugene
    • Serves multiple Oregon counties
  • Master's - Master of Social Work

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online and campus options
    • #1 Online MSW Macro Degree
    • Top 12% Social Work Schools
    • 280,000 community service hours
    • $250,000 annual scholarships
    • Racial equity focused curriculum
    • Multiple campus locations
    • Field education opportunities
*Source: NCES, IPEDS 2023. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

2026 Affordable Online Oregon MSW Program Options

This table lists affordable online MSW programs in Oregon for 2026, offering degrees like Bachelor's, Master's, Graduate Certificate, and Doctorate. Online options are key for flexibility, especially in cities like Portland or Eugene, making education accessible through distance learning and virtual formats.
Pacific University
  • 64-credit generalist curriculum
  • CSWE-accredited program since 2014
  • Forest Grove campus location
  • Online class options available
  • International travel course opportunities
  • Advanced standing track available
  • Two-year full-time or part-time options
  • Fieldwork experiences embedded
  • $30,200 - $45,400 (Graduate)
George Fox University
  • CSWE Accredited Program
  • 8-15 Month Duration
  • $794 per Credit Hour
  • Hybrid-Online Format
  • School Social Work Licensure
  • 400+ Hours Practicum Experience
  • Portland Center Location
  • Online Courses Starting Fall 2025
  • $13,000 - $19,400 (Graduate)
Portland State University
  • Online and campus options
  • #1 Online MSW Macro Degree
  • Top 12% Social Work Schools
  • 280,000 community service hours
  • $250,000 annual scholarships
  • Racial equity focused curriculum
  • Multiple campus locations
  • Field education opportunities
  • $13,800 - $20,600 (Graduate In-State)
  • $19,800 - $29,600 (Graduate Non-Resident)
*Source data: IPEDS 2023, compiled by NCES.

List of Oregon Advanced Standing Online MSW Programs

Oregon’s advanced standing MSW programs offer an expedited academic pathway for BSW holders from CSWE-accredited institutions, allowing them to complete their master’s degree through a compressed curriculum. These programs emphasize environmental social work, homelessness intervention, and Pacific Northwest community practice to address the distinct challenges facing Oregon’s urban centers, coastal fishing communities, and the rural populations throughout the Cascade Range and high desert regions.

Jump to City:

Newberg, OR

George Fox University

  • Master's - Master of Social Work Advanced Standing

    Online Learning - Website

    • Accelerated 8-20 month completion.
    • Online program format.
    • CSWE accredited.
    • 3.0 GPA requirement.
    • BSW degree prerequisite.
    • Academic and professional references needed.
    • International student applications accepted.
    • Focus on generalist practice skills.

Portland, OR

Portland State University

  • Master's - MSW Advanced Standing

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online program
    • Advanced Macro or Clinical concentrations
    • 500-hour internship
    • Accredited by CSWE
    • Flexible scheduling
    • For BSW holders
    • 4-5 terms completion
    • Blends online and in-person options
*Institutional data extracted from: IPEDS 2023, NCES.

2026 Affordable Online Oregon Advanced Standing MSW Programs

This table shows affordable online advanced standing MSW programs in Oregon for 2026, covering degree levels like Bachelor's, Master's, Graduate Certificate, and Doctorate. These options are available across the state, including in cities like Portland and Eugene. Online programs are important because they offer flexibility for students through distance learning and virtual classes, making education more accessible. They allow you to study from anywhere, fitting into busy schedules and supporting career growth in social work.
Portland State University
  • Online program
  • Advanced Macro or Clinical concentrations
  • 500-hour internship
  • Accredited by CSWE
  • Flexible scheduling
  • For BSW holders
  • 4-5 terms completion
  • Blends online and in-person options
  • $13,800 - $20,600 (Graduate In-State)
  • $19,800 - $29,600 (Graduate Non-Resident)
George Fox University
  • Accelerated 8-20 month completion.
  • Online program format.
  • CSWE accredited.
  • 3.0 GPA requirement.
  • BSW degree prerequisite.
  • Academic and professional references needed.
  • International student applications accepted.
  • Focus on generalist practice skills.
  • $13,000 - $19,400 (Graduate)
*Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2023, National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education.