M.S.W. Program - Distance Option FAQ

Program Questions

Is the M.S.W. program at Portland State University accredited?

The School of Social Work was reaccredited by the Council on Social Work Education in 2009.

How long does it take to complete the M.S.W Distance Option (DO) program?

The M.S.W. DO is a three-year program. Students admitted to the Eugene and Salem distance sites attend classes four to five times a term on the main PSU campus in Portland during intensive weekends (Friday and Saturday) during the first year of the program. During the second and third years of the program, students attend class every Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at their site.

Students admitted to the Ashland and Bend distance sites attend classes from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every Friday at their site for all three years of the program.

The school year is divided into three terms beginning in late September and ending in mid-June.

When can I apply to the M.S.W. DO?

Those interested in applying to the Ashland and Salem sites can do so beginning fall 2011, with classes beginning fall 2012. Applicants interested in applying to the Bend or Eugene sites can do so beginning fall 2012, with classes beginning fall 2013.

Does the Distance Option allow me to earn my M.S.W. degree online?

No. Students must attend classes at one of the sites. Some coursework is completed online, at each instructor’s discretion.  

How much is tuition?

M.S.W. Distance students, who are considered residents of Oregon, register between 6‐11 credit hours each term, depending on the curriculum. 2011-12 tuition and fees is $2,797 for 6 credit hours and $4,815 for 11 credit hours. (These amounts include tuition and fees, including fees for distance delivery and field instruction.)

How much experience should I have prior to applying to the program?

The Admissions Committee prefers to admit individuals who have paid, volunteer or internship experience related to social work. We hope that applicants have the equivalent of at least one year of experience at the time of application.

Can I apply to both the M.S.W. DO and the Portland Campus program?

No. Applicants can only apply to one option.

Application Questions

When is the application deadline?

Complete applications must be post‐marked no later than February 1 of the year for admission the following fall term. Late applications are not accepted. 

I’m filling out the coursework section of the M.S.W. program application and have a question about which course would go under what curricular area.  

The first thing to do is see the Coursework For Liberal Arts Requirements to determine how courses are classified. The next thing to do is not labor over this section of the application. We only need to see that you have successfully completed 6 quarter credits (or 4 semester credits) from each of the three curricular areas. In addition, the undergraduate degree must include a minimum of 50 quarter credits total (or 34 semester credits) from any combination of the three areas mentioned above. 

I am completing the GPA Calculation Worksheet and am confused because the school I graduated from was on the semester system. How do I complete the calculations for this form? 

There are two columns for listing your upper division coursework‐one for quarter credits the other for semester credits. A conversion example is: 6 quarter credits = 4 semester credits.

I graduated from a school that used narrative transcripts. How do I calculate my GPA?

Applicants who attended institutions using non graded transcripts do not complete the GPA sheet. The full narrative transcript should be submitted with your application. We will evaluate your academic performance based on instructor reviews.

I'm having difficulty getting one of my transcripts and fear I will not be able to submit it to you by the February 1st deadline. Should I send my application without it?

If you are unable to obtain an official transcript by the deadline, please include an unofficial student copy and submit it with your application by February 1. Once you receive the official transcript(s) send them to the M.S.W. program to complete your admission file. Your file will be considered incomplete until we receive the official transcripts.

Do I need to take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE)?

GRE scores are not required for admission to the M.S.W. Program. For applicants who believe their undergraduate GPA does not represent their ability to do graduate level academic coursework, GRE scores may be helpful. If you choose to take the GRE, please submit scores to the M.S.W. program with the application packet.  

I do not have an academic reference.What should I do? 

If you do not have an academic reference, ask one of your references to include information on those skills you often use in work settings such as report writing, speaking, training, research, etc.

The application deadline is approaching and I am missing one letter of reference. Should I wait until that reference arrives before I submit my application?

No. Send your application in by February 1 with a note about the missing reference.When the reference arrives, send it to us. We will consider your application incomplete until all materials arrive. Once we have all application materials, we will begin processing your application. Questions on the application review and notification process

What does the Admissions Committee look at when they review an applicant's file?

Admission selection is based on:

• academic success ‐ past performance (GPA) and future potential;
• relevant social work experience ‐ extent and quality
• references ‐ from academic and social service professionals who can attest to your ability to succeed in a graduate program and your suitability for the profession, and
• personal statement ‐ expressing your values, beliefs, and personal congruence with the mission of social work.

When will I know if I've been admitted into the M.S.W. program?

Applicants will be informed by email of the SSW Admissions Committee decision. Applicants are notified of decisions by the end of April. Please note: Application packets must be complete before an applicant will be considered for admission.

I mailed my application and want to know if my application has been received. Should I call?

All applicants will receive notification via e‐mail once the application has been received and the initial audit is performed to determine if the application is complete. We ask that applicants wait for the email notification rather than calling due to the high number of applications received each year. Additionally, we do not track any items sent individually as the application is required to be complete when submitted. Thus, it is important to follow the instructions carefully and send complete applications. If an applicant does not have an email account, a postcard will be sent to the address provided on the application.

I decided not to attend the M.S.W. Program at PSU. Can I have my application returned to me?

Once an application is received, it becomes property of the University and may not be returned to the applicant. Additionally, we do not provide copies of the application materials to the applicant. Applicants are encouraged to make copies of their application (with the exception of the confidential letters of reference) for record keeping prior to submission. Once an applicant is admitted as a student in the M.S.W. Program, she/he has access to a student file in which the application is kept. If a student waives the right to review the letters of reference at the application stage, those letters will not be available for a student's review.

If I am admitted can I defer my admission?

We do not offer deferment. Your application is retained for one year. If you chose to reapply to the program, you may use materials from your previous application for the next year’s application.

General Questions

What computer skills do I need?

Online learning offers many resources and opportunities for distance learners. You will experience weekly face‐to‐face class meetings throughout the term, with the online course site serving as a distance connection to your instructors and other students in the program. Students must have unrestricted access to a computer with an Internet connection to log into the web‐based course management system, Desire2Learn. Students are expected to have adequate computer skills before coming into the program, including word processing, sending email, posting to discussion boards and attaching documents.

What kind of jobs can I get with an M.S.W. degree?

Individuals graduating from the School of Social Work have the preparation to work with people of all ages in a variety of social work settings, including public, private and non‐profit agencies. M.S.W.'s are employed in roles such as family counselors, medical social workers, school social workers, service providers for older adults, community organizers, case managers in adult and juvenile corrections, child welfare workers, mental health therapists and program planners.