LICENSURE PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Portland State University’s School of Social Work is an approved provider for preparing school social workers for licensure in Oregon. This program is designed for individuals aspiring to become licensed school social workers in the state.
Please note that the School of Social Work does not issue licenses to MSW students. Instead, it offers the necessary educational requirements to qualify for licensure candidacy. There are two paths to licensure, 1.) Enrolled PSU MSW students and 2.) Degreed Professionals in the Community.
LICENSURE PROCESS FOR ENROLLED MSW STUDENTS
MSW students interested in pursuing licensure in school social work can apply by indicating their intent to enroll and will be registered on the LSSW program Canvas site. Through this platform, students can access the licensing requirements via a guided process. This self-paced and self-monitored service leads to the application for licensure with the Oregon Teacher Standards and Practice Commission (TSPC).
The MSW program at the School of Social Work allows students to complete the educational requirements necessary to meet the licensing standards while in their graduate program. The key components of the program are as follows:
- Practicum Experience: Students must complete at least nine months of experience in a K-12 school setting as a social work intern AND at least nine months of direct practice experience in a setting serving children, youth, and families. This is typically accomplished through two practicums during the generalist and advanced years of the MSW program.
- Elective Courses: Students must take three school social work-focused electives as part of their educational requirements:
- SW 564 Social Work in Schools
- SW 537 US & Oregon Law and Policy for Social Workers, and
- One SW elective of your choice in advanced practice from an approved list. - Assessment: Students are required to pass a knowledge, skills, and abilities assessment as part of the licensure preparation process.
- Curated Portfolio: Students will demonstrate competence in 11 social work practice areas through a curated professional portfolio.
When a student satisfies the licensing program requirements, confers their MSW degree, they are then eligible to move forward as licensure candidates with the College of Education licensing office. COE Licensure Checklist for MSW graduates