The following electives are open to students not currently admitted to the MSW program.
Fall 2026 Electives-See directions below for how to register
- SW 525-Poverty: Policies & Programs (3 credits)
- CRN: 13018
- Wednesdays, 9am-11:50am, ASRC Room 620
- Examines the nature and causes of poverty and inequality in the United States and the impact of economic globalization on social work’s response to these critical social problems. Studies ways in which people in poverty cope and support each other in low-income urban neighborhoods; examines the ways in which work and welfare interact with each other and with informal social supports. Addresses policy issues, including those involved in both service and income strategies to relieve or prevent poverty; develops skills for effective practice with low-income communities, families, and individuals.
- SW 542-Social Work with Native American Communities (3 credits)
- CRN: 13060
- Wednesdays, 6pm-8:50pm, ASRC Room 630
- Introduces and expands social work knowledge and methods appropriate for working with tribal and urban Indian communities. The historical, social and cultural contexts of social work practice with individuals, families, groups, and communities in Indian Country will be examined.
- SW 560-Understanding and Working with LGBTQ populations in Social Work (3 credits)
- CRN: 13067
- Mondays, 1:30pm-4:20pm, Vanport Building, Room 267
- Explore current theory of privilege and oppression that applies to sexual orientation/ gender/gender identity/gender expression. Emphasis on combating oppression and discrimination in professional, personal, community, and social environments, and in developing affirming SW practices. Focus on students engaging in experiential learning that challenges their internalized and socially constructed beliefs.
Registration Requirements
For PSU Students
PLEASE NOTE: You must obtain permission to enroll. To obtain permission, e-mail mswregis@pdx.edu explaining your background that prepares you for the class. Include information about your previous experience and/or coursework. This will help us determine if you have knowledge and skills to successfully complete the class. Include your PSU ID (if you are admitted to PSU but not to the MSW program).
For Non-PSU Students
If you are not currently admitted to Portland State University there are two options for admission:
- Post-Bac Admission: $60 fee & transcripts required, allows students earlier access to registration and the option of applying for financial aid.
- Non-Degree Admission: $25 fee, students are not eligible for financial aid.
A $2 processing fee will apply to each of the above admission options. The options listed above do not include admission to the MSW program; however, they allow enrollment in specific courses listed on this page. Students are allowed to transfer 6 pre-admission credits to later apply toward the MSW degree requirements.
After obtaining a PSU student ID number through one of the methods listed above, please email mswregis@pdx.edu with your ID number, Course Name/CRN and a brief explanation outlining your request for wanting to take the course.
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