MSW Specializations

School Social Work Licensure Specialization Track

The Preliminary School Social Work License is designed for students who wish to pursue work as a social worker in schools upon graduation from the MSW program. The license enhances your opportunities to pursue jobs in K-12 positions. The program prepares students to work in schools through a social work lens emphasizing: social justice, an ecological perspective, advocacy, individual, group and community work in schools.

The completion of this process means two things:

1. You obtain your MSW and are eligible to pursue a career in the field of social work.
2. You are prepared to apply for your license with TSPC and are eligible for school positions as a social worker.

Learn about School Social Work Licensure »

Graduate Certificate in Gerontology

The Graduate Certificate in Gerontology (GCG) is an interdisciplinary course of study offered through the Institute on Aging in the College of Urban and Public Affairs. The School of Social Work is a member of this consortium of disciplines and offers students the opportunity to obtain a certificate in gerontology studies while pursuing the MSW degree. This option is only available in the Portland-campus based MSW program, though Distance and Online students may be able to complete the program by taking electives in Portland and obtaining approval from the MSW Distance Coordinator or MSW Online Coordinator. Students must satisfy the requirements for both the MSW degree and the Graduate Certificate in Gerontology, although some of the courses will meet the requirements for both programs.

Learn more about the Certificate in Gerontology »

MPH/MSW Dual Degree Option

Students also have the option to earn a Master of Public Health/Master Social Work Dual Degree. Applicants must fill out and submit applications to both programs. Please note the application deadlines, as they are different.

Applicants may apply for both the MSW Program and the MPH Program at the same time, or students currently in their first year of the MSW Program may apply for, and if admitted, start the MPH Program in their second year. 

Learn more at the School of Public Health website »

Timeline

Depending on whether the student begins one program first or begins both programs simultaneously, the sequencing of coursework may vary. Students will need to work closely with an advisor in each program to ensure that they meet the requirements for both degrees. The dual degree program is expected to take three years of full-time study.

Courses of Study

MSW and MPH – Health Management and Policy Track Dual Degree Curriculum »

MSW and MPH – Health Promotion Track Dual Degree Curriculum »

Contact

Cimone Schwoeffermann »
SSW Director of Student Affairs
cimone@pdx.edu

John Waddingham »
MSW Student Affairs Assistant
jwad2@pdx.edu

MSW Admissions »