Earn Your MSW with Pacific University

Earn your master of social work with Pacific University in as little as one year!

The MSW is an advanced practice degree that prepares students expand their careers in fields promoting human and community wellbeing. Students study social work values and ethics, theory and skills — and they gain invaluable experience through field education placements.

Our small classes mean students enjoy individualized instruction, mentoring and flexible learning opportunities.

One- and Two-Year Options

The full-time MSW program is located on our Eugene Campus and takes two years to complete. 

Students with a recent bachelor of social work degree may be eligible for the advanced standing program, which takes just one year to complete and is available both in Eugene and Forest Grove, Ore. Classes meet just two days a week — Friday afternoons/evenings and Saturdays.

Enhanced Eugene Campus

Pacific's Eugene Campus is located on the grounds of Lane Community College. This unique partnership means that MSW students study under Pacific’s expert faculty in our accredited programs — but they also have access to the student services and facilities at LCC, including libraries, fitness centers, and dining.

A Tradition of Excellence

Pacific’s MSW program is part of the Claire Argow Social Work Program, named for former Pacific University professor Claire Argow, a tireless advocate for prisoner rights. Argow was executive director of the Oregon Prison Association from 1945 to 1960, led the successful campaign to repeal the death penalty in Oregon, and drove the state to separate youthful offenders from adults and to establish separate prisons for women. 

The Claire Argow Social Work Program offers both the MSW program and a bachelor of social work program on Pacific’s Forest Grove Campus.

Apply Now

The next cohort of MSW students will begin in August 2022. The early application deadline is Dec. 17, and the final application deadline is March 18. Qualified students will be invited to participate in an interview as part of the admissions process.