Program Overview

Overview of the School of Social Work

The School of Social Work offers various programs, including undergraduate and graduate degrees.

Undergraduate Programs

• Bachelor of Social Work
  • The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program provides students with a foundation in social work principles and practices.
• Child, Youth, and Family Studies (CYFS)
  • The CYFS program focuses on the well-being and development of children, youth, and families.
• Human Services Degree
  • The Human Services degree program prepares students for careers in human services and social work.

Graduate Programs

• Master of Social Work
  • The Master of Social Work (MSW) program offers advanced training in social work practice, including specializations and electives.
  • MSW Advanced Standing Option
  • MSW Portland Option
  • MSW Online Option
  • MSW Central Oregon Option
  • MSW Eugene Option
• Ph.D. Program in Social Work and Social Research
  • The Ph.D. program in Social Work and Social Research prepares students for careers in research and academia.
• Graduate Certificate in Gerontology
  • The Graduate Certificate in Gerontology provides specialized training in gerontology for MSW and Ph.D. students.

Practicum Education

• About Practicum Education
  • Practicum education provides students with hands-on experience in social work practice.
• Calendar
• Employed Social Work (ESW) Option
• Host a Social Work Student
• CYFS Practicum
• Practicum Spotlights
• Frequently Asked Questions: Practicum Students
• Frequently Asked Questions: Practicum Instructors
• Criminal Conviction Statement
• Webcenters

Research and Partnerships

• Research, Centers, and Multidisciplinary Partnerships
  • The School of Social Work engages in various research and partnership initiatives.
• Center for Improvement of Child and Family Services (CCF)
• Regional Research Institute (RRI)
• Workforce Development Programs Research & Publications

About the School of Social Work

• About SSW
  • The School of Social Work is committed to social justice and community engagement.
• Faculty & Staff Directory
• Giving
• News
• Events Calendar
• Newsletter
• Accreditation
• Visit the School of Social Work
• SSW Values
  • Equity and Inclusion
  • Values Statement
  • Strategic Planning
• Employment Resources
  • Employment and Volunteer Opportunities
  • PSU Internal Employment Opportunities
• Community Resources
  • SSW Community Resources
  • Safety Resources
  • SSW Scholarships

MSW Eugene Option

Overview

The Eugene Option for the PSU School of Social Work MSW program is conveniently located in downtown Eugene within the University of Oregon Baker Downtown Center. The program follows a three-year hybrid curriculum, with courses held in-person and online.

Admissions

The next Eugene cohort will begin the program in fall 2027. The application will be made available in September 2026.

Curriculum

Students complete 78 credits, consisting of 39 credits of generalist (foundation) courses, 21 credits of advanced courses, and 18 credits of electives.

Year One (18 Credits)

• Fall (6 credits)
  • SW 539 Social Justice in Social Work (3 credits)
  • SW 541 Societal, Community and Organizational Structures and Processes (3 credits)
• Winter (6 credits)
  • SW 520 Social Welfare History and Policy (3 credits)
  • SW 550 Introduction to Social Work Research (3 credits)
• Spring (6 credits)
  • SW 532 Advocacy and Empowerment (3 credits)
  • SW 590 Advanced Topics in Applied Research for SW - online (3 credits)

Year Two (30 Credits)

• Fall (10 credits)
  • SW 530 SW Practice with Individuals and Families I (3 credits)
  • Elective online (3 credits)
  • SW 511 Practicum and Seminar (4 credits)
• Winter (10 credits)
  • SW 531 SW Practice with Individuals and Families II (3 credits)
  • Elective online (3 credits)
  • SW 511 Practicum and Seminar (4 credits)
• Spring (10 credits)
  • SW 515 Skills for the Helping Process Groups (3 credits)
  • SW 555 Mental Health Disorders: Adults (3 credits)
  • SW 511 Practicum and Seminar (4 credits)

Year Three (30 credits)

• Fall (10 credits)
  • SW 533 Advanced Clinical Practice I (3 credits)
  • Elective online (3 credits)
  • SW 512 Advanced Practicum (4 credits)
• Winter (10 credits)
  • SW 534 Advanced Clinical Practice II (3 credits)
  • Elective online (3 credits)
  • SW 512 Advanced Practicum (4 credits)
• Spring (10 credits)
  • SW 535 Advanced Clinical Practice III (3 credits)
  • Elective online (3 credits)
  • SW 512 Advanced Practicum (4 credits)

Site Coordinator

Valerie Hamby, LCSW, is the Eugene Site Coordinator and has extensive experience in community mental health. She emphasizes practicum instruction and collaborates with local social service agencies.