Kristine Nelson, Dean Welcome to the website for the School of Social Work (SSW) at Portland State University. The SSW is among the nation’s top schools of social work in meeting critical research, education, and service needs regionally and nationally. Students in our Master of Social Work and Ph.D. in Social Work and Social Research programs are diverse, representing various cultures and ethnic groups, and they bring with them employment and life experiences that enrich classroom and field learning. They study with outstanding faculty and scholars in an intellectually stimulating and culturally responsive environment. Practicum experiences are available in social service agencies and governmental offices throughout the Portland Metropolitan region, the state of Oregon, and in border states.

A number of students work with faculty members in regional and national research projects as a way of supporting, expanding, and enriching their educational experience. These projects are available in our Regional Research Institute for Human Services, Child Welfare Partnership, Reclaiming Futures: Building Community Solutions to Substance Abuse and Delinquency project, and with individual faculty members. Students completing our educational programs emerge well prepared for various professional roles in social work research, education, and practice.

If, after reviewing the information on this website, you need additional information about the School in terms of your own professional interests and goals, feel free to contact us. The faculty and I will be pleased to assist you in any way we can to become better acquainted with our school.

Kristine Nelson, D.S.W.
Dean