Admissions: Application FAQs
M.S.W. Program - Portland

Here are answers to FAQs -- frequently asked questions -- about applying to our M.S.W. Program - Portland Option.

When is the application deadline?

Complete applications must be post-marked no later than February 1st of the year for the following Fall term. Late applications are not accepted.

What type of undergraduate education will best prepare me for the M.S.W. program?

You must have a baccalaureate degree with a liberal arts perspective from an accredited college or university to be considered for admission to the M.S.W. program. Applicants must have successfully completed 6 quarter credits (or 4 semester credits) from each of the following three curricular areas: 1) social and behavioral sciences; 2) natural sciences; and 3) humanities and fine and performing arts. For information on specific courses, see Coursework For Liberal Arts Requirements (PDF). In addition, the undergraduate degree must include a minimum of 50 quarter credits (or 34 semester credits) from any combination of these three areas.

I'm filling out the coursework section of the M.S.W. program application and have a question about which course would go under what curricular area.

The first thing to do is see Coursework For Liberal Arts Requirements (PDF) to determine how courses are classified. The next thing to do is not labor over this section of the application. We only need to see that you have successfully completed 6 quarter credits (or 4 semester credits) from each of the three curricular areas. In addition, the undergraduate degree must include a minimum of 50 quarter credits total (or 34 semester credits) from any combination of the three areas mentioned above.

I am completing the GPA Calculation Worksheet and am confused because the school I graduated from was on the semester system. How do I complete the calculations for this form?

There are two columns for listing your upper division coursework-one for quarter credits the other for semester credits. A conversion example is: 6 quarter credits = 4 semester credits.

Do I need to take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE)?

GRE scores are not required for admission to the M.S.W. Program. For applicants who believe their undergraduate GPA does not represent their ability to do graduate level academic coursework, GRE scores may be helpful. If you choose to take the GRE, please submit scores to the M.S.W. program with the application packet. Applicants applying to the combined M.S.W./M.P.H. options (See Study Options) will need to take the GRE for submission with the M.P.H. application.

How difficult is it to get into the M.S.W. program?

In the past, we have had more qualified applicants than we were able to accept. Generally, we admit one out of every three (1:3) students who apply to the main campus program.

What does the Admissions Committee look at when they review an applicant's file?

Admission selection is based on:

• academic success - past performance (GPA) and future potential;
• relevant social work experience - extent and quality
• references - from academic and social service professionals who can attest to your ability to succeed in a graduate program and your suitability for the profession, and
• personal statement - expressing your values, beliefs, and personal congruence with the mission of social work.

When will I know if I've been admitted into the M.S.W. program?

Applicants will be informed in writing of the SSW Admissions Committee decision. Applicants are notified of decisions at end of April. Please note: Application packets must be complete before an applicant will be considered for admission.

I mailed my application and want to know if my application has been received. Should I call?

All applicants will receive notification via e-mail once the application has been received and the initial audit is performed to determine if the application is complete. We ask that applicants wait for the e-mail notification rather than calling due to the high number of applications received each year. Additionally, we do not track any items sent individually as the application is required to be complete when submitted. Thus, it is important to follow the instructions carefully and send complete applications. If an applicant does not have an e-mail account a postcard will be sent to the address provided on the application.

I decided not to attend the M.S.W. Program at PSU. Could I have my application returned to me?

Once an application is received it becomes property of the University and may not be returned to the applicant. Additionally, we do not provide copies of the application materials to the applicant. Applicants are encouraged to make copies of their application (with the exception of the confidential letters of reference) for record keeping prior to submission. Once an applicant is admitted as a student in the M.S.W. Program, she/he has access to a student file in which the application is kept. If a student waives the right to review the letters of reference at the application stage, those letters will not be available for student's view.

If I am admitted can I defer my admission?

We do not offer deferment. Your application is retained for one year.

I'm having difficulty getting one of my transcripts and fear I will not be able to submit it to you by the February 1st deadline. Should I send my application without it?

If you are unable to obtain an official transcript by the deadline then obtain an unofficial student copy and submit that with you application so that it will be complete. Be sure to follow-up with the official transcript when you receive it.

Do you have an Advanced Standing Option?

The School of Social Work offers an advanced standing option to individuals who have graduated from an accredited B.S.W. program within five years of application to the M.S.W. program. Applicants must have a GPA of 3.00 in B.S.W. coursework and 2000 hours of human service experience. The requisite hours can be gained through paid employment, internships and/or volunteer work. Application deadline for Advanced Standing Applications is January 4, 2010.

What concentrations are offered and how do they differ?

The SSW offers advanced course work and field placements in three concentrations:

• The Direct Human Service (DHS) option prepares students for agency based social work, including case management, advocacy, counseling and other services with individuals, families, and groups.
• The Community Based Practice (CPB) option prepares students to empower individuals, families and groups in local communities to recognize, develop and organize their resources, wisdom and opportunities to meet specific needs.
• The Social Service Administration and Leadership (SSAL) option prepares students for planning, organization, and management of social and human service programs.

Applicants must select one option in the application process. You may elect to change your choice of concentration prior to entering your second year of field placement. Further information on the advanced concentrations can be found on our web site.

How much credit can I get from graduate courses I've taken in the past?

Admitted students may petition for transfer of up to 6 quarter credit hours of graduate courses taken from the School of Social Work prior to admission to the School. Petitions for transfer of these credits should be submitted during fall quarter of the first year of study after the student has consulted with his/her faculty advisor. Credits from a previous Masters degree cannot be applied to the M.S.W. program.

Do you offer joint masters programs with other PSU programs?

See the lower half of the Study Options page.

When are the M.S.W. classes scheduled?

First-year students attend classes on campus Mondays, Tuesday evenings and Wednesdays. Classes generally meet once weekly and most are scheduled in three- hour time periods. Foundation, policy, and two of the generalist practice classes are four hours.

Multiple sections of most required courses are distributed in these time periods, and it is possible for the student to build a course schedule to accommodate part-time work and other responsibilities.

The School encourages students to plan to be on campus more than one day a week. The School will not guarantee that a student can schedule all classes in one day. Tuesdays and Thursdays are usually set aside for practicum for first year students; second year practicum assignments are normally on Mondays and Thursdays. Most practicum sites observe an 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. work day, and students are expected to spend 16 hours each week at their field placements.

How much is tuition?

• The tuition and incidental fees for in-state students taking 14 credit hours is $4625 per term in 2009-10.
• Out of state students taking 14 credit hours will pay $7279 per term in tuition and incidental fees in 2009-10.