Admissions: What We Look For
M.S.W. Program - Portland

Each fall approximately 150 well-qualified students are admitted to the M.S.W. Portland Program. Selection for admission is based on past academic performance and potential, extent and quality of relevant experience, personal qualifications, and appropriateness of professional goals and objectives. We look for well-qualified applicants whose career goals are consistent with the school’s mission and offerings and who will increase the diversity of our student body and the profession.

Academics

Applicants to the M.S.W. program must demonstrate attainment of a liberal arts perspective by having successfully completed 6 quarter hours (or semester equivalent) from each of the following three curricular areas: (1) Social and Behavioral Sciences, (2) Natural Sciences, and (3) Humanities and Fine and Performing Arts. Applicants must have successfully completed a minimum of 50 quarter hours (or semester equivalent) from any combination of these three areas.

Experience

Applicants should have experience, paid or volunteer, in human service settings such as schools, medical facilities, homeless shelters, inpatient and outpatient mental health and correctional settings, child welfare, and aging services.

Commitment

Applicants should show potential to be creative professionals who can blend social work values with knowledge and skills to solve complex and persistent social problems.