Overview

The Social Work programme at Portland State University provides a comprehensive foundation in social justice, community collaboration, and human rights. This bachelor degree prepares students to become effective advocates for social change through a curriculum that balances academic theory with intensive hands-on learning. Students join a supportive cohort-based model that fosters deep professional relationships and diverse perspectives.

Why Social Work at Portland State University?

Portland State University offers the only public, CSWE-accredited undergraduate major in this field within Oregon. The programme is consistently ranked among the best in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, ensuring students receive a high-quality education. Learners study under world-class faculty, including seasoned professionals and first-generation graduates with extensive ties to regional social work networks.

The School of Social Work provides a flexible learning environment where students can choose between a vibrant downtown campus experience or an online cohort. Both pathways offer the same rigorous curriculum and access to expert faculty. Additionally, the dedicated Practicum Education team coordinates internships with government agencies and nonprofits to ensure students graduate with real-world experience.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 34599 per year
National fee: USD 34599 per year
Local fee: USD 12999 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Careers with Social Work

Graduates from Portland State University are prepared for immediate entry into the workforce across the mental health, education, and human services sectors. The programme equips students with the practical skills necessary for various professional roles. Common career paths for graduates include:

Case manager
Child welfare worker
Community health worker
Family support specialist
Housing program coordinators
Mental health assistant
Substance abuse specialist

Alumni frequently secure positions with prominent organisations such as the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Portland Public Schools, and various local government agencies. Furthermore, the degree provides a pathway to advanced standing in Master of Social Work (MSW) programmes, potentially allowing students to complete a master's degree in just 15 months.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) since 2011.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Social Work

Oppression and Privilege

Advocacy for Policy Change

Social Justice Practice

Human Behavior Through the Lifespan

Social Work Practice

Field Seminar

Social Research and Evaluation

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-09-30 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-09-01 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2026-08-01 00:00:00 , National

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

110

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IELTS

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Credits

180 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus, Online

Campus Location

Portland, United States

Disciplines

Social Work View 779 other Bachelors in Social Work in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

2.5

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

110

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

You must have a cumulative (overall) grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.5 when converted to the U.S. 4.0 grading scale.
Meet the English Language Proficiency Requirement. You may be admitted to Portland State University and an Intensive English Language Program (IELP) pathway if you do not meet PSU's English Language Proficiency Requirement. Learn more about PSU’s English language programs.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

34599 USD / year

≈ 34599 USD / year
Out-of-State

34599 USD / year

≈ 34599 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

12999 USD / year

≈ 12999 USD / year

Living costs

Portland

United States

1271 - 2262 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Social Work.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Accreditation

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Portland

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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