Portland State University · Portland, Oregon
Social Work (BA or BS)
What Should You Know About Social Work (BA or BS) at Portland State University?
Social Work (BA or BS) is a BA in Social Work program at Portland State University in Portland, Oregon, offered on campus and online. Federal tuition and fees: $11,238 a year in-state (2023-24). Portland State University's BSW is listed as accredited in CSWE's directory (September 2026); the accreditation covers this format.
Program Details
| Degree | BA in Social Work |
|---|---|
| Format | on campus and online |
| Admission to the major | Separate application to the Social Work major (after admission to PSU) to enroll in upper-division courses; the major admits once a year for fall |
| Start terms | Fall |
| MSW route | Graduates may qualify for advanced standing in MSW programs nationwide (as few as 15 months) |
From pdx.edu, reviewed October 1, 2026. Check start dates, deadlines and current tuition with the school before you apply.
How This Program Compares
- Portland State University's federal tuition and fees, $11,238 a year in-state (2023-24), compare with a median of $13,212 across schools with a CSWE BSW.
After This BSW: Licensing in Oregon
- First years: general education and intro coursesPsychology, sociology, human biology, intro to social work
- Apply to the social work majorUsually in the second year, with a GPA minimum
- Senior field practicumAt least 400 supervised hours in an agency
- License: RBSW (ASWB Bachelors)Or an MSW in about a year with advanced standing
Oregon licenses BSW graduates as the Registered Baccalaureate Social Worker (RBSW). Oregon BSW license from its board. Online students licensed in another state follow that state's board.
Similar Online BSW Programs at Other Schools
- FormatOnlineTuition$300per creditAccreditationCSWE
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) at University of Central Missouri
University of Central Missouri school profile · Warrensburg, MOFormatOn campus, OnlineTuition$311per credit · resident rateAccreditationCSWEBachelor of Social Work (BSW) at Missouri State University-Springfield
Missouri State University-Springfield school profile · Springfield, MOFormatOn campus, Online400-hour practicumTuition$317per credit · resident rateAccreditationCSWEBachelor of Science in Social Work at Charter Oak State College
Charter Oak State College school profile · New Britain, CTFormatOnline408-hour practicumTuition$329per credit · resident rateAccreditationCSWE
Social Work (BA or BS): Common Questions
How Much Does Social Work (BA or BS) at Portland State University Cost?
Federal undergraduate tuition and fees for 2023-24: $11,238 in-state, $30,138 out-of-state. Grants lower most students' price; confirm current rates with Portland State University.
How Do You Get Into Social Work (BA or BS)?
Separate application to the Social Work major (after admission to PSU) to enroll in upper-division courses; the major admits once a year for fall, according to Portland State University's pages.
Can Graduates of Social Work (BA or BS) Go on to an MSW?
Graduates may qualify for advanced standing in MSW programs nationwide (as few as 15 months). Portland State University's own Master of Social Work (Portland, Eugene, Central Oregon and Online options) admits BSW graduates with advanced standing. Any CSWE BSW qualifies you for advanced standing at other schools too.
Is Social Work (BA or BS) CSWE Accredited?
Portland State University's BSW is listed as accredited in CSWE's directory (September 2026); the accreditation covers this format.