Become a Social Worker in Oregon

Between scenic regions like Crater Lake National Park and Mount Hood National Forest, and the growing city of Portland, Oregon, there is much to offer residents seeking an outdoor lifestyle alongside strong community resources. Social work can also be a solid career path: nationally, the median annual wage for social workers was $61,330 (May 2024), with specialty areas such as healthcare social work reporting higher typical pay ($68,090 median) than some other tracks, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

This guide to becoming a social worker in Oregon breaks down the education you’ll need, how Oregon licensure works, professional organizations to consider, and other practical next steps. Once you complete Oregon’s requirements, you’ll be positioned to start a meaningful career supporting individuals, families, and communities across the state.

Information below was retrieved January 2026 and is only meant to be a high-level overview. Requirements may change, always check with the state licensing board for complete and up to date information.

Social Work Degree Programs in Oregon

In Oregon, as across the United States, social work degree programs are accredited by the CSWE. Oregon has multiple CSWE-accredited BSW programs and three CSWE-accredited MSW programs (Portland State University, Pacific University, and George Fox University). For the most up-to-date list, confirm programs in the CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs.

If you earn a CSWE-accredited BSW, you may qualify for an advanced standing MSW track that can be completed in as little as one year, depending on the school and your eligibility (some programs require the BSW to be earned within a recent timeframe). A BSW also prepares students for entry-level social work positions, including caseworker or mental health assistant roles. The following are some of the colleges and universities in Oregon offering accredited BSW programs:

• Pacific University
• University of Portland
• George Fox University
• Portland State University
• Warner Pacific University

Learn more about advanced standing online Master of Social Work programs, online MSW programs for aspiring clinical social workers and online master’s in social work programs.

You must apply through the Oregon Board of Licensed Social Workers to become a registered baccalaureate social worker (RBSW). The board requires:

1. Completion of an approved Bachelor of Social Work degree program.
2. Passing score on the Bachelor’s Social Work Licensing Examination from the Association of Social Work Boards.
3. A passing score on the Oregon Rules and Laws Exam (required of every new applicant).
4. Application to the board

To become a licensed master social worker (LMSW), the Oregon Board of Licensed Social Workers requires:

1. Completion of an approved Master of Social Work degree program.
2. Passing score on the Master’s Social Work Licensing Examination from the Association of Social Work Boards.
3. A passing score on the Oregon Rules and Laws Exam (required of every new applicant).
4. Application to the board

To become a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), the Oregon Board of Licensed Social Workers requires:

1. Completion of an approved Master of Social Work degree program.
2. Completion of 3,500 hours of clinical practice, with at least 2,000 in direct client contact. Additionally, 100 hours must be supervised, with at least 50 under individual supervision. All of this must be completed in over a minimum of 24 months.
3. Passing score on the Clinical Social Work Licensing Examination from the Association of Social Work Boards.
4. A passing score on the Oregon Rules and Laws Exam (required of every new applicant).
5. Application to the board

Social Work Licenses in Oregon

In Oregon, social work licenses are issued by the Oregon Board of Licensed Social Workers. The board issues several types of social work licenses: registered baccalaureate social worker, licensed master social worker, clinical social work associate (certification) and licensed clinical social worker. For most licensing options across the United States, you must pass the relevant exam administered by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB). Additionally, Oregon requires the Oregon Rules and Laws Exam for every new applicant before a license/certificate is issued. The requirements for each license are summarized below.

Registered Baccalaureate Social Worker (RBSW)

To be eligible for registration/licensure as an RBSW, an individual must have completed at least a BSW from an accredited institution. Those with an RBSW may pursue generalist social work practice.

• Field Requirements: None
• Exam: ASWB Bachelor’s exam (when required) and the Oregon Rules and Laws Exam.

Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)

The LMSW requires a minimum of a graduate-level degree, such as an MSW. This license reflects a more specialized understanding of social work practice.

• Field Requirements: None
• Exam: ASWB Master’s exam (master’s level) and the Oregon Rules and Laws Exam (required for all new applicants).

Clinical Social Work Associate (CSWA)

A CSWA is typically the first step toward clinical licensure in Oregon. It’s designed for MSW graduates pursuing the clinical track who need to practice clinical social work under Board-approved supervision while completing the experience required for LCSW licensure. CSWAs must have an approved plan of supervision on file before practicing clinically.

• Field Requirements: None to obtain the CSWA (you earn your post-MSW supervised hours while credentialed as a CSWA and working under an approved supervision plan).
• Exam: No ASWB exam is required to become a CSWA; the ASWB Clinical exam is required for LCSW licensure. All new applicants must also pass the Oregon Rules and Laws Exam before a certificate/license is issued.

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

In order to be an LCSW in Oregon, you need to complete an MSW program. This license is intended for those with graduate-level social work experience to apply specialized clinical knowledge and advanced skills.

• Field Requirements: 3,500 hours of clinical practice, with at least 2,000 in direct client contact. 100 hours must be supervised, with at least 50 under individual supervision.
• Exam: ASWB Clinical exam and the Oregon Rules and Laws Exam.
• Fees: The Board lists an LCSW application fee of $460. If you’re transitioning from CSWA → LCSW after completing requirements, the Board’s process uses an LCSW Initial License Form with a $260 initial license fee (instead of submitting a new LCSW application).
• Out-of-state applicants: Oregon requires you to apply; out-of-state licenses do not transfer automatically, and you must meet Oregon’s LCSW requirements (hours/supervision and exam)

Social Work Salaries in Oregon

The average salary earned by social workers in Oregon will depend on your role, work environment and location. However, the BLS reports that generally, the higher the educational attainment, the higher the earning potential.

Information on the above social work salaries in Oregon was retrieved from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates, Oregon in January 2026.

Learn more about social work salaries.

Oregon Social Work Scholarships

Oregon students can find social work scholarships through statewide scholarship portals and community-based organizations. A strong place to start is the Oregon Student Aid Commission (OSAC) Scholarship Application, which uses one application to match students to 600+ scholarships each year. You may also find local awards such as the Oregon Association of Black Social Workers (OrABSW) scholarship and the Muslim Educational Trust (MET) Dr. Riyaz Ahmed Scholarship (eligibility and application details vary by year).

Learn more about social work scholarships.

Oregon Social Work Organizations

There are a variety of state-level and local social work organizations in Oregon, including:

• National Association of Social Workers (NASW), Oregon Chapter: The NASW, founded in 1955, is the world’s largest membership organization of professional social workers. The Oregon chapter of this organization was founded in 1971, and provides opportunities for development, growth and involvement for social workers within the state.
• Oregon School Social Work Association (OSSWA): Established in 2011. Its goal is to establish a group of social workers in Oregon that promotes networking, advocacy and social work education amongst its community.