Boise State Online MSW

The School of Social Work at Boise State University, 57 years old, is Idaho’s oldest social work program. The school has grown remarkably since 1966, extending its influence across Idaho and the Pacific Northwest. The Master of Social Work (MSW) program started in 1991 and earned its original accreditation in 1992. This program has delivered excellence in graduate-level social work education for over 30 years.

The school’s mission centers on preparing graduates for both entry-level and advanced practice. The program values human rights, social and economic justice, egalitarianism, and respect for diversity. These principles match the National Association of Social Work Code of Ethics, which weaves dignity and integrity throughout the curriculum.

Students can access administrative support at the school’s office from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday through Thursday. Faculty members work closely with students and provide mentorship that shapes future community leaders through complete, practical education.

The school has expanded beyond its main Boise campus. The Northern Idaho Advanced Standing MSW Program opened its doors to students in Lewiston and Coeur d’Alene in June 2006. August 2008 brought a three-year regular program option to these locations, along with Advanced Standing and Regular MSW Programs in Twin Falls.

The online Master of Social Work program marks a big step forward in accessibility. Students can complete all coursework online while gaining hands-on experience through fieldwork in their local communities. This setup helps you develop clinical, organizational, and policy skills without moving away from home.

The program’s curriculum readies graduates to work with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Students learn specialized practice techniques to improve community well-being. All Boise social work programs have managed to keep continuous accreditation since they began, with the latest reaffirmation through February 2026 by the Council on Social Work Education.

Programs offered

Boise State University gives you two ways to earn your online Master of Social Work degree. Your educational background and professional experience will determine which path works best for you.

The Standard MSW Pathway welcomes students with bachelor’s degrees in any field except social work. This program has both foundational and advanced coursework along with hands-on field experience in your community. You’ll need 61 total credits to graduate: 43 credits of academic coursework and 18 credits (1,000 hours) of supervised field practicum. Full-time students can finish in two years, while part-time students typically take three years.

The Advanced Standing MSW Pathway lets qualified candidates earn their degree faster. Full-time students can finish in three semesters, and part-time students need less than two years. This streamlined option has 37 credits: 25 credits of academic classes and 12 credits (600 hours) of field practicum. Full-time students can graduate in about 12 months, while part-time students usually finish in 21 months.

You’ll need a Bachelor of Social Work from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited program to qualify for Advanced Standing. The university reviews each application individually and looks for relevant social work experience on your resume. You can apply if you meet one of these requirements:

• Your BSW comes from a CSWE-accredited program within the last five years
• You earned your BSW within the last ten years and have extensive post-graduation social work experience

Both programs emphasize Advanced Social Work Practice with Individuals and Families. The Standard pathway splits coursework into two parts: foundation courses (30 credits) cover everything from Foundation of Social Work Practice to Ethnicity, Gender, and Class. Advanced courses (31 credits) then dive into topics like Evaluation and Treatment of Mental Disorders and Advanced Research.

While these programs run online, they match the quality of Boise State’s on-campus programs, which have held CSWE accreditation since 1991. Students who don’t meet Advanced Standing requirements can still pursue the Standard pathway. This ensures quality social work education remains accessible whatever your academic background.

About the online program

Boise State’s Online MSW program offers all coursework in a 100% online format. Students don’t need to visit campus, yet the program maintains high academic standards. You can work with the content at your own pace since most courses run asynchronously. Each term includes up to three live sessions that students must attend.

The program runs on a Blackboard-based learning system with weekly modules. Students access streaming videos, join discussion boards, and complete assigned readings. Faculty and students connect through discussion forums, instant messaging, and email. They also meet one-on-one using tools like Zoom when needed.

Students in both program paths receive the same quality education as on-campus students. The same full-time Boise-based faculty teach most courses. This approach gives online students an equivalent education no matter where they live. The courses focus on strengths-based approaches in micro and macro social work practice.

The program offers flexible completion options:

• Full-time Standard MSW students finish in two years
• Part-time Standard MSW students complete in three years
• Full-time Advanced Standing students graduate in as little as one year
• Part-time Advanced Standing students finish in up to two years

Field placements are a vital part of your education. University staff coordinates these through field advising appointments. Standard pathway students complete 1,000 supervised hours while Advanced Standing students need 600 hours.

The program’s value stands out nationally. Students pay no out-of-state tuition, and the licensing pass rate is 10% higher than the national average. SR Education ranked Boise State’s online MSW 8th nationally for affordability. The program serves students in 36 states, which helps professionals in rural areas advance their education while serving their communities.

Dedicated advisors support you throughout your studies. They help with course selection and online learning management. Students also get access to online tutoring, coaching, and writing support.

Accreditation

Your future career success and licensure eligibility depend heavily on your social work program’s accreditation status. Boise State University’s Master of Social Work program has full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). This accreditation covers all delivery methods and ensures similar educational standards in programs of all types.

Boise State’s MSW program has managed to keep its CSWE accreditation since 1992, showing a 30+ year steadfast dedication to excellence in social work education. The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities has also accredited the university, proving its overall academic quality right.

CSWE accreditation benefits your education in several ways. Boise State’s online MSW program:

• Goes through regular evaluation via national peer review
• Gets students ready to meet professional licensure standards
• Follows Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards
• Keeps appropriate academic quality and faculty support

Your career mobility gets a significant boost because Boise State’s online MSW program meets professional licensure standards in all 50 states and U.S. territories. This recognition becomes valuable when you relocate after graduation or work in multiple states.

The CSWE accreditation process confirms that the program has enough resources to achieve its mission and goals. Your coursework will match nationally recognized standards throughout your educational trip. Employers and licensing boards nationwide will value and respect your credentials.

Choosing Boise State’s CSWE-accredited online MSW program will give a degree that holds the same professional standing as any campus-based program. The accreditation applies whatever way you complete your degree. You can be confident that your online education meets social work’s highest professional standards.

Admission Requirements

Boise State’s online MSW program accepts students at three different times during the year. Students can start in Spring (January start, August 15 deadline), Summer (May start, January 15 deadline), or Fall (August start, April 15 deadline).

The program requires a bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year institution. You’ll need either a 3.0 cumulative GPA or a 3.0 GPA in your last two years of undergraduate study. Good news – the GRE isn’t required.

Application materials include:

• Graduate College application with $65 non-refundable fee
• Personal statement (maximum seven double-spaced pages) addressing specific prompts
• Current resume highlighting paid and volunteer social work experience
• Three recommendation letters (at least one from a previous instructor and one from a supervisor)
• Background check through CastleBranch portal (required prior to deadline)
• Notarized disclosure form

Advanced Standing admission needs a CSWE-accredited Bachelor of Social Work degree. You must meet one requirement: either graduate within the last five years, or graduate within the last ten years with substantial post-BSW social work experience.

The Graduate College reviews your application first to check your degree completion and GPA requirements. The Master of Social Work admissions committee then reviews your complete file. The program invites top candidates for 30-minute virtual interviews.

The program cannot accept international students who are outside the United States or in the country on any visa due to visa restrictions.

Accepted students receive a unique student ID number and Boise State email address. Students must take at least five graduate-level credits each term to stay eligible for graduate-level financial aid.

Tuition

Smart financial planning helps you invest in your education. Boise State’s online MSW program keeps pricing simple with no hidden fees or complex rate structures.

The online MSW program’s tuition costs $565.00 per credit. Students pay the same rate no matter where they live, as the program doesn’t charge extra for out-of-state students or online fees. This makes it a great choice for budget-conscious students since many other graduate programs charge much higher rates for non-residents.

The total program cost depends on your pathway. The Regular Standing program needs 61 credits, while the Advanced Standing option requires 37 credits. Here’s what you’ll invest:

• Regular Standing pathway: $34,465 (61 credits × $565)
• Advanced Standing pathway: $20,905 (37 credits × $565)

These competitive rates have earned Boise State recognition as one of the most affordable quality MSW programs in the country. Fortune magazine listed Boise State’s online MSW as one of just four programs that cost less than $40,000. The program’s value shows in its licensing pass rates, which are 10% higher than the national average.

Boise State’s simple pricing stands out from other MSW schools. To name just one example, see the University of Michigan, which charges different rates based on residency status, while Boise State keeps costs consistent.

Financial help is available even though online MSW program scholarships might be limited. Students can learn about financial aid through the university’s Financial Aid Office or submit FAFSA applications on the Federal Student Aid website.

Boise State’s online MSW program delivers quality education at an affordable price. The program offers great value based on the balance between your original investment and career outcomes. The university finalizes tuition rates each May for the next academic year, so you can plan your finances with confidence.

Additional Information

The program welcomes new cohorts each fall, spring, and summer semester with three yearly application deadlines. All materials must be submitted by the posted deadlines to be considered for admission.

The program’s student success advisors offer expert guidance throughout your educational experience. These MSW curriculum specialists provide individual-specific guidance and help students select courses, register, and overcome study challenges.

Field education serves as the foundation of your MSW experience with ground training in your local community. Students develop clinical and organizational skills at approved agencies under experienced social workers’ supervision. Field placements require:

• 400 hours over two semesters for foundation year students
• 600 hours over two semesters during the concentration year

The program’s graduates show remarkable career success. About 94% of recent graduates now work in positions that align with their degree and career goals. Alumni have found roles in social service departments, health departments, hospitals, and treatment centers.

The program reached a major milestone in December 2023 with its 1,000th graduate, advancing its goal to prepare qualified social workers.

Next steps

A Boise State online MSW degree opens up career opportunities in a variety of settings. Graduates can work in healthcare, schools, government agencies, and private practice. Social workers are in high demand across the country, with job growth expected to reach 6% through 2034.

Want to take your social work career to the next level? Here’s what you should think over before applying:

The program’s licensing outcomes speak for themselves. Boise State graduates score about 10% higher than the national average on licensing exams. This shows how well the program prepares students for real-world practice.

The return on investment makes sense too. The tuition rates are competitive, and the results are impressive. About 94% of graduates land jobs directly related to their degree. These professionals work in clinical settings, policy development, and community organizing.

The program is available when you’re ready to start. With three start dates each year, you won’t have to wait long to begin your experience. You can keep your current commitments while studying online and completing field placements locally.

The Boise State online MSW ended up offering something special – academic excellence, career preparation, and flexibility at a price point that’s available to most. That’s why both higher education reviewers and students give it top marks.