Our undergraduate program in social work was established in 1966 and is the oldest social work program in Idaho. Our MSW program was established in 1991 and was initially accredited in 1992. Our BSW and MSW programs have been reaffirmed for accreditation through 2010 by the Council on Social Work Education.

The School of Social Work at Boise State University offers both Full-Program MSW degrees and Advanced Standing MSW Programs. The Advanced Standing Programs are designed for students who have earned a baccalaureate degree from an undergraduate social work program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. The Full-Program MSW is for students with baccalaureate degrees in other disciplines.

In Boise the Full-Program MSW (hotlink) requires two years of study. The Boise Advanced Standing MSW (hotlink) may be completed in one year of full-time study or two years of half-time study.

The Northern Idaho Advanced Standing MSW Program began in June 2006 in Lewiston and Coeur d'Alene. Beginning in August 2008 the Northern Idaho Advanced Standing MSW may be completed in one year of full-time study or two years of half-time study. Beginning in August 2008 a three-year Full-Program MSW will be available to students in Lewiston and Coeur d'Alene. The Full-Program MSW will begin every three years. All Northern Idaho MSW programs (hotlink) are accredited as part of the Boise State University MSW Program.

Beginning in August 2008 both Advanced Standing and Full-Program MSW degrees will be offered by Boise State on the campus of the College of Southern Idaho in the Magic Valley. The Magic Valley Advanced Standing MSW may be completed in one year of full-time study or two years of half-time study. The Magic Valley Full-Program MSW may be completed in three years. The Full-Program MSW will begin every three years. All Magic Valley MSW programs (hotlink) are accredited as part of the Boise State University MSW Program.

Boise State MSW programs are intentionally small. They offer an informal climate conducive to obtaining the knowledge and skills necessary for successful advanced professional direct practice in social work. A variety of practicum placements are used that can be matched to the student's career goals. Practicum sites range from urban, inpatient psychiatric facilities to social service agencies in small, frontier communities. The mission and objectives of the MSW program have been formulated to reflect the human resource needs of Idaho and the northern Rocky Mountain region.