Before fully committing to enrolling in Boise State University’s Master of Social Work Online, you may be wondering, “How long will it take me to finish my degree?” Like the thousands of graduates of this program before you, you have to start somewhere.
This guide covers Boise State’s online MSW timelines and scheduling options, along with the benefits of earning your MSW.
Master of Social Work Online scheduling and timelines
Boise State Online offers two pathways for earning your online master’s degree in social work:
- Regular Program MSW Online: Designed for prospective students who hold a bachelor’s degree in another discipline or those with a Bachelor of Social Work earned more than 10 years before enrollment.
- Advanced Standing MSW Online: Available to prospective students who have earned a bachelor’s degree in social work from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited program within the last five years, or within 10 years if you have substantial social work experience.
Regular Program MSW Online
The length of time for the Regular Program MSW Online depends on whether you attend classes on a part-time or full-time schedule.
To graduate, you’ll need to complete 61 credits: 43 of those credits come from classes, labs and seminars, while the remaining 18 credits — roughly 1,000 hours — are made up of supervised, in-person field work and practicum.
Students can complete the program in two years for full-time, and three years for part-time. Completion time frames are calculated based on enrollment in fall, spring and summer semesters.
Advanced Standing MSW Online
The Advanced Standing MSW Online pathway is abbreviated compared to the regular program, as it requires 37 credits to complete since enrollees already hold a Bachelor of Social Work and have field work experience. Classes, labs and seminars total 25 credits and the remaining 12 — 600 hours — are supervised, in-person field work and practicum.
Full-time students should be able to complete the program in as little as one year, while part-time students can expect up to two years.
The credit hours and estimated program lengths of both options listed above are comparable to the majority of online MSW programs nationwide.
Advantages of earning a Master of Social Work
While the time and money spent either continuing toward a master’s degree or starting fresh after a career pivot can feel overwhelming, there are many advantages to earning a Master of Social Work.
A Master of Social Work can expand the demographics of the clients that you’ll be able to work with and allow you the specialized training and knowledge necessary to be their best advocate. Graduate Kim Mizia was able to put her degree toward advancing her career in canine therapy, a lifelong passion.
The qualifications that come with a master’s degree open up job opportunities, such as working within school systems, medical facilities or specialized practices. Healthcare and medical social work have a projected growth of 20% by 2026, according to the National Association of Social Workers. After graduation, MSW graduates typically earn $13,000 more annually than those with only a BSW.
Boise State’s online MSW offers a high return on investment. The program has:
- No out-of-state tuition
- A licensing pass rate 10% above the national average
- National recognition as one of the Top 10 Most Affordable Online MSW Programs
A supportive, transformational experience
In the MSW Online, you’ll make lasting connections with your peers and the highly experienced MSW program faculty and staff, which is priceless.
“Trust in the program. Trust in the professors they hire. They are good humans who enjoy the work they’re doing. They want to see the next generation of social workers make that impact on the world. Boise State picks a great caliber of professors,” recent MSW online graduate Magdalena Butler said.
Learn more about the Master of Social Work program
Earning a Master of Social Work Online from Boise State University can open doors to new opportunities and a brighter future — and we’re here to support you every step of the way. Whether you’re exploring if an online degree is right for you or need help transferring credits, connecting with a student success coach is the perfect first step.
Ready to learn more? Attend one of our online information sessions or contact a student success coach today.