If you’re passionate about community service, fostering positive social change and helping improve people’s lives through advocacy, you may have considered a career in social work. Whether you’re just starting out or exploring a career pivot, you might be wondering how to break into the field.
Most social work jobs typically require a bachelor’s degree, and this is where Boise State’s online Bachelor of Social Work can help. This program makes this achievable for working adult learners who need to be able to balance course work and field work with their hectic schedules. Here’s a closer look at the benefits of getting your Bachelor of Social Work online, program timelines and career prospects to look forward to after graduation.
Growing demand for social workers and online education
Social work continues to be in demand, partly due to an increased interest in the areas of public health and preventative care. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in the field is projected to grow between 3% and 7% overall, with some specialties growing as much as 18% by 2032.
Online education is also expanding. At Boise State, online enrollment grew 3.4% during the 2024–25 academic year — a reflection of the increasing need for flexible learning options for busy professionals.
Advantages of pursuing your BSW online
The online BSW program has several benefits. From flexibility to reduced costs, here are the key standouts.
Cost-effectiveness compared to traditional programs
Online learning eliminates a few of the costs associated with on-campus programs, like:
- Room and board: Budgeting for relocation and/or room and board is unnecessary since you can attend your classes virtually and complete your field work component where you currently live.Â
- Transportation: There’s no need for a daily commute back and forth to campus.
- On-campus extras: You’ll also avoid expensive extras, such as parking permits or meal plans.
Boise State Online utilizes an alternative fee program model for its courses, which means no out-of-state tuition or surprise charges. At $445 per credit, the rate is competitive with similar online programs, and is the same whether you’re attending full or part time.
Access to top-tier programs regardless of location
Learning online doesn’t mean that the programming isn’t as high quality as its in-person counterpart. The Bachelor of Social Work online program employs a team of licensed social work experts well-versed in areas such as research, trauma-informed care, policy advocacy, child welfare, early intervention and child and family services. They’re available to mentor and guide you through the program’s courses, field work and seminars, and help you establish meaningful professional connections within your community.
Self-paced learning options
Boise State Online uses a 100% online, asynchronous learning model, meaning that the majority of lectures aren’t on a fixed schedule and can be accessed at any time, the same goes for accompanying course materials like readings, discussion boards and quizzes.Â
The MSW Online program features courses that are both asynchronous and in-person — field work — that allow more flexibility for working professionals and busy adult learners.
Addressing common concerns about online BSW programs
Distance learning and online educational programming have come a long way fast, but that doesn’t mean that the quality isn’t there when compared to on-campus programs. Boise State’s eCampus Center partners with online programs to create these high-quality courses and experiences for remote students. They continuously innovate and improve through research and feedback from faculty, staff and students.
Here are a few more common questions that prospective students may have when looking into an online social work program and how the BSW Online program addresses them.
Will I get help finding a field placement?
Finding your own field work placement can be intimidating. Even more difficult is finding an agency, or completing several weeks of field work, only to discover that your program can’t accept your credit hours. The BSW Online program is one of the few social work degree programs that employ professional field coordinators and faculty liaisons to work with you on securing your field work agency — regardless of location — and supporting you throughout the process.
Will I be able to network and connect with others in an online program?
With the in-person field work component, BSW Online students are set up for success when making connections within their preferred field. Students will participate in labs, seminars and discussions that allow for more networking opportunities. Our BSW Online faculty and staff are professional master’s-prepared social workers with apt advice and industry connections to help graduates develop the critical skills necessary to succeed in social work.
Do employers respect an online degree?
Our online programming enrollment numbers are increasing each year because many students desire a more flexible schedule. Employers’ attitudes toward online degrees are also shifting, especially when that degree comes from a reputable institution. The level of education and time spent earning your degree is the same regardless of in-person status. And Boise State University diplomas don’t list whether the degree was earned online, so disclosing this information is up to you.Â
Career opportunities with an online BSW degree
A Bachelor of Social Work qualifies graduates for a variety of entry to mid-level positions in both clinical and non-clinical settings. Examples of possible opportunities include:
- Child welfare or school social worker
- Family service worker
- Gerontology social worker
- Caseworker for government agencies, hospitals or nonprofit organizations
- Mental health and substance abuse social worker or counselor
- Habilitation specialist
- Community outreach work
- Health educator or researcher
For advancement, getting a Master of Social Work opens doors toward more career prospects and leadership positions, along with higher salary potential.
Coursework, program structure, and timelines of BSW Online
Boise State’s online Bachelor of Social Work is a 120-credit program made up of:
- Foundation courses: 37 credits*
- Required courses: 53 credits
- Electives: 30 credits
- Field work: 480 hours (240 per semester)
*These credits can be met through transfer coursework from previous schools attended but must include PSYCH 101 and SOCWRK 101. Connect with a student success coach for more information on how your credits may transfer.
You’ll complete your field work at an approved agency in your local community, with help from Boise State’s field placement team. This kind of personalized placement support is rare among online programs — and helps ensure your practicum is a meaningful experience.
The timeline for completing your BSW depends on whether you enroll full- or part-time, and the amount of prior credit earned through transfer or an associate degree. Meeting with a student success coach is the best way to assess how your credits will transfer and estimate your degree timeline.
Thinking about grad school? Boise State also offers a fully online Master of Social Work (MSW) with two options:
- Standard MSW: For students with a bachelor’s in a related field.
- Advanced standing MSW: For students who already have a BSW and want to finish faster — in as few as three semesters.
Learn more about the social work program
Earning an online Bachelor of Arts in Social Work 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.
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