Boise State University offers two pathways to earn a Master of Social Work (MSW) Online — the Regular Standing and the Advanced Standing MSW Online.
Either option will help you become a passionate social worker prepared to advocate for individuals, promote social justice and equality and work toward making the world a better place.
The Regular Standing MSW Online program is for you if you hold a bachelor’s degree in another discipline and want to transition into social work. The program provides the comprehensive foundational coursework necessary to master the practices and principles of social work.
The Advanced Standing MSW Online program is for you if you graduated from an accredited undergraduate social work program within the last five years, or less than 10 years ago, with significant post-graduate experience. The program focuses on advanced-level coursework and has a shorter completion time, offering you a streamlined path to a graduate degree.
Basic eligibility: What “advanced standing” means
To qualify for the online MSW advanced standing program, you must meet the program requirements, which include having a Bachelor of Social Work from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) within the last five years. You may also qualify if you earned a Bachelor of Social Work within the last 10 years and have significant post-graduation, social work-related experience. Advanced Standing MSW admissions are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. You must show relevant social work experience on your resume.
This option lets you skip foundational coursework and complete your degree in as few as three semesters full time or under two years part time.
The application process, step by step
The application process to the MSW Online program includes five steps. They are:
- Apply to the university: Submit your online application to attend Boise State.
- Request transcripts: Submit official transcripts from all accredited institutions where you’ve earned college credit. Transcripts must be sent directly to Boise State Graduate Admissions either electronically or by mail. Please note that transcripts uploaded by the applicant will not be considered official.
- Gather letters of recommendation: MSW admissions requires three letters of recommendation. In the online application, you will provide information regarding the people who will write your letters of recommendation, including each recommender’s name and email address. Please note that recommenders may be contacted to verify their information.
- Review program Requirements: The program application requires a personal statement, current resume, background check and a signed and notarized disclosure form. The use of any form of generative AI in application materials is prohibited.
- Complete an interview: All applicants to the program are holistically reviewed by the admission committee. Top candidates will be offered a virtual 30-minute interview. This interview is the next step in the admission process.
Be sure to indicate which pathway you are applying for on the dropdown menu on the program page.
Common questions from MSW students
If you still aren’t sure about the online MSW advanced standing pathway, here are some common questions answered:
Can I apply if my BSW is more than five years old?
Yes. You can apply if your BSW was earned within the past 10 years and you have significant post-graduate social work experience.
Can I work while in the program?
Yes. Because the program is fully online and primarily asynchronous many students continue with some work while in the program. However, your ability to work will likely change when you start fieldwork. During the semester you are completing field work, you will work as a student social worker in an agency for approximately 22 hours a week while also completing coursework.
How long does it take to complete the MSW Online program?
You can complete the Regular Standing MSW in two to three years, depending on whether you attend full or part-time. If you qualify for the advanced standing MSW, you can finish in as little as three semesters full-time or under two years part-time.
Is Boise State’s MSW Online program accredited?
Yes. The online program is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and has been continuously accredited since 2016. This accreditation is required for licensure in most states.
How much does the program cost?
Tuition for Boise State’s MSW Online is $565 per credit with no out-of-state tuition or online fees. Financial aid and payment plans are available.
Does this program prepare me for licensure?
Yes. Boise State’s MSW Online prepares you to sit for the Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) exam and meet other requirements for state licensure. Pass rates for Boise State MSW graduates exceed the national average. State-specific licensure requirements for social work apply to all MSW program options.
Learn more about the 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.