Enrolling in Boise State’s online Bachelor of Arts in Social Work can be a powerful step toward a meaningful, people-centered career — especially if you’re balancing professional, family or personal commitments. Boise State’s online BSW program is designed with flexibility and support in mind, making it an excellent option for those considering a career change to social work or looking to advance within the field. Whether you’re returning to school after time away or building on your previous college experience, understanding admissions expectations and program structure is important for decision-making success.
As you explore your options, it’s important to understand the online BSW transfer requirements, prerequisite coursework and field placement expectations that come with earning a social work degree. The program provides clear guidance, personalized support from student success coaches and flexible degree pathways to help you meet requirements and transition smoothly.
From evaluating transfer credits to completing foundational courses and preparing for hands-on field work, the online BSW program can help you confidently plan your next move.
Boise State’s online BSW requirements and admissions process
To enroll in Boise State’s online BSW program, you’ll need to have completed 24 credits of prerequisite coursework. A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50 or a minimum GPA of 2.80 in the 24 credits earned prior to applying for the program are required for admission consideration.
Visit the online BSW’s admissions page for a full list of required courses. You’ll also find a step-by-step application guide outlining transcripts, essays, recommendation letters and necessary forms.
If you’re wondering whether you have the necessary prerequisites to apply or how to transfer credits to the online BSW program, a BSW student success coach can help get you started.
Field placement requirements
While not necessarily part of the transfer process, field placement is an important consideration for prospective students entering a social work program. In addition to your coursework, you will need to complete 480 hours of supervised, in-person field work — 240 hours per semester — to earn your Bachelor of Arts in Social Work. Boise State’s online BSW field coordinators research and arrange field work placements to ensure they meet program standards.
Making the most of Boise State Online’s degree pathways
Boise State Online offers an introductory pathway for students entering the field of social work through its Online Degree Pathway program. Pathways allow you to take classes and certificates that can be immediately applied to your career or folded into a bachelor’s degree program — especially helpful for those who need to meet the prerequisites for admission to the BSW program.
The pre-social work pathway prepares you for the online Bachelor of Arts in Social Work by providing you with the foundational courses you’ll need to qualify for the program. These courses also help set you up for success when transitioning into the full program.
After completing the pre-social work pathway, you will need to complete the BSW program application to be admitted into the bachelor’s program. These foundational courses may be in progress at the time of submitting your BSW online program application; just be aware that you will need to meet the minimum grade requirements to move forward.
Career outcomes after earning your BSW
A Bachelor of Arts in Social Work prepares you for roles in social services, healthcare, counseling or advocacy. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, a social worker can potentially earn an average annual salary of $61,330, or approximately $29.49 per hour.
You may also decide to pursue a master’s degree in social work to open the door to more career opportunities and higher annual salaries. Boise State’s Master of Social Work Online offers an advanced standing MSW pathway for those who have earned their BSW. With this pathway, you can complete your graduate degree faster — in as little as three semesters — when attending full time.
Frequently asked questions about Boise State’s online BSW
Here are a few frequently asked questions by prospective online BSW students. If you have additional questions or need direct guidance, consider registering for an online BSW info session or making an appointment with a student success coach.
Can I work while completing my BSW?
While it’s not impossible to work full time or part time while earning your BSW, balancing a job with your field work component can be very challenging. The requirement of 240 field work hours per semester averages to about 16 hours per week in addition to your online coursework. Consider your workload carefully to ensure you can successfully meet all requirements. Students who successfully manage their field placement, employment and coursework are those who have supportive supervisors and excellent time management skills.
Depending on the institution, you may be able to complete your field work at your current place of employment, but this placement cannot duplicate your current role, tasks or responsibilities. All field placement proposals must be approved by the Boise State School of Social Work.
What if I don’t meet the prerequisite requirements?
If you don’t meet the prerequisite requirements for admission into the Boise State online Bachelor of Arts in Social Work, there is an option to complete the pre-social work pathway through Boise State’s Online Degree Pathway program.
For more guidance on the online degree pathway, attend a general online information session.
Do employers respect an online BSW degree?
Employers’ attitudes toward online degrees are 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.
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.