Graduating from Boise State University’s advanced standing Master of Social Work (MSW) Online opens the door to a wide range of career opportunities.
Graduates of the program go on to become clinical social workers, mental health counselors, therapists, case managers, nonprofit leaders and find success with other MSW career opportunities.
With options spanning from personal counseling to nonprofit leadership, you will be equipped to thrive in various professional settings and make a meaningful impact as a graduate of the MSW Online program.
Why employers value advanced standing graduates
Employers value Advanced Standing MSW graduates because of the advanced graduate training from local clinical field work to build on a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW).
To qualify for the Advanced Standing MSW, you must have a BSW from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)-accredited undergraduate social work program within the last five years or have a BSW and relevant real-world social work experience within the last 10 years.
The program’s structure allows for a faster timeline — as little as three semesters full time or under two years part time.
Top career paths after your MSW
Once you graduate from the MSW Online, your career paths include:
- Licensed clinical social worker (LCSW): Diagnose and treat emotional and behavioral issues as a mental health professional.
- Child, family and school social worker: Support families dealing with abuse, neglect and behavioral issues. Work in partnership with schools and community agencies to advocate for children’s well-being and success.
- Behavioral health specialist: Help clients and their families manage the emotional and logistical challenges of healthcare. Offer counseling, connect clients with resources and navigate support systems.
- Policy/advocacy roles: Play a role in policy and advocacy to help promote social justice and address systematic issues.
Licensure preparation and support
Boise State’s MSW Online program is a CSWE-accredited program, affirming that it meets or exceeds professional and academic standards required for high-quality social work education.
The online program has been continuously accredited since 2016, demonstrating a long-standing commitment to excellence in social work education. The program also 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.
Success stories from Boise State alumni
May 2024 MSW Online graduate Ashlie Thacker started her own counseling business, Blue Orchid Counseling, after earning the degree.
“I have fallen in love with it in terms of what social work means,” she said. “I love helping people and helping advocate for people alongside them. I love giving people a voice who don’t normally have one, which has stood out as a huge value of mine. This program really helped highlight that value.”
Thacker also appreciated the online format as she balanced work, motherhood and school while earning the MSW.
“I loved the flexibility that Boise State’s Online MSW program brought into my life,” she said. “Being a young mother and trying to work full-time to make ends meet is difficult in and of itself.
“Having the ability to know when assignments were due and to do classwork wherever I happened to be helped me succeed in obtaining my degree.”
Take the next step
Explore Boise State’s Online Master of Social Work
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.