Master of Social Work (MSW) Online

Boise State Online offers both a Full-Program MSW and Advanced Standing MSW Programs. The Full-Program MSW is for students with baccalaureate degrees in other disciplines. The Advanced Standing MSW Program is designed for students who have earned a baccalaureate degree from an undergraduate social work program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE); you can apply for the Advanced Standing programs if you meet one of the following requirements:

• 1) you graduated with a Bachelor of Social Work from a CSWE (Council of Social Work Education) accredited school within the last 7 years.
  OR
• 2) you graduated with a Bachelor of Social Work from a CSWE (Council of Social Work Education) accredited school within the last 10 years and have significant post-BSW social work practice experience.
• Applicants who do not meet the above criteria are encouraged to apply for the full Master of Social Work program.

Successful candidates have the following:

• A bachelor’s degree that shows a distribution of liberal arts and social science courses
• A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher during the last two years of earning a bachelor’s degree or an overall undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher
• Social service practice experience (paid or volunteer)
• A personal essay written in a clear, well organized manner with no or few grammatical errors
• Recommendation letters that indicate strong potential to succeed in a graduate program
• A background check and response to criminal history that presents no issues
• A willingness to understand and abide by the NASW Code of Ethics

Investing in your master’s degree is a smart decision. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 16% growth rate in social work jobs by 2024. Boise State’s master of social work online degree is affordable and with your MSW, you’ll be poised to join the workforce and take advantage of the favorable job market.

Total Program Investment

Full Program MSW

Advanced Standing MSW

More Information About Master of Social Work (MSW) Online Costs

This program is offered online only with no in-person requirements and includes two options: Master of Social Work Online Full Program and Master of Social Work Online Advanced Standing.

Master of Social Work (MSW) Curriculum

The foundation curriculum emphasizes knowledge, skills, and values needed for strengths-based in both micro and macro social work practice. Students complete courses in human behavior and the social environment, social welfare policy and services, social work practice, social work research, and field practicum.

The advanced curriculum addresses advanced professional direct practice with individuals and families. Interventions facilitate and enhance the quality of life for individuals and families in social systems of various sizes. Independent inquiry, commitment to promoting social and economic justice and equality, and commitment to individual and family well-being are emphasized.

More Information About the Master of Social Work (MSW) Online Degree Plan

Field Practicum is a dynamic course that challenges students to apply social work practice knowledge, skills, and values within an organizational and community context. Field Practicum is a vital dimension of students’ graduate social work education. The hours of field practice prepare students to enter the work force as professional social work practitioners.

More About Master of Social Work (MSW) Field Practicum

Most graduates of the Boise State School of Social Work choose to pursue licensure as a social worker. Many states, including Idaho, regulate the use of the title social worker to those professionals holding a social work license.

More Information About Master of Social Work (MSW) Licensure

Master of Social Work (MSW) Graduate Programs are offered on the Boise State Campus
Our Master of Social Work degree program (MSW) was established in 1991 and accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

More Information About the Master of Social Work (MSW) On-Campus Program

Your Master of Social Work degree prepares you to advocate for and empower individuals, to promote social justice and equality and to make the world a better place for all people.

More Information About Master of Social Work (MSW) Careers

We’re here to help! From deciding if an online degree is right for you to figuring out what credits transfer from previous schools, talking to a Student Success Coach is the best place to start.

Boise State’s Master of Social Work (MSW) Online degree students can be found across the nation. Learn more on this interactive map, or visit the Google map.

Once you’ve completed your program orientation, you’ll be assigned a Student Success Advisor. Academic Advising is a partnership between you and your advisor. Together you will discuss and develop a plan for your degree.

Schedule Advising

Hear from Boise State Master of Social Work (MSW) Online graduates and get inspired to continue your own education journey.