OPWL Frequently Asked Questions

Your diploma will list your degree as a Master of Science in Organizational Performance and Workplace Learning. The only “online” designation will be on your official transcript but not on your diploma.

OPWL coursework is mostly asynchronous, giving you the freedom to engage at your own pace. However, active online participation and interactions with both students and faculty are crucial. Your involvement and time spent in OPWL online classes are comparable to on-campus classes – log in regularly, contribute to discussions and submit assignments any time by the deadlines from any location.

The Master of Science in Organizational Performance and Workplace Learning consists of 36 credits. When choosing the portfolio for the culminating activity, students complete 24 core, 8 elective, 3 research and 1 portfolio credit to earn a degree. When choosing the thesis for the culminating activity, students complete 24 core, 6 research and 6 thesis credits to earn the master’s.

Learn More About OPWL Degree Requirements

No! Our students come from a variety of educational and professional experiences, and the diversity of their backgrounds contributes to the learning in the classroom.

The online OPWL program offers an application fee waiver if you have not yet submitted your application. Contact a student success coach prior to submitting your application to receive your waiver.

A maximum of 9 credits may be transferred from other institutions toward the online OPWL program. Transfer credits must be:

• No older than 7 years at the time of graduation
• Graduate level courses with a grade of B or higher
• Cannot be applied to another degree

When you’re applying, we recommend you select the earliest start option you’re considering. You can always push your start to a future session. If you’ve applied and haven’t received a decision yet, you can request a start-date change through your student success coach.

The university suggests dedicating 45 study hours for each credit enrolled. For instance, in a 4-credit, 15-week course, the weekly study commitment is 12 hours (45 hours x 4 credits / 15 weeks). In a 1-credit, 5-week course, the weekly study commitment is 9 hours (45 hours x 1 credit / 5 weeks). Keep in mind that in online graduate study, a week equals seven days. Your academic advisor will guide you in planning the time needed for your studies each semester as you map out your course sequence for program completion.

No. Boise State’s Organizational Performance and Workplace Learning programs do not require any on-site residency requirement. Being able to serve a student population in geographically diverse locations has made for a more global classroom that better reflects the needs and employees of the 21st century workplace.

Students can choose between writing a thesis or creating a portfolio website, showcasing samples highlighting the application of knowledge and skills gained during their graduate studies.

View Portfolio and Thesis Examples

The OPWL programs have been offered online since 1989. Over the years, they’ve developed various resources to help OPWL students achieve their learning and professional development goals. Every OPWL student is assigned an academic advisor. They also get access to a job board shared by community members, virtual internships facilitated through OPWL, virtual career services, and virtual research labs where they can collaborate in small teams led by OPWL faculty members. Furthermore, there are free monthly webinars on navigating the L&D job field, among other ongoing resources available to OPWL students.

More Support Resources For Current Students

Absolutely! Student visits are always encouraged. Reach out to the program’s academic advisor to schedule your visit.

At $550 per credit, the approximate total investment is $19,800 to complete our 36-credit program. For a full breakdown of our program costs, visit the costs page.

*The per-credit fees listed above are for the 2024-25 academic year. Future academic year per-credit fees may vary slightly and are finalized each May.

Learn More About Program Costs

If you’re admitted to both the master’s degree and a certificate program, you’re eligible for financial aid. However, admission to the graduate certificates alone does not make you eligible for financial aid.

Learn More About Financial Aid

All four of the OPWL certificate coursework can be applied toward the Master of Science in Organizational Performance and Workplace Learning.

Learn more about the OPWL certificates:

• Graduate Certificate in Workplace Instructional Design
• Graduate Certificate in Workplace E-Learning Design and Development
• Graduate Certificate in Workplace Performance Improvement
• Graduate Certificate in Organizational Development

Yes, it is easy to do and only requires these steps:

• Go to the Graduate College Application Portal
• Select First-time Users if you have not used this system and Select Returning Users if you have
• Select non-degree-seeking or an organizational performance and workplace learning certificate
• Pay the $65 application fee
• Notify Jo Ann Fenner (jfenner@boisestate.edu) or Kori Anna Smith (kasmith@boisestate.edu) so they can track your application in the system