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MSW Program Progression Policy (including dismissal in first semester)

Policy Purpose:

Progression in the Boise State University MSW programs is based upon the successful completion of courses and program objectives. This policy describes conditions for successful progression and steps to be taken if students are unable to progress due to withdrawal, academic issues, and/or dismissal.

Policy Statement:

Courses in each semester are designed for achievement of increasingly complex learning objectives. Students in the MSW program will progress through the curriculum upon successful completion each semester of all course objectives.

Within the curriculum, most courses are sequential and must be taken in the order laid out by the program. Students are responsible for monitoring their progression and ensuring progression requirements are met. 

To progress in the MSW program, the student must:

  1. Maintain a minimum passing grade of “C” in all courses and a 3.0 cumulative GPA.
  2. Adhere to standards of conduct laid out in the MSW Student Handbook, the Field Manual, and the National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics (2021). 
  3. Adhere to all Boise State University Statements of Shared Values, Student Code of Conduct, Graduate College Policies, College of Health Sciences Statement of Shared Values, School of Social Work, and program policies.
  4. Maintain professional conduct and legal-ethical behavior, including following policies in any partner clinical organization.

Students who withdraw in the first semester of their program without completing any coursework in the semester, for any reason, must apply again for admission (see Readmission Policy). 

  1. If the student wishes to “drop a class” or “withdraw” from a course, refer to the Boise State University Graduate College Catalog and Policies. 
  2. Students who withdraw from or voluntarily stop progression in the MSW Online (or just MSW) program after completing the first semester will be eligible for re-entry or readmission as outlined in the Readmission and Re-entry Policies. This may result in additional program costs.

Students who receive a failing grade or a grade of C- or lower in a required course:

  1. Must meet with their student success advisor (online program) or the program coordinator (campus program) to discuss progression within the program.
  2. WIll fill out a request to retake the course and include:
    1. Circumstances that lead to the failing grade
    2. Steps taken to resolve factors related to the unsatisfactory grade 
  3. May be placed on academic probation by the Boise State University Graduate College (see “Academic Performance” section of the Graduate Academic Regulations Policies.
  4. Will be given only one opportunity to retake the course and achieve a passing grade (C or higher). Students who receive a failing grade in either seminar or field will be required to retake both courses concurrently in a later semester and achieve a passing grade in both courses in order to progress in the program. 

Approved by faculty vote April, 2024