Typically, students accepted into the program have completed between 60 and 70 total credits. Students may apply for upper-division status during the semester in which they are completing the required foundational studies and other prerequisite courses.
Students must be accepted at Boise State before they can apply to the BSW program.
BSW Program Prerequisite Courses
The following table contains prerequisite courses for the BSW program.
The following courses are RECOMMENDED to have completed before applying to the program:
Please note, the school does not approve academic credit for prior work or life experience.
Apply to the Bachelor’s in Social Work Program
Students who wish to enroll in the bachelor’s in social work program must first apply and be accepted to upper-division status for the bachelor’s in social work. The school reviews and approves applications for admission to upper-division status each October and March. Applications for students to begin upper-division coursework in the spring semester should apply by October 3rd 2025. To begin upper-division courses in the fall semester, students should apply by March 6th, 2026. Application deadlines are always the first Friday in March and October.
Students who wish to enroll in the new online Bachelor’s in Social Work program should email bswonline@boisestate.edu for more information. Students who email us will be notified as soon as the online program application opens in April. The priority deadline for the fall 2025 online program is June 15th, 2025.
Admission to candidacy for the degree is determined by faculty evaluation of a student’s application. Applications are judged by the following criteria:
- Quality of written statement
- Recommendation letters
- Quality and quantity of work/volunteer/service learning experience in the human services
- Criminal background
Application Forms
Students should review and complete the academic checklist and appropriate plan with an academic advisor before applying. Applicants must also complete a background check (a fee applies) and two letters of reference (see forms below). One letter should be an academic reference, and one should be a professional reference (work or volunteer).
Before filling out the application, please use the accompanying “BSW Application Materials” table to be sure that you have all your application materials ready – the application must be completed in one session, and you will not be able to revise the application once it is submitted.
When you are ready to fill out the application, click the “Apply Now” button to be taken to the online form. The application is best completed from an Incognito tab with your browser cleared.
The use of any form of generative AI in application materials is prohibited.
BSW Application Materials
The following table contains the application material item, description, and requirement.