Boise State University Online MSW Programs
Boise State University’s School of Social Work offers a fully online Master of Social Work (MSW) program that prepares graduates for empirically informed and ethically driven specialized practice to advance the well-being of underserved individuals and families. The program is committed to human rights, social, economic, and environmental justice, with an emphasis on anti-racist and anti-oppressive perspectives and practices.
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Program Overview
- Department: School of Social Work, College of Health Sciences
- Phone: (208) 426-5921
- Email: MSWOnline@boisestate.edu
- Degree Types: Traditional and Advanced Standing
- Concentrations: Advanced Social Work Practice with Individuals and Families
- Program Structure: 100% online coursework with in-person local field placements (no campus visits required)
- Instruction Methods: Primarily asynchronous; some instructors may conduct synchronous sessions; full-time and part-time options available
- State Licensure: Note: The Advanced Standing MSW Online may not meet professional licensure standards in Minnesota without an additional elective course. Students planning to practice in Minnesota should review the requirements carefully before applying.
Program Information – Regular Standing Students
The Regular Standing program is designed for students with a bachelor’s degree in any field other than social work, as well as BSW graduates who do not qualify for Advanced Standing. Students complete both foundational generalist coursework and advanced concentration coursework, along with two field placements. A personal essay, recommendation letters, and an interview (for top candidates) are part of the application process.
Program Requirements
- Field Education Requirements: 18 credits of in-person field practicum (1,000 hours) — split across the first and second years. Field coordinators from BSU work with students to secure approved agency placements in their local communities.
- Number of Credits Required: 61 credit hours (43 credits academic coursework + 18 credits field practicum)
Program Length
- Full-time: 2 years
- Part-time: 3 years
- Start Dates: Fall, Spring, and Summer
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution showing a distribution of liberal arts and social science courses
- Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher during the last two years of undergraduate study, or overall undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Social service practice experience (paid or volunteer)
- Personal essay (up to 7 double-spaced pages) addressing: (1) how experiences, strengths, and qualities will contribute to the MSW program and social work field; (2) a case review reflection; and (3) reflection on a social issue the applicant feels strongly about
- Recommendation letters submitted through the BSU online application system (hard copies and emailed letters are not accepted)
- Background check through CastleBranch
- Willingness to understand and abide by the NASW Code of Ethics
- Official transcripts from all accredited institutions (sent directly to BSU Graduate Admissions; transcripts uploaded by applicants are not considered official)
- GRE: Not required
- Virtual interview: Top candidates will be invited for a 30-minute virtual interview as a next step after holistic application review
Program Information – Advanced Standing Students
The Advanced Standing program is designed for students who have earned a BSW from a CSWE-accredited institution. It skips the generalist foundation year and begins directly with advanced concentration coursework. Advanced Standing eligibility is evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Full-time students can complete the program in 12 months (3 semesters); part-time students typically complete it in approximately 2 years.
Program Requirements
- Field Education Requirements: 12 credits of in-person field practicum (600 hours) — one advanced placement supported by BSU field coordinators
- Number of Credits Required: 37 credit hours (25 credits academic coursework + 12 credits field practicum)
Program Length
- Full-time: 12 months (3 semesters)
- Part-time: Approximately 2 years
- Start Dates: Fall, Spring, and Summer
Admission Requirements
- GRE: Not required
- BSW from a CSWE-accredited program earned within the last 7 years; or BSW earned within the last 10 years with significant post-graduation social work practice experience
- All other requirements the same as Regular Standing (GPA, social service experience, personal essay, recommendation letters, background check, NASW Code of Ethics, official transcripts, virtual interview for top candidates)
Boise State University’s MSW program information was last updated in March 2026. For more information, visit the university’s website above.
If you have additional information about this program, email us at contactus@onlinemswprograms.com.