Program Overview

Introduction to the Master of Social Work Online Program

The Master of Social Work (MSW) Online program at Boise State University is designed to prepare students for advanced social work practice with individuals and families. The program offers 100% online coursework and in-person field work in the student's local area, allowing them to build clinical, organizational, and policy skills while promoting social justice and advancing equity.

Program Details

The MSW Online program is offered in two pathways: Regular Standing and Advanced Standing. The Regular Standing pathway is designed for students with a bachelor's degree in a field other than social work, while the Advanced Standing pathway is designed for students who have earned a Bachelor of Social Work from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).

Regular Standing MSW Online Pathway

• The Regular Standing MSW Online pathway is a 61-credit program that includes 43 credits of academic classes, labs, and seminars, and 18 credits of supervised, in-person field work and practicum.
• The program can be completed in two years for full-time students and three years for part-time students.
• Foundation courses emphasize the knowledge, skills, and values needed for a strengths-based approach in both micro and macro social work practice.
• Advanced courses address advanced professional direct practice with individuals and families.

Advanced Standing MSW Online Pathway

• The Advanced Standing MSW Online pathway is a 37-credit program that includes 25 credits of academic classes, labs, and seminars, and 12 credits of supervised, in-person practicum.
• The program can be completed in 12 months for full-time students and two years for part-time students.
• Students must have earned a Bachelor of Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program within the last five years or have significant post-bachelor's social work practice experience.

Admission Criteria

To be admitted to the MSW Online program, students must:

• Have a completed bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
• Submit a personal statement, resume, and three letters of recommendation.
• Complete a background check and sign a disclosure form.
• Meet the admission deadlines for the desired start date.

Tuition and Fees

The total program investment for the Regular Standing MSW Online pathway is approximately $35,904 - $36,704, which includes:

• Boise State Graduate Admissions Application fee: $65
• Background check: $49
• Master of Social Work Online course credits (61 total credits @ $565 per credit): $34,465
• Books: $1,000 - $1,800
• Field Education Fee: $300
• Graduation Application Fee: $25

The total program investment for the Advanced Standing MSW Online pathway is approximately $22,194 - $22,994, which includes:

• Boise State Graduate Admissions Application fee: $65
• Background check: $49
• Master of Social Work Online course credits (37 total credits @ $565 per credit): $20,905
• Books: $1,000 - $1,800
• Field Education Fee: $150
• Graduation Application Fee: $25

Field Work and Practicum

Field work is a vital part of the MSW Online experience, providing students with the opportunity to apply their classroom learning in real-world settings. Students complete supervised, in-person field placements in their local community, working alongside experienced social workers. The field work component of the program helps students develop hands-on clinical and organizational skills, learn how to work with individuals, families, groups, and communities, and build confidence as future licensed social workers.

Licensure

The MSW Online program at Boise State University is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and is designed to prepare students for licensure. However, licensure requirements vary by state, and students are encouraged to check with the licensing board in their home state to ensure that the program meets their state's educational requirements.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the MSW Online program can pursue a variety of career opportunities, including:

• Clinical social worker
• Mental health counselor
• Therapist
• Case manager
• Nonprofit leader
• Government agency worker

Conclusion

The Master of Social Work Online program at Boise State University offers students a comprehensive education in social work, preparing them for advanced practice with individuals and families. With its flexible online format and in-person field work component, the program is ideal for working professionals and those who want to make a positive impact in their communities.