Boise State University currently has the only school of social work with a campus in Idaho and a fully online MSW program. BSU’s program relies primarily on asynchronous instruction, which allows students to access course material at their convenience, although some courses are conducted in real time with instructors and peers via Blackboard Learn. Students in BSU’s online MSW program complete coursework in identifying mental, emotional and social challenges; understanding and engaging in policy practice; advocating for human rights and socio-cultural, economic and environmental justice; developing and implementing interventions; and understanding and engaging with diversity and difference.

Please note: All online MSW programs require students to complete field education at a local health services agency.

BSU’s online MSW program has both full program (i.e. traditional) and advanced standing tracks, as well as a concentration in Advanced Social Work Practice with Individuals and Families. The full program track consists of 43 credits of academic coursework and 18 credits (or 1,000 hours) of supervised field practicum — all of which may be completed in two years of full-time study or three years of part-time study. The advanced standing track consists of 25 credits of academic coursework and 12 credits (or 600 hours) of supervised field practicum — all of which may be completed in 12 months of full-time study or 21 months of part-time study.

BSU’s online MSW program has both full program (i.e. traditional) and advanced standing tracks, as well as an optional concentration in Advanced Social Work Practice with Individuals and Families. The full program track is comprised of 43 credits of academic coursework and 18 credits (or 1,000 hours) of supervised field practicum — all of which may be completed in two years of full-time study or four years of part-time study. The advanced standing track is comprised of 25 credits of academic coursework and 12 credits (or 600 hours) of supervised field practicum — all of which may be completed in 16 months of full-time study or three years of part-time study.

Please note: All online MSW programs require students to complete field education at a local health services agency.

In addition to BSU, students residing in Idaho also have several out-of-state options. There are dozens of out-of-state universities offering online MSW programs that accept students from Idaho. The majority of these schools offer fully online programs that do not require students to visit campus while earning their degrees, but some schools do require a limited number of campus visits. For students who want the flexibility of an online program but would still like to meet their professors and classmates in person, these programs may be a good option.

Additionally, several out-of-state institutions have the same tuition rate for in-state and out-of-state students, so aspiring social workers should research as many programs as possible while narrowing their list of MSW programs. To learn more about a particular program, click on the school’s name below.

All online MSW programs require field education at a local health services agency. Programs that are 100% online do not require students to visit the campus during the program.

The Idaho Board of Social Work Examiners issues two types of social work license: Master Social Worker (MSW) and Clinical Social Worker (CSW). Below are some common steps to become a social worker in Idaho, which you should confirm with Idaho’s board of social workers. Information regarding licensure in Idaho was last retrieved in August 2020.

For more detailed information on becoming a social worker in Idaho, visit the Idaho Board of Social Work Examiners. You can also refer to our guides on general requirements for becoming a social worker and becoming an LCSW.

Last updated: September 2020