Boise State University Online Master of Social Work, Idaho

Why Boise State University?

The online Master of Social Work offered by Boise State University accepts applicants with social service practice experience and an undergraduate degree in any field. Boise State University,  a large public research university in Boise, Idaho, offers education in social work practice balancing theory and practical skills. 

Standardized test scores are not required, and a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.00  is expected.  

Program Snapshot

University Name Boise State University
Location Boise
State Idaho
Niche.com Grade B
Name of Degree Master of Social Work
School or Department Administering Program School of Social Work
Credits 61
Cost per credit $495.00
Tuition for Entire Program $30,195
Test Requirements No
Minimum GPA 3.00
Prerequisite Courses and Skills Social service practice experience
Campus Visit Required? No Visit Required
Typical Time to Complete 2-3 years
When Can Students Start the Program? Fall, Spring and Summer
Program Concentrations Advanced Generalist
Synchronous Classes No
Required Courses
  • Foundation of Social Work Practice I
  •  Foundation of Social Work Practice II
  •  Foundation of Social Welfare Policy
  • Human Development Through the Life Course
  •  Ethnicity, Gender, and Class
  • Foundation of Social Work Practice
  • Social Dimensions of Human Behavior
  • Foundations of Research I and II
  • Foundation Field Work I and II
  • Foundation Practicum Seminar I and II
  • Leadership and Management
  • Advanced Social Work Interventions I and II
  • Advanced Social Work Practicum I and II
  • Advanced Practicum Seminar I and II
Does the Program Include a Capstone? No
Does the Program Include a Practicum or Internship? Yes
Other Features that Make the Program Unique Lower cost; flexible schedule; sense of community
Program Objectives (quoted directly from the program) Encourage academic excellence in social work theory and practice, as well as community-based experiential learning; Address the educational and labor needs of the social work profession at the local, state, and regional levels; When dealing with diverse and/or disadvantaged communities, promote inclusivity and cultural humility. Graduates will be prepared for ethical leadership in professional practice and service delivery. Critical thinking, scientific investigation, and research evidence will all help to inform practice.
Program Description This 61-credit program prepares students to meet the social service needs of their communities through a comprehensive curriculum focusing on professional values and useful skills. A capstone is not required but all students must complete a practicum.  Flexibility and lower-cost make the program accessible to working individuals.

What will I Learn?

Boise State University’s online Master of Social Work program strives to foster academic achievement by combining social work theory and practice with community-based practical learning. Coursework promotes understanding of global human problems while also addressing social work education and employment demands at the local, state, and regional levels. When working with diverse and/or disadvantaged communities, students learn to put inclusivity and cultural humility into practice. Graduates are ready to take on leadership roles in service delivery systems as ethical practitioners who identify strengths and work to improve the well-being of individuals and families via engagement, assessment, intervention, and evaluation. The curriculum is influenced by critical thinking, scientific inquiry, and research evidence throughout the program.

Students begin the program with required courses on Foundation of Social Work Practice (I and II) and Foundation of Social Welfare Policy. They gain an understanding of their clients and communities through Human Development Through the Life Course, Social Dimensions of Human Behavior, and Ethnicity, Gender, and Class. Students learn key professional skills in Foundation of Social Work Practice, before completing required courses in Field Work and accompanying Practicum Seminars. Leadership skills are taught in  Foundations of Research I and II, and in Leadership and Management. 

How much will the program cost?

Students finish their degree within 2-3 years and pay $495.00 per credit for a total of 61 credits, or $30,195 in total.

How does the program fit into my life?

All classes are asynchronous, meaning that students complete coursework on their own schedule each week, including watching pre-recorded lectures and participating in online discussion. No campus visit is required. Most students complete the program within 2-3 years. Students can enter the program in Fall, Spring or Summer. The program prides itself on being accessible to working students and offering the necessary flexibility for them to complete the program successfully.

Summary

The Master of Social Work online program at Boise State University, in Boise, Idaho, is a lower-cost and flexible option for residents of this western state and elsewhere in the United States. The school offers support for individuals who are already in the workforce to balance the needs of job, family and education, including mentorship and co-ordination of the practicum experience. The curriculum is comprehensive and straightforward.