Idaho MSW Programs

Idaho’s MSW programs create strong career advancement opportunities in social work, despite having few options in the state.

Quality social work education in Idaho comes from three Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited institutions. Boise State University lets students choose flexible online MSW options through full-time (2 years) or part-time (3 years) tracks. Idaho State’s MSW program delivers a hybrid online format that includes traditional and advanced standing paths. Northwest Nazarene University excels with its Clinical Mental Health and Addictions concentration and maintains an impressive 98% job placement rate. Students can select from various specializations and delivery methods that align with their career goals and schedule needs. These programs help social work professionals advance their careers across Idaho’s cities like Nampa, Pocatello, Boise and beyond.

Boise State University MSW Programs

Boise State University carries most of the social work education in Idaho. The university has a complete MSW program that will prepare you for advanced professional practice. The program started in 1991 and has maintained its Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accreditation while adapting to what social workers need today.

Program overview

Boise State’s Master of Social Work program helps graduates become specialists who work with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. The program puts human rights, social and economic justice, environmental justice, and diversity at its center.

You’ll learn to help individuals and families through participation, assessment, intervention, and evaluation. The faculty created eight specific goals to guide the MSW program:

1. Academic excellence that blends theory with community-based experiential learning
2. Knowledge about global human conditions
3. Meeting local, state, and regional workforce needs
4. Building inclusiveness and cultural humility with diverse populations
5. Leadership training in service delivery systems
6. Ethical professional practice
7. Strengths-based approaches to improve well-being
8. Practice informed by critical thinking and scientific inquiry

Students develop skills in communication, reasoning, analysis, and critical thinking. You’ll get essential social work knowledge plus specialized training in direct practice with individuals and families, as well as macro practice with groups, communities, and organizations.

Social work jobs will grow by 7% from 2023-2033. Mental Health & Substance Use (12%) and Healthcare/Medical Social Work (10%) will see even bigger increases. This makes Boise State’s MSW a smart choice for your career.

Program formats

Students can choose from flexible program options at Boise State. The School of Social Work offers two main tracks:

Regular Standing MSW Program:

• Perfect if you have a bachelor’s degree in any field except social work
• Takes 61-63 credits (sources vary slightly)
• You’ll need 43-45 credits of coursework plus 18 credits of supervised field practicum (1,000 clock hours)
• Students finish in four semesters (fall/spring; fall/spring) with summers off
• Full-time takes two years, part-time takes three years

Advanced Standing MSW Program:

• Made for students with a Bachelor of Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program
• Has 37 credits: 25 credits of coursework and 12 credits of field practicum (600 hours)
• Starts each summer with a 7-week term followed by fall and spring semesters
• Takes 12 months (full-time) or 21 months (part-time)

You can join Advanced Standing if you:

• Got your BSW from a CSWE-accredited school in the last 5 years, or
• Got your BSW from a CSWE-accredited school in the last 10 years and have solid social work experience

Here are your delivery options:

Campus-Based Program:

• Classes in Boise run during the day on Mondays and Tuesdays in 3-hour blocks
• Evening options from 6:00 to 9:00 PM
• Mix of online and hybrid classes

Online Program:

• All coursework is online with flexible scheduling
• Same curriculum as campus classes but delivered differently
• Costs the same for everyone – great news if you’re from out of state

Classes stay small in all formats (25 students max) to give you plenty of interaction with faculty. Practicum seminars are even smaller, with about 12 students per section.

Idaho State University MSW Programs

Idaho State University revolutionizes social work education with its MSW program that earned accreditation in June 2021. The program started in Fall 2018 and helps students gain expertise in advanced clinical or forensic practice.

Program overview

The Master of Social Work program at Idaho State University prepares students to become skilled at clinical social work practice. Students learn to promote human and social well-being while championing social justice. The program equips graduates with culturally competent skills and evidence-based knowledge that works in local and global communities.

The program has six clear goals that shape your educational path:

1. Developing professional identity incorporating social work values and ethics
2. Building practice skills centered on human relationships and evidence-based knowledge
3. Developing critical thinking based on scientific inquiry
4. Preparing for work with diverse and disadvantaged populations
5. Advancing human rights and social justice
6. Gaining expertise in clinically focused practice with children, families, and forensic social work

Students must achieve nine learning outcomes that match CSWE competencies. These outcomes cover ethical behavior, diversity involvement, human rights advancement, research-informed practice, policy involvement, and complete work with individuals through communities.

CSWE accreditation shows the program meets quality standards through peer review. The program has reliable resources and follows educational standards. This recognition applies to all program locations and teaching methods, ensuring program quality and graduate competence.

Program formats

Students can choose flexible program formats that fit their schedules. Classes happen in the evenings either at the Pocatello campus or through Zoom for online students.

Two main tracks are available:

Advanced Standing MSW (for BSW holders):

• 34 total credits
• Complete in 3 semesters (full-time) or 5 semesters (part-time)
• Best time to start: Summer semester
• Core courses: applied research, advanced practice interventions, mental disorders evaluation, diversity in social work practice, advanced policy practice, and fieldwork

Standard Admission MSW (for non-BSW holders):

• 63 total credits
• Complete in 5 semesters (full-time) or 8 semesters (part-time)
• Best time to start: Fall semester
• Foundation courses plus advanced clinical practice curriculum

The program reaches beyond Idaho through mutually beneficial alliances. Students at Umpqua Community College in Oregon can earn their MSW online while gaining work experience in Douglas County.

Idaho State MSW specializations

The program offers two main areas of specialized practice:

1. Advanced Clinical Practice – Children and families focus
2. Forensic Social Work Practice

Each area needs core coursework and field practicum hours. The curriculum follows this sequence:

Advanced Standing students take:

• Fall Semester: Advanced HBSE II and Diversity Issues, Advanced Practice Interventions and Comparative Theories, Professional Communication, Specialty Area Elective, and Field Practicum/Seminar III (16 credits)
• Spring Semester: Evaluation and Treatment of Mental Disorders, Advanced Policy, Applied Research, Specialty Area Elective, and Field Practicum/Seminar IV (16 credits)
• Summer Semester: Specialty Area Elective (3 credits)

Standard Admission students learn foundational knowledge in year one before starting specialized curriculum in year two.

Students must complete nine approved elective credits in Advanced Clinical Practice. These focus on working with children and families or forensic social work.

Fieldwork requirements

Field practicum is the cornerstone of social work education at Idaho State. Students learn hands-on skills through direct practice.

The field experience has two parts:

1. Agency placement
2. Weekly campus or video conference seminar with program faculty

Required hours differ by program:

Standard Admission Program:

• 400 hours in foundation practicum (first year)
• 500 hours in advanced practicum (second year)
• Total: 900 field hours

Advanced Standing Program:

• 500 hours in advanced practicum
• Total: 500 field hours

Each semester practicum earns six academic credits. A block practicum option needs 400 agency hours plus weekly seminar, earning twelve academic credits.

Seminars connect theory to practice. Client confidentiality matters most—breaking it can lead to practicum failure and possible program dismissal.

Students start placement after getting approval from the social work program field director. They interview with agencies and field instructors one semester before placement, with two agency interviews suggested.

Admissions criteria

The program accepts applications until March 1st each year through a competitive process.

Advanced Standing Admission Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program
• Minimum 3.3 GPA in all Social Work courses
• GPA makes up 10% of scoring

Standard Admission Requirements:

• Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college/university
• Minimum 21 credits in social/behavioral sciences
• Grade C or better in Human Biology with Lab OR General Psychology
• Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA
• 30 hours of paid/volunteer human services experience

Application needs:

1. Personal statement (40% of score) showing commitment to social work values, practice understanding, cultural sensitivity, and MSW motivation
2. Two recommendation letters (20% of score)
3. Current resume (10% of score) listing all human service work
4. $65 non-refundable application fee

Three committee members review each application using a scoring rubric. Final scores come from averaging all reviewers’ independent ratings.

Available seats change yearly based on graduation rates, current enrollment, and faculty resources. Qualified applicants might land on a waitlist when classes fill up.

The program doesn’t give academic credit for life experience or work history.

Tuition and costs

Program costs vary by residency and enrollment:

Graduate Resident Tuition (Full-Time, 9+ credits):

• Tuition: $3,583 per semester
• Graduate Fee: $881 per semester
• Total: $4,464 per semester

Graduate Non-Resident Tuition (Full-Time, 9+ credits):

• Tuition: $3,583 per semester
• Non-Resident Fee: $7,388 per semester
• Graduate Fee: $881 per credit
• Total: $11,852 per semester

Part-Time Tuition Rates (8 credits or less):

• Resident: $447 per credit
• Non-Resident: $687 per credit

Application deadlines:

• Fall: June 1
• Spring: November 1
• Summer: April 1

The program earned CSWE accreditation in June 2021. While non-resident tuition costs more, online options make the program accessible beyond state borders.

Northwest Nazarene University MSW Programs

Northwest Nazarene University completes the trio of Idaho MSW programs with its faith-based approach rooted in the Wesleyan-Holiness tradition. The university’s campus sits in Nampa with a distance learning facility in Idaho Falls. Students learn advanced micro, mezzo, and macro practice with special attention to rural and small-town communities.

Program overview

Northwest Nazarene University’s MSW program aims to provide education based on knowledge and values. Students learn advanced practice skills to help diverse and oppressed populations in rural settings. The program’s success shows in its impressive 98% student job placement rate.

Students learn in cohorts that create an interactive environment and promote collegiality and professional relationships. This setup encourages peer support but allows individual work when needed. The program’s CSWE accreditation at both undergraduate and graduate levels guarantees quality education.

You’ll be ready for advanced social work practice in rural and small-town settings, both in the US and abroad. This geographic focus sets NNU apart from other Idaho MSW programs that focus on urban practice.

Program formats

NNU’s MSW program gives you amazing flexibility. You can study virtually or attend weekend classes on campus while keeping up with work and family life. Class times run Thursdays and Fridays from 4:00 pm to 9:30 pm and Saturdays from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm (MST).

The part-time program offers two main tracks:

Generalist (Traditional) Track:

• 63 semester credits minimum
• Seven semesters (28 months) for Fall admission
• Eight semesters (30 months) for Spring admission

Advanced Standing Track:

• 41 semester credits minimum
• Four semesters (16 months) for Fall admission
• Five semesters (18 months) for Spring admission

Fall 2025 brings a new asynchronous online program at the Generalist level. Specialized/Advanced standing courses will join in Fall 2026. This online option costs an extra $25 per credit.

Specializations

NNU has two concentrations that prepare you for clinical licensure:

1. Clinical Mental Health and Addictions (CMHA) – You’ll learn to provide psychotherapy and addiction services to individuals, families, and groups. The curriculum teaches therapeutic theories and lets you practice them. Field placements might include private therapy offices, mental health centers, addiction treatment settings, and substance abuse clinics.
2. Integrated Clinical and Community Practice (ICCP) – This track combines training in various practice areas if you’re interested in clinical or macro practice beyond psychotherapy. Field placements can include child welfare agencies, healthcare settings, criminal justice programs, and macro practice opportunities.

Whatever concentration you choose, you’ll take core courses in policy issues, research, human behavior, diversity, spirituality, and complete an examination or thesis.

Fieldwork requirements

Fieldwork is crucial to NNU’s MSW education. Both specializations require 600 internship hours that cover micro, mezzo, and macro levels of practice.

Students should complete all 600 hours at one agency, though some situations might need splitting hours between two agencies. CMHA students can focus on one area or split their time between mental health and addictions.

The program works with your schedule and location for field practicum placements. This helps you balance professional and family commitments while earning your degree.

Admissions criteria

Students from any academic background can apply to NNU’s MSW program. You’ll need:

• A four-year baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution
• A minimum 2.75 cumulative GPA (3.0 or higher in major field preferred)
• Admission as either Generalist or Advanced Standing status

Advanced Standing usually needs a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program, but each case gets individual review.

Students must earn a B- or better in all content classes to graduate. Field placement courses require at least a B grade.

Tuition and costs

Your tuition depends on how you take classes:

In-Person & Live Online:

• $598 per credit
• $150 per semester technology fee

Fully Online (Asynchronous):

• $623 per credit
• $150 per semester technology fee

The full 63-credit Generalist program costs about $37,674, while the 41-credit Advanced Standing program runs around $24,518. These figures don’t include technology fees and books.

NNU’s prices match other Idaho MSW programs but add unique benefits like faith-based learning and rural practice focus that you won’t find at Boise State or Idaho State.

Comparing Idaho MSW Programs

Understanding these three Idaho MSW programs reveals clear differences in how they structure their courses, deliver content, handle fieldwork, manage costs, and prepare students for careers.

Program length and structure comparison

These Idaho MSW programs give students regular and advanced standing options with different timeframes:

• Regular Program: Boise State requires 61 credits over 2 years (full-time), Idaho State requires 63 credits over 5 semesters (full-time), and Northwest Nazarene requires 63 credits over 7-8 semesters (part-time).
• Advanced Standing: Boise State requires 37 credits over 12-21 months, Idaho State requires 34 credits over 3-5 semesters, and Northwest Nazarene requires 41 credits over 4-5 semesters.

Online vs campus-based delivery

Each university takes a different approach to course delivery. Boise State runs a fully online program with similar tuition for all locations. Idaho State combines evening classes with both in-person and Zoom options. Northwest Nazarene offers weekend classes (Thursday-Saturday) and plans to launch an online option in 2025 that students can complete at their own pace.

Fieldwork hour requirements

The hands-on experience requirements vary quite a bit between programs. Boise State asks for the most fieldwork hours – 1,000 total for regular program students (400 foundation + 600 advanced) and 600 hours for advanced standing students. Idaho State needs 900 hours from regular students (400 foundation + 500 advanced) and 500 hours from advanced standing students. Northwest Nazarene keeps it simple with 600 hours for all students, whatever track they choose.

Affordability and tuition comparison

Current tuition rates show notable price differences:

Job placement and licensure preparation

Northwest Nazarene boasts an impressive 98% job placement rate. The CSWE accreditation these programs share helps graduates get licensed. Students must pass the ASWB exam and complete supervised practice hours to work in Idaho. The social work field looks promising with 7% growth expected through 2032.

Choosing an Idaho MSW

Your career goals, priorities and personal situation will determine the best MSW program for you. Idaho has three CSWE-accredited options, and each one brings unique benefits to the table. Boise State features a complete 1,000-hour fieldwork requirement with a fully online program. Idaho State is great for students who want to focus on forensic social work, with classes available in-person and through Zoom in the evenings. Northwest Nazarene boasts a 98% job placement rate and takes a faith-based approach with weekend classes that work well for professionals.

These programs have their own unique features, but they all prepare you for professional licensure. Social workers are needed in different settings, and the field expects 7% growth through 2032. This makes any of these programs a smart choice for your future career. Small class sizes are a common feature that helps students build strong relationships with faculty during their educational experience.

Take time to assess each program’s focus areas, teaching methods, fieldwork needs and costs. Think about what matters most – Boise State’s online flexibility, NNU’s clinical mental health focus, or Idaho State’s forensic social work concentration. An MSW from these accredited schools will give you the credentials and knowledge to advance your career and help Idaho communities.