Academic programs: MSW Programs: overview
MSW Program Coordinator’s Welcome
Hello and thank you for your interest in pursuing a Master of Social Work degree through Boise State University’s School of Social Work. As the only public university in Idaho that offers an MSW, we provide an exciting academic program that is taught by some of the best educators in social work. Our coursework prepares our students to become advanced direct practitioners of social work with a strong focus on individuals and families and a commitment to social justice and diversity in society.
The BSU School of Social Work has grown by leaps and bounds. We now offer both Advanced Standing MSW programs, as well as full MSW programs, in Boise, Northern Idaho, and the Magic Valley. In expanding our programs to more rural and remote areas of the state, we have responded to the needs of students, field instructors and their social service agencies, and communities throughout Idaho. Our intention is to educate and train highly skilled, professional social workers in the communities they serve.
Please join us by applying to one of the programs in our four sites. If you need information about the site you are interested in, please contact the site coordinator. If you have questions about our program in general, please call me at (208) 426-4044. I would be happy to speak with you!
Cheers!
Will Rainford, LMSW, Ph.D.
BSU MSW Program Coordinator
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Our MSW program was established in 1991 and was initially accredited in 1992. Our BSW and MSW programs have been reaffirmed for accreditation through 2010 by the Council on Social Work Education.
The School of Social Work at Boise State University offers both Full-Program MSW degrees and Advanced Standing MSW Programs. The Advanced Standing Programs are designed for students who have earned a baccalaureate degree from an undergraduate social work program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. The Full-Program MSW is for students with baccalaureate degrees in other disciplines.
In Boise the Full-Program MSW requires two years of study. The Boise Advanced Standing MSW may be completed in one year of full-time study.
The Northern Idaho Advanced Standing MSW Program began in June 2006 in Lewiston and Coeur d'Alene. Beginning in August 2008 the Northern Idaho Advanced Standing MSW may be completed in one year of full-time study or two years of half-time study. Beginning in August 2008 a three-year Full-Program MSW will be available to students in Lewiston and Coeur d'Alene. The Full-Program MSW will begin every three years. All Northern Idaho MSW programs are accredited as part of the Boise State University MSW Program.
Beginning in August 2008 both Advanced Standing and Full-Program MSW degrees will be offered by Boise State on the campus of the College of Southern Idaho in the Magic Valley. The Magic Valley Advanced Standing MSW may be completed in one year of full-time study or two years of half-time study. The Magic Valley Full-Program MSW may be completed in three years. The Full-Program MSW will begin every three years. All Magic Valley MSW programs are accredited as part of the Boise State University MSW Program.
Boise State MSW programs are intentionally small. They offer an informal climate conducive to obtaining the knowledge and skills necessary for successful advanced professional direct practice in social work. A variety of practicum placements are used that can be matched to the student's career goals. Practicum sites range from urban, inpatient psychiatric facilities to social service agencies in small, frontier communities. The mission and objectives of the MSW program have been formulated to reflect the human resource needs of Idaho and the northern Rocky Mountain region.
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