Boise State’s master of social work (MSW) online program ranked 10th in the “Best Affordable Online MSW Programs in 2021” list by Best Value Schools. Students currently enrolled in the program echo the ranking.
The MSW online degree is designed to prepare students for advanced social work practice with individuals and families. Students learn clinical, organizational and policy skills necessary for promoting social justice and equality and enhancing the quality of life for all people.
Boise State is the only public institution in the state that offers both on campus and online programs. Accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, the program has no out-of-state tuition, 100 percent online coursework, and licensing pass rates that exceed the national average.
“It’s wonderful to receive recognition for the high-caliber, affordable education we offer our students,” said Joelle Powers, interim director of the School of Social Work and associate dean for the College of Health Sciences who helped launch the online program.
Powers noted that given the current and predicted future needs for increased social work practitioners across the state and nation, being able to offer students MSW programming in flexible and affordable formats is critical to communities.
“Every county in Idaho is a behavioral health shortage area,” she said. “That means there are not enough behavioral health professionals to meet the population’s needs. The online MSW program is a way for us to supply professionals that already live in those rural areas.”
Social work is one of the fastest growing careers in the U.S. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 16 percent growth rate in social work jobs by 2024. Social workers are placed in a variety of settings to provide services to the most vulnerable people and communities. They make up the largest group of mental health providers nationally and share a commitment to improving the lives of individuals, groups and communities and bringing about positive social change.