What is the mission of social work?
The Preamble to the Code of Ethics of the National Association of Social Workers states: The primary mission of the social work profession is to enhance human well-being and help meet the basic human needs of all people, with particular attention to the needs and empowerment of people who are vulnerable, oppressed, and living in poverty. A historic and defining feature of social work is the profession’s focus on individual well-being in a social context and the well-being of society. Fundamental to social work is attention to the environmental forces that create, contribute to, and address problems in living.
What do social workers do?
According to the Council on Social Work Education, social workers are a diverse group of professionals who share a commitment to helping enhance the well-being of people, communities, and society. They have a rich history of striving for social, economic, and environmental justice, advocating for human rights, competently providing services for clients at every stage of life, and engaging in lifelong learning.
Defining what social workers do can be difficult because they work in a wide range of situations. Examples of key tasks include:
- Identifying individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities in need of help
- Assessing clients’ needs, environments, strengths, and support networks to help them identify their goals
- Providing psychotherapy services
- Researching, referring, and advocating for community resources, such as nutrition assistance or child care
- Developing and evaluating programs and services to ensure that basic client needs are met
- Advocating for policy change on the local, state, and federal levels
- Working on interprofessional teams and leading organizations to fulfill their mission and goals
- Organizing groups, task forces, and communities for social change events and movements
Where do social workers practice?
You can find social workers in a wide variety of environments, including schools, hospitals, mental health clinics, government and legal agencies, libraries, the military, and more!
What MSW program options are offered by Boise State?
The Boise State School of Social Work offers a a full-time, in-person Regular Standing MSW Program (63 credits over 2 years, Fall & Spring semesters only) and a full-time Advanced Standing MSW program (37 credits taken in a summer term followed by Fall & Spring semesters) on our Boise campus. Persons with undergraduate degrees in social work (BSW) from a baccalaureate program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education may qualify for admission to our Advanced Standing MSW Program.
What is the focus of the Boise State MSW Program?
Our Master of Social Work Program prepares students for advanced direct professional practice with individuals, families, households, groups, organizations, and communities. Students learn the clinical, organizational, policy and administrative skills necessary for promoting social and economic justice and enhancing the quality of life for all people through agency-based, culturally sensitive advanced professional practice.
What qualifications are expected for applicants to Boise State MSW programs?
Strong MSW program candidates will demonstrate exceptional maturity, values compatible with those of professional social work, capacity for critical thinking and self-reflection, and strong potential for and commitment to personal and professional growth.
What is the criteria for admission into the MSW program?
Please visit our Admissions page for information about admissions criteria: Admission – On Campus MSW Program
When do classes begin?
Regular Standing MSW On-Campus Program Classes begin in mid-August. Advanced Standing MSW On-Campus Program classes begin in Early June.
What is a typical class schedule?
Regular Standing Program students study for four semesters earning 15 to 17 credits per semester. Full-time advanced standing students complete their MSW degrees in one year. Most classes are offered during the day on Mondays and Tuesdays. There are some evening classes.
How large are classes?
Classes are kept small to foster maximum interaction and exchange of ideas among students and faculty. Classes typically have no more than 25 students. Practicum seminar courses, where students have opportunities to discuss what they are learning through their field practicum (internships), typically have no more than 12 students.
Who are the faculty?
Boise classes are taught by full-time members of the School of Social Work faculty complemented by outstanding, community-based social work professionals.
How much is it going to cost me?
Please review Boise State University’s Graduate Tuition Fees webpage for information about fees.
Where can I get additional information?
Please visit the MSW On-Campus Program website for details about the program. If you have questions that are not answered there, please reach out to us via email (msw@boisestate.edu) or contact the MSW On-Campus Program Coordinator, LoriWatsen@boisestate.edu, to ask your questions and/or schedule an appointment.
How do I get a license to practice social work?
Licensure to practice social work in Idaho is administered by the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses. To be eligible for a social work license, applicants must have: either a baccalaureate or masters degree from an accredited social work program, a passing score on the national licensing examination, and good moral character. Following a period of clinical social work practice supervised by a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), MSW graduates are eligible to take the LCSW examination and apply for a LCSW license.
How can I become certified to practice school social work?
State Departments of Education have their own specific criteria for school social work certification. Please visit the Idaho Department of Education’s Pupil Service Staff webpage for information on criteria. If you plan to live and work in a state other than Idaho upon graduation and hope to work in a school, we recommend reviewing criteria for certification so you can plan to meet the requirements. In many states, students must complete a School Social Work course and/or complete an internship in a school setting to qualify.