Best Online & Affordable MSW Programs in Idaho
As the demand for skilled professionals in social work continues to rise, the pursuit of advanced education in the field becomes increasingly crucial. In the state of Idaho, where the complexities of social issues intertwine with the unique dynamics of its communities, Master of Social Work (MSW) programs play a pivotal role in shaping compassionate and competent practitioners. With a landscape marked by diverse populations and distinct societal challenges, Idaho’s MSW programs stand as vital conduits for preparing individuals to navigate and address the multifaceted needs of their communities. This article explores the landscape of MSW programs in Idaho, shedding light on their significance, offerings, and contributions to the state’s social welfare fabric.
2026 Best MSW Programs in Idaho
Northwest Nazarene University
Nampa, ID - Private 4-year - nnu.edu
Master's - Master of Social Work
Concentration: Clinical Mental Health and Addictions - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Northwest Nazarene University's Master of Social Work (MSW) program provides a comprehensive and flexible pathway for aspiring social work professionals. Designed for working adults, the program offers evening and weekend classes with virtual and on-campus options. Students can choose between two compelling concentrations: Clinical Mental Health & Addictions and Integrated Clinical & Community Practice. With an impressive 98% job placement rate, experienced faculty, and practicums built into the curriculum, this program prepares graduates for advanced social work practice in rural and small-town settings both domestically and internationally.
- Two start times: Fall and Spring
- $598 per credit hour
- CSWE nationally accredited program
- Virtual and on-campus options
- 98% student job placement rate
- Weekend class schedules
- Two concentration options
- 600-hour practicum requirement
- Advanced and generalist standing
- Prepare for MSW licensing exam
Master's - Master of Social Work
Concentration: Integrated Clinical and Community Practice - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Northwest Nazarene University's Master of Social Work (MSW) program empowers students to make transformative impacts in rural and small-town settings. Designed for working professionals, the flexible program offers weekend and evening classes, with virtual and on-campus options. Students can choose between Clinical Mental Health & Addictions and Integrated Clinical & Community Practice concentrations. With a 98% job placement rate and practicums built into the curriculum, graduates are well-prepared for advanced social work practice. The program costs $598 per credit, with a $150 per semester technology fee, and provides comprehensive training for professional licensure.
- Two concentrations available
- 98% student job placement
- Virtual and on-campus options
- Weekend/evening classes
- $598 per credit
- CSWE nationally accredited
- Flexible cohort model
- Advanced and generalist standing
- 600-hour practicum requirement
- Fall and Spring start dates
Boise State University
Boise, ID - Public 4-Year - boisestate.edu
Master's - Master of Social Work
Campus Based - Visit Website
Boise State University's Master of Social Work (MSW) program provides comprehensive graduate-level training for aspiring social work professionals. Students can choose between Regular Standing and Advanced Standing tracks, preparing them to work with diverse populations across various settings. The program emphasizes community-based experiential learning, focusing on ethical practice, social justice, and evidence-based interventions. With a strong commitment to human rights and inclusivity, graduates develop critical skills to address complex social challenges and enhance individual and community well-being.
- MSW application deadline: Jan 10, 2025
- Two program tracks available
- Regular Standing MSW: 4 semesters
- Advanced Standing MSW: 3 semesters
- CSWE accredited program
- Established in 1991
- Campus-based program
- Focuses on social justice
- Prepares diverse practice settings
- Emphasizes leadership skills
Master's - Master of Social Work
Online Learning - Visit Website
Boise State University offers a comprehensive online Master of Social Work (MSW) program with flexible full-time and part-time options. Designed for both career changers and social work graduates, the program provides rigorous academic training and extensive practical experience through supervised field work. Students develop advanced skills in direct practice, research, and intervention strategies, preparing them to address complex social challenges and promote individual and community well-being.
- 100% online coursework
- Two program tracks available
- Regular Program: 61 credits
- Advanced Standing: 37 credits
- Full-time: 2 years completion
- Part-time: 3 years completion
- 1000 clock hours field work
- CSWE accredited curriculum
- Advanced intervention courses
- Flexible scheduling options
Idaho State University
Pocatello, ID - Public 4-Year - isu.edu
Master's - Master of Social Work
Concentration: Children and Families - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Idaho State University's Master of Social Work (MSW) program prepares graduates for advanced clinical and forensic social work practice. Launched in Fall 2018 and CSWE-accredited, the program offers flexible online and on-campus evening options. Students can complete the degree through Advanced Standing (34 credits) or Standard Admission (63 credits) pathways, accommodating varying academic backgrounds and professional goals.
- CSWE-accredited program
- Online and campus options
- Advanced Standing pathway
- Standard Admission pathway
- Application deadline March 1st
- Clinical and forensic focus
- Evening class schedule
- Full-time and part-time options
- Zoom class availability
Master's - Master of Social Work
Concentration: Forensic Social Work - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Idaho State University's Master of Social Work prepares graduates for advanced clinical and forensic social work practice. This comprehensive online and on-campus program offers flexible pathways, including Advanced Standing for BA Social Work graduates and Standard Admission for others. Students develop critical professional skills, cultural competence, and expertise in working with diverse populations while focusing on human rights, social justice, and evidence-based practice.
- Online and campus options
- CSWE accredited program
- Advanced Standing: 34 credits
- Standard Admission: 63 credits
- Application deadline: March 1st
- Evening classes available
- Focuses on clinical practice
- Forensic social work emphasis
- Starts summer/fall semesters
- Full-time/part-time options
MSW Degree Program Requirements/Eligibility in Idaho
Idaho Traditional MSW Admissions Requirements
You’ll need to enroll in an MSW program to be licensed as a social worker. You must enter a traditional MSW program if you don’t already have a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree. These programs typically take about a year to complete and require that you take on 60 credits as a full-time student. Below is a list of admissions requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree, typically in psychology or a related area, from a regionally accredited institution
- Minimum GPA requirement (typically around 3.0)
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement or essay
- Resume or CV outlining relevant experience
- Completion of prerequisite courses (such as psychology, sociology, or human services)
- GRE scores (some programs may waive this requirement)
- Interview (some programs may require an interview as part of the application process)
- Background check and/or fingerprinting
Idaho Advanced-Standing MSW Admissions Requirements
If you’re looking to graduate your MSW in about half the time and you already have a BSW, consider applying for an advanced standing MSW program. To qualify, you’ll need to have a GPA of at least 3.5 and all of the requirements listed above. There is currently only one advanced standing MSW program available in Idaho – Boise State University.
RELATED: Learn more about Social Work Salaries
Idaho MSW Program Tuition and Costs
As you can see in the table below, there are currently only two MSW programs offered in the State of Idaho. Both programs are relatively affordable, especially if you are an Idaho state resident. Remember that there will be other fees and expenses you must consider when applying.
| School | Tuition (per credit hour) | Total Credits | Total Tuition |
| Idaho State University | $303 (Resident) $804 (Non-resident) | 59 | $17,856 (Resident) $47,408 (Non-resident) |
| Boise State University | $316 (Resident) $871 (Non-resident) | 61 | $19,276 (Resident) $53,116 (Non-resident |
2026 Affordable MSW Program Options
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Northwest Nazarene University |
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| Idaho State University |
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| Boise State University |
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Are Online MSW Programs in Idaho as Good as Campus-Based?
If you want to enroll in an Idaho MSW program but don’t live near a campus, you can always choose an online school. Take a look at the factors below to see if online schools are the right choice for you.
Traditional MSW vs. Online MSW Programs in Idaho
| Traditional MSW Programs | Online MSW Programs | |
| Format | In-person classes | Online classes with some in-person requirements |
| Flexibility | Limited scheduling options | More flexibility in scheduling, often part-time options |
| Location | Geographically limited | Accessible from anywhere with internet connectivity |
| Learning Environment | Classroom-based | Virtual classroom, discussion boards, and online resources |
| Networking | Local networking opportunities | Networking with students and professionals from diverse locations |
| Cost | Tuition, commuting, and relocation expenses | Generally lower tuition and flexibility to continue working |
| Hands-on Experience | Field placements and internships | Virtual or field placements and internships arranged in the student's local area |
Regardless of if you choose a campus-based or online MSW program in Idaho, you'll need to make sure that your degree program is properly accredited by a trusted agency such as the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
Learn more about Social Work Degree Options:
- Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
- Master of Social Work (MSW)
- Graduate Certificate in Social Work
- Doctorate of Social Work (DSW)
Getting Your Idaho Social Work License
Getting licensed as a social worker in Idaho is the final step once you earn your MSW degree. Each state has different requirements for licensure, including Idaho. Learn more in our Social Work Licensure Guide.
Popular Social Work Careers
Discover the specializations available to you within social work. These social work careers can help you work with diverse populations in a variety of environments.
School Social Worker
School social workers provide counseling, support, and advocacy for students facing social, emotional, or behavioral challenges. They collaborate with teachers, parents, and other professionals to develop student success strategies, provide crisis intervention, and facilitate support groups.
Healthcare Social Worker
Healthcare social workers assess patients' social, emotional, and practical needs. They provide counseling and support, coordinate care with healthcare providers, advocate for patients' rights, and connect patients and their families with community resources to ensure holistic and comprehensive care.
Court Social Worker
Court social workers assess the needs of individuals involved in court cases. They develop intervention plans, provide counseling and support, monitor progress in court-ordered programs, collaborate with legal professionals, and advocate for clients' best interests in legal proceedings.
List of MSW Degree Programs in Idaho
Boise, ID
Boise State University
- Master's - Master of Social Work
Campus Based - Website
- MSW application deadline: Jan 10, 2025
- Two program tracks available
- Regular Standing MSW: 4 semesters
- Advanced Standing MSW: 3 semesters
- CSWE accredited program
- Established in 1991
- Campus-based program
- Focuses on social justice
- Master's - Master of Social Work
Online Learning - Website
- 100% online coursework
- Two program tracks available
- Regular Program: 61 credits
- Advanced Standing: 37 credits
- Full-time: 2 years completion
- Part-time: 3 years completion
- 1000 clock hours field work
- CSWE accredited curriculum
Nampa, ID
Northwest Nazarene University
- Master's - Master of Social Work
Concentration: Clinical Mental Health and Addictions - Online & Campus Based - Website
- Two start times: Fall and Spring
- $598 per credit hour
- CSWE nationally accredited program
- Virtual and on-campus options
- 98% student job placement rate
- Weekend class schedules
- Two concentration options
- 600-hour practicum requirement
- Master's - Master of Social Work
Concentration: Integrated Clinical and Community Practice - Online & Campus Based - Website
- Two concentrations available
- 98% student job placement
- Virtual and on-campus options
- Weekend/evening classes
- $598 per credit
- CSWE nationally accredited
- Flexible cohort model
- Advanced and generalist standing
Pocatello, ID
Idaho State University
- Master's - Master of Social Work
Concentration: Children and Families - Online & Campus Based - Website
- CSWE-accredited program
- Online and campus options
- Advanced Standing pathway
- Standard Admission pathway
- Application deadline March 1st
- Clinical and forensic focus
- Evening class schedule
- Full-time and part-time options
- Master's - Master of Social Work
Concentration: Forensic Social Work - Online & Campus Based - Website
- Online and campus options
- CSWE accredited program
- Advanced Standing: 34 credits
- Standard Admission: 63 credits
- Application deadline: March 1st
- Evening classes available
- Focuses on clinical practice
- Forensic social work emphasis
