Boise State University

What you'll study

The BSW is structured as a two-stage programme: a lower-division/pre‑major stage that builds a foundation in liberal studies and social science, followed by an upper-division professional sequence focused on social work practice, policy, research and field education. Core topics include human behaviour in the social environment, social welfare policy and services, research methods and statistics for social work, ethics and professional issues, and practice courses in working with individuals, families, groups and communities.

• Practice courses — assessment and intervention strategies for micro, mezzo and macro practice, culturally responsive practice, trauma-informed approaches, and specialised practice areas such as child and family practice, mental health, substance use, and ageing.
• Policy and systems — social welfare history, policy analysis, advocacy, and community organisation.
• Research and evaluation — introduction to research design, programme evaluation and use of evidence in practice.
• Field education — a sustained, supervised practicum placement in community agencies where students integrate classroom learning with direct practice and professional supervision.
• Electives and interdisciplinary options — opportunities to take related courses in psychology, sociology, public health, education or criminal justice to tailor the degree to career interests.

Entry requirements

Applicants need a secondary school diploma or equivalent. Admission typically requires completion of general education or prerequisite coursework (for example, introductory social work, psychology or sociology, academic writing and college-level statistics), and a competitive cumulative GPA. Many students enter as pre‑social work majors and apply to the professional sequence after meeting minimum academic and practicum-readiness standards.

• High school graduation or equivalent.
• Completion of designated prerequisite courses and a minimum college GPA as specified by the department for progression to the upper‑division professional sequence.
• Successful applicants must demonstrate communication skills, commitment to ethical practice and readiness for supervised fieldwork; professional references or a personal statement are commonly required.
• Before practicum placements, students are typically required to pass a criminal background check and meet health/immunisation and professional conduct requirements set by partner agencies.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for entry-level professional social work positions across public and non-profit sectors. Common employers and roles include child welfare agencies, community mental health centres, hospitals and healthcare teams, school-based services, ageing services and long-term care, substance use treatment programmes, probation and corrections support, and community outreach or case management agencies.

A BSW also provides a pathway to graduate study in social work; many graduates pursue a Master of Social Work (MSW), sometimes with advanced standing for qualified BSW holders, to specialise clinically or move into leadership, research or policy roles.

Why study at Boise State University

Boise State's social work programme combines classroom teaching with community-engaged learning and supervised field placements across the Boise metropolitan area and Idaho, giving students practical experience in diverse service settings. The department emphasises social justice, culturally competent practice and interprofessional collaboration, with opportunities to work alongside faculty who are active in applied research and community partnerships.

The university’s location in Idaho's capital provides access to a broad network of social service agencies, public health organisations and policy-makers, supporting strong practicum placements and employment connections. The curriculum is designed to meet national professional standards for undergraduate social work education and to prepare graduates for licensure requirements and professional practice.