The Gem State presents a focused yet accessible landscape for pursuing advanced social work education, with selective but quality options tailored to Idaho’s mountainous terrain and rural communities. Boise State University currently stands as the sole provider of fully online MSW education within Idaho’s borders, offering both traditional and advanced standing tracks through CSWE-accredited programming. With only two CSWE-accredited social work schools operating at the graduate level in Idaho, many aspiring practitioners also turn to respected national online programs that accommodate Idaho residents while delivering the same rigorous preparation in clinical intervention, community practice, policy advocacy, and rural social work specialization essential for serving dispersed populations across vast geographic areas.

Idaho’s employment landscape for MSW-prepared social workers reveals promising financial incentives and steady market demand. The state’s economy, anchored by manufacturing, agriculture, mining, and tourism sectors, generates consistent needs for social work services in healthcare facilities, school districts, mental health centers, and community agencies spanning from urban Boise to remote mountain communities. Idaho’s licensing requirements ensure professional standards while creating pathways for career advancement, particularly for those willing to serve underserved rural areas where social work expertise remains critically needed. Whether pursuing clinical social work licensure or other roles, Idaho’s online MSW pathways provide the foundational knowledge, supervised fieldwork experiences, and specialized training necessary to address the complex social challenges facing the state’s diverse communities from valley floors to mountain peaks.

2026 Best Idaho MSW Programs Online

Masters in Social Work Online brings you the most comprehensive guide to the best online MSW programs in Idaho. As more social work students seek flexible education options, these virtual programs offer incredible opportunities for aspiring professionals to advance their careers without disrupting their current work or family commitments. Our expert team has carefully evaluated each program based on academic quality, affordability, faculty credentials, and student support services. Distance learning options now make it possible for students across Idaho to access top-tier social work education from the comfort of their homes. These online programs provide the same rigorous curriculum and professional training as traditional on-campus experiences, ensuring graduates are fully prepared to make meaningful impacts in their communities. Learn more about our ranking methodology.
#1

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 online Master of Social Work program specializes in Clinical Mental Health and Addictions, offering a comprehensive and flexible pathway for working professionals. The CSWE-accredited hybrid program features two start times annually and provides virtual and on-campus learning options. With a remarkable 98% job placement rate, students complete a rigorous 600-hour practicum while preparing for professional licensing. Weekend and evening class schedules accommodate diverse student needs, and the program costs $598 per credit hour. Students gain advanced skills in clinical mental health interventions, addiction counseling, and community-based practice, positioning graduates for impactful social work careers in rural and small-town settings.

  • 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 online Master of Social Work program in Integrated Clinical and Community Practice delivers a transformative educational experience for aspiring social work professionals. The hybrid program offers comprehensive training with virtual and on-campus options, emphasizing community-based interventions and clinical practice. Students benefit from a flexible cohort model, weekend/evening classes, and a robust 600-hour practicum requirement. With CSWE national accreditation and a stellar 98% job placement rate, the program prepares graduates for advanced standing and professional licensure. At $598 per credit, the program provides an accessible pathway to developing sophisticated skills in community engagement and integrated clinical approaches.

  • 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
Show 1 More Programs ˅
#2

Boise State University

Boise, ID - Public 4-Year - boisestate.edu

Master's - Master of Social Work

Online Learning - Visit Website

Boise State University's online Master of Social Work offers a dynamic pathway for aspiring social work professionals seeking comprehensive graduate-level education. The fully online program provides two distinct tracks: a regular program and an advanced standing option, accommodating diverse student backgrounds. CSWE-accredited curriculum ensures high-quality training with 1000 clock hours of field work experience. Students can complete the program in 2-3 years, choosing between full-time and part-time enrollment. The flexible format allows working professionals to advance their careers without disrupting current employment. Advanced intervention courses and rigorous academic training prepare graduates to tackle complex social challenges, developing sophisticated skills in direct practice, research methodologies, and community-focused interventions.

  • 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
#3

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 online Master of Social Work program specializes in Children and Families concentration, offering a dynamic learning experience through CSWE-accredited curriculum. The hybrid program provides flexible pathways including Advanced Standing (34 credits) and Standard Admission (63 credits), accommodating diverse academic backgrounds. Students can complete coursework online or through evening classes, with full-time and part-time options. The program emphasizes clinical skills, forensic practice, and cultural competence, preparing graduates for advanced social work roles. No specific entrance exam is mentioned, making it accessible for aspiring social work professionals focused on children and family interventions.

  • 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 online Master of Social Work program with a Forensic Social Work concentration delivers comprehensive professional training through a flexible hybrid model. CSWE-accredited and designed for both Advanced Standing and Standard Admission students, the program focuses on developing critical skills in human rights, social justice, and evidence-based practices. Students explore forensic social work principles through online and evening classes, with options for full-time and part-time enrollment. The curriculum prepares graduates for advanced clinical and forensic practice, emphasizing cultural competence and diverse population engagement. Notably, the program appears to have no mandatory standardized entrance exam requirement.

  • 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
Show 1 More Programs ˅
*U.S. Department of Education institutional data (IPEDS 2023).

List of Idaho Online MSW Programs

Jump to City:

Boise, ID

Boise State University

  • 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
*Data from: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), 2023.

2026 Affordable Online Idaho MSW Program Options

Explore affordable online master's social work program options across Idaho, a state known for its diverse landscapes and supportive communities. These virtual educational opportunities provide flexible learning pathways for students in cities like Boise, Idaho Falls, and Pocatello who seek advanced social work credentials. Distance learning platforms enable working professionals and rural residents to access high-quality graduate education without relocating or disrupting current employment. Online programs offer critical advantages, including cost-effectiveness, schedule flexibility, and accessibility for students throughout the Gem State. Whether you're seeking a master's degree, graduate certificate, or doctoral-level training, these digital educational resources can help you advance your social work career and make meaningful community impacts.
Northwest Nazarene University
  • 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
  • $9,100 - $13,700 (Graduate)
Idaho State University
  • 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
  • $9,000 - $13,500 (Graduate In-State)
  • $24,100 - $36,200 (Graduate Non-Resident)
Boise State University
  • 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
  • $8,400 - $12,600 (Graduate In-State)
  • $22,900 - $34,300 (Graduate Non-Resident)
*Reference: National Center for Education Statistics, IPEDS 2023 data system.

List of Idaho Advanced Standing Online MSW Programs

Advanced standing MSW programs in Idaho are designed for students who have completed a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from a CSWE-accredited institution, providing an accelerated pathway to earn their master’s degree. These programs focus on advanced clinical practice, community engagement, and rural social work to address Idaho’s unique challenges, including serving geographically isolated communities, addressing mental health and addiction issues, and supporting agricultural and outdoor recreation-based economies. Students develop specialized skills in areas such as clinical mental health, forensic social work, and integrated community practice while preparing to serve both urban centers like Boise and remote rural areas throughout the state’s mountainous terrain.

Jump to City:

Nampa, ID

Northwest Nazarene University

  • Master's - Advanced Standing MSW

    Online Learning - Website

    • Advanced Standing MSW option
    • Flexible weekend/evening classes
    • Two program concentrations
    • 98% student job placement
    • Online and in-person formats
    • $598-$623 per credit
    • CSWE nationally accredited
    • Practicum opportunities included

Pocatello, ID

Idaho State University

  • Master's - Advanced Standing MSW

    Online Learning - Website

    • CSWE Accredited Program
    • Online and Campus Options
    • Advanced Standing Available
    • Clinical Practice Focus
    • Evening Class Schedules
    • 63 Credits Standard Track
    • 34 Credits Advanced Standing
*Data accessed from: IPEDS 2023, National Center for Education Statistics.