Online Social Work Programs in Idaho
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), community and social service jobs make up about 17 out of every 1,000 positions in Idaho. The state has about one child and family social worker for each of the 1,300 children in foster care. Furthermore, Idaho employs about 480 healthcare social workers, 2,580 social work assistants, and 90 social workers in other specialties.
Idaho social work salaries depend on the roles that candidates fill and the number of years of experience they bring to the position. On average, social service assistants, who are not typically licensed, earn $33,070 per year. Child and family social workers earn $52,110 per year, on average, and healthcare social workers earn a mean salary of $56,080. The resource below details the process candidates must complete to fill social work jobs in Idaho.
Social Work Programs by Degree Level
Online Master’s in Social Work Programs
Education and Licensure Requirements for Social Workers in Idaho
The Idaho Bureau of Occupational Licenses oversees the Idaho Board of Social Work Examiners. The board awards three licenses: licensed bachelor social worker (LBSW), licensed master social worker (LMSW), and licensed clinical social worker (LCSW).
Featured Online Social Work Programs
Education Requirements
LBSW candidates need an accredited bachelor’s degree in social work. LMSW and LCSW applicants need accredited graduate degrees in social work. The board does not accept candidates with degrees in related fields, such as psychology or sociology. Candidates should consider attending programs with accreditation from the Council for Social Work Education (CSWE), though the board does not require CSWE accreditation.
Exam Application Process and Requirements
Once candidates complete their degree, they can apply to take the appropriate exam from the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB). LBSW candidates take the bachelor’s-level ASWB exam. LMSW applicants can take either the advanced or clinical exam. LCSW candidates need two years of supervised work experience as an LMSW to sit for the exam.
Once their application is approved, candidates register for the exam through Pearson Vue, a private organization that administers the exams. Candidates can take the tests year-round at Pearson Vue testing centers across the state. When they register, applicants should request that the ASWB sends their results to the board. Once licensed, LMSWs can select registered supervisors and start working toward LCSW requirements.
Continuing Education and Licensure Renewal
Idaho social work licenses expire annually on each professional’s date of birth. The board sends out renewal notices about six weeks before each person’s expiration date. During the first renewal cycle, candidates do not need to earn continuing education hours. However, they must earn at least 20 continuing education credits each year thereafter. At least one credit each year should come from professional ethics courses. Candidates do not need to send proof of their continuing education hours unless the board randomly selects them for audits. LCSW renewal applicants must pay a $90 fee, while all other licensees must pay an $80 fee.
Why Choose an Online Social Work Program in Idaho?
Online social work programs in Idaho provide students with many benefits, such as flexibility and affordability. The flexibility of online learning allows learners to work in the profession while earning their degree. For example, undergraduate students can work as assistants, and graduate learners can work as LBSWs while they attend classes. Tuition rates in Idaho range from $4,018 to $28,500 annually, depending on the school. Students attending online social work programs in Idaho typically save on housing and commuting costs that on-campus students incur.
Ranking Methodology
Here is our list of online social work degree programs in Idaho as reported by the National Center for Education Statistics. We cover online bachelor’s in social work, online master’s in social work, and online doctorate in social work programs. All programs are regionally and CSWE accredited, and all are available entirely online.
Online Social Work Programs in Idaho
Boise State University
As the most prominent name in Idaho social work, the Boise State University School of Social Work offers a bachelor of social work on campus and a master of social work both on campus and online. The School of Social Work focuses primarily on preparing graduates to practice with individuals, families, groups, and organizations throughout Idaho and the Pacific Northwest.
The school opened its undergraduate program in 1966 and its graduate program in 1991, making it the oldest school of social work in Idaho.
Boise State University Online Master of Social Work
- Credits and Courses: The program’s curriculum consists of 61 credits, including 43 credits of academic coursework and 18 credits of fieldwork. The program delivers all of its coursework asynchronously.
- Completion Time: A full-time student can complete the program in two years, including summers, while student who holds a bachelor’s degree from a CSWE-accredited program may apply for advanced standing enrollment and graduate in a single year.
- Field Education: Each student must complete 18 credits (1,000 hours) of fieldwork at a placement site in their own community before graduating.
- Online Student Support: Online students at Boise State University gain access to resources like academic advising, library services, an educational access center, online tutoring, and a writing center.
- Cost: $495/credit
- Admission Requirements: Each student must possess a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts or social sciences with a minimum 3.0 GPA. No GRE or MAT required.
Boise State University is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). Boise State University’s online social work programs are CSWE-accredited.
