Last updated: February 25, 2026

Best MSW Programs in Mississippi (2026)

Every CSWE-accredited Master of Social Work program in Mississippi for 2026, with tuition, LMSW/LCSW licensure requirements, salary data, and field placement details.

Taylor Rupe

Founder & Editor

B.A. in Psychology, University of Washington — Seattle

Key Takeaways

  • Mississippi has 4 CSWE-accredited MSW programs — all at public universities — with in-state tuition starting at approximately $350/credit at Mississippi Valley State University, making Mississippi one of the most affordable states in the nation for an MSW.
  • The LCSW requires at least 24 months of post-MSW supervised practice including 1,000 hours of face-to-face client contact and 100 hours of face-to-face supervision by an LCSW, plus the ASWB Clinical exam. The LMSW requires only the MSW degree and the ASWB Masters exam — no post-degree experience.
  • Mississippi social workers earn well below the national median across all specialties — child/family social workers earn a median of approximately $35,580 compared to $58,570 nationally — but the state's very low cost of living (84.8 index) significantly narrows the real purchasing power gap.
  • Mississippi has 53 of 82 counties (65%) designated as mental health HPSAs, with the most severe shortages in the rural Delta region and southern Mississippi, creating persistent demand for licensed social workers.
  • The Mississippi State Loan Repayment Program offers up to $50,000 for behavioral health professionals who commit to 2 years of practice in a Health Professional Shortage Area. Federal NHSC and PSLF programs provide additional financial incentives for social workers serving in underserved communities.
Accredited Programs
4
Ranked in this guide
Mississippi Median
$35,580
vs national $58,570 (-39.3%)
Independent License
LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Supervised Hours
1,000
over 24 months (not to exceed 36 months) min.

Mississippi offers 4 CSWE-accredited MSW programs spanning the state from Oxford to Hattiesburg, with all four housed at public universities and in-state tuition starting at roughly $350/credit. Whether you want a traditional on-campus experience at Ole Miss in Oxford, the state's oldest MSW program at the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, a fully online option through Jackson State University, or a rural-focused program at Mississippi Valley State University in the Delta, there is an option that fits your location, schedule, and budget.

After graduation, Mississippi offers two main social work license levels relevant to MSW holders: the Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) and the Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). The LMSW is available immediately upon passing the ASWB Masters exam — no post-degree supervised experience required. The LCSW requires at least 24 months (but no more than 36 months) of supervised post-graduate clinical practice including 1,000 hours of face-to-face client contact and 100 hours of face-to-face supervision by an LCSW, plus the ASWB Clinical exam. Both licenses are issued by the Mississippi Board of Examiners for Social Workers and Marriage and Family Therapists.

Mississippi's social work job market is shaped by persistent shortage: 65% of the state's 82 counties are designated mental health HPSAs, with the most severe gaps in the Mississippi Delta and rural southern counties. Major employers include the Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services (CPS), the Mississippi Department of Mental Health (DMH), the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC), Forrest General Hospital, Baptist Memorial Health Care, the G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA Medical Center in Jackson, and community mental health centers across the state. The Mississippi State Loan Repayment Program and federal programs like NHSC and PSLF offer meaningful financial incentives for social workers serving in shortage areas.

CSWE-Accredited MSW Programs in Mississippi

All 4 programs ranked in this guide, with tuition, format, and accreditation at a glance.

# School In-State Tuition Format
1 University of Southern Mississippi $529/credit On-campus
2 Jackson State University $483/credit On-campus
3 University of Mississippi $416/credit On-campus
4 Mississippi Valley State University $350/credit On-campus
1

University of Southern Mississippi

Hattiesburg, MS On-campus CSWE-accredited

In-State

$529/credit

Out-of-State

$641/credit

Length

2 years (60 credits)

Field Hours

900 (300 foundation + 600 concentration for full-time)

Concentrations

Advanced Direct Practice
  • Mississippi's oldest graduate social work program, established in 1974 with continuous CSWE accreditation
  • Offered on both the Hattiesburg main campus and the Gulf Park campus in Long Beach on the Gulf Coast
  • Advanced standing reduces the program to just 34 credits for BSW holders
  • Over 200 agency partners for field placement across Mississippi and beyond
  • Study abroad opportunity in Jamaica focusing on human rights and social justice
GRE: Not required | Min GPA: 3.0
Visit Program
2

Jackson State University

Jackson, MS On-campus CSWE-accredited

In-State

$483/credit

Out-of-State

$483/credit (online, flat rate)

Length

2 years (60 credits)

Field Hours

900 (450 foundation + 450 concentration)

Concentrations

Children, Youth, and Families
  • Only Mississippi MSW program offering a fully online option — available for both traditional and advanced standing tracks
  • HBCU with continuous CSWE accreditation since 1998 and strong ties to Jackson's diverse community
  • Clinical practice focus with a specialization in children, youth, and families
  • Part-time evening program designed for working professionals, completable in 3 years
  • Located in Mississippi's capital city with access to state agencies, UMMC, and the VA Medical Center
GRE: Not required | Min GPA: 3.0
Visit Program
3

University of Mississippi

University, MS On-campus CSWE-accredited

In-State

$416/credit

Out-of-State

$1,256/credit

Length

2 years (60 credits)

Field Hours

900 (225 hours x 4 semesters)

Concentrations

Clinical Social Work
  • Strong clinical concentration with coursework in psychotherapy, trauma and crisis intervention, and substance abuse
  • Elective tracks in forensic social work with children, child welfare, gerontology, and leadership/administration
  • Advanced standing for BSW holders requires only 30 credits — completable in one year
  • Located at Mississippi's flagship university in Oxford with access to north Mississippi field placement agencies
  • Some elective courses available online for scheduling flexibility
GRE: Not required | Min GPA: 3.0
Visit Program
4

Mississippi Valley State University

Itta Bena, MS On-campus CSWE-accredited

In-State

$350/credit

Out-of-State

$452/credit

Length

2 years (60 credits)

Field Hours

900 (450 foundation + 450 advanced)

Concentrations

Child and Family Welfare
  • Most affordable MSW program in Mississippi at approximately $350/credit for in-state students
  • HBCU with a specialized rural social work framework preparing graduates for practice in underserved Delta communities
  • Focused concentration in child and family welfare addressing critical needs in the Mississippi Delta
  • Advanced standing track requires only 30 credits and 450 hours of advanced field placement
  • Small cohort sizes with individualized faculty mentoring and strong community partnerships
GRE: Not required | Min GPA: 2.5
Visit Program

Social Work Licensure Requirements in Mississippi

The licensing board, exam pathway, and supervised hours you'll need to practice independently.

Licensing Board

Mississippi Board of Examiners for Social Workers and Marriage and Family Therapists

601-987-6806

Board Website Verify a License

Mississippi issues social work licenses through the Mississippi Board of Examiners for Social Workers and Marriage and Family Therapists. For MSW graduates, the two primary license levels are the Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) and the Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Mississippi also issues the Licensed Social Worker (LSW) for BSW holders.

The LMSW requires no post-degree supervised experience. You can apply immediately after completing your MSW from a CSWE-accredited program and passing the ASWB Masters exam. The LCSW requires at least 24 months of supervised post-MSW clinical practice (not exceeding 36 consecutive months), including 1,000 hours of face-to-face client contact and 100 hours of face-to-face supervision by a licensed LCSW. At least half of the supervision sessions must be one-on-one. Both licenses require 24 hours of continuing education per two-year renewal period. Initial license application fees are $110 for both the LMSW and LCSW.

LSW

Licensed Social Worker

Entry-level social work practice under supervision, case management, intake assessments, community resource referrals

Hours

N/A

Duration

Associate

Exam: ASWB Bachelors

LMSW

Licensed Master Social Worker

Generalist social work practice, case management, community organizing, policy analysis, supervised clinical work

Hours

N/A

Duration

Associate

Exam: ASWB Masters

LCSW

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Independent clinical practice, psychotherapy, diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions, private practice, insurance billing

Hours

1,000

Duration

24 months (not to exceed 36 months)

Exam: ASWB Clinical

Reciprocity & out-of-state licensing

Mississippi does not offer automatic reciprocity for out-of-state social work licenses. All applicants must apply through the Mississippi Board of Examiners and meet Mississippi's education, examination, and experience requirements. If you hold an active LCSW or equivalent clinical license in another state and have already passed the appropriate ASWB exam, you will not need to re-take the exam. However, you must verify that your supervised hours meet Mississippi's 1,000-hour face-to-face client contact requirement and 100-hour supervision requirement, submit official transcripts, complete a background check, and provide documentation of your out-of-state license. Contact the Board directly at 601-987-6806 for guidance on how your existing credentials transfer.

Social Worker Salary in Mississippi

BLS state median wages by counseling specialty, with national comparison and top-paying metros.

Mississippi social workers earn below the national median across all specialties, but the state's very low cost of living — with a cost of living index of 84.8, the lowest in the nation — means purchasing power is considerably closer to parity than raw salary figures suggest. A social worker earning $40,000 in Mississippi often has comparable buying power to someone earning $50,000+ in an average-cost state. Within the Jackson metro area, salaries are notably higher than rural areas. All salary data below is from the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024.

Child, Family, and School Social Workers

$35,580 -39.3%
State
U.S.

National median: $58,570

Top metro: $40,120 (Jackson)

Healthcare Social Workers

$52,010 -23.6%
State
U.S.

National median: $68,090

Top metro: $56,850 (Jackson)

Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers

$37,760 -37.1%
State
U.S.

National median: $60,060

Top metro: $43,400 (Jackson)

Mississippi Social Work Job Market and Workforce

Major employers, mental health shortage context, and loan repayment programs that erase debt for service.

Mississippi has 53 of its 82 counties (65%) designated as mental health Health Professional Shortage Areas, with the most severe shortages concentrated in the Mississippi Delta, the rural Pine Belt, and southern Mississippi. The state ranks near the bottom nationally for access to mental health care, with roughly 60% of the population living in areas without adequate behavioral health providers. Mississippi's population of approximately 2.9 million includes vast rural areas with extremely limited access to mental health services.

Major employers for social workers include the Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services (CPS), the Mississippi Department of Mental Health (DMH) and its network of community mental health centers, the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) in Jackson (the state's only academic medical center), Forrest General Hospital in Hattiesburg, Baptist Memorial Health Care, the G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA Medical Center in Jackson, Merit Health hospitals, and numerous federally qualified health centers across the state. Mississippi's growing focus on behavioral health integration, telehealth expansion, and the ongoing opioid crisis are creating new positions statewide, particularly for LCSWs in rural and underserved communities.

Loan Repayment & Scholarship Programs

Mississippi State Loan Repayment Program (MSLRP) — Up to $50,000 for behavioral health professionals, including LCSWs, who commit to 2 years of full-time practice at an approved site in a Health Professional Shortage Area. Administered by the Mississippi Center for Rural Health and Population Studies through the Mississippi State Department of Health.

National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Loan Repayment Program — Up to $75,000 in federal loan repayment for LCSWs serving at NHSC-approved sites in Health Professional Shortage Areas for an initial 2-year commitment, with extensions available.

NHSC Substance Use Disorder Workforce Loan Repayment Program — Up to $75,000 for LCSWs providing substance use disorder treatment at NHSC-approved sites for an initial 3-year commitment. Addresses Mississippi's significant opioid and substance abuse crisis, particularly in rural areas.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) — Social workers employed at Mississippi CPS, DMH, UMMC, VA hospitals, and nonprofit health systems all qualify for federal PSLF after 10 years of qualifying payments under an income-driven repayment plan.

How to Choose an MSW Program in Mississippi

Decision factors that actually matter, not generic checklist filler.

Mississippi's 4 MSW programs are all at public universities, keeping costs relatively low across the board. The decision comes down to where you live, whether you need to study online, which concentration interests you, and how quickly you want to finish.

If you want the best value as a Mississippi resident: Mississippi Valley State University (approximately $350/credit) is the most affordable MSW in the state. The University of Mississippi at $416/credit is the next most affordable option for on-campus study.

If you need a fully online program: Jackson State University is the only Mississippi school offering a fully online CSWE-accredited MSW at $483/credit. Both traditional (2-year) and advanced standing (1-year) tracks are available online.

If you want the most established program: The University of Southern Mississippi has the oldest MSW program in Mississippi (established 1974) with continuous CSWE accreditation, the largest alumni network in the state, and over 200 field placement agency partners.

If you want a strong clinical focus: The University of Mississippi offers a dedicated Clinical Social Work concentration with coursework in psychotherapy, trauma and crisis intervention, and substance abuse. Elective tracks in forensic social work and gerontology add specialization depth.

If you want to serve the Delta and rural communities: Mississippi Valley State University's rural social work framework and child and family welfare concentration are purpose-built for practice in the Mississippi Delta — one of the most underserved regions in the nation.

If you have a BSW and want to finish fast: All 4 programs offer advanced standing for BSW holders. Ole Miss, JSU, and MVSU require only 30 credits (1 year), while USM requires 34 credits. Field placement hours are also reduced for advanced standing students.

If you want to study on the Gulf Coast: The University of Southern Mississippi offers its MSW program at the Gulf Park campus in Long Beach in addition to the main Hattiesburg campus, giving coastal students a local option.

Related Pages

Best Online MSW Programs

National ranking of the top online MSW programs

Best Online BSW Programs

Undergraduate social work programs

Best Online DSW Programs

Doctoral programs for experienced social workers

Clinical Social Worker Career Guide

What LCSWs actually do day-to-day

Clinical Social Worker Salary

Salary data by state and experience level

MSW Programs by State

Compare MSW programs across all 50 states

Frequently Asked Questions

Mississippi has 4 CSWE-accredited MSW programs: the University of Southern Mississippi (Hattiesburg/Long Beach), Jackson State University (Jackson), the University of Mississippi (Oxford), and Mississippi Valley State University (Itta Bena). All four are public universities with in-state tuition ranging from roughly $350-$529/credit. All 4 prepare graduates for LMSW and LCSW licensure in Mississippi.
To become a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) in Mississippi, you need an MSW from a CSWE-accredited program and a passing score on the ASWB Masters exam. No post-degree supervised experience is required. For the Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), you need the MSW, an active LMSW, plus at least 24 months (not exceeding 36 months) of supervised post-graduate clinical practice including 1,000 hours of face-to-face client contact and 100 hours of face-to-face supervision by an LCSW, and a passing score on the ASWB Clinical exam. At least half of supervision sessions must be individual. Both licenses are administered by the Mississippi Board of Examiners for Social Workers and Marriage and Family Therapists.
Mississippi Valley State University is the most affordable MSW in Mississippi at approximately $350 per credit hour for in-state students, with a total 2-year cost of roughly $21,000 for the 60-credit program before fees. The University of Mississippi is next at $416/credit (about $24,960 total for 60 credits). For online students, Jackson State University offers the only fully online CSWE-accredited MSW in the state at $483/credit (about $28,980 total). All four Mississippi MSW programs are at public universities, keeping costs lower than many neighboring states.
Yes, but only through one university. Jackson State University is the only Mississippi school offering a fully online CSWE-accredited MSW program at $483/credit. Both the traditional 2-year track and the advanced standing 1-year track are available online. The online program has the same clinical practice focus with a children, youth, and families concentration. All online students still must complete field placement hours (900 for traditional, 450 for advanced standing) at an approved site near their community.
Mississippi social workers earn below the national median but benefit from the lowest cost of living in the nation (84.8 index). BLS May 2024 data shows: child, family, and school social workers earn a median of $35,580 (national: $58,570), healthcare social workers earn $52,010 (national: $68,090), and mental health social workers earn $37,760 (national: $60,060). In the Jackson metro area, salaries are higher across all specialties. LCSWs in private practice or specialized healthcare settings at UMMC can earn considerably more.
Yes. The Mississippi State Loan Repayment Program (MSLRP) offers up to $50,000 for behavioral health professionals, including LCSWs, who commit to 2 years of full-time practice at an approved site in a Health Professional Shortage Area. Federal programs also apply: the NHSC Loan Repayment Program offers up to $75,000 for a 2-year commitment, and Public Service Loan Forgiveness covers social workers at Mississippi CPS, DMH, UMMC, VA hospitals, and nonprofit employers after 10 years of qualifying payments.
Mississippi does not offer automatic reciprocity for out-of-state social work licenses. All applicants must apply through the Mississippi Board of Examiners for Social Workers and Marriage and Family Therapists and meet Mississippi's education, examination, and experience requirements. If you have already passed the appropriate ASWB exam (Masters for LMSW, Clinical for LCSW), you will not need to re-take it. However, you must verify that your supervised hours meet Mississippi's requirements for the LCSW — 1,000 hours of face-to-face client contact and 100 hours of supervision. Contact the Board at 601-987-6806 for guidance on transferring your credentials.
Yes, all 4 Mississippi MSW programs offer advanced standing for BSW holders from CSWE-accredited programs. Advanced standing typically reduces the program to about 1 year (30-34 credits depending on the school). The University of Mississippi, Jackson State University, and Mississippi Valley State University all require only 30 credits, while the University of Southern Mississippi requires 34 credits. Field placement hours are also reduced for advanced standing students. Most programs require a minimum GPA of 2.5-3.0 and that your BSW be earned within the past 5-7 years.