Start your social work career with the Gulf Coast shores, American history at Vicksburg National Park, and a statewide network of more than 6,580 social workers, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). In fact, social work nationally is expected to increase by 6% by 2034, according to the BLS.

This guide for how to become a social worker in Mississippi explains educational and licensing requirements, social work organizations to join and more. Once you complete the steps to become a social worker in Mississippi, you can embark on a meaningful, fulfilling career helping others in the Magnolia State.

Information below was retrieved February 2026 and is only meant to be a high-level overview. Requirements may change, always check with the state licensing board for complete and up to date information.

Sponsored Online Social Work Programs

University of Denver

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Master of Social Work (MSW)

The University of Denver’s Online MSW Program is delivered by its top-ranked school of social work and offers two programs. Students can earn their degree in as few as 12 months for the Online Advanced-Standing MSW or 27 months for the Online MSW.

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Syracuse University

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Master of Social Work (MSW)

Syracuse University’s online Master of Social Work program does not require GRE scores to apply and is focused on preparing social workers who embrace technology as an important part of the future of the profession. Traditional and Advanced Standing tracks are available.

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Simmons University

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Master of Social Work (MSW)

Aspiring direct practitioners can earn their MSW online from Simmons University in as few as 9 months. GRE scores are not required, and the program offers full-time, part-time, accelerated, and advanced standing tracks.

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Howard University

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Master of Social Work (MSW)

The online Master of Social Work program from Howard University School of Social Work prepares students for advanced direct or macro practice in culturally diverse communities. Two concentrations available: Direct Practice and Community, Administration, and Policy Practice. No GRE. Complete in as few as 12 months.

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Hawaii Pacific University

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Master of Social Work

The online Master of Social Work prepares aspiring social work leaders to develop a multicultural social work practice, advocate for social and economic justice, and empower diverse communities affected by systemic inequities within civilian and military-focused areas. 

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Common Steps to Become a Mississippi Social Worker

Before becoming a social worker in Mississippi, you must earn a CSWE-accredited social work degree (BSW or MSW) and obtain the appropriate social work license for your career path. Mississippi offers three types of social work licenses. There may be additional requirements, such as a background check and clinical supervision, based on your goals. Below are the steps to obtain licenses in Mississippi, according to the Mississippi State Board of Examiners.

1. Earn a CSWE-Accredited Social Work Degree

To become a licensed social worker in Mississippi, you will have to complete a CSWE-accredited Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) or Master of Social Work (MSW) degree program. You can pursue these degrees in Mississippi in various formats, including full time, part time and online. 

2. Pass the required ASWB exam (and complete Board-approved supervision if you plan to pursue clinical licensure)

Mississippi has three levels of social workers, according to the state’s licensing board, with increasing requirements:

Licensed social worker (LSW): A person with an accredited Bachelor of Social Work who has passed the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) bachelor’s exam. Generally, LSWs can provide basic non-clinical social-work services.

Licensed master social worker (LMSW): A person with an accredited master’s or doctoral degree in social work who has passed the ASWB master’s exam. LMSWs provide advanced social work services and may be required to practice under supervision depending on role and setting; clinical independent practice requires LCSW licensure.

Licensed independent clinical social worker (LCSW): A person with an accredited master’s or doctoral degree in social work who has passed the ASWB clinical or advanced generalist exam. LCSW applicants must hold an active LMSW and complete a Board-approved supervision plan. During the supervision period, candidates must complete 1,000 hours of face-to-face client contact and at least 100 hours of face-to-face supervision over a minimum of 24 months.

3. Get Licensed

Once you’ve completed your hours and experience, you may apply to become a licensed social worker in Mississippi. 
Learn more on how to become a social worker.

Mississippi has 15 CSWE-accredited BSW and MSW programs. Because accreditation status can change, the most reliable way to confirm the current list of accredited programs is through the CSWE Accreditation Directory. With a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program, some students may qualify for an MSW advanced standing track, which can shorten the program and often allow completion in as little as one year of full-time study (depending on the school). A CSWE-accredited BSW is the typical minimum education requirement for LSW licensure in Mississippi. 

To obtain other licenses in Mississippi, however, a minimum of an MSW degree is required. Some individuals further their education and experience in social work by pursuing Doctor of Social Work (DSW) degrees. 

MSW programs in Mississippi teach students advanced social work theories and practical knowledge. MSW programs may include coursework on topics such as human development, social work policy and intervention. Mississippi currently offers MSW programs at four universities. Because accreditation status can change, confirm current CSWE status using the CSWE Accreditation Directory. MSW programs in Mississippi are offered at:

Jackson State University offers an online MSW program. Online MSW programs typically cover the same core competencies as campus programs and include required field education, but course delivery and scheduling can vary by school. Because online availability and accreditation status can change, confirm the current format and CSWE status through the CSWE Accreditation Directory and the program’s official website. 

Mississippi has three types of social worker licenses: licensed social worker (LSW), licensed master social worker (LMSW), and licensed certified social worker (LCSW). At the entry level, Mississippi’s LSW credential is typically associated with a CSWE-accredited BSW and the ASWB bachelor’s exam. For advanced practice in Mississippi (LMSW and LCSW pathways), the Board generally requires a CSWE-accredited MSW or doctoral degree in social work, plus the required ASWB exam(s) and, at the LCSW level, Board-approved supervision. All information below on LSW, LMSW and LCSW licenses was retrieved from the Mississippi State Board of Examiners.

In Mississippi, the LSW is an entry-level license. LSW practice typically includes a wide range of direct services under the supervision of a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) or other qualified professional. LSWs should not provide clinical social work services, psychotherapy, or engage in autonomous practice.

In Mississippi, an LMSW may provide clinical social work services only within a recognized agency/organizational setting and only under the supervision of an LCSW or another licensed/certified clinical professional (e.g., psychiatrist or doctoral-level psychologist). LMSWs cannot engage in autonomous (independent) practice.

In Mississippi, an LCSW (Licensed Certified Social Worker) may practice without supervision within the scope of licensure. From July 1, 2020 forward, only LCSWs who complete clinical supervision and pass the ASWB Clinical exam may hold themselves out to the public as a ‘clinical social worker.’

Information on the above social work salaries in Mississippi was retrieved from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates: Mississippi in February 2026.

If you’re starting your path in social work, funding in Mississippi may come from a mix of state-administered forgivable loan programs and university-based scholarships. Below are a few examples that may help fund a BSW or MSW in Mississippi.

There are countless local and national associations and organizations that promote, develop and protect the practice of social work and social workers. Better social work means better solutions for issues such as welfare, child welfare, elderly welfare, health care reform, and other issues affecting disadvantaged people in Mississippi and beyond.

Yes. Mississippi offers licensure by reciprocity/endorsement for out-of-state applicants who hold an active license in good standing and meet Mississippi’s requirements for the equivalent license level. Generally, you’ll need a BSW or MSW from a CSWE-accredited program, a qualifying out-of-state license, and a passing ASWB exam score, plus required documentation and fees submitted through the Mississippi Board’s Applicant Portal. 

Mississippi social workers generally renew their licenses every two years. For renewal, licensees must complete 40 hours of continuing education (CE) during the renewal period, including 4 hours in ethics, 2 hours in cultural diversity, and 1 hour in mandated reporting. Mississippi also limits distance education—no more than 20 hours may be completed via online/distance learning, and the remaining hours must be face-to-face. To renew, submit your renewal through the Board’s online portal and pay the renewal fee.

The best option is the Mississippi Board of Examiners for Social Workers & Marriage and Family Therapists Licensee Search (public verification) tool. You can search by a licensee’s name to confirm license number, license type/level, current status, and other public license details. 

Last updated February 2026.