Become a Social Worker in Mississippi

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.

Social Work Degree Programs in Mississippi

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.

Social Work Licenses in Mississippi

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.

Licensed Social Worker (LSW) in Mississippi

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.

• License Renewal: 40 continuing education (CE) hours per renewal period, including 4 ethics hours, 2 cultural diversity hours, and 1 mandated reporting hour. No more than 20 hours may be completed via online/distance learning (the remaining hours must be face-to-face)
• Education Requirement: CSWE-accredited Bachelor of Social Work degree
• Field Requirements: None
• Exams: ASWB bachelor’s exam

Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) in Mississippi

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.

• Education Requirement: CSWE-accredited Master or Doctorate of Social Work degree
• Field Requirements: None
• Exams: ASWB master’s exam
• License Renewal: 40 CE hours per renewal period, including 4 ethics hours, 2 cultural diversity hours, and 1 mandated reporting hour. No more than 20 hours may be completed via online/distance learning (the remaining must be face-to-face)

Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW) in Mississippi

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.’

• Education Requirement: CSWE-accredited Master or Doctorate of Social Work degree
• Field Requirements: Board-approved supervision completed while holding an active LMSW, including 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 (generally not to exceed 36 months)
• Exams: ASWB Clinical exam (required to hold yourself out as a ‘clinical social worker’ in Mississippi for LCSWs completing supervision on/after July 1, 2020).
• License Renewal: 40 CE hours per renewal period, including 4 ethics hours, 2 cultural diversity hours, and 1 mandated reporting hour. No more than 20 hours may be completed via online/distance learning (the remainder must be face-to-face)

Social Work Salaries in Mississippi

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.

Mississippi Social Work Scholarships

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.

• Family Protection Specialist Social Worker Forgivable Loan Program
• Beulah Elizabeth Roberts Compton Scholarship (University of Southern Mississippi)
• Fern and John Pearson Social Work Scholarship (University of Southern Mississippi)

Mississippi Social Worker Organizations

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.

• National Association of Social Workers (NASW), Mississippi Chapter: Established in 1976 and with 700+ members, this chapter advocates for Mississippi social workers and the clients they serve, offers continuing education programs, publishes monthly social work news, and provides member support activities such as NASW Code of Ethics consultations.
• Mississippi Public Health Association: Through strong partnerships, education and advocacy efforts, this association strengthens the public health workforce and protects and promotes the health of all Mississippians.
• National Association of Black Social Workers (NABSW), Mississippi Chapter: NABSW is comprised of people of African ancestry and is committed to enhancing the quality of life and empowering people of African ancestry through advocacy, human services delivery, and research.

Mississippi Social Work FAQs

Does Mississippi offer social work license reciprocity?

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.

What are the social work continuing education requirements in Mississippi?

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.

What is the best way to look up my social work license in Mississippi?

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.