Become a Social Worker in Mississippi
Table of Contents
- Mississippi Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
- Mississippi Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)
- Mississippi Licensed Social Worker (LSW)
- Mississippi Social Work Salary
- Mississippi Social Work Scholarships
Disclaimer: Due to the rapidly changing nature of social work regulations, for the most up-to-date information on becoming a social worker in Mississippi, contact the Mississippi Social Work Licensing Board.
Mississippi law recognizes three classes of social workers: Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) and Licensed Social Worker (LSW). The requirements are as follows:
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- Join the #16 ranked Howard University School of Social Work1
- Four program tracks: Advanced Standing, Accelerated, Full Time and Extended
- Research-driven faculty dedicated to making an impact on social problems
- Prepares you to apply social work skills across practice settings
- Four areas of focus: Individuals and Families, Organizations and Community, Evaluation, and Policy Practice and Advocacy
- Three certificates: Trauma Practice, Mental Health Practice or Practice with Groups and Families.
- Four program tracks: Advanced Standing, Accelerated, Full Time and Extended
- Three academic departments: Adult Mental Health and Wellness; Children, Youth – and Families; and Social Change and Innovation
- Features field education in or near students’ own communities.
- Traditional and Advanced Standing tracks
- Concentrate your degree in integrated practice or clinical practice
- Ethically integrates faith and social work practice
- Specialize in clinical practice or community practice
- CWRU’s Mandel School is a top-10 ranked graduate school of social work (2019).1
- Three paths of study are available to prepare social work leaders to work in clinical or community practice.
Mississippi LCSW
Mississippi LCSW Education Requirement: Master of Social Work (MSW) from a college or university accredited by CSWE or Southern Association of College and Schools (SACS)
Mississippi LCSW Exam: Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Clinical Level
Field Requirement: A minimum of one hour per week of face-to-face supervision with an LCSW supervisor for 100 hours is required minimum of 24 months and no more than 36 months. The supervision period must include at least 1,000 face-to-face hours with clients.
Fee: $25 application fee, $100 license fee, $260 ASWB examination fee, $50 background check fee. If upgrading from LMSW to LCSW, ASWB examination fee only.
Additional Information: Applicants must submit with the final evaluation forms three complete professional references from appropriate professionals. One must be completed by an LCSW other than your supervisor.
Endorsement: Available upon board approval
License Renewal: Renewal is required every two years. Requirements for renewal are the successful completion of 40 hours of continuing education and payment of a $100 renewal fee.
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Mississippi LMSW
Mississippi LMSW Education Requirement: Master of Social Work (MSW) from a college or university accredited by CSWE or Southern Association of College and Schools (SACS)
Mississippi LMSW Exam: Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Master’s Level Examination
Field Requirement: None
Fee: $25 application fee, $100 license fee, $230 ASWB examination fee, $50 background check fee
Additional Information: None
Endorsement: Available upon board approval
License Renewal: Renewal is required every two years. Requirements for renewal are the successful completion of 40 hours of continuing education and payment of a $100 renewal fee.
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Mississippi LSW (Licensed Social Worker)
Mississippi LSW Education Requirement: Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from a college or university accredited by CSWE or Southern Association of College and Schools (SACS)
Mississippi LSW Exam: Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Bachelor’s Level Examination
Field Requirement: None
Fee: $25 application fee, $70 license fee, $230 ASWB examination fee, $50 background check fee
Additional Information: None
Endorsement: Available upon board approval
License Renewal: Renewal is required every two years. Requirements for renewal are the successful completion of 40 hours of continuing education and payment of a $70 renewal fee.
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In order to become a licensed social work practitioner in Mississippi, you will need to complete prerequisite coursework, examination requirements, and, in some cases, supervised work requirements. Also, certain levels of social work in Mississippi can only be reached after completing an on-campus or online master of social work program. We are committed to keeping updated information on Mississippi social work licensure policies available to you.
Disclaimer: There may be additional methods of certification that have not been covered here. Please contact your state social work licensing department for more information.
Mississippi Social Work Salary
| Mississippi Social Work Career | Average Social Worker Salary |
|---|---|
| Child, Family and School Social Workers | $34,930 |
| Healthcare Social Workers | $47,540 |
| Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers | $38,640 |
| All Other Social Workers | $53,280 |
| Salary Increase from BSW to MSW | +$9,000 |
Disclaimer: Social Worker Salary information is taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Information about social worker salaries in Mississippi is subject to change. Please confirm salary information with your state before applying for licensure or renewal. Last updated: 8/22/2018.
Mississippi Social Work Scholarships
National Association of Junior Auxiliaries, Inc. Graduate Scholarship Program
Type: Scholarship
Amount: Varies
Description: The National Association of Junior Auxiliaries, Inc. (NAJA) was established in 1941 with the purpose of uniting members to render charitable services that are beneficial to the general public, with particular emphasis on children, and to cooperate with other organizations performing similar services. Today, the growing Association continues with the focus of meeting the needs of children and youth in keeping with the NAJA slogan: Care Today – Character Tomorrow.
Additional scholarship information is available on the national page of social work scholarships.
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Licensure information including requirements, renewals, and fees were retrieved as of August 2018. Information may have changed since, check with the state’s board of licensing for more information.