MSW Programs in Mississippi: Online & Campus
In recent years, Mississippi has witnessed a burgeoning interest in Master of Social Work (MSW) programs, reflecting a growing recognition of social workers’ pivotal role in addressing the diverse and complex needs of individuals, families, and communities. As the state grapples with various social, economic, and health disparities, MSW programs have emerged as vital conduits for preparing compassionate and skilled professionals equipped to effect positive change. Against this backdrop, exploring the landscape of MSW programs in Mississippi unveils a rich tapestry of educational opportunities, each uniquely tailored to meet the evolving demands of the field while nurturing the next generation of empathetic and competent social work practitioners.
2025 Best MSW Programs in Mississippi
Looking for the best MSW programs in Mississippi? counselingpsychology.org has ranked the top schools to help you find the right fit. Our list focuses on quality, affordability, and student success. Whether you're starting your career or advancing it, we've got you covered. Check out our rankings to see which programs stand out. Learn how we rank the programs here.
Jackson State University
Jackson, MS - Public 4-Year - jsums.edu
Master's - Master of Social Work
Online Learning - Visit Website
Jackson State University's Master of Social Work (MSW) program stands out for its flexibility and focus on preparing students for advanced direct practice, particularly with children, youth, and families. Offering a fully online format, the program caters to both working professionals and recent graduates with three tailored tracks: a two-year full-time, a three-year part-time, and a one-year advanced standing option for those with a BSW. Accredited by the Council on Social Work Education since 1998, the curriculum is designed to equip students with the necessary knowledge, skills, and ethical grounding for effective social work practice. Evening courses and comprehensive field placements further enhance the learning experience, making it a top choice for aspiring social workers in Mississippi.
- Fully online MSW program
- Three program options available
- CSWE accredited since 1998
- Advanced practice focus: children/families
- Priority application deadline: March 1
- Two and three-year completion options
- Advanced standing for BSW graduates
- Evening courses for part-time students
- Comprehensive field placement experience
- Contact number: (601) 979-8869
Mississippi Valley State University
Itta Bena, MS - Public 4-Year - mvsu.edu
Master's - Master of Social Work
Concentration: Child and Family Welfare - Campus Based - Visit Website
Mississippi Valley State University offers a Master of Social Work (MSW) program with a concentration in Child and Family Welfare, designed to prepare students for impactful social work practice in rural settings. This program stands out for its focus on serving impoverished minorities in the Mississippi Delta, blending theoretical knowledge with practical skills across micro, mezzo, and macro levels of social work. With options for both a traditional two-year track and a one-year Advanced Standing path, the curriculum is tailored to foster expertise in child and family welfare, supported by a CSWE-aligned framework. Admission requires a 2.75 undergraduate GPA, a professional statement, and three recommendation letters.
- Two-year MSW program
- Rural social work focus
- Child and Family Welfare concentration
- Advanced Standing option available
- Minimum 2.75 undergraduate GPA
- Professional statement required
- Three recommendation letters needed
- CSWE-aligned curriculum
- Diverse practice level preparation
- One-year Advanced Standing track
University of Mississippi
University, MS - Public 4-Year - olemiss.edu
Master's - Master of Social Work
Concentration: Clinical - Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Mississippi's MSW program stands out for its Clinical concentration, tailored for those aiming to excel in clinical social work. With options for both Regular and Advanced Standing, the program caters to a range of educational backgrounds. The curriculum is rich in preparing students for real-world challenges in health, mental health, aging, and child welfare, all within a CSWE-accredited framework. Located in Oxford, it offers a blend of rigorous academic training and practical field instruction, ensuring graduates are well-equipped for diverse clinical roles.
- Two program tracks available
- CSWE accredited program
- Clinical concentration offered
- 1-2 years program duration
- 36-60 required credit hours
- Application deadline: April 1
- Located in Oxford, Mississippi
- Advanced Standing for BSW graduates
- Comprehensive field instruction
- Diverse career preparation
MSW Degree Program Requirements/Eligibility in Mississippi
Mississippi Traditional MSW Admissions Requirements
If you want to enter the social work field for the first time, you’ll need to enroll in a traditional MSW. These programs are geared toward students who have a bachelor’s degree, but not a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW). Traditional MSW programs take around two years to complete and require the completion of approximately 60 credits. Here is a general list of admissions requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree, typically in psychology or a related area, from a regionally accredited institution
- Minimum GPA requirement (typically around 3.0)
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement or essay
- Resume or CV outlining relevant experience
- Completion of prerequisite courses (such as psychology, sociology, or human services)
- GRE scores (some programs may waive this requirement)
- Interview (some programs may require an interview as part of the application process)
- Background check and/or fingerprinting
Mississippi Advanced-Standing MSW Admissions Requirements
Advanced-standing students can complete their MSW in as little as one year and 35 credits. To take advantage of these types of programs, you’ll need to have a BSW and a GPA of 3.5 or higher. Here are a few advanced-standing MSW programs available in Mississippi:
- University of Mississippi – visit site
- University of Southern Mississippi – visit site
- Jackson State University – visit site
RELATED: Learn more about Social Work Salaries
Mississippi MSW Program Tuition and Costs
| School | Tuition (per credit hour) | Total Credits | Total Tuition |
| University of Mississippi | $484.25 (Resident) $1,388.25 (Non-resident) | 60 | $29,055 (Resident) $83,295 (Non-resident) |
| University of Southern Mississippi | $387 | 61 | $23,248 |
| Jackson State University | $329 | 57 | $18,753 |
Are Online MSW Programs in Mississippi as Good as Campus-Based?
Some students value the flexibility of an online MSW program, while others prefer face-to-face interaction. See a full list of the pros and cons of an online below.
Traditional MSW vs. Online MSW Programs in Mississippi
| Traditional MSW Programs | Online MSW Programs | |
| Format | In-person classes | Online classes with some in-person requirements |
| Flexibility | Limited scheduling options | More flexibility in scheduling, often part-time options |
| Location | Geographically limited | Accessible from anywhere with internet connectivity |
| Learning Environment | Classroom-based | Virtual classroom, discussion boards, and online resources |
| Networking | Local networking opportunities | Networking with students and professionals from diverse locations |
| Cost | Tuition, commuting, and relocation expenses | Generally lower tuition and flexibility to continue working |
| Hands-on Experience | Field placements and internships | Virtual or field placements and internships arranged in the student's local area |
The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) is responsible for accrediting all MSW programs. As you’re looking through the options available online, make sure that they’re accredited by the CSWE; otherwise, you won’t be able to get licensed.
Learn more about Social Work Degree Options:
- Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
- Master of Social Work (MSW)
- Graduate Certificate in Social Work
- Doctorate of Social Work (DSW)
Getting Your Mississippi Social Work License
Most MSW programs will allow students to become licensed, as long as they’re accredited. All states have slightly different requirements in order to gain social work licensure. Learn about Mississippi’s requirements for licensure in our Guide to Getting a Social Work License.
Popular Social Work Careers
Discover the specializations available to you within social work. These social work careers can help you work with diverse populations in a variety of environments.
School Social Worker
School social workers provide counseling, support, and advocacy for students facing social, emotional, or behavioral challenges. They collaborate with teachers, parents, and other professionals to develop student success strategies, provide crisis intervention, and facilitate support groups.
Healthcare Social Worker
Healthcare social workers assess patients' social, emotional, and practical needs. They provide counseling and support, coordinate care with healthcare providers, advocate for patients' rights, and connect patients and their families with community resources to ensure holistic and comprehensive care.
Court Social Worker
Court social workers assess the needs of individuals involved in court cases. They develop intervention plans, provide counseling and support, monitor progress in court-ordered programs, collaborate with legal professionals, and advocate for clients' best interests in legal proceedings.
List of MSW Degree Programs in Mississippi
Itta Bena, MS
Mississippi Valley State University
- Master's - Master of Social Work
Concentration: Child and Family Welfare - Campus Based - Website
- Two-year MSW program
- Rural social work focus
- Child and Family Welfare concentration
- Advanced Standing option available
- Minimum 2.75 undergraduate GPA
- Professional statement required
- Three recommendation letters needed
- CSWE-aligned curriculum
Jackson, MS
Jackson State University
- Master's - Master of Social Work
Online Learning - Website
- Fully online MSW program
- Three program options available
- CSWE accredited since 1998
- Advanced practice focus: children/families
- Priority application deadline: March 1
- Two and three-year completion options
- Advanced standing for BSW graduates
- Evening courses for part-time students
University, MS
University of Mississippi
- Master's - Master of Social Work
Concentration: Clinical - Campus Based - Website
- Two program tracks available
- CSWE accredited program
- Clinical concentration offered
- 1-2 years program duration
- 36-60 required credit hours
- Application deadline: April 1
- Located in Oxford, Mississippi
- Advanced Standing for BSW graduates
