Best Online & Affordable MSW Programs in Mississippi
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.
2026 Best MSW Programs in Mississippi
Jackson State University
Jackson, MS - Public 4-Year - jsums.edu
Master's - Master of Social Work
Online Learning - Visit Website
Jackson State University's online Master of Social Work program delivers a robust educational experience for aspiring social work professionals. Historically a Historically Black College and University (HBCU), the program offers remarkable flexibility through three distinct tracks: two-year full-time, three-year part-time, and a one-year advanced standing option for BSW graduates. Council on Social Work Education accredited since 1998, the curriculum emphasizes advanced direct practice specializing in children, youth, and family services. Designed with working professionals in mind, students benefit from comprehensive training in social work ethics, practical skills, and theoretical foundations. Evening courses and extensive field placement experiences further enhance the program's practical approach to social work education.
- 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's MSW program offers a distinctive pathway for aspiring social workers, specializing in Child and Family Welfare with a compelling focus on rural community practice. By emphasizing service to marginalized populations in the Mississippi Delta, students gain comprehensive skills across micro, mezzo, and macro practice levels. The two-year CSWE-aligned curriculum provides robust training in advanced social work techniques, with an optional one-year Advanced Standing track for qualified candidates. Graduates are uniquely prepared to address complex social challenges in rural and underserved communities, making significant impacts through culturally sensitive and evidence-based interventions.
- 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
University of Mississippi's MSW program delivers rigorous clinical social work training through two distinctive pathways. The Regular Standing Program spans two years with 60 credit hours, while the Advanced Standing Program offers an accelerated one-year, 36-credit track for BSW graduates. Emphasizing evidence-based clinical interventions, the curriculum prepares students to address complex social challenges across healthcare, mental health, child welfare, and aging sectors. CSWE-accredited and strategically located in Oxford, the program integrates comprehensive field instruction with robust professional competency development, enabling graduates to become highly skilled clinical practitioners committed to social justice principles.
- 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 |
2026 Affordable MSW Program Options
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi Valley State University |
|
|
| Jackson State University |
|
|
| University of Mississippi |
|
|
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
