How to Become a Social Worker in Mississippi

Mississippi is a Native American name meaning “land of great waters,” and this may reference the Gulf of Mexico and the Mississippi River. Known for its beautiful scenery and downhome southern hospitality, this state draws many each year.

Many residents of the “Magnolia” state long to help others, and the perfect career for this is to become a social worker. Although the average social worker salary here is a bit lower than some other regions, the lower cost of living here and many terrific job options offset this monetary difference.

Wondering How to Become a Social Worker in Mississippi?

There are some educational requirements that must be obtained first according to the Mississippi State Board of Examiners. You will need either a bachelor’s or master’s degree of social work depending on the exact qualifications required for various social worker jobs.

You will also need a social work license in order to practice legally here in Mississippi. There are three different types of social work licenses in MS.

Typical Steps to Become a Social Worker in Mississippi

Realize your dream of becoming a social worker in Mississippi by taking these steps.

1. Earn your CSWE-Accredited Social Work Degree

The State of Mississippi requires social workers to complete and earn either a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) or a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from an approved CSWE-accredited educational program.

Mississippi has programs that offer full-time, part-time or online student educational programs. A student can choose the educational program format that best suits their unique needs and circumstance.

2. Complete Any Necessary Supervised Field Hours and Pass State/National Exams

Mississippi currently recognizes three different types, or levels, of social workers. There are increasing state educational requirements for each license type.

Current Mississippi Social Worker License options include:

1. Licensed Social Worker (LSW)

Candidate must hold a Bachelor of Social Work degree from an approved accredited program. All LSW’s must also pass the bachelor’s exam from the Association of Social Work Boards abbreviated (ASWB). In general, these LSWs perform mostly basic social work duties that are non-clinical in nature.

2. Master Social Worker (LMSW)

Candidate must hold a Master of Social Work or a Doctoral Degree of Social Work that is from an accredited educational program and must pass the required ASWB master’s exam. LMSWs are allowed to perform certain social work duties under required supervision.

3. Independent Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

Candidate will hold an accredited Master’s or Doctoral Degree of Social Work. Passing the ASWB advanced generalist or clinical exam is a must. Candidates must also provide proof of having successfully completed at least 1,000 hours over 24 months of supervised clinical social work. After these requirements are met, the LCSW may perform clinical social work duties that can be done independently without the need for further supervision.

3. Get a license

Candidates may apply to the board to become a licensed Mississippi social worker when all previous requirements are met.

Social Work Degree Programs in Mississippi

Today, there are at least 14 accredited Social Work Degree programs available in Mississippi. This number includes both BSW and MSW accredited degree programs. Presently, there are about 11 accredited BSW educational programs in this state. Both private colleges and state schools are listed.

A candidate who holds at least a bachelor’s degree in social work may apply to attend a MSW program that offers advanced standing. These students may complete the MSW program in approximately one year’s time.

BSW Programs in Mississippi

Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) programs in Idah

1. Alcorn State University

Location: Lorman, MS
Structure: Full-Time, On Campus
Length: 4-Year

2. Belhaven University

Location: Jackson, MS & Madison, MS
Structure: Full-Time, On Campus
Length: 4-Year

3. Delta State University

Location: Cleveland, MS
Structure: Full-Time, On Campus
Length: 4-Year

4. Jackson State University

Location: Jackson, MS
Structure: Full-Time, Part-Time, On Campus
Length: 4-Year

5. Mississippi College

Location: Clinton, MS
Structure: Full-Time, On Campus
Length: 4-Year

6. Mississippi State University – Meridian

Location: Meridian, MS
Structure: Full-Time, On Campus
Length: 4-Year

7. Mississippi State University – Starkville

Location: Starkville, MS
Structure: Full-Time, On Campus
Length: 4-Year

8. Mississippi Valley State University

Location: Itta Bena, MS
Structure: Full-Time, On Campus
Length: 4-Year

9. Rust College

Location: Holly Springs, MS
Structure: Full-Time, Part-Time, On Campus
Length: 4-Year

10. The University of Mississippi

Location: Desoto, MS; Oxford, MS; Southaven, MS and Tupelo, MS
Structure: Full-Time, On Campus
Length: 4-Year

11. University of Southern Mississippi

Location: Hattiesburg, MS and Long Beach, MS
Structure: Full-Time, On Campus
Length: 4-Year

Master of Social Work (MSW) Programs in Mississippi

1. Jackson State University

Location: Jackson, MS
Structure: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, On Campus and Online
Length: Full-Time – 2-Year, Part-Time – 3-Year, Advanced Standing – About 1-Year

2. University of Mississippi

Location: Oxford, MS
Structure: Full-Time, On Campus
Length: 2-Year Regular Standing, About 1-Year Advanced Standing

3. University of Southern Mississippi

Location: Hattiesburg, MS
Structure: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Multiple Cohorts per Year, Weekends Only, On Campus
Length: 5-Semesters for Full-Time Regular Standing, 8-Semesters for Part-Time Regular Standing, 3-Semesters for Full-Time Advanced Standing, 5-Semesters for Part-Time Advanced Standing, See site for other options.

Online MSW Programs in Mississippi

1. Jackson State University

Online: Yes

What Types of Social Workers Are in Mississippi?

There are three main types of licensed social workers in Mississippi.

These types include:

Licensed Social Worker (LSW)

To become a licensed social worker (LSW), the Mississippi Board of Licensed Social Workers requires:

1. Successful completion of an approved Bachelor of Social Work degree program.
2. Candidate must obtain at least a passing score on the required Bachelor’s Social Work Licensing Examination given by the Association of Social Work Board.
3. Candidate then applies to the board.

Master Social Worker (LMSW)

To become a licensed master social worker (LMSW), the Mississippi Board of Licensed Social Workers requires:

1. Successful completion of an approved Master of Social Work degree program or another approved doctoral program.
2. Candidate must pass the required Master’s Social Work Licensing Examination given by the Association of Social Work Boards.
3. Candidate must apply to the board.

Independent Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

To becomes an independent clinical social worker (LCSW), the Mississippi Board of Licensed Social Workers requires:

1. Candidate must successfully complete an approved Master of Social Work or related doctoral degree program.
2. Candidate must pass the Advanced Generalist or Clinical ASWB Exam.
3. At least 1,000 hours of supervised clinical social work over 24 months are also required.
4. Candidate may then apply for licensure in Mississippi.

Social Work Licenses in Mississippi

Specific requirements must be met before a social work license in Mississippi is granted. Fees vary depending on the type of social work license. Fees also apply for out-of-state licensure transfer approval, renewal of licensure and so forth. This information can be found on the Mississippi Board of Examiner’s for Social Workers and Marriage & Family Therapists official website.

1. Must submit an appropriate application for licensure. There is generally a fee for the Social Worker Examination as well.
2. Must provide proof of ID, education, any previous licensure, exam score and more.
3. Expect to be fingerprinted at a local sheriff or police department with applicable fees usually about $50. There may also be a fee for a criminal background and sex registry check.
4. Expect to pay an initial Mississippi Social Work Licensure fee of $75.00 for Bachelor level and $110.00 for LMSW and LCSW levels. If upgrading from an existing active LSW to LMSW or from LMSW to LCSW there is a $32.00 fee.

Social Work Salaries in Mississippi

Learning how to become a social worker in Mississippi raises questions about salary. This varies depending on the exact job position.

Social worker salaries in MS may be reviewed online.

Social Work Scholarships for MS Students

1. Buster Pool Memorial Scholarship Fund

Applicants must be graduating seniors of Meridian High School in MS.

2. Consuelo W. Gosnell Memorial Scholarship

Applicants must have an interest in working with American Indian/Alaska Native and Hispanic/Latino population groups and be enrolled in a master’s degree in social work program.

Mississippi Social Work Organizations

1. Mississippi Public Health Association (MPHA)

This organization provides information, advocacy and support for those MS citizens working in the public health field which includes social workers.

2. National Association of Social Workers Mississippi Chapter (NASWMS)

This organization provides valuable information and resources for social workers living in MS regarding continuing education, state licensure details and more.

FAQs

Does Mississippi have social work reciprocity?

Yes, according to the state licensing site. Click on the reciprocity license link and follow the directions. Your current out-of-state social work license must be active and in good standing. There is a fee of $152.00 for LSW license and $187.00 for LMSW and LCSW licenses.

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

Go to the Mississippi Board of Examiners for Social Workers & Marriage Therapist website. Click on the licensee portal.