Mississippi – Featured Online Programs in Social Work
Explore and compare a list of accredited schools to enroll in your next program.
In most states, including Mississippi, you need a master’s degree to become a licensed social worker. Online MSW programs in Mississippi provide a convenient and accessible option for prospective social workers. Check out our guide to learn about the state’s accredited online programs, what to expect during a master’s program, and career and salary prospects.
Popular Online Social Work Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Online Master’s in Social Work (MSW) Programs in Mississippi
- Jackson State University
- Areas of Practice: Children, Youth, and Families
- Enrollment Options: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
Accreditation for Online Social Work Programs in Mississippi
The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) is the national accreditation agency for social work programs in the United States. The CSWE evaluates programs to ensure high standards for social work education. CSWE accreditation ensures social work programs, including those offered online, provide students with the core competencies to qualify for state licensure and to enter professional practice.
To become a licensed social worker in Mississippi, the Mississippi Board of Examiners for Social Workers and Marriage and Family Therapists requires you to earn a CSWE-accredited master’s degree.
Benefits of Studying Social Work Online in Mississippi
Online MSW degrees have become a popular alternative to on-campus programs, especially for students balancing work or family commitments while going to school. Online MSW programs in Mississippi offer adaptable course schedules and flexible formats that give you more control over how and when you learn.
Tuition, transportation, and housing may cost less for an online MSW compared to a campus-based program. Because online learning does not restrict you to a specific geographical location, you can pursue any remote program that accommodates your career goals. When selecting an online program that works best for you, pay attention to curriculum features such as delivery formats and in-person residency requirements.
Course Formats in Online Social Work Degrees
Some online programs feature completely online delivery formats while others offer faculty-led instruction in real time or blended schedules with some in-person requirements.
- 100% Online: A 100% online program delivers all classes, course materials, and assignments virtually. Although you might never attend classes on campus, some online programs require that you log in to live courses at specific times and participate in on-campus orientations or residencies.
- Hybrid: A hybrid format combines online course delivery with on-campus meetings that are often scheduled on weekends or evenings. Hybrid formats that blend online and face-to-face instruction offer the convenience of distance learning along with structured opportunities for directed guidance from faculty and peer interaction.
- Asynchronous: Asynchronous course delivery allows you to login to classes and progress through course content on your schedule, within deadlines set by faculty. The flexibility of asynchronous delivery appeals to students who are self-motivated and independent learners.
- Synchronous: Synchronous courses bring distance learners and faculty together in virtual class meetings at regularly scheduled days and times. Synchronous courses offer a more structured learning environment, immediate and personal feedback from faculty, and additional opportunities for peer engagement.
Although online MSW programs in Mississippi allow for remote coursework, you will still need to complete fieldwork requirements in person. In some programs, distance learners may arrange these required field placements and internships near their place of residence.
Mississippi Social Worker Career and Salary Information
According to Projections Central, jobs in Mississippi’s most popular social work specializations are projected to grow between 2022 and 2023. The employment of healthcare social workers is projected to increase by over 11%, child, family, and school social workers by 8%, and 7% for specialists in mental health and substance use.
A social worker’s earning potential depends on several factors, including education, licensure level, specialization, and years of experience. Although social work salaries in the state fall below the national average, Mississippi’s cost of living is also the lowest in the nation.
| Occupation | Average Annual Salary | Projected Job Growth (2022-32) |
|---|---|---|
| Child, Family, and School Social Workers | $42,750 | 8.3% |
| Healthcare Social Workers | $55,860 | 11.3% |
| Mental Health and Substance Use Social Workers | $44,950 | 7.6% |
| Social Workers, All Other | $74,470 | N/A |
