At a Glance
Mississippi issues three social work licenses through the State Board of Examiners for Social Workers and Marriage and Family Therapists (SWMFT): the Licensed Social Worker (LSW), Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Each requires a CSWE-accredited degree, a passing ASWB exam, and a background check. The LCSW adds 24 months of supervised clinical experience.
Mississippi’s social work licensing system is built around three credentials, each tied to a specific level of education and scope of practice. Whether you’re completing a BSW and heading toward your first license, or holding an LMSW and working toward clinical independence, the Mississippi SWMFT sets out a clear path with specific hour requirements, fees, and exam thresholds at each stage. This page walks through every requirement, from initial application to becoming a board-approved LCSW Supervisor.
Mississippi Social Work License Levels
The Mississippi State Board of Examiners for Social Workers and Marriage and Family Therapists (SWMFT) issues three license levels. The level you hold determines what you can do on the job, and in some settings, who you can see and what you can bill.
| License |
Education Required |
ASWB Exam |
Initial License Fee |
| Licensed Social Worker (LSW) |
BSW from CSWE-accredited program |
Bachelor’s |
$75 |
| Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) |
MSW from CSWE-accredited program |
Master’s |
$110 |
| Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) |
MSW + 24 months supervised experience |
Advanced Generalist or Clinical |
$110 |
The Licensed Social Worker (LSW) is Mississippi’s entry-level credential, tied to a bachelor’s degree in social work. LSWs engage in generalist practice, helping individuals and families address social functioning challenges related to emotional, environmental, and physical factors.
The Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) opens the door to advanced and specialized practice. LMSWs can provide case management, counseling, client assessment and treatment planning, education and research, and social work program administration. LMSWs can also practice clinical social work, but only under supervision and within an agency or organizational setting, not independently.
The Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) is the highest Mississippi license. LCSWs are authorized to diagnose, assess, and treat behavioral, emotional, and mental disorders. With an LCSW, you can practice independently, including in private practice. With additional board approval, you can also supervise LMSWs working toward their own LCSW.
Universal Licensing Requirements
Before the SWMFT will issue any social work license in Mississippi, every applicant must complete four baseline steps regardless of which license they’re pursuing.
Step 1: Earn a CSWE-Accredited Degree
Your degree must come from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). When you apply for licensure, have your school complete the SWMFT’s education verification form and send it directly to the board.
Step 2: Pass the Appropriate ASWB Exam
The Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) administers the licensing exams for each level. If you’re still in your final year of a CSWE-accredited program, you can apply early to take the exam before you graduate. Your scores are forwarded directly to the SWMFT once you pass.
Step 3: Submit an Application and Pay the Fee
Apply through the SWMFT online application portal. If you’re upgrading from one license level to the next, the upgrade fee is $32. The initial license fee for your specific license level is paid separately through the portal once the board receives your passing exam score.
Step 4: Pass a Background Check
All applicants must complete a fingerprint-based criminal background check. Request a fingerprint card form from the SWMFT and submit the $50 fee. The fingerprint card must be mailed to the SWMFT, it cannot be scanned or faxed. Your application will not be processed until this step is complete.
Licensed Social Worker (LSW)
The LSW is Mississippi’s bachelor’s-level license. It’s the starting point for most social work careers in the state and the natural first step toward an LMSW if you plan to pursue a master’s degree later.
Step 1: Earn Your BSW
Complete a Bachelor of Social Work degree from a CSWE-accredited program. Mississippi has 11 accredited BSW programs. These programs are at least 120 semester credits and include a 400-hour field education component required by CSWE standards.
Step 2: Apply to the SWMFT
Submit your LSW application through the SWMFT online application portal. Once approved, the SWMFT will notify ASWB that you’re cleared to test.
Step 3: Pass the ASWB Bachelor’s Exam
Register with ASWB for its Bachelor’s exam. After you pass and pay the $75 initial license fee, the SWMFT will issue your LSW license.
Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)
The LMSW requires a master’s degree and unlocks advanced and specialized social work practice. It’s also the required first step before you can begin accumulating supervised hours toward an LCSW.
Step 1: Earn Your MSW
Complete a Master of Social Work degree from a CSWE-accredited program. Mississippi currently has four accredited MSW programs, including one offered online. These programs are at least 30 semester credits and include a minimum 900-hour field education component.
Step 2: Apply to the SWMFT
Submit your LMSW application through the SWMFT online application portal. Once approved, the SWMFT will notify ASWB that you’re cleared to test.
Step 3: Pass the ASWB Master’s Exam
Register with ASWB for its Master’s exam. After you pass and pay the $110 initial license fee, the SWMFT will issue your LMSW license.
Step 4: File a Supervision Contract (If Pursuing LCSW)
Once you hold your LMSW and MSW, you can begin accruing supervised hours toward the LCSW. Before any hours count, you must file an Application for Contract for LCSW Supervision with the SWMFT for approval; the filing fee is $80. The board is explicit: you cannot begin supervision until you receive written correspondence from the SWMFT approving your plan. Hours accrued before that approval letter do not count. The SWMFT maintains a current list of board-approved LCSW supervisors on its website.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
The LCSW is Mississippi’s clinical license, authorizing independent practice and the diagnosis and treatment of mental, behavioral, and emotional disorders. The path to an LCSW runs through the LMSW; you must hold an active LMSW license before you can begin the supervised experience process.
Step 1: Complete the Supervised Experience Requirement
After earning your MSW and LMSW, you’ll accumulate at least 24 months of post-MSW work experience. That experience must include 1,000 hours of face-to-face client contact and 100 hours of face-to-face supervision by a board-approved LCSW. Your supervisor will submit two forms to the SWMFT: one confirming your client hours and one evaluating your overall practice.
Step 2: Provide Three Professional References
Have three professional references submit reference forms directly to the SWMFT on your behalf.
Step 3: Apply to the SWMFT
Submit your LCSW application through the SWMFT online application portal. Once approved, the SWMFT will notify ASWB that you’re cleared to test.
Step 4: Pass the ASWB Advanced Generalist or Clinical Exam
Register with ASWB for either its Advanced Generalist or Clinical exam. After you pass and pay the $110 initial license fee, the SWMFT will issue your LCSW license.
Becoming an LCSW Supervisor
As an LCSW, you can apply to the SWMFT to become a board-approved supervisor for LMSWs working toward their LCSW. There are three requirements:
- Two years of active practice as a licensed LCSW
- Completion of a supervision course of at least 16 hours
- Submission of an LCSW Supervisor application with the $55 fee
One common pathway to fulfill the supervision course requirement is to take an approved supervision course and pass the supervision exam ($25 fee).
Renewing Your Social Work License
All SWMFT licenses expire two years after they’re issued. Renewal deadlines and fees differ by license level.
- LSW: Renew by September 30 ($75 fee as of last board publication, confirm current amount at swmft.ms.gov)
- LMSW and LCSW: Renew by April 30 ($110 fee as of last board publication, confirm current amount at swmft.ms.gov)
Every renewal period requires 40 hours of continuing education, including four hours in ethics and two hours in cultural diversity. LCSW Supervisors must also complete two additional hours specifically on supervision. You can track your continuing education on the SWMFT’s CE tracking form, which is submitted with your renewal application.
How Long Does It Take to Get Licensed?
Your timeline depends on which license you’re working toward. Here’s how the path breaks down:
- LSW: Four years for a BSW, plus exam and application processing, roughly four to four-and-a-half years total from starting college.
- LMSW: Four years for a BSW plus two years for an MSW, six years of education, then exam and application. You can skip the BSW and enter an MSW program directly from an unrelated bachelor’s degree, though advanced-standing MSW programs often shorten the timeline for BSW holders.
- LCSW: Six years of education (BSW + MSW) plus at least 24 months of supervised post-MSW experience, roughly eight years from starting college to full clinical licensure.
- LCSW Supervisor: Add two more years of LCSW practice to the LCSW timeline, for a total of approximately ten years.
Social Work Degrees in Mississippi
To qualify for any Mississippi social work license, your degree must come from a program accredited by CSWE. The board does not accept degrees from non-accredited programs, regardless of institutional reputation.
Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work (BSW)
Mississippi has 11 CSWE-accredited BSW programs, though program counts can change as accreditation statuses are reviewed periodically. Check the CSWE Accreditation Directory for the current list. A BSW satisfies the education requirement for the LSW and also provides a natural foundation for an MSW. CSWE-accredited BSW programs include a minimum 400-hour field education component and require at least 120 semester credits to complete.
Master’s Degree in Social Work (MSW)
Mississippi has four CSWE-accredited Master of Social Work (MSW) programs. Jackson State University offers an online MSW option. An MSW fulfills the education requirements for both the LMSW and LCSW. These programs are at least 30 semester credits and include a CSWE-required 900-hour field education segment. BSW graduates may qualify for advanced standing, which can reduce the MSW to one year of full-time study. Confirm current accreditation status through the CSWE Accreditation Directory before enrolling.
Doctoral Degree in Social Work
A PhD or Doctor of Social Work (DSW) won’t satisfy Mississippi’s licensure requirements, which are met at the BSW and MSW levels, but doctoral training does represent the highest level of academic preparation in the field. DSW programs tend to focus on clinical leadership and practice. PhD programs are typically more research-focused. Neither is required for LCSW or supervisor status.
Reciprocity and Endorsement
If you hold a valid social work license in another state that’s equivalent to one of Mississippi’s three license levels, you may qualify for licensure in Mississippi through reciprocity and endorsement. To be eligible, you must meet Mississippi’s education requirements for the license level you’re applying for and have passed the appropriate ASWB exam.
To apply, follow the standard application process for your target license level and have the ASWB forward your exam scores to the SWMFT. You’ll also need to complete a reciprocity form, send it to your current state’s licensing board, and have that board forward it to the SWMFT directly.
Social Worker Salaries in Mississippi
Social workers in Mississippi earn below the national median, but the state’s low cost of living helps offset that gap. According to the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC), Mississippi’s cost of living index was approximately 87.3 in the first quarter of 2025, among the lowest in the nation, where 100 represents the national average. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics data from May 2024, the mean annual wage for social workers across all specialties in Mississippi is $48,490. Nationally, the median across all social worker specializations is $61,330.
| Social Work Specialization |
National Median Annual Wage |
| Healthcare Social Workers |
$68,090 |
| Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers |
$55,290 |
| Child, Family, and School Social Workers |
$53,940 |
| Social Workers, All Specializations (National Median) |
$61,330 |
Employment of social workers nationally is projected to grow 6 percent from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations, according to the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Mental health and substance abuse social work is the fastest-growing subcategory, with a projected growth of 10 percent over the same period.
Social Work Resources in Mississippi
Mississippi Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers — Founded in 1976, this chapter has over 700 members and hosts an annual conference. It offers advocacy, networking opportunities, and continuing education programs.
Mississippi Conference on Social Welfare — A social welfare education organization with roots going back to 1925. For students, it offers merit awards and scholarships. It works to promote coordination between social service agencies and public awareness of social work throughout the state.
Career Opportunities in Mississippi
Mississippi Department of Mental Health — The state agency at the forefront of behavioral and mental health services, including programs for adults and children with mental illness, services for those with intellectual disabilities, alcohol and drug addiction treatment, and crisis services. The DMH operates community mental health centers serving residents across all regions of the state.
Mississippi State Department of Health — The state’s public health agency manages chronic disease prevention and management, as well as resources for combating addictive behaviors. Social workers at the MSDH coordinate with community partners across all 82 counties.
University of Mississippi Medical Center — The state’s only academic medical center and only Level 1 trauma center, affiliated with dozens of clinics and specialty centers statewide. UMMC is one of the largest employers of healthcare social workers in Mississippi.
Mississippi Department of Human Services — Responsible for adult and child protective services, aging and senior services, youth services, and early childhood development programs. MDHS is one of the primary employers of child, family, and school social workers in the state.
DeSoto County Schools and Jackson Public Schools — Mississippi’s two largest school districts. Both employ licensed school social workers to serve students across dozens of campuses in the northern suburbs and the state’s largest urban district.
Brentwood Behavioral Healthcare — A major behavioral health facility in Jackson offering psychiatric treatment for adults, children, and adolescents through inpatient and outpatient programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an LMSW and an LCSW in Mississippi?
The LMSW allows advanced social work practice, including case management, counseling, and treatment planning, but only within an agency or organizational setting and only under supervision. The LCSW allows independent clinical practice, including diagnosing and treating mental and behavioral disorders, and opens the door to private practice. Getting an LCSW requires an additional 24 months of supervised post-MSW experience beyond the LMSW.
How do I apply for a Mississippi social work license by reciprocity?
To apply by reciprocity, you need a valid equivalent license in another state, a CSWE-accredited degree matching the level you’re applying for, and a passing ASWB score at the appropriate level. Have the ASWB send your scores to the SWMFT, complete the reciprocity form, and have your current state’s board send it to the SWMFT. The standard application and background check requirements still apply.
How many continuing education hours do I need to renew my Mississippi social work license?
All three license levels, LSW, LMSW, and LCSW, require 40 hours of continuing education per two-year renewal period. That total must include four hours in ethics and two hours in cultural diversity. LCSW Supervisors need an additional two hours specifically on supervision, for a total of 42 hours per renewal cycle.
Can I take the ASWB exam before I graduate?
Yes. If you’re in your final year of a CSWE-accredited social work program, you can apply early to sit for the ASWB exam before you complete your degree. Download the Student Application Form, Instructions, and Checklist from the SWMFT website. Your scores will be held and forwarded to the board once your degree is conferred and your application is fully processed.
What happens if I want to upgrade from LSW to LMSW in Mississippi?
Upgrading requires earning an MSW from a CSWE-accredited program and passing the ASWB Master’s exam. The upgrade application fee is $32, lower than the initial application fee. You’ll still need to submit an initial application to the SWMFT and complete the standard background check if it hasn’t been done recently.
Key Takeaways
- Mississippi issues three social work licenses, LSW, LMSW, and LCSW, each requiring a CSWE-accredited degree, a passing ASWB exam, and board approval through the SWMFT.
- The LCSW requires 24 months of post-MSW supervised experience, including 1,000 face-to-face client hours and 100 hours of supervision by a board-approved LCSW. You must file a supervision contract with the SWMFT before any hours count.
- License renewal happens every two years. LSWs renew by September 30, and LMSWs and LCSWs by April 30. All levels require 40 hours of continuing education, including ethics and cultural diversity components.
- The full path from starting college to LCSW licensure takes approximately eight years, four years for a BSW, two years for an MSW, and at least 24 months of supervised post-degree experience.
Ready to start your social work career in Mississippi? Browse accredited BSW and MSW programs and find options that fit your goals and timeline.
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Laura Bennett, MPH is a public health professional with over 12 years of experience in community health education and program coordination. She specializes in helping aspiring professionals explore flexible education pathways, including online and hybrid public health degree programs. Laura is passionate about making public health careers more accessible through practical, accredited training
2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and job market figures for Social Workers represent national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed May 2025.
