How to Become a Social Worker in Mississippi
:: 2026 Guide
Select the appropriate option below to learn how to become a social worker in Mississippi.
The Licensed Social Worker (LSW) credential in Mississippi is intended for individuals who have completed a bachelor’s degree in social work (BSW) from a CSWE-accredited program and passed the required ASWB bachelor’s examination. LSWs typically work in supervised settings providing generalist services such as case management, resource coordination, and client support, but they are not authorized to practice clinical social work independently.
The Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) credential in Mississippi is designed for individuals who have earned a master’s degree in social work (MSW) from a CSWE-accredited program and passed the ASWB master’s examination. LMSWs may perform advanced social work duties, including assessment and intervention services, but clinical practice must occur under supervision until the requirements for clinical licensure are completed.
The Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) credential in Mississippi is intended for professionals who have completed an MSW from a CSWE-accredited program, fulfilled the required post-graduate supervised clinical experience, and passed the ASWB Clinical examination. LCSWs are authorized to provide independent clinical social work services, including diagnosis, psychotherapy, and treatment of mental and emotional disorders without ongoing supervision.
Mississippi offers licensure by reciprocity (endorsement) for social workers who are already licensed in another state and want to obtain an equivalent Mississippi credential. This pathway is intended for professionals whose education, ASWB exam level, and supervised experience are substantially equivalent to Mississippi’s requirements, and applicants must typically submit license verification, official transcripts, and ASWB exam score transfers for review by the state licensing board.
Social workers have been instrumental in providing help to distressed communities following social or environmental unrest of some sort. Their work ranges from providing mild rehabilitation and support to helping the people in these places to access much-needed public services. This means that they must have certain fundamental skills which they will normally gather through training and experience.
The Mississippi Board of Examiners for Social Workers and Marriage and Family Therapists provides regulatory services for the social work profession. This becomes necessary when the importance of professionalism and excellence in social work practice is in view. Established in 1987, they have a mission to protect the public from unprofessional, improper, unauthorized, and unqualified practice of social work, and marriage & family therapy.