Mississippi · MSW programs by city
Best MSW Programs near Hattiesburg, MS (2026)
Published · Last updated
Edited by Zoe MacDougall, BS
Hattiesburg, Mississippi (population 48,414) has 1 CSWE-accredited MSW program based in the city . 1 Mississippi programs also offer an online option. Every program below is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), the requirement for Mississippi licensure.
Best MSW programs in Hattiesburg, MS
Accredited programs with a campus in Hattiesburg, MS, ranked by our five-factor model. National and online rank badges appear only for programs in the top 25 (nationally, or among online programs).
- #1 In Hattiesburg, MS
University of Southern Mississippi
Hattiesburg, MS, MS · CSWE-accredited since 1974 · On-Campus
6.7
1 concentration ✓ Advanced Standing On-campusWhy it ranks here
University of Southern Mississippi has held CSWE accreditation since 1974, 52 years of standing as of 2026. The program is offered on 2 approved campuses (Hattiesburg, MS; Long Beach, MS). It records 1 concentration (Other). An Advanced Standing track is available for qualified BSW holders. Students can enroll full-time or part-time.
Concentrations
Other
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 8.2
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 4.7
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 5.0
- Delivery format (18%) 6.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
Online MSW programs available in Hattiesburg, MS
Mississippi-based CSWE-accredited programs with an online option, which Hattiesburg, MS residents can complete from home. See the full online MSW ranking for national options.
| Institution | Accredited | Adv. Standing | Natl. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jackson State University | 1997 | Yes | #163 |
How much do social workers make in Hattiesburg, MS in 2026?
Hattiesburg, Mississippi sits within the Hattiesburg, MS metro area, the labor market that sets pay and demand for its social workers. Across specialties, the area employs roughly 290 social workers , and the best-paid specialty here is healthcare social workers at a $55,330 median. Figures are from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program (May 2025).
| Occupation | Employed | Median wage | Typical range (10th–90th) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare social workers | 90 | $55,330 | $40,280 – $79,800 |
| Mental health & substance abuse social workers | 30 | $53,870 | $38,880 – $104,140 |
| Child, family & school social workers | 170 | $46,530 | $37,100 – $60,860 |
| Social & community service managers (macro) | 50 | $58,050 | $36,840 – $93,610 |
How local pay compares
Child, family & school social workers around Hattiesburg, MS earn a median of $46,530 versus $46,530 statewide in Mississippi and $67,310 nationally. That is at or above the Mississippi median.
Where do social workers work in Hattiesburg, MS in 2026?
Hattiesburg, Mississippi sits in Forrest County. Organizations in and around the city that commonly employ MSW-level social workers include:
- Pine Belt Mental Healthcare Resources
- Forrest General Hospital and Merit Health Wesley
- Hattiesburg Public School District
- University of Southern Mississippi
- Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services
Representative local employers known to operate in the area; illustrative, not an exhaustive or BLS-sourced list.
Nationally, BLS projects social worker employment to grow 6% from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations, driven by demand in healthcare and mental-health settings. Macro roles such as social and community service managers are projected to grow alongside them. See pay by role in our career guides.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025) for Hattiesburg, MS; employment projections from the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Wages are annual medians.
What kind of social work license do I need in Hattiesburg, MS?
After an MSW from Hattiesburg, MS or anywhere, these are the Mississippi social work licenses, per ASWB. A CSWE-accredited degree is required for each.
| License | Education | Supervised hours | Exam |
|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW) | Doctorate of Social Work or Master of Social Work | 24 months number of hours not specified | Advanced Generalist or Clinical |
| Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) | Master of Social Work or PhD in Social Work or Doctorate of Social Work | — | Masters |
| Licensed Social Worker (LSW) | Bachelor of Social Work | — | Bachelors |
Source: ASWB social work licensure database. Verify current requirements with the Mississippi state board before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many CSWE-accredited MSW programs are in Hattiesburg, MS?
How much do social workers earn in Hattiesburg, MS?
Can I earn an MSW online from Hattiesburg, MS?
What license do MSW graduates need in Mississippi?
MSW programs in other Mississippi cities
Sources
- CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs for program accreditation, campuses, and structure.
- U.S. Census Bureau 2023 Gazetteer (city coordinates) and Population Estimates Program (population).
- ASWB social work licensure database for Mississippi license requirements.
Published 2026-06-12; last updated 2026-06-23. "Near" means a program campus within 60 straight-line miles of the city center.