Mississippi · MSW programs by city
Best MSW Programs near Jackson, MS (2026)
Published · Last updated
Edited by Zoe MacDougall, BS
Jackson, Mississippi (population 143,709) 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 Jackson, MS
Accredited programs with a campus in Jackson, 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 Jackson, MS
Jackson State University
Jackson, MS, MS · CSWE-accredited since 1997 · Online or On-Campus
6.2
1 concentration ✓ Advanced Standing Online optionWhy it ranks here
Jackson State University has held CSWE accreditation since 1997, 29 years of standing as of 2026. The MSW is offered both online and on campus (Jackson, MS). It records 1 concentration (Children, Youth, and Families). An Advanced Standing track is available for qualified BSW holders. Students can enroll full-time or part-time. The program also offers 1 embedded certificate.
Concentrations
Children, Youth, and Families
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 5.5
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 5.5
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 5.0
- Delivery format (18%) 7.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
Online MSW programs available in Jackson, MS
Mississippi-based CSWE-accredited programs with an online option, which Jackson, 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 Jackson, MS in 2026?
Jackson, Mississippi sits within the Jackson, MS metro area, the labor market that sets pay and demand for its social workers. Across specialties, the area employs roughly 1,540 social workers , and the best-paid specialty here is social workers, all other at a $94,520 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 | 360 | $61,890 | $44,500 – $86,780 |
| Mental health & substance abuse social workers | 250 | $48,610 | $33,700 – $82,480 |
| Child, family & school social workers | 800 | $46,610 | $35,090 – $62,810 |
| Social workers, all other | 130 | $94,520 | $35,780 – $106,330 |
| Social & community service managers (macro) | 450 | $71,470 | $41,600 – $105,060 |
How local pay compares
Child, family & school social workers around Jackson, MS earn a median of $46,610 versus $46,530 statewide in Mississippi and $67,310 nationally. That is at or above the Mississippi median.
Where do social workers work in Jackson, MS in 2026?
Jackson, Mississippi sits in Hinds County. Organizations in and around the city that commonly employ MSW-level social workers include:
- Hinds Behavioral Health Services (Region 9)
- University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) and Merit Health
- Jackson Public Schools
- Jackson State University
- 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 Jackson, MS; employment projections from the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Wages are annual medians.
What kind of social work license do I need in Jackson, MS?
After an MSW from Jackson, 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 Jackson, MS?
How much do social workers earn in Jackson, MS?
Can I earn an MSW online from Jackson, 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.