University of Southern Mississippi · Hattiesburg, Mississippi
Social Work - Master's (MSW)
What Should You Know About Social Work - Master's (MSW) at University of Southern Mississippi?
Social Work - Master's (MSW) is a MSW program at University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, offered on campus. It requires 60 hours and takes 5 semesters full time; 8 semesters part time. At $594 per credit, estimated tuition is $35,640 before fees (resident rate). BSW graduates can enter with advanced standing (34 hours). University of Southern Mississippi's MSW is listed as accredited in CSWE's directory (September 2026); the accreditation covers this format.
Program Details
| Degree | MSW |
|---|---|
| Format | on campus |
| Part time | Offered |
| Credits | 60 hours |
| Length | 5 semesters full time; 8 semesters part time |
| Advanced standing | 34 hours; 3 semesters full time; 5 semesters part time; BSW awarded in the past five years from a CSWE-accredited program, 3.0 GPA on last 60 hours, 3.5 GPA in the social work program with no Cs, and a passing score on the School of Social Work qualifying exam |
| Field education | 900 hours (full time: 300-hour and 600-hour placements; part time: two 450-hour placements; advanced standing: two 300-hour placements) |
| Tuition | $594 per credit hour resident (flat $5,342 per term at 9-13 hours); non-residents pay an additional $112 per credit hour (2026-27) |
From usm.edu, reviewed September 30, 2026. Check start dates, deadlines and current tuition with the school before you apply.
How This Program Compares
- Estimated tuition of $35,640 is the 122nd lowest of 349 MSW programs on this site with an estimate (median $40,180).
- Its 60 credits compare with a median of 60.
- Its 900 field education hours compare with a median of 900 among programs that state them.
- Advanced standing drops 26 credits, about $15,444 in tuition at the published rate.
Estimate the full cost and federal loan coverage for this program
After This MSW: The Mississippi License Path
- Earn a CSWE-accredited MSW2 years full time, or about 1 with advanced standing
- Pass the ASWB exam (Masters)For the LMSW
- Log supervised clinical hoursBoard-approved post-master's supervision by a Board-approved LCSW Supe…
- Earn the clinical license (LCSW)Independent clinical practice
Mississippi license tiers from its board. Online students licensed in another state follow that state's board.
Similar MSW Programs at Other Schools
Social Work (M.S.W.) at Grand View University
Grand View University · Des Moines, IAFormatOn campus, OnlineCredits59Est. tuition$36,285$615/creditAccreditationCSWEMaster of Social Work (Fully Online or Mixed Traditional Delivery) at Metropolitan State University of Denver
Metropolitan State University of Denver · Denver, COFormatOnline, On campus400 field hoursCredits60Est. tuition$36,327published total · resident rateAccreditationCSWEStandard Master of Social Work (Portland Campus) at University of Southern Maine
University of Southern Maine · Portland, MEFormatOn campus900 field hoursCredits61Est. tuition$36,661$601/credit · resident rateAccreditationCSWEMaster of Social Work (Stony Brook Campus and Manhattan Location) at Stony Brook University
Stony Brook University · Stony Brook, NYFormatOn campusCredits68Est. tuition$37,060$545/credit · resident rateAccreditationCSWE
Social Work - Master's (MSW): Common Questions
How Much Does Social Work - Master's (MSW) at University of Southern Mississippi Cost?
$594 per credit hour resident (flat $5,342 per term at 9-13 hours); non-residents pay an additional $112 per credit hour. That works out to about $35,640 for 60 credits, before fees. Tuition changes each year; confirm fees and total cost with University of Southern Mississippi.
How Long Is Social Work - Master's (MSW)?
60 hours, 5 semesters full time; 8 semesters part time, according to the school's program page.
Does Social Work - Master's (MSW) Offer Advanced Standing?
Yes. 34 hours; 3 semesters full time; 5 semesters part time; BSW awarded in the past five years from a CSWE-accredited program, 3.0 GPA on last 60 hours, 3.5 GPA in the social work program with no Cs, and a passing score on the School of Social Work qualifying exam.
How Many Field Hours Does Social Work - Master's (MSW) Require?
900 hours (full time: 300-hour and 600-hour placements; part time: two 450-hour placements; advanced standing: two 300-hour placements), according to the school's program page.
Is Social Work - Master's (MSW) CSWE Accredited?
University of Southern Mississippi's MSW is listed as accredited in CSWE's directory (September 2026); the accreditation covers this format.