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Master of Social Work at University of Southern Mississippi

University of Southern Mississippi

United States of America, West Hattiesburg

International students can study the Social Work at University of Southern Mississippi across its Gulf Park and Hattiesburg campuses in United States of America. This Master degree is available as a Full Time program delivered on campus in English. The program has a duration of 2 years and is offered across its Gulf Park and Hattiesburg campuses. Students can apply for the next intake starting on August 21, 2027.

About Master of Social Work

Why Should I Earn an MSW Degree?

The MSW's advanced curriculum and expanded field work (900 hours) facilitate rigorous, diverse, and experiential learning that leads to confidence and competence for professional practice.

The MSW provides employment opportunities in clinical settings, where practitioners must be Licensed Master Social Workers.

Full- and part-time programs are available, with an advanced standing option in both if students meet requirements and are accepted; advanced standing reduces program hours (60 to 34).

The Council on Social Work Education accredits our MSW program. Students seeking Advanced Standing must hold a BSW awarded in the past five years from a CSWE-accredited program.

Licensure requirements vary by state. In Mississippi, the Board of Examiners for Social Workers and Marriage & Family Therapists oversees regulation for social workers.

Course topics include:

Human rights and social justice
Problem solving for individuals, families, and groups
Social welfare policy
Addictions
Programs and community development
Consultation and supervision
Trauma
Forensics
Aging
Health
Grant writing
Human sexuality
School social work

Full-time students finish in 5 semesters, or 3 if advanced standing; part-time students finish in 8 semesters, or 5 if advanced standing.

Each cohort has a specific plan of study to follow. Click MSW Plans of Study to view the current plans for each cohort.

Disciplines

School of Social Work

Requirements and Admission Criteria for Master of Social Work at University of Southern Mississippi

Entry Requirements

Graduate application materials for international applicants are collected by the International Admissions office. Admission to a graduate program must first be approved by the chair of the department in which the student plans to study. After approval by the department, admission decisions are approved by the college dean and The Graduate School.

Prospective international students must provide proof of English proficiency through a TOEFL, IELTS, PTE or iTEP exam. Some departments may require GRE, GMAT, or MAT. You should check your particular department to find out which exam is required for admission to your proposed program.

Applications will be forwarded to the academic department for review when all required application materials have been submitted. These items should be received before the deadline date of the semester for which the student is applying.

Admission is competitive and based on a holistic review of the applicant’s credentials by departments. The University sets minimum requirements for regular admission into graduate school, including:

Online Application
$60 non-refundable application fee
Minimum GPA of 2.75/4.00 on the last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework
Good standing at last university attended
Official transcripts and degree certificates or diplomas from all previous colleges or universities attended
Official TOEFL, IELTS, Cambridge English, PTE, or iTEP scores (The ETS code used for test reporting to The University of Southern Mississippi is 1479)
Official copy of GRE, GMAT, or MAT score from testing service (not required for all programs, Graduate School also maintains a list under the Test Requirements dropdown. It is best to check with your academic department for the most up to date information.)
Three letters of recommendation (upload to application file)
Statement of Purpose or writing sample (according to departmental requirements)
Immunization records (required prior to enrolling in classes if admitted)

Individual graduate programs may have additional or more stringent requirements. Departmental websites should be consulted for more details about program-specific expectations for admission.

Please mail official transcripts to:

If using a courier service such as FedEx, UPS, or DHL (FedEx and UPS are preferred):

Elizabeth Shoemake
The University of Southern Mississippi
International Admissions #5135
2609 West 4th Street
Hattiesburg MS 39401-5876

If mailing form within the United States:

The University of Southern Mississippi 
Office of International Admissions
118 College Drive # 5135
Hattiesburg, MS 39406-0001  USA

English Requirements

PTEMin 54
IELTSMin 6
TOEFLMin 71

Tuition and Fee Information for Master of Social Work at University of Southern Mississippi

Application Fee 60

How to Apply for Master of Social Work at University of Southern Mississippi

Create your application account or sign-in using your previously created account information. Once you have verified your account, begin your application. Please be aware that you are completing an application for admission to a specific program for a specific entry term. If you wish to apply to more than one program, you will need to complete multiple applications.

As you complete your application, make note of the required application materials and prompts. You may upload required materials before submitting your application or after paying your application fee.

After submitting your application, log back into your application portal to upload your resume, statement of purpose and other program-specific required documents and to track the progress of your application and other outstanding application materials. Please be aware that application materials will not be returned to the applicant nor forwarded to other institutions.

Your application must be submitted and the $60 application fee must be paid before the application deadline. Application waivers are available for active members, reservists, and veterans of the U.S. armed forces, current or former participants in the McNair Scholars program, recipients of a Fulbright Student Scholar award, and full-time permanent employees of The University of Southern Mississippi.

Master of Social Work at University of Southern Mississippi

University of Southern Mississippi

United States of America, West Hattiesburg