An advanced degree in social work is known as an MSW courses. It is available in both conventional and online versions and normally takes two years to finish. The subjects covered in MSW programs are quite diverse and include social welfare policy, social research techniques, human behavior, and social work practice. Graduates of the MSW program can find employment in a range of contexts, including non-profit organizations, governmental organizations, private practices, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and incarceration centers.
MSW Course Details
A postgraduate social work degree is called an MSW.
The average time to finish is two years.
Social welfare policy, social research techniques, human behavior, and social work practice are just a few of the many subjects included in MSW programs.
Graduates of the MSW program can find employment in a range of institutions, including non-profits, governmental bodies, private practices, educational institutions, medical centers, and incarceration facilities.
Social workers are expected to have a 13% increase in employment between 2020 and 2030.
In the US, Columbia University, University of Pennsylvania, University of California, Berkeley, Harvard University, and University of Michigan provide some of the top MSW programs.
Admission process
Academic standing: A bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 is often required by colleges. Certain courses, such human behavior and the social environment or social work research methodologies, are also prerequisites for some programs.
Scores on the GRE or MSW admissions exam: Some colleges require you to take one of these exams. Your verbal reasoning, mathematical reasoning, and analytical writing abilities are evaluated on these tests.
Relevant job experience is necessary for admission to several colleges that specialize in social work. This could be paid employment, internships, or voluntary work.
Your chance to explain to the admissions committee why you want to pursue an MSW and what you plan to accomplish with your degree is in your personal statement.
Recommendation letters: Letters of recommendation from professors, supervisors, or other professionals.
Course and fees
| Type | Institution | Fees (per year) |
|---|---|---|
| Government college | Delhi School of Social Work (DSW) | Rs. 25,000 |
| Private college | Christ (Deemed to Be University) | Rs. 167,000 |
| Distance learning | IGNOU | Rs. 32,400 |
Entrance Exam
- TISSNET: The Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) administers the TISSNET entrance exam. TISSNET is an MCQ-type exam that contains questions about a High Level of awareness, Proficiency in the English Language, and other topics.
- DUET: The Delhi University Entrance Test (DUET) is an entrance exam for programs offered by the University of Delhi. DUET is a computer-based exam that contains questions on General Knowledge, English Language, and Social Work.
- BHUPET: The Banaras Hindu University (BHU) Entrance Test (BHUPET) is an entrance exam for MSW programs offered by Banaras Hindu University. BHUPET is a computer-based exam that contains questions on General Knowledge, English Language, and Social Work.
- CUET PG: The Common University Entrance Test (CUET PG) is a national-level entrance exam for MSW programs offered by various universities in India. CUET PG is a computer-based exam that contains questions on General Knowledge, English Language, and Social Work.
MSW Colleges in India
- Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS): TISS is one of the most prestigious universities in India for social work. It offers a two-year MSW program with specializations in various areas, such as community development, social policy, and mental health.
- Delhi School of Social Work (DSW): DSW is a government-run college that offers a two-year program with specializations in various areas, such as child welfare, women’s studies, and rural development.
- Amity University, Lucknow: Amity University is a private university that offers a two-year program with specializations in various areas, such as mental health, child welfare, and social work research.
- Christ (Deemed to Be University): Christ is a private university that offers a two-year program with specializations in various areas, such as social policy, mental health, and gender studies.
- Banaras Hindu University (BHU): BHU is a central university that offers a two-year program with specializations in various areas, such as social work research, community development, and child welfare.
MSW Government Colleges
- Delhi School of Social Work (DSW): DSW is a premier institute for social work education in India. It is a constituent college of the University of Delhi and is located in the heart of Delhi. DSW offers a two-year MSW program with specializations in various areas, such as child welfare, women’s studies, and rural development.
- Madras School of Social Work (MSW): MSW is a government-run college that is affiliated with the University of Madras. It is located in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. MSW offers a two-year program with specializations in various areas, such as community development, social policy, and mental health.
- Alagappa University, Department of Social Work: The Department of Social Work at Alagappa University is one of the oldest and most respected social work colleges in India. It is located in Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu. The department offers a two-year program with specializations in various areas, such as rural development, social policy, and mental health.
- Guru Nanak Dev University, Department of Social Work: The Department of Social Work at Guru Nanak Dev University is one of the most prestigious social work colleges in India. It is located in Amritsar, Punjab. The department offers a two-year MSW program with specializations in various areas, such as community development, social policy, and mental health.
- Savitribai Phule Pune University, Yashwantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University (YCMOU): The Yashwantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University (YCMOU) offers a two-year program through distance learning. This program is open to students from all over India.
Job Opportunities
| Job title | Description | Salary (per year) |
|---|---|---|
| Social worker | Works with individuals, families, and communities to help them address social problems. | INR 2.1 lakhs (₹17.5k per month) |
| Case manager | Helps individuals and families navigate the social service system. | INR 1.8 lakhs (₹15k per month) |
| Therapist | Provides counseling and therapy to individuals and groups. | INR 2.5 lakhs (₹21.2k per month) |
| Advocate | Works to promote the rights of individuals and groups. | INR 1.5 lakhs (₹12.5k per month) |
| Researcher | Conducts research on social problems and interventions. | INR 3 lakhs (₹25k per month) |
FAQs
MSW stands for Master of Social Work. It is a postgraduate degree program in the field of social work. BSW stands for Bachelor of Social Work. It is an undergraduate degree program in the field of social work.
The job prospects for MSW graduates are good. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of social workers will grow 13% from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is being driven by the increasing demand for social services, as well as the aging population.
The salary prospects for MSW graduates vary depending on the job title, experience, and location. However, the average salary for MSW graduates is around INR 2.1 lakhs per year (₹17.5k per month).
The admission requirements for MSW programs vary from school to school. However, most programs require a bachelor’s degree in social work or a related field, a minimum GPA of 3.0, and letters of recommendation. Some programs also require that applicants take the GRE or MSW admissions exam.
