M.S.W. or M.A. (SW) Master of Social Work

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Social Work, in simple terms refers to various services designed to aid the poor and aged and to increase their welfare. Master of Social Work is an Post Graduate Academic Degree which is awarded for a course of program in the field of Social Work. It is commonly abbreviated as M.S.W. or M.A. (SW) which stands for Master of Social Work or Master of Arts in Social Work. Masters in Social Work  Master Degree Programme in Social Work is aimed at training individuals who are already working or desire to work in the Development and Welfare sectors.

Duration - The duration of Masters in Social Work is 2 years, usually comprising 4 semesters.

Eligibility

• The eligibility of Social Work Masters Degree Programs is Bachelor of Social Work degree from a recognised Institute.

• Candidates who have a Bachelor's degree in Humanities / Social Science / Science / Commerce or Management subjects are also eligible. Students with a background in social work, psychology, social science, sociology or any other related fields are given preference over others.

• Candidates appearing for final year degree exam are also eligible to appear for First year. However, their final admission to MSW is subject to passing degree examination before opening of the classes of 1st semester.

• The selection is on the basis of one's performance in Entrance Test, Group Discussion and Interview. The test measures one's mental ability and general awareness. The aim of the interview is to establish a candidates genuine interest in Social Work.

• Candidates belonging to the SC/ST require at least 40% marks at the qualifying examinations. This Percentage may vary depending upon the University.

Master of Social Work Distance Education or Correspondence can also be pursued by those desiring to indulge in Social Work.

Master of Social Work Subjects / Topics

• History, Philosophy and Fields of Social Work.
• Theory and Practice of Counselling.
• Project Planning and Management.
• Social Work Research and Social Statistics.

Note : Subjects / Topics may vary slightly depending upon the Institute where MSW is being provided.

Master of Social Work Course Structure

Most of the Institutes follow the below mentioned Course Structure:

• Extra Disciplinary Courses offered by other Departments - Candidates who have joined the MSW Degree course, besides undergoing the courses offered by the Department of social work, undergo any two Extra Disciplinary Courses (one in second semester and another one in third semester) offered by other departments.

• Course features - The programme consists of Foundation Courses (FC), Core Courses (CC) and Extra Disciplinary Courses (EDC) distributed among the 4 semester periods. The courses include concurrent Fieldwork Practicum, Block Placement and Research Thesis Work.

Master of Social Work Degree Specialisations

• Human Resource Management.
• Criminology and Correctional Administration.
• Medical and Psychiatric Social Work.
• Family and Child Welfare.
• Rural and Urban Community Development and Schools Social Work.
• Medical and Psychiatric Social Work.
• Urban and Rural Community Development.
• Personnel Management.
• Industrial Relations & Labour Welfare.

Who can and Who should pursue Master of Social Work Degree

• It is best suited for those Graduates who have a flexible outlook towards humanity.

• Those who have high understanding of human psychology and posses the ability to analyse an issue and take decisions apt to the situation are perfectly suited for this Degree.

Advantages or Benefits of Master of Social Work Degree

• Candidates who have completed Masters Degree in Social work can apply for Ph.D. or M.Phil. degree.

• After gaining some experience M.S.W.'s can be appointed as Consultants with various high reputed organizations.

Master of Social Work Jobs

The M.S.W Degree holds a good repute at the International Level. Premier international organizations like WHO, UNESCO and UNICEF employ Social Workers in awareness campaigns and projects meant for developing countries. Internationally recognized NGO's that employ Indian social workers also pay well. Teaching, Research based and administrative jobs are the other jobs which one can acquire.

Employment Areas

• Clinics.
• Correction Cells.
• Counselling Centers.
• Disaster Management Department.
• Education Sector.
• Gender Issues Associations or Groups.
• Health Industry.
• Hospitals.
• HR Department of Industries.
• Human Rights Agencies.
• M.N.C's.
• Mental Hospitals.
• Natural Resources Management Companies.
• NGO's.
• Old Age Homes.
• Prisons.

Job Types

• Assistant Director.
• District Consultant.
• Documentation and Communication Officer.
• Humanitarian Values and PMER Officer.
• National Secretary Community Development.
• Junior Research Fellow.
• Project Coordinator.
• Professor.
• Programme Co-ordinator.
• Senior Manager - Human Resources.
• Sub Regional Training Coordinator.