MSW also termed the Master of Social Work is a 2-year postgraduate degree course divided across 4 semesters. The basic eligibility criteria to pursue MSW include candidates having pursued their graduation in social work with a minimum aggregate score of 50% and above or an equivalent CGPA from a recognised university. MSW Admission across top colleges are done on the basis of both merit as well as entrance exams such as CUET PG, SAT and IPUCET. The average course fees usually range from INR 20,000 – 1,00,000. Some of the top MSW colleges include Banaras Hindu University, Tata Institute of Social Science, and Aligarh Muslim University. After completing the course candidates can work as Social Workers with an average salary of INR 3.50 LPA - 5 LPA.
Table of Contents
4.2 MSW Entrance Exam Syllabus
8.1 Top MSW Government Colleges
10.1 MSW Government Jobs
12.1 PhD Social Work
12.2 MPhil Social Work
MSW: Course Highlights
| Duration | 2 years |
| Eligibility | Graduation across any discipline with a 50% aggregate score |
| Admission Process | Merit-Based / Entrance Exams |
| Entrance Exams |
CUET, IPUCET and SAT |
| Course Fees (INR) | 20,000 – 1,00,000 |
| Average Salary (INR) | 3.50 LPA - 5 LPA |
| Top Recruiters | NGO’s and Hospitals |
| Job Profiles | Human Rights Specialists, Social Service Managers and Social Workers |
Why Study MSW?
India is home to more than 3.17 million non-profit organizations justifying the fact that there are multiple job opportunities for individuals with a knack for social work. Apart from this, there are numerous other reasons why MSW leads to a fulfilling career that are discussed below for your reference.
- Work in an Evolving Sector: The social work sector adds US$ 30 Billion annually to the Indian economy. So, taking up an MSW course opens up satisfying prospects for the individual.
- Job Opportunities: Owing to the high number of non-profit organisations present in the country and improved implementation of CSR projects by corporates, the demand for social workers is high. Other than this, there are multiple job openings in the government sector as well.
- Work with Global NGOs: An MSW course provides graduates with opportunities to work with leading global NGOs like Save the Chidren, UNICEF and WHO. Global NGOs have a high penetration rate and operate worldwide.
- Personal Satisfaction: It is the job of a social worker to bring about a change in an individual’s life by working on issues like poverty, disability, inequality, and child abuse. So, the chance to change a distressed individual’s life positively comes with immense job satisfaction
MSW Eligibility Criteria
Candidates aspiring to pursue a MSW course, are required to fulfil the following eligibility criteria as listed below.
- Basic Eligibility Criteria
- First and Foremost candidates should clear their graduation in social work or other associated subjects
- They should have an average aggregate score of 50% or above or equivalent CGPA depending on the colleges they are applying to.
- Top Tier Colleges
- Some of the Top MSW Colleges such as TISS, Madras Christian College, Christ University and Stella Maris College keep a higher cutoffs as compared to other colleges. These colleges usually expect students to have a minimum aggregate of 60% and above to be eligible to pursue the course.
- After clearing the entrance exams, selected candidates are then called in for GD/PI rounds.
- Application Strategy
- Necessitates tailored preparation to meet specific institution requirements.
- Reservations
- Candidates belonging to the reserved category enjoy a relaxation of 5%
MSW Admissions 2024
MSW Admissions are done on the basis of merit as well as through entrance exams. Candidates should keep in mind that the marks obtained during graduation are also taken into account and it has to be more than 50%. In some cases, The Common Admission Test or Skill Assessment Test is followed by Group Discussions and Personal Interview. Mentioned below are the two types of MSW admissions:
- Merit-Based: In this mode of admission, students have to visit the college fill up the application form and wait for the college to release the merit list. If the candidate makes it to the list, they can complete the process by paying up the course fee.
- Entrance-Based: In the case of entrance-based admission, students need to qualify for the entrance exam for which they have to register beforehand. The college will then declare the exam and result dates and selected candidates will be called for GD/PI rounds.
MSW Entrance Exam Dates 2024
Candidates can take a look at the table below for the registration and exam dates of top colleges like TISS, DU, and BHU in India.
| Entrance Exams | Application Deadlines | Exam Dates |
|---|---|---|
| CUET | 1st week of February - 2nd week of March 2024 | May 15 - 31, 2024 |
| IPUCET | March 24 – May 15, 2024 | May 31 – June 17, 2024 |
MSW Entrance Exam Syllabus
MSW Entrance Exam Syllabus consists of Mathematics & Logical Reasoning, English reasoning, and General awareness. More detailed information is provided in the table below:
| Mathematics & Logical Reasoning Subjects | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Time and work | Basic set concepts | Time and distance | Areas, Volumes |
| Basic geometry | Speed-distance-time | Ratio | HCF, LCM |
| Percentage, Average | Mixtures and Allegations | Square root and Basic algebra | Properties of shapes |
| Simple and compound interest | Pie diagrams | Binomial Theorem | Progressions |
| English Proficiency Subjects | |||
| Cloze Test | Fill in the Blanks | Match the Columns | Error Detection |
| Jumbled Sentences | Vocabulary & Grammar | One Word Substitution | Idioms and Phrases |
| Antonyms and Synonyms | Word Relation | Summary Questions | Reading comprehension |
| General Awareness Subjects | |||
| Recent social issues | Current Affairs | Economic processes | Literature |
| History Fine | Arts and Music | Geography | Films |
| General Geology | Social activities and movements | Meaning of terms | Sociological awareness |
MSW Syllabus
The MSW Syllabus is designed in such a way that it provides an understanding of social work in India, its history, practices, etc. The duration of an MSW Course is 2 years and it is divided into 4 semesters. In the table below, you’ll find the syllabus for each semester:
| MSW Syllabus | Semester 1 | MSW Syllabus | Semester 2 |
|---|---|
| History and Philosophy of Social Work | Social Exclusion and Inclusive Policy |
| Social Problem and Social Development | Rehabilitation and Resettlement |
| Social Work Research and Quantitative Analysis | Social Work Methods |
| Human Growth and Development | Visual Culture |
| Social Work Practical-I (Structured Experience Laboratory and Research Methodology Practical) | Social Work Practical-III (Concurrent fieldwork – Community Placement) |
| Social Work Practical-II (Skill Development Assessment) | Social Work Practical-IV (Learning Social Work through Participatory Approach) |
| IT in Social Sector | Community Intervention and Entrepreneurship Development |
| MSW Syllabus- Semester 3 | MSW Syllabus- Semester 4 |
| Ideology and Ethics of Social Work | Social Work Administration |
| Social Legislation and Labor Welfare | Corporate Social Responsibility |
| Vulnerable Children and their Development | Tribal Anthropology and Social Work |
| Elective-I | Elective-II |
| Social Work Practical-V (Concurrent fieldwork – Agency Placement) | Fundamentals of Medical Social Work |
| Social Work Practicum-VI (Micro Level Study on Social Exclusion) | Block Field Work Placement |
MSW Abroad
It’s no surprise that the quality of education is far better in developed countries like the USA, the UK, and Australia. The colleges/universities provide better infrastructure and research facilities albeit with a higher fee. Some colleges also provide Scholarships for Studying Abroad in search of a distinguished academic career. See Also: MSW Abroad
Students can opt for MSW courses from the list of top colleges in foreign countries provided in the table below:
| Location | No. of Colleges | Average Fees (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Check Top MSW Colleges in USA | 10+ | 23.24 Lakhs |
| Check Top MSW Colleges in Canada | 8+ | 15.34 Lakhs |
| Check Top MSW Colleges in the UK | 10+ | 36 Lakhs |
| Check Top MSW Colleges in Australia | 10+ | 52.57 Lakhs |
MSW Course Fees
The average fee for a typical MSW course in a government college is around INR 1,50,000 and for a private college, it reaches up to INR 3,00,000.
Top MSW Colleges in India
As the demand for social workers is increasing, numerous colleges and universities are flocking to introduce a Social Work degree, be it MSW or BSW. Listed below are the Top Colleges That Offer MSW Courses along with average fees in leading cities of the country:
| Location | No. of Colleges | Average Fees (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Check Top MSW Colleges in Pune | 5+ | 50,000 - 1,00,000 |
| Check Top MSW Colleges in Gujarat | 33+ | 50,000 - 1,00,000 |
| Check Top MSW Colleges in Mumbai | 5+ | 70,000 - 1,50,000 |
| Check Top MSW Colleges in Kerala | 39+ | 40,000 - 1,00,000 |
| Check Top MSW Colleges in Odisha | 18+ | 40,000 - 1,20,000 |
| Check Top MSW Colleges in Delhi | 11+ | 80,000 - 2,00,000 |
| Check Top MSW Colleges in Chennai | 21+ | 40,000 - 1,00,000 |
| Check Top MSW Colleges in Bangalore | 23+ | 80,000 - 1,60,000 |
| Check Top MSW Colleges in Kolkata | 7+ | 40,000 - 90,000 |
MSW Government Colleges
MSW courses are offered by more than 190 colleges in India. These colleges provide a robust social work curriculum with well-qualified faculties. Listed below in the table are the Top Government Colleges in India with their fees:
| College | Average Fees (INR) |
|---|---|
| AMU Aligarh | 2,02,350 |
| BHU Varanasi | 10,288 |
| Jamia Milia Islamia | 20,400 |
| Loyola College Chennai | 32,460 |
| Presidency College Chennai | 1,730 |
| St Joseph's College Devagiri | 90,000 |
| Guru Nanak College (GNC), Chennai | 66,500 |
| St. Albert's College, Ernakulam | 75,000 |
| CSJMU (Kanpur University) | 70,000 |
| Lucknow University | 28,280 |
| Atal Bihari Vajpayee Hindi Vishwavidyalaya, Bhopal | 20,500 |
| PSG College Of Arts And Science Coimbatore | 20,000 |
| MP Bhoj (MPBOU) | 23,640 |
MSW College Comparison
Below is the table you’ll find a comparison of various parameters of the top universities for MSW:
| Parameters | BHU, Varanasi | TISS, Mumbai | AMU, Aligarh |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public/Private | Public (Central University) | Private | Public |
| Admission Process | Check Link | Check Link | Check Link |
| Ranking | NIRF: 11/200 | NIRF: 57/200 | NIRF: 19/200 |
| Course Offered | Department of Sociology | School of Social Work | Faculty of Social Work |
| MSW Course Fees (INR) | 60,000 | 1,00,000- 1,20,000 | 2,02,350 |
| Average Salary (INR) | 3 LPA - 6 LPA | 4 LPA - 8 LPA | 2 LPA - 4 LPA |
MSW Distance Education
Distance MSW is a 2-year long correspondence course that covers the field of social work. Students who are interested in distance MSW courses can fill out forms either online or offline at the colleges they are interested in. Distance MSW is a great option for students who are unable to go for the regular mode of learning due to work or commitments.
The curriculum for distance MSW is the same as that of a regular MSW except for fieldwork opportunities. The top colleges for distance MSW are IGNOU, UPRTOU and MPBOU and their average fee is around INR 25,000. Listed below are the Top Distance MSW Colleges in India for your reference.
| College | Average Fees (INR) |
|---|---|
| Indira Gandhi National Open University | 36,000 |
| UP Rajarshi Tandon Open University (UPRTOU) | 14,400 |
| Annamalai University | 11,770 |
| Madhya Pradesh Bhoj (Open) University | 23,640 |
| Vardhman Mahaveer Open University | 17,100 |
| Rabindranath Tagore University | 20,000 |
MSW Jobs
A Master of Social Work student will have the opportunity to work in complex and challenging work environments. Hospitals, schools, community organizations, mental health agencies, child welfare agencies, correctional facilities, and government agencies, all hire social workers.
Tabulated below are the top social worker jobs after completing an MSW course:
| Public Welfare Managers | Policy Analysts | Program Coordinators/Manage |
| Licensed Clinical Social Workers | Geriatric Social Workers | School Social Worker |
| Researcher/Evaluators | Private Practice/Consultant | Child Welfare Specialists |
See Also: Average Salary of Social Worker
MSW Government Jobs
The government of India has multiple community development programs along with policies and initiatives which are aimed at the betterment of society. So, the government requires social workers to carry out these tasks and offer a salary ranging between INR 3 LPA – 5 LPA in the initial stage.
- Top Job Roles: Office Assistants, Cluster Supervisors, Block Managers, District Managers, etc.
- Qualifications Required: Graduate, Post Graduate, M.Sc, B.Sc, MSW, MBA
- Organization Name: TISS, Karnataka State Rural Livelihood Promotion Society and Kerala Agricultural University.
Check:
| Social Worker Salary in India Per Month | Starting Salary of a Social Worker in India | Highest Salary of Social Worker in India |
MSW Hospital Jobs
Some of the top hospitals that provide employment opportunities for MSW graduates are tabulated below for your reference.
| Fortis | National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro-Sciences | Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology |
| North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences | Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research | Regional Medical Research Center |
MSW Salary
The average social worker salary in India, according to Payscale, ranges from INR 2 LPA to 6 LPA depending on the level of expertise and location. In the initial stage, the average salary of a social worker is not very lucrative as compared to its counterparts. However, as one goes up the ladder the salary increases exponentially. Also, the scope of MSW courses is higher abroad as social workers there are paid more in comparison.
The salary of social workers also depends on the country they work in. The average salary of a social worker in the UK and other foreign countries such as Canada and the USA, the average salary ranges from INR 30 LPA - 40 LPA.
Learn More: Social Worker Salary
MSW Scope
Master of Social Work is designed in such a way that instils in the students the necessary knowledge and expertise to work in an advanced social work setting. The scope of MSW varies depending on the college or the region the candidate completed their MSW course.
Apart from getting a job in the field of social work, an MSW postgraduate can also go for higher studies and opt for an MPhil, PhD, and management degrees such as MBA, professional certificate courses, and relevant PG Diploma Courses.
Check out: Post Graduate Diploma in Social Work [PGDSW]
PhD Social Work
PhD Social Work is a 2-6 year doctorate course in which the students have to conduct research in specific areas of social work. In order to pursue a PhD course, students need to appear in different entrance examinations such as UGC NET, CSIR JRF through GATE, SLET, etc. The average course fee ranges between INR 18,000 - INR 2,00,000. The top PhD in social work colleges are TISS, Delhi University and Madra School of Social Work.
MPhil Social Work
MPhil Social Work is a 2 years course that is pursued after a PG degree. Candidates have to qualify for the NET exam to gain admission to this course. The average fee of the course is INR 3,000 - INR 2,00,000. The top M.Phil in Social Work colleges are Osmania University, Loyola College and Pondicherry University.
MSW: FAQs
Ques. What is MSW degree all about?
Ans. MSW or Masters in Social Work is a postgraduate degree that majors in social work. It is a 2 year course duration which is evenly bifurcated across 4 semesters. Candidates aspiring to pursue MSW courses must first complete their graduation in social work or other relevant subjects. Admissions to the MSW courses are done through merit as well as entrance exams, whose average course fees ranges from INR 5,000 – 50,000.
Ques. Which is better MBA or MSW?
Ans. In terms of career prospects, MBA has a better ROI in comparison to MSW. However, the selection of the course solely depends on the candidate and their future plans. Candidates who wish to make a big corporate career with high salary staying at the heart of metro cities, MBA should be the go to subject for them. While candidates who wish to help the poor and opressed without having much of a salary expectations and are ready to reside across interior stretches can can pursue MSW courses.
Ques. Is MSW a good degree?
Ans. MSW is the most sought-after degree for a social worker. An MSW course allows individuals to hone the knowledge and skills they need to become a qualified social worker. The course helps candidates aspiring to become a social worker learn the intricacies of the job and how they can evetually help people who come out of their miseries and lead a good life.
Ques. What is the scope of MSW degree?
Ans. With social work booming in the country, the need for professionals in the field is growing day by day. Candidates who pursue a Master's in Social Work can work in the field of medicine, psychiatric social work, Human Resource Management, criminology, correctional administration, NGOs, and many welfare communities.
Ques. Which specializations are the top most pursued in MSW?
Ans. MSW course comes with multiple specializations Community Development, Medical and Psychiatric, Social Work, Human Resource Management and Urban and Rural Development. Students have the choice to opt any specialization according to their preference.
Ques. What is the average salary received after pursuing an MSW degree?
Ans. Candidates pursuing an MSW degree usually start off on a humble note with an average salary ranging from INR 1.80 LPA – 2.10 LPA. However, with relevant experience and expertise candidates can expect a decent remuneration of INR 3.50 LPA that can go up to as much as INR 7.33 LPA – 9 LPA.
Ques. Can I earn money from Social Work?
Ans. An MSW graduate with relevant experience earns anywhere around INR 3 – 6 LPA in India. The pay is more lucrative in foreign countries owing to the presence of big global NGOs such as Save the Children, UNESCO, Oxfam International and BRAC
Ques. Can I become HR after MSW?
Ans. Yes, candidate who have opted for MSW with specialisation in Human Resources are fit to become an HR. However, it is recommended to pursue an MBA in HR to get placed across top NGOs with decent remuneration.
Ques. Is MSW Hard?
Ans. Pursuing any postgraduate degree is hard in its ways. The same is the case for MSW course, however, with plenty of fieldwork and research, an MSW course can be taxing and exhausting. But the fruit it bears is worth it. With dedication and perseverience one can get results.
Ques. Can I pursue a specific subject while pursuing a Master’s in Social Work?
Ans. Yes, you can. Candidates can pursue a Master's in Social Work in a specialised field such as Childhood studies, medicine, and research. This can allow the aspirant to narrow down what specific field the candidate actually wants to work on. There are many options such as Social services, social policy, clinical social work, and more.
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