MSW (Master of Social Work)

Full form of MSW is Master of Social Work. MSW is a post-graduation course in the field of Social Work which is usually of two years duration. Aspirants can pursue MSW course after pursuing a Bachelor’s degree. Candidates who have pursued a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree are preferred if they opt to pursue a post-graduation course in social work. The career in social work is all about giving and helping others in need. From various NGOs (non-government organisations) across the nation to social development, a master's in social work will provide a candidate an in-depth knowledge about the work put into the development of humanity and social welfare.

After completing an MSW degree, candidates can work as healthcare social workers, clinical social workers, therapists or social workers in the field of medical health, mental health as well as educational fields. Aspirants can pursue MSW as a full time or even a part time/ distance education course. A full time MSW course is of two years duration and candidates can complete their MSW course through correspondence within a maximum duration of five years.

Required Skillset for MSW

Candidates who want to pursue the MSW course need to have good communication skills. Some other key skills that an aspirant should possess when thinking of pursuing the MSW course are listed below:

MSW Eligibility Criteria

Candidates are eligible to pursue MSW as a course if they have completed their graduation from a recognised institute with passing marks. Aspirants who have pursued Bachelors in Social Work (BSW) course or have experience in the field of social work, sociology, psychology, or any related field are preferred if they opt to pursue a MSW course.

Candidates from any stream Humanities, Commerce or Science are eligible to pursue MSW as a course at the post-graduation level.

MSW Course Curriculum

The subjects taught as part of MSW course may vary from one college to the other. But some common topics that candidates are taught as part of Master of Social Work course are listed below:

MSW Job Profiles

After completing MSW course, aspirants can either pursue higher studies in the field of social work. Apart from higher studies, candidates can also opt to pursue a job in the field of social work after completing their MSW course. Some popular job profiles that candidates can join after successfully completing their MSW course are listed below:

• Social Worker: In such a job profile, one provides appropriate resources, advice and support to individuals who are facing difficulties or problems in their personal/ professional life. A social worker helps individuals cope with their monetary, emotional or social needs.
• Project Coordinator: Aspirants are hired in NGOs at this job profile. Project Coordinators need to help in the planning, budgeting and monitoring process of a project undertaken by an NGO. Apart from this, a Project Coordinator also needs to ensure that the project is undertaken is being conducted within the framework established and all documentation work is complete. A project coordinator also gets in touch with volunteers and ensures that the project is being completed as per timelines fixed for it.
• Professor: Candidates can also become educationists in the field of social work. 

MSW Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. What is the scope of Master in Social Work?

A. 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.

Q. After pursuing a Bachelor’s in Social Work, is it wise to take up a Master’s in Social Work?

A. If your aim is to be a social worker and want to make a career in the field, a Master’s in Social Work will only enhance your skills and widen the horizons in the field. The field also requires licensed people so a master’s degree can provide you with many opportunities. More the knowledge gained in the field, the better the scope going forward.

Q. Can I pursue a specific subject while pursuing a Master’s in Social Work?

A. Yes you can. Candidates can pursue a Master’s in Social Work in a specialized 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.

Q. Is Master’s in Social Work difficult to study?

A. If the candidate has done a bachelor’s in Social Work, then no. However, a candidate who is applying for a Master’s degree in Social Work, will need to understand the theoretical and practical part of the course. No course is easy unless the candidate works hard to achieve their respective goals. The course involves plenty of field work as well so candidates have to be dedicated in order to gain experience in the field.

Q. How do I prepare for Master’s in Social Work?

Q. What are the entrance exams for Masters in Social Work?

Q. Which are the famous colleges offering a Master’s in Social Work?