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MSW Full Form: Overview, Eligibility, Syllabus, Admissions & Career Opportunities

Ranjan Kumar

Updated on 03rd August, 2024 , 8 min read

MSW Full Form: Overv

MSW Full Form: Comprehensive Overview

The full form of MSW is Master of Social Work. A post-graduation with social work as a specialization is called an MSW course or Master of Social Work. MSW program is 2 years and is divided into 4 semesters. After completing the graduation in the relevant field, one can opt for the MSW course. A professional post-graduation degree, the Master of Social Work (MSW) program includes micro and macro aspects of professional social work in communities, hospitals, schools, and all other social service fields.

Philosophy & Social Work, Psychology for Social Work, Social Work Research, Community Work, Social Welfare Management, Poverty & Livelihood, Environment & Disaster Management etc. are the subjects covered in the course. One can opt for a full-time MSW program or a part-time/distance learning program. Correspondence MSW program is 5 years instead of 2 years of full-time MSW program.

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This program is not only designed to make students profession-ready but to make society better by making students work for people and society as a whole. Being a Social worker is the noblest profession. Social workers make communities more beautiful. Candidates should know this career needs lots of hard work, time, compassion, and charity. It’s a career to see happiness on your face.

Also Check the BSW Course

Check the key highlights of the MSW Course below.

Particulars

Details

Course Full Name 

MSW Full Form

Master of Social Work

Degree

Post Graduation

Duration

2 Years

Eligibility

Graduation with 50 per cent marks

Entrance Exams

SAT, JNUEE, DUET, PUBDET, TISSNET, etc.

Fees

INR 20000 to INR 2 lakh

Average Salary

INR 3 LPA to INR 5 LPA

Job Profiles

Social Worker, Child Development Manager, HR Manager, Fundraiser, Professor, etc.

Top Recruiters

Goonj, CRY, Accenture, Flipkart, Amazon, Just Dial and so on

Top Colleges

Amity University, Noida, Loyola College, Chennai, Aligarh Muslim University, University of Lucknow, etc.

MSW Full Form: Why Study Master of Social Work (MSW)?

For those willing to make a significant contribution to the society, pursuing an MSW Course is an excellent option. We have listed below some popular reasons as to why this course should be studied.

  • The social work sector contributes significantly to the Indian economy.
  • With numerous non-profit organizations and CSR projects, the demand for social workers is high.
  • MSW graduates can work with leading global NGOs like Save the Children, UNICEF, and WHO.
  • Social workers positively impact individuals’ lives by addressing issues like poverty, disability, inequality, and child abuse.

MSW Full Form: MSW Course Eligibility Criteria

To study an MSW Course it is important to know and understand the eligibility criteria associated with it. Those who fit the eligibility criteria can appear for the apply or opt for the course. Each university has its own admissions criteria and the most common criteria are given below.

  • Bachelor of Social Work degree (BSW) or bachelor's degree in any subject from a recognized university with at least 50% marks.
  • Graduates from fields other than humanities are also eligible for the MSW program, provided they have a minimum of 50% marks from a recognized university.
  • Candidates must pass entrance tests in some universities for admission.
  • There is no age limit to give the MSW Exam

MSW Full Form: MSW Course Syllabus

The specific syllabus for a Mastеr of Social Work (MSW Full Form) course can vary depending on the university or institution offering the program. However, here’s a general overview of the core curriculum one can expect.

Foundation Courses

  • Social Work Foundation
  • Human Behavior and the Social Environment
  • Social Welfare Policy and Services
  • Social Research Methods
  • Practice Methods Courses:
  • Social Work Practice I & II
  • Social Work Groups
  • Social Work with Individuals and Families
  • Community Organizing and Development
  • Social Work with Diverse Populations

Elective Courses

Many MSW programs offer a range of elective courses allowing you to specialize in a particular area of social work practice. These electives can cover topics from the list below.

  • Mental Health
  • Child Welfare
  • School Social Work
  • Medical Social Work
  • Gerontology
  • Disability Studies
  • Social Justice Advocacy
  • Social Policy Analysis
  • Program Development and Evaluation
  • Non-profit Management

MSW Full Form: MSW Semester-Wise Syllabus 

The MSW Course is a 2-year course spread over 4 semesters. Candidates can view the semester-wise syllabus here. However, it must be noted that this syllabus may vary from college to college and university to university.

Year 1

Year 2

Semester 1Semester 2Semester 3Semester 4
  • Introduction to Professional Social Work
  • Social Case Work
  • Concurrent Field Work including Social Work Camp
  • Analysis of Indian Society
  • Study of Indian Economics
  • Study of the Indian Constitution
  • Social Work Research and Statistics
  • Personal and Professional Growth
  • Labour Welfare and Legislation
  • Social Work Approaches for Social Development
  • Poverty and Livelihood
  • Introduction to Disaster Management
  • Women and Child Development
  • Community Organization
  • Social Work Group
  • Dissertation

MSW Full Form: Popular MSW Entrance Exams

Admission to the majority of postgraduate courses in India is via entrance exams. These tests may be at the university, state, or national levels. For every exam, there is a particular application procedure, exam structure, and application cost. It is recommended that candidates complete the application forms for these exams as soon as possible once they get notifications.

Some of the entrance exams that are given in India for admission to MSW programs are shown in the table below:

  • Common University Entrance Test
  • Indraprastha University Common Entrance Test (IPU CET)

MSW Full Form: MSW Admissions

Mastеr of Social Work (MSW Full Form) admissions are done on the basis of entrance exam and merit. Remember, your graduation percentage also matters and should be more than 50%. Group Discussion and Personal Interview may be taken after the Common Admission Test or Skill for the candidates who qualify the written examination. The admission process includes 3 steps - Application, Entrance Exam, and the GD-PI round. Each of these steps is explained under.

Application

Interested candidates can apply for the MSW program by filling out an online or offline application form. The form will have personal details, educational background, work experience (if any), and other relevant information.

Entrance Test

Many universities conduct entrance tests as a part of the MSW program admission process. These tests will check the candidate’s intelligence, knowledge, and skills in social work areas. The syllabus will cover social work theories, research methods, social problems, human development, and general awareness. Entrance test scores will matter.

Group Discussion (GD) and Personal Interview (PI)

Some universities may have group discussion rounds to check candidate’s teamwork, opinions, and constructive communication. Shortlisted candidates from the entrance exam or GD round will be called for one-to-one interviews with faculty members or the selection committee. The interview will check the candidate's interest in social work, communication, social problems, and values and ethics of social work.

MSW Full Form: Top MSW Colleges in India

Many career options are available to those with an MSW degree. The MSW program is intended to support professional advancement for individuals who aspire to engage in social welfare. Fieldwork and academic study are both components of the MSW program. You will find it easier to finish your MSW courses if you establish and adhere to a study schedule.

For aspiring social counselors, human rights advocates, and other professionals, MSW offers a wide range of opportunities. There are several universities that offer this subject, so students have options. Following their completion of the MSW program, candidates may pursue a PhD. Among the top universities offering a PhD in social work are TISS Mumbai, Delhi University, Christ University Bangalore, and others. In the table, the colleges are listed alphabetically and not in any order of ranking hierarchy. 

Top 10 Private MSW Colleges


In India, there are around 550 MSW colleges. Applicants can view the table below to learn about a few of the best private universities in India that offer MSW programs:

  • Amity University, Noida:    INR 2 lakh
  • Amity University, Gurgaon:    INR 1 lakh
  • Chanakya University, Bangalore:    INR 1 lakh
  • Hindustan College of Arts and Science, Chennai:    INR 77000
  • Kristu Jayanti College, Bangalore:    INR 21000
  • Loyola College, Chennai:    INR 65000
  • St Xavier's University, Kolkata:    INR 2.1 lakh
  • Stella Maris College, Chennai:    INR 65000
  • St. Jospeh's University, Bangalore:    INR 2 lakh

Top 10 Government Colleges for MSW


The list of some popular government colleges offering MSW course are:
 

  • Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh: N/A
  • Bangalore University, Bangalore:  INR 10000
  • Dr. B.R. Ambedkar University of Social Sciences, Indore: INR 13000
  • IGNOU, Delhi:    INR 36000
  • Madras Christian College, Chennai:  INR 63000
  • MSU, Vadodara: INR 17000
  • NSOU - Netaji Subhas Open Univesity, Kolkata:  INR 10000
  • Panjab University, Chandigarh:  INR 58000
  • University of Lucknow, Lucknow : INR 28000 to INR 1 lakh
  • University of Madras, Chennai:  INR 68000

MSW Full Form: Career Opportunities after MSW

A Master of Social Work (MSW Full Form) opens doors to a rewarding career path in both government and private sectors. Here’s a glimpse of the opportunities that can be explored.

Government Sector

  • Social Worker: Work with vulnerable populations in areas like child welfare, mental health, or disability services.
  • Project Coordinator/Program Manager: Manage social programs related to education, healthcare, or community development.
  • Community Health Worker: Provide healthcare education and resources in underserved communities.
  • Public Policy Analyst: Research and advocate for social policies that improve lives.
  • Teacher (Social Science): Teach social science subjects in schools (may require additional qualifications).

Private Sector

  • Clinical Social Worker: Provide therapy and counseling services in hospitals, clinics, or private practices.
  • School Counsellor: Support students’ academic, social, and emotional well-being.
  • Care Manager: Coordinate care for individuals with chronic health conditions or disabilities.
  • Fundraiser: Develop strategies to raise funds for non-profit organizations.
  • Human Resources Specialist: Advocate for employee well-being and handle social justice issues within a company.

MSW Full Form: MSW Salary by Experience Level

Candidates willing to pursue MSW course can check the salary here as per their experience level.

Experience Level

Annual Salary Range

Entry-level

Rs 3.60 lakh to 3.89 lakh

Mid-level

Rs 3.89 lakh to Rs. 5.00 lakh

Top-level

Rs 5.00 lakh and onwards

MSW Full Form: Full Form in Different Contexts

When you see the acronym “MSW” what’s the first thing that comes to mind? What does MSW stand for? While the main definition of MSW is Master of Social Work, it’s worth exploring how this abbreviation can mean different things in different contexts, from environment to medical fields to employment sectors.

MSW Full Form in Environment: In the environment, MSW stands for Municipal Solid Waste. Municipal solid waste is all the things we use and throw away, household waste, commercial waste, institutional waste.

MSW Full Form in Medical: In the medical field, MSW still stands for Master of Social Work. In healthcare settings, social workers are key in addressing the psychosocial needs of patients and their families.

MSW Full Form in Job: In the Job sector MSW stands for Master of Social Work; it’s a postgraduate degree course that prepares you for a career in social work. It covers all aspects of professional social work, community development, and human resource management.

MSW Full Form: Types of MSW Course

Like each course, the MSW course also has 3 categories - regular, distance, and online. Each of these categories has been explained in detail below.

Type of MSW Course

Description

Full-Time/Regular

Under this course, the student goes to college like a regular student and studies the course for 2 years. it ensures a holistic or overall development of the student, and they can also participate in the extra-curricular activities inter and intra college.

Distance

In this type, the student does not attend the regular classes. The study material is shared with the students via post or online and they only go to the college for seminars and final examinations.

Online

For those who do not wish to attend college at all, this is the best option. The student under this category will be attending all lectures, seminars, and examinations online only.

MSW Full Form: MSW Top Recruiters

There are many different industries represented in MSW employment in India, and there are many of learning opportunities. Students can pursue more education to increase their chances of employment and career advancement, which will raise the MSW salary for graduates in India. In India, the scope of MSW is wide for "freshers," which helps students choose how to pursue their objectives. MSW employment opportunities are available to fresh graduates, with an average MSW income of INR 4 LPA in India.

The following are the names of the top companies that hire MSW graduates:

Top Companies Hiring MSW Graduates 

Flipkart

Flipkart Logistics

Help Foundation

Accenture

Reliance Industries

Kotak Life Insurance

Just Dial

Amazon

Gateway Solutions

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is thе еligibility for an MSW program?

A bachelor’s degree from a recognized university is typically required. Work for specific prerequisites may be considered.

What carееr options arе availablе after complеting an MSW?

Graduatеs can pursue roles such as social workers, counselors, thеrapists, program coordinators, policy analysts, or researchers in various settings.

What skills arе dеvеlopеd through an MSW program?

MSW programs dеvеlop skills in assеssmеnt, intеrvеntion, casе managеmеnt, counseling, advocacy, cultural compеtеncy, rеsеarch, еvaluation, еthical dеcision-making, and lеadеrship.

How long does an MSW program usually take to complete?

Full-timе programs gеnеrally takе two yеars, whilе part-time or onlinе options may takе longеr. Advancеd standing programs for thosе with a bachеlor in social work can bе complеtеd in onе yеar.

What is the use of MSW course?

Prepares you to tackle social issues, empower communities, and promote social justice through careers in direct practice, community organizing, policy advocacy, program management, and research.

What is MSW career?

Some common job titles for MSW graduates include clinical social worker, school social worker, mental health counselor, child welfare worker, family therapist, community organizer, policy analyst, social work researcher, and social work administrator.

What arе thе admission rеquirеmеnts for an MSW program?

Admission rеquirеmеnts vary but typically include a complеtеd application, transcripts, lеttеrs of rеcommеndation, pеrsonal statеmеnt, and possibly an еntrancе еxam or intеrviеw.

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