
What is MSW Course? Syllabus, Fees, Jobs, and Salary in India
The Master of Social Work (MSW) is a professional postgraduate course designed for individuals passionate about making a positive impact on society. Whether you aim to become a social worker, counselor, or work in policy and advocacy, an MSW degree in India opens doors to meaningful careers. In this comprehensive blog, we will explore everything about the MSW course—from syllabus and fees to jobs after MSW, MSW salary, and career opportunities.
What is an MSW Course?
MSW full form is Master of Social Work, a two-year postgraduate program aimed at developing professionals who can address social issues, uplift marginalized communities, and advocate for change.
The degree can be pursued after a bachelor’s in any stream, although a background in social sciences is often preferred.
MSW Course Syllabus
The MSW course includes both theoretical knowledge and fieldwork. Here’s a general breakdown:
Core Subjects:
- Introduction to Social Work
- Social Work Theories and Practice
- Human Growth and Development
- Social Policy and Legislation
- Research Methodology
- Field Work Practicum
Specializations (May Vary by University):
- Family and Child Welfare
- Urban and Rural Community Development
- Medical and Psychiatric Social Work
- Labor Welfare and Industrial Relations
These subjects shape your MSW career by preparing you for real-world challenges in the social work field.
Fees Structure of MSW Course in India
The fees for MSW course in India vary by institution:
- Government Colleges: ₹20,000 to ₹1,37,000 per year
- Private Universities: ₹1,50,000 to ₹2,76,000 per year
Scholarships and financial aid are often available for eligible students.
Scope of MSW Course in India
The scope of MSW and scope of master in social work is expanding rapidly in India due to the growing need for qualified professionals in social welfare, education, healthcare, and NGOs.
Whether you’re considering jobs after MSW or job opportunities after MSW, the prospects are broad. Key areas include:
- Government Welfare Schemes
- NGOs and INGOs
- Hospitals and Mental Health Clinics
- Schools and Educational Institutions
- Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Departments
- Research and Policy Advocacy
The masters in social work careers span diverse sectors, allowing individuals to align their work with their personal passions and values.
Jobs and Career Opportunities After MSW Course
There are various MSW course job opportunities available across sectors. Here are some common roles:
Social Service Worker Roles:
- Clinical Social Worker
- Child Welfare Case Worker
- School Social Worker
- Medical Social Worker
- Psychiatric Social Worker
- Policy Analyst
- Community Development Officer
- Counselor
- NGO Program Manager
For those interested in the academic or policy domain, pursuing a Ph.D. or joining a think tank can also be a part of the social work career.
After MSW Degree Salary in India
One of the most frequently asked questions is: What is the MSW salary in India?
Let’s break it down by roles and experience.
Entry-Level:
- MSW job salary starts from ₹15,000 to ₹30,000 per month.
- Average MSW salary per month in NGOs: ₹20,000–₹35,000.
Mid-Level:
- With 3–5 years of experience, professionals earn ₹40,000–₹60,000.
- Social worker salary in hospitals or schools may go up to ₹50,000/month.
Senior-Level:
- NGO managers, policy advisors, and clinical specialists may earn ₹70,000 to ₹1.5 Lakhs per month.
So, the masters in social work salary or salary for MSW depends on your specialization, experience, and employer.
Jobs for Social Workers in India
India has a rising demand for trained social workers across sectors. Some prominent employers include:
- Government Health and Welfare Departments
- UNICEF, WHO, UNDP
- Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS)
- NGOs like CRY, HelpAge India, and Pratham
- Hospitals like AIIMS, Apollo, Fortis
- CSR Wings of Corporates
These offer jobs for social workers in India with attractive packages and strong career growth.
Career Path: India Social Worker
As an India social worker, your journey may start in grassroots roles and grow into leadership or policy-level positions. The flexibility and variety of paths make this field both challenging and rewarding.
MSW Course Details: Key Highlights
Students who have completed their bachelor’s degree and are interested in social service can pursue a Master of Social Work (MSW) to build a rewarding career in this field. The program offers various specializations such as Social Work Administration, Child and Family Social Work, Medical and Psychiatric Social Work, Clinical Social Work, Community Social Work, and more.
Below is a summary of important details related to the MSW course in India:
Particulars | Details |
Full Form | Master of Social Work |
Course Level | Postgraduate |
Duration | 2 Years |
Eligibility Criteria | Bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks from a recognized university |
Admission Process | Based on Merit or Entrance Exams |
Entrance Exams | CUET-PG, CPGET, AP PGCET, BVP CET, and others |
Top Colleges Offering MSW | Amity University, Madras Christian College, Loyola College, St. Joseph’s University, PSGCAS, Kristu Jayanti College, Stella Maris College, etc. |
Course Fees | Ranges between ₹2,000 and ₹4.8 Lakhs |
Popular Job Roles | Social Worker, Mental Health Counsellor, Assistant Professor, Project Officer, Child Welfare Specialist, Medical Social Worker |
Average Starting Salary | ₹4.2 Lakh per annum (LPA) |
Top Recruiters | Goonj, CRY, Accenture, Flipkart, Amazon, Just Dial, among others |
Conclusion
A Master of Social Work (MSW) is not just a degree—it’s a gateway to a life of purpose and professional satisfaction. With a diverse range of social service worker roles, solid job opportunities after MSW, and a decent MSW degree salary, it is a wise career choice for anyone passionate about social change.
Whether you’re planning to pursue M.A. in Social Work in India or already exploring the scope of master of social work, this career offers stability, respect, and the chance to make a difference.
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