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M-A in Social Work at Central University of Jammu
Samba, Jammu and Kashmir
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About the Specialization
What is Social Work at Central University of Jammu Samba?
This M.A. Social Work program at Central University of Jammu focuses on preparing ethical and competent social work professionals. It emphasizes a holistic understanding of societal issues, human behavior, and various intervention strategies, particularly relevant to the diverse socio-cultural landscape of India. The program distinguishes itself by combining theoretical knowledge with extensive practical fieldwork, crucial for addressing ground-level challenges in the Indian context. There is a significant and growing demand for qualified social workers across public, private, and non-profit sectors in India.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates from any discipline seeking entry into the social development and welfare sector. It also caters to working professionals, such as those in NGOs, community development roles, or government agencies, looking to upskill and formalize their practice with advanced theoretical frameworks and practical methodologies. Career changers transitioning to the social impact industry, especially those with a strong inclination towards humanitarian work and social justice, will find this program highly beneficial. A prerequisite background in social sciences is advantageous but not mandatory.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue India-specific career paths in NGOs, government social welfare departments, corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, hospitals, correctional facilities, and educational institutions. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3 LPA to 6 LPA, with experienced professionals earning INR 6 LPA to 15+ LPA depending on sector and role. Graduates can grow into roles like Project Coordinator, Program Manager, Counsellor, Community Development Officer, or Social Policy Analyst. The program aligns with national goals for social development and community empowerment.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Foundational Social Work Theories and Ethics- (Semester 1-2)
Actively engage with core social work theories, principles, and ethical guidelines taught in courses like "Introduction to Social Work" and "Psychology for Social Work." Regularly participate in class discussions, seek clarification from faculty, and internalize the ethical framework for professional practice. Supplement classroom learning with relevant case studies from Indian social contexts.
Tools & Resources
Textbooks, Academic journals, Online ethics resources (e.g., NASW Code of Ethics, Indian social work associations), Peer study groups
Career Connection
A strong theoretical foundation and ethical compass are non-negotiable for effective and responsible social work, enhancing credibility and decision-making in future roles.
Proactive Fieldwork Engagement and Reflection- (Semester 1-2)
Approach "Social Work Practicum-I & II" with enthusiasm and an inquisitive mind. Fully immerse in agency visits, community observations, and supervised interventions. Maintain detailed and reflective field notes, documenting experiences, challenges, and learning outcomes. Actively participate in supervision sessions to integrate theory with practice and refine skills.
Tools & Resources
Fieldwork Manual, Reflective journals, Supervision meetings, Peer support networks
Career Connection
Hands-on experience and critical reflection are vital for skill development, building practical competence, and understanding the realities of social work practice in India, leading to better placement opportunities.
Develop Interpersonal and Communication Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Engage in activities that enhance active listening, empathetic communication, and rapport-building skills. Participate in role-plays, presentations, and group projects within courses like "Social Work Practice with Individuals/Groups." Practice these skills during fieldwork interactions with clients and community members. Seek feedback on communication style and adapt accordingly.
Tools & Resources
Communication workshops (if offered), Public speaking clubs, Peer feedback, Self-assessment tools
Career Connection
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills are fundamental to client engagement, team collaboration, and advocacy, which are critical for success in any social work role.
Intermediate Stage
Deepen Specialization Knowledge and Practical Application- (Semester 3-4)
In Semester III and IV, focus intensely on the chosen Discipline Specific Electives (DSEs) such as Medical & Psychiatric Social Work or Community Development. Seek out additional literature, attend workshops, and identify fieldwork opportunities that align with your specialization. Proactively apply theoretical concepts from your DSEs to your "Social Work Practicum-III" experiences.
Tools & Resources
Specialization-specific journals, Conferences, Advanced textbooks, Relevant NGOs/hospitals for fieldwork
Career Connection
Specializing provides a competitive edge, demonstrating expertise in a particular area, which is highly valued by employers in India''''s diverse social sector.
Initiate and Execute a Robust Research Project- (Semester 3-4)
For "Social Work Research Project" and "Dissertation," identify a relevant and impactful research topic, ideally related to your specialization or a pressing social issue in India. Develop strong research questions, conduct thorough literature review, and meticulously collect and analyze data. Prioritize ethical considerations throughout the research process and aim for a high-quality dissertation.
Tools & Resources
Research methodology guides, Statistical software (e.g., SPSS, R), University library resources, Faculty mentors
Career Connection
Strong research skills are crucial for evidence-based practice, program evaluation, and policy advocacy, opening doors to roles in research institutions, policy think tanks, and advanced program management.
Expand Professional Network and Seek Mentorship- (Semester 3-4)
Actively attend seminars, webinars, and conferences related to social work and your specialization. Connect with faculty, visiting lecturers, alumni, and professionals encountered during fieldwork. Seek out mentors who can provide guidance, share industry insights, and open doors to internship or job opportunities within the Indian social sector.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Professional associations (e.g., Indian Association of Social Workers), University career services, Alumni network events
Career Connection
Networking builds professional relationships, provides invaluable career advice, and often leads directly to placement and long-term career growth opportunities in India.
Advanced Stage
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- A Bachelor’s Degree (10+2+3 or 10+2+4 or 10+2+5 patterns) in any discipline from a recognized University/Institution with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks or equivalent Grade Point Average (GPA) and 45% for SC/ST/PWD/OBC (NCL) candidates.
Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
Credits: 96 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 30%, External: 70%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSW C 1.1 | Introduction to Social Work | Core | 4 | Social Work: History & Philosophy, Social Work Profession in India, Social Work Values, Principles & Ethics, Human Rights & Social Justice, Challenges to Social Work Profession in India |
| MSW C 1.2 | Sociology for Social Work | Core | 4 | Basic Concepts in Sociology, Major Social Institutions, Social Processes, Social Stratification, Social Change, Social Problems in India |
| MSW C 1.3 | Psychology for Social Work | Core | 4 | Introduction to Psychology, Human Growth and Development, Theories of Personality, Social Psychology, Mental Health and Illness |
| MSW C 1.4 | Social Work Practice with Individuals (Case Work) | Core | 4 | Social Case Work: History & Philosophy, Principles & Components, Methods & Stages, Tools & Techniques, Case Work in various settings |
| MSW P 1.1 | Social Work Practicum-I (Concurrent Field Work) | Practicum/Field Work | 4 | Orientation to Fieldwork, Agency Visits, Observation, Recording & Reporting, Skill Development |
| MSW F 1.1 | Foundation Course (Generic Elective) - Stress Management | Generic Elective | 4 | Nature and Concept of Stress, Causes of Stress, Stress Response, Stress Coping Strategies, Relaxation Techniques |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSW C 2.1 | Social Work Practice with Groups (Group Work) | Core | 4 | Social Group Work: History & Philosophy, Principles & Models, Group Dynamics, Group Process & Stages, Group Work in various settings |
| MSW C 2.2 | Community Organization & Social Action | Core | 4 | Community: Concepts & Typology, Community Organization: Principles & Models, Social Action: Nature & Scope, Approaches to Social Action, Role of Social Worker in Community Development |
| MSW C 2.3 | Social Welfare Administration & Social Legislations | Core | 4 | Social Welfare Administration: Concept & Principles, Management of Social Welfare Organizations, Social Legislations in India, Laws related to Women, Children, Labour, Disabled |
| MSW P 2.1 | Social Work Practicum-II (Concurrent Field Work) | Practicum/Field Work | 4 | Application of Methods in Field, Problem Identification, Intervention Strategies, Record Maintenance, Supervision & Evaluation |
| MSW P 2.2 | Research Methodology & Statistics for Social Work | Core | 4 | Social Research: Nature & Scope, Research Designs, Data Collection Methods, Data Analysis & Interpretation, Basic Statistics for Social Work |
| MSW F 2.1 | Foundation Course (Generic Elective) - Disaster Management | Generic Elective | 4 | Understanding Disasters, Types & Impacts, Disaster Management Cycle, Mitigation & Preparedness, Response & Recovery |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSW C 3.1 | Human Rights and Social Justice | Core | 4 | Concept of Human Rights, International Human Rights Instruments, Human Rights in Indian Context, Social Justice: Principles & Approaches, Role of Social Worker in Promoting Human Rights |
| MSW C 3.2 | Social Work Research Project | Project | 4 | Problem Formulation, Literature Review, Research Design, Data Collection & Analysis, Report Writing & Presentation |
| MSW F 3.1 | Open Elective | Open Elective | 4 | Diverse topics based on student choice from other departments of the university |
| MSW P 3.1 | Social Work Practicum-III (Concurrent Field Work) | Practicum/Field Work | 4 | Advanced Fieldwork Practice, Specialized Interventions, Community Engagement, Advocacy & Networking, Professional Ethics in Practice |
| MSW D 3.1 | Medical Social Work | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) - Option: Medical & Psychiatric Social Work | 4 | Health & Illness, Medical Social Work: Scope & Functions, Role of Social Worker in Health Settings, Ethics in Medical Social Work, Health Programs & Policies in India |
| MSW D 3.2 | Psychiatric Social Work | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) - Option: Medical & Psychiatric Social Work | 4 | Mental Health & Illness, Psychiatric Disorders, Psychiatric Social Work: Models & Interventions, Role of Social Worker in Mental Health Settings, De-addiction & Rehabilitation |
| MSW D 3.3 | Criminology | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) - Option: Criminology & Correctional Social Work | 4 | Nature & Scope of Criminology, Theories of Crime, Types of Crime, Criminal Justice System in India, Prevention of Crime |
| MSW D 3.4 | Correctional Social Work | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) - Option: Criminology & Correctional Social Work | 4 | Correctional Services in India, Role of Social Worker in Correctional Settings, Juvenile Justice System, Victim Assistance, Rehabilitation of Offenders |
| MSW D 3.5 | Rural Development | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) - Option: Community Development & Rural Reconstruction | 4 | Rural Development: Concepts & Theories, Rural Economy & Society, Rural Development Programs in India, Panchayati Raj Institutions, Participatory Rural Appraisal |
| MSW D 3.6 | Urban Community Development | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) - Option: Community Development & Rural Reconstruction | 4 | Urbanization in India, Urban Problems, Urban Community Development: Principles & Practices, Role of NGOs in Urban Development, Slum Development & Resettlement |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSW C 4.1 | Social Policy, Planning & Development | Core | 4 | Social Policy: Concept & Approaches, Social Planning in India, Models of Development, Sustainable Development Goals, Role of Social Worker in Policy Formulation |
| MSW C 4.2 | Human Resource Management in Social Sector | Core | 4 | Human Resource Management: Concepts & Functions, HR Planning, Recruitment & Selection, Training & Development, Performance Management in Social Sector Organizations |
| MSW P 4.1 | Social Work Practicum-IV (Concurrent Field Work) | Practicum/Field Work | 4 | Advanced Practice in Chosen Specialization, Integration of Theory & Practice, Independent Fieldwork, Professional Identity Development, Ethical Decision Making |
| MSW P 4.2 | Dissertation/Viva-Voce | Project/Dissertation | 4 | Dissertation writing based on research, Oral presentation, Defence of research work, Critical analysis & synthesis, Independent scholarly inquiry |
| MSW D 4.1 | Public Health & Social Work | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) - Option: Medical & Psychiatric Social Work | 4 | Public Health: Concepts & Issues, Health Education & Promotion, Epidemiology for Social Workers, Health Programs & Policies, Social Determinants of Health |
| MSW D 4.2 | Social Work with Families & Children | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) - Option: Medical & Psychiatric Social Work | 4 | Family Dynamics & Structures, Family Problems & Interventions, Child Protection & Welfare, Policies for Children & Families, Social Work in Family & Child Settings |
| MSW D 4.3 | Juvenile Delinquency & Justice | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) - Option: Criminology & Correctional Social Work | 4 | Juvenile Delinquency: Causes & Theories, Juvenile Justice System Act, Role of Social Worker with Juveniles, Prevention & Intervention Strategies, Aftercare Services |
| MSW D 4.4 | Social Work with Victims & Prisoners | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) - Option: Criminology & Correctional Social Work | 4 | Victimology: Concepts & Scope, Victim Support Services, Prisoners'''' Rights & Rehabilitation, Restorative Justice, Social Work in Prison Settings |
| MSW D 4.5 | Disaster Management & Social Work | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) - Option: Community Development & Rural Reconstruction | 4 | Disaster Preparedness & Mitigation, Disaster Response & Relief, Rehabilitation & Reconstruction, Psychosocial Support in Disasters, Role of Social Worker in Disaster Management |
| MSW D 4.6 | Gender & Development | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) - Option: Community Development & Rural Reconstruction | 4 | Gender Concepts & Theories, Gender Issues in India, Women Empowerment & Development, Gender Mainstreaming, Role of Social Worker in Gender Advocacy |
