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BSW in General at Divine Mercy College
Aizawl, Mizoram
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About the Specialization
What is General at Divine Mercy College Aizawl?
This Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program at Divine Mercy College, Aizawl, focuses on equipping students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary to address pressing social issues and contribute to community welfare. In the Indian context, where socio-economic disparities and diverse cultural challenges exist, the program emphasizes a holistic approach to social intervention, fostering empathy, critical thinking, and ethical practice. It prepares individuals to work with vulnerable populations and advocate for social justice, reflecting the growing demand for professionally trained social workers in both government and non-governmental sectors across India.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for compassionate individuals committed to social change, fresh graduates from any stream seeking entry into the humanitarian and development sector, and those aspiring for careers in public service or non-profit organizations. It caters to students who possess strong interpersonal skills, a sense of responsibility, and a genuine desire to work directly with communities facing challenges. The curriculum is designed to support both those with prior exposure to social causes and newcomers looking to build a foundational understanding of social work principles and practices in India.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this BSW program can expect diverse career paths in India, including roles as social workers in NGOs, community development officers, counselors, project coordinators, and policy advocates. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 2.5 LPA to 4.5 LPA, with experienced professionals potentially earning up to INR 8-10 LPA or more, particularly in senior management or specialized roles. The program provides a strong foundation for pursuing higher studies in MSW, public health, rural development, or urban planning, and aligns with professional development in various social welfare and policy-making domains relevant to India''''s social landscape.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Engage Actively in Field Visits- (Semester 1-2)
Participate enthusiastically in all organized field visits and observation tours. This helps in connecting theoretical concepts of social work and sociology with real-world scenarios, fostering a deeper understanding of community needs.
Tools & Resources
Field visit reports, Reflective journals, Interviews with community members
Career Connection
Builds empathy and understanding of social realities, crucial for effective interventions and future job roles in community-based social work and development.
Develop Strong Communication Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on improving both verbal and written communication. Practice active listening, public speaking (through presentations), and articulate report writing. Engage in group discussions and debates to refine persuasive communication.
Tools & Resources
Communication workshops, College debating clubs, Online courses (e.g., Coursera''''s ''''Effective Communication'''')
Career Connection
Essential for client interaction, advocacy, professional documentation, and building rapport with diverse populations in any social work role.
Build a Foundational Knowledge Base- (Semester 1-2)
Consistently review core concepts from ''''Introduction to Social Work'''' and ''''Sociology for Social Work''''. Form study groups with peers to discuss topics, clarify doubts, and analyze case studies, ensuring a strong theoretical foundation.
Tools & Resources
Textbooks, Online encyclopedias, Peer study groups, University library resources
Career Connection
A solid theoretical base is fundamental for understanding complex social problems, designing effective interventions, and excelling in higher semesters and professional practice.
Intermediate Stage
Participate in Voluntary Work/Internships- (Semester 3-5)
Seek out short-term volunteer opportunities or internships with local NGOs during academic breaks. This provides practical experience in areas like child welfare, health camps, or community outreach programs.
Tools & Resources
NGO directories, College career cell, Local community centers, LinkedIn
Career Connection
Enhances practical skills, builds professional networks, and provides a significant competitive edge for future job applications and mandatory field placements.
Master Research & Data Collection Techniques- (Semester 3-5)
Pay close attention to courses on ''''Social Survey and Social Work Research''''. Actively practice designing surveys, conducting ethical interviews, and basic data analysis using relevant software.
Tools & Resources
SPSS/Excel for basic data handling, Research methodology textbooks, Mock survey projects, Google Forms for surveys
Career Connection
Crucial for evidence-based practice, project evaluation, program design, and roles in social policy research or monitoring & evaluation in NGOs and government.
Engage in Skill-Based Workshops- (Semester 3-5)
Actively participate in skill-based courses (SEC) and workshops offered by the college, focusing on practical skills such as counseling, advocacy, public speaking, or disaster preparedness. Seek external certifications where relevant.
Tools & Resources
College-organized training, Online skill-building platforms (e.g., NPTEL, Swayam), Professional association workshops
Career Connection
Develops tangible, specialized skills directly applicable in various social work settings, making graduates more versatile, confident, and employable in diverse roles.
Advanced Stage
Undertake a Comprehensive Project/Internship- (Semester 6)
Dedicate significant effort to the final year project or extensive internship. Choose a topic aligned with your career interests and make it a substantial piece of work that demonstrates problem-solving and critical thinking.
Tools & Resources
Faculty mentors, Field supervisors, Research databases, Ethical guidelines for social work practice
Career Connection
Provides in-depth practical exposure, often leading to pre-placement offers, and serves as a strong portfolio item showcasing independent work capacity and readiness for professional roles.
Network with Professionals & Alumni- (Semester 6)
Attend seminars, conferences, and alumni meets to build a professional network. Connect with practitioners in your areas of interest (e.g., medical social work, rural development, child welfare) within Mizoram and beyond.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Professional associations (e.g., Indian Association of Social Work), College alumni cell events
Career Connection
Opens doors to mentorship, job opportunities, and provides valuable insights into industry trends and challenges faced by social workers in India, facilitating career entry.
Prepare for Post-Graduation/Career- (undefined)
Alongside academics, begin exploring MSW programs or specific job roles. Refine your resume, practice interview skills through mock sessions, and understand different organizational structures (NGO, government, CSR) in the Indian social sector.
Tools & Resources
Career counseling services, Mock interviews, Online job portals (Naukri, LinkedIn, Indeed), Government job notifications for social welfare roles
Career Connection
Ensures a smooth transition from academia to professional life, leading to informed career choices, successful placements, and opportunities for continuous professional development.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- HSSLC or equivalent (as per Divine Mercy College website)
Duration: 3 years (6 semesters)
Credits: 140 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 30%, External: 70%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AECC-I | Environmental Studies | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course (AECC) | 2 | Environment and Ecosystem, Natural Resources, Biodiversity, Environmental Pollution, Social Issues and the Environment |
| BSW-C1 | Introduction to Social Work | Core | 6 | Introduction to Social Work, Historical Development of Social Work, Basic Concepts and Philosophy, Functions and Fields of Social Work, Values, Ethics and Principles of Social Work |
| BSW-C2 | Sociology for Social Work | Core | 6 | Introduction to Sociology, Social Institutions, Social Structure and Stratification, Culture and Socialization, Social Change and Development |
| GE-1 | Generic Elective - I | Generic Elective | 6 | Specific topics vary based on chosen elective |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AECC-II | English/MIL Communication | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course (AECC) | 2 | Elements of Communication, Types of Communication, Language and Communication, Barriers to Communication, Effective Communication Skills |
| BSW-C3 | Fields of Social Work - I | Core | 6 | Child Welfare, Youth Development, Family Social Work, Women Empowerment, Disability Social Work |
| BSW-C4 | Social Case Work & Social Group Work | Core | 6 | Introduction to Social Case Work, Principles and Process of Case Work, Introduction to Social Group Work, Principles and Process of Group Work, Therapeutic and Developmental Groups |
| GE-2 | Generic Elective - II | Generic Elective | 6 | Specific topics vary based on chosen elective |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SEC-1 | Field Work & Project / Social Survey & Social Work Research | Skill Enhancement Course (SEC) | 4 | Field Work Practice, Introduction to Social Research, Research Design, Data Collection Methods, Report Writing |
| BSW-C5 | Social Survey and Social Work Research | Core | 6 | Introduction to Social Research, Research Design and Types, Sampling, Data Collection Methods, Data Analysis and Report Writing |
| BSW-C6 | Community Organization and Social Action | Core | 6 | Introduction to Community Organization, Principles and Models of Community Organization, Social Action and Movements, Approaches to Social Action, Role of Social Worker in Community |
| GE-3 | Generic Elective - III | Generic Elective | 6 | Specific topics vary based on chosen elective |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SEC-2 | Skill Based Course | Skill Enhancement Course (SEC) | 4 | Communication Skills, Counseling Techniques, Advocacy and Networking, Project Planning, Report Writing |
| BSW-C7 | Social Welfare Administration | Core | 6 | Introduction to Social Welfare Administration, Principles of Administration, Planning and Organizing, Financial Management, Public Relations and Fundraising |
| BSW-C8 | Fields of Social Work - II | Core | 6 | Medical Social Work, Psychiatric Social Work, Industrial Social Work, Correctional Social Work, Rural and Urban Community Development |
| GE-4 | Generic Elective - IV | Generic Elective | 6 | Specific topics vary based on chosen elective |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DSE-1 | Disaster Management | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) | 6 | Introduction to Disaster Management, Types of Disasters, Disaster Preparedness, Response and Relief, Role of Social Worker in Disaster Management |
| DSE-2 | Youth and Social Work | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) | 6 | Understanding Youth, Youth Problems and Challenges, Youth Development Programmes, Role of Social Work with Youth, Adolescent Health and Education |
| BSW-C9 | Human Rights and Social Legislation | Core | 6 | Concept of Human Rights, Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Human Rights in India, Social Legislation, Role of Social Work in Human Rights |
| BSW-C10 | Gender and Development | Core | 6 | Concept of Gender, Gender Roles and Stereotypes, Gender and Development Theories, Women''''s Empowerment, Gender Based Violence |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DSE-3 | Tribal Welfare and Development | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) | 6 | Understanding Tribal Societies, Tribal Problems and Challenges, Tribal Welfare Policies, Tribal Development Programmes, Role of Social Work in Tribal Development |
| DSE-4 | Social Gerontology | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) | 6 | Introduction to Gerontology, Problems of Elderly, Welfare Programmes for Elderly, Care and Support for Elderly, Social Work with Elderly |
| BSW-C11 | Global Social Work | Core | 6 | Globalization and Social Work, International Social Work Organizations, Cross-Cultural Social Work, Global Social Problems, Sustainable Development Goals |
| BSW-C12 | Project Work / Internship | Core | 6 | Project Identification, Project Planning and Design, Data Collection and Analysis, Report Writing, Presentation and Evaluation |
