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MSW in General at Kalasalingam Academy of Research and Education
Virudhunagar, Tamil Nadu
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About the Specialization
What is General at Kalasalingam Academy of Research and Education Virudhunagar?
This Master of Social Work (MSW) program at Kalasalingam Academy of Research and Education focuses on developing professional social workers equipped to address complex societal challenges. It emphasizes a holistic approach to human well-being, community development, and social justice. The program is designed to meet the growing demand for skilled social workers in diverse sectors across India, including NGOs, government agencies, corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, and healthcare.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for graduates from any discipline seeking to make a tangible impact on society. It attracts individuals passionate about social change, community service, and advocacy. Fresh graduates aspiring for careers in development, public health, and human resource management will find it enriching. Professionals looking to transition into social sector roles or enhance their social impact capabilities also benefit from its comprehensive curriculum.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including roles as social workers, community development officers, HR professionals, counselors, project managers, and policy advocates. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 2.5 to 4 LPA, growing significantly with experience. The program prepares students for leadership positions in NGOs, government welfare departments, hospitals, and corporate CSR wings, aligning with national development goals.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Immerse in Field Work- (Semester 1-2)
Actively engage in all field work practicum sessions, treating them as primary learning labs. Beyond mandatory hours, seek additional opportunities to observe and participate in community activities or agency programs. Document observations meticulously and reflect on experiences with supervisors.
Tools & Resources
Field Work Manual, Agency supervisors, Peer group discussions, Reflection journals
Career Connection
Builds foundational practical skills, empathy, and direct exposure to social realities, critical for effective intervention in future social work roles.
Build a Strong Theoretical Base- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on understanding core social work theories, concepts, and their historical and contemporary relevance in India. Create study groups to discuss complex theories, relate them to current Indian social issues, and practice applying them to case studies. Read widely beyond prescribed texts.
Tools & Resources
Textbooks, Academic journals, Case study collections on Indian social problems, NPTEL lectures
Career Connection
A robust theoretical foundation enables critical analysis, ethical decision-making, and evidence-based practice, essential for professional credibility and designing effective interventions.
Develop Key Communication & Interpersonal Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in role-plays, presentations, and group discussions to hone communication. Practice active listening, empathetic communication, non-verbal cues, and conflict resolution skills during classroom interactions and field work. Seek constructive feedback from faculty and peers.
Tools & Resources
Communication workshops, Public speaking clubs, Simulated counseling sessions, Peer feedback sessions
Career Connection
Strong communication and interpersonal skills are paramount for rapport building with clients, effective advocacy, seamless team collaboration, and successful social intervention.
Intermediate Stage
Strategic Elective Selection & Skill Specialization- (Semester 3)
Based on emerging career interests, strategically select electives (e.g., Development of Women and Children, Human Resource Management). Pursue online certifications or workshops in related specialized areas like psychological first aid or specific policy analysis.
Tools & Resources
Career counseling, Online learning platforms (Coursera, edX), Specialized workshops, Industry reports on social sector trends
Career Connection
Developing specialized skills in demand areas enhances marketability and prepares students for specific roles in sectors like health, HR, or community development within India.
Professional Networking & Mentorship- (Semester 3)
Actively seek out and engage with professionals in the social work field. Attend social work conferences, webinars, and alumni events. Connect with guest speakers and field supervisors for mentorship. Utilize LinkedIn to build a professional network, focusing on practitioners in India.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Professional associations like the Indian Association of Social Workers (IASW), University alumni network
Career Connection
Networking provides invaluable insights into career paths, industry best practices, and opens doors to internship and job opportunities, crucial for navigating the Indian job market.
Research & Project Proposal Development- (Semester 3)
Hone research skills and develop a strong project proposal for the final semester. Actively participate in research methodology classes, identify a relevant social problem for the project work, and begin drafting a comprehensive proposal with clear objectives and methodology.
Tools & Resources
Research guides, Faculty advisors, Statistical software (e.g., SPSS for beginners), Academic databases
Career Connection
Strong research skills are vital for evidence-based practice, policy analysis, and program evaluation, making graduates valuable assets in research-oriented roles or M&E positions.
Advanced Stage
Intensive Block Placement & Skill Application- (Semester 4)
Maximize learning during the block placement/internship. Treat block placement as a full-fledged professional role. Take initiative, apply all learned theories and skills, actively seek feedback, and complete a high-quality placement report/dissertation.
Tools & Resources
Agency supervisors, Field work manual, Case study analysis, Professional ethics guidelines
Career Connection
Converts academic knowledge into practical expertise, provides critical professional experience, and often leads directly to job offers or strong professional references.
Comprehensive Project Work & Viva-Voce Preparation- (Semester 4)
Undertake the research project with rigor, meticulously collect and analyze data, write a well-structured thesis, and prepare thoroughly for the viva-voce by practicing presentations and anticipating questions.
Tools & Resources
Faculty mentors, Statistical tools, Academic writing guides, Mock viva sessions
Career Connection
Demonstrates advanced research, analytical, and presentation skills, which are crucial for roles in policy research, program management, or higher academic pursuits.
Career Planning & Professional Development- (Semester 4)
Focus on job readiness and continuous professional growth. Attend placement drives, prepare tailored resumes and cover letters, and practice interview skills. Consider pursuing professional licenses or advanced certifications relevant to specific career goals post-graduation.
Tools & Resources
Career services cell, LinkedIn Learning, Interview preparation guides, Professional development webinars
Career Connection
Proactive career planning ensures a smooth transition into employment, positions graduates for early career success, and lays the groundwork for long-term professional advancement in the social sector.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Any Degree from an approved University / Institution (10+2+3 or 10+2+4 pattern) is eligible.
Duration: 4 semesters / 2 years
Credits: 112 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 50%, External: 50%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17CSW101 | Introduction to Social Work | Core | 4 | Concept of Social Work, Values & Principles of Social Work, History of Social Work in India, Fields of Social Work, Professional Ethics |
| 17CSW102 | Sociology for Social Work | Core | 4 | Basic Sociological Concepts, Social Institutions, Social Stratification, Social Change, Culture and Personality |
| 17CSW103 | Social Psychology | Core | 4 | Introduction to Social Psychology, Attitudes and Stereotypes, Group Dynamics, Social Influence, Personality and Socialization |
| 17CSW104 | Social Case Work | Core | 4 | Philosophy & Principles of Casework, Components of Casework, Casework Process, Tools & Techniques, Therapeutic Approaches |
| 17CSW105 | Social Group Work | Core | 4 | Nature of Group Work, Principles & Stages of Group Work, Group Dynamics, Leadership in Groups, Program Planning |
| 17CSW106 | Community Organization | Core | 4 | Concept of Community Organization, Models & Principles, Role of Social Worker, Resource Mobilization, Community Development |
| 17CSWL107 | Field Work Practicum I | Lab/Practical | 1 | Observational Visits, Concurrent Field Work, Orientation to Agencies, Case Study Documentation, Supervision & Feedback |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17CSW201 | Social Work Research and Statistics | Core | 4 | Social Research, Research Design, Data Collection Methods, Sampling Techniques, Statistical Measures |
| 17CSW202 | Social Welfare Administration | Core | 4 | Social Welfare Administration, Principles & Functions, Organizational Structure, Financial Management, Program Evaluation |
| 17CSW203 | Social Action and Social Movements | Core | 4 | Social Action, Social Movements, Models of Social Action, Advocacy & Lobbying, Gandhi and Social Action |
| 17CSW204 | Counseling | Core | 4 | Fundamentals of Counseling, Theories of Counseling, Counseling Process, Skills & Techniques, Crisis Intervention |
| 17CSW205 | Human Rights and Social Work | Core | 4 | Human Rights Concepts, Universal Declaration, Human Rights in India, Role of Social Work, Child & Women Rights |
| 17CSW206 | Computer Applications in Social Work | Core | 4 | Introduction to Computers, MS Office Applications, Data Management, Internet & E-mail, Statistical Software |
| 17CSWL207 | Field Work Practicum II | Lab/Practical | 1 | Concurrent Field Work, Agency Placements, Skill Development, Seminar Presentations, Report Writing |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17CSW301 | Current Social Problems | Core | 4 | Poverty and Inequality, Health Issues, Crime and Delinquency, Environmental Concerns, Issues of Marginalized Groups |
| 17CSW302 | Social Legislation and Labour Welfare | Core | 4 | Social Legislation, Labour Laws in India, Industrial Relations, Trade Unions, Employee Welfare Schemes |
| 17CSW303 | Correctional Social Work | Core | 4 | Crime and Deviance, Correctional Institutions, Juvenile Justice System, Probation & Parole, Rehabilitation of Offenders |
| 17CSW304 | Medical and Psychiatric Social Work | Core | 4 | Health and Illness, Medical Social Work Practice, Mental Health Disorders, Psychiatric Social Work, Crisis Intervention in Healthcare |
| 17CSW305 | Social Work with Disadvantaged Groups | Core | 4 | Scheduled Castes & Tribes, Other Backward Classes, Persons with Disabilities, Elderly Population, Children at Risk |
| 17CSWE306 | Development of Women and Children | Elective-I | 4 | Women Empowerment, Child Development, Policies & Programs for Women, Gender Issues, Child Protection |
| 17CSWE307 | Rural and Tribal Development | Elective-I | 4 | Rural Economy, Tribal Communities, Rural Development Programs, Sustainable Livelihoods, Microfinance |
| 17CSWE308 | Urban Community Development | Elective-I | 4 | Urbanization, Urban Problems, Urban Planning, Slum Development, Community Participation |
| 17CSWE309 | Disaster Management | Elective-I | 4 | Disaster Cycle, Risk Assessment, Disaster Mitigation, Emergency Response, Rehabilitation |
| 17CSWE310 | Non-Governmental Organizations | Elective-II | 4 | Role of NGOs, NGO Management, Fundraising Strategies, Project Planning, Advocacy & Lobbying |
| 17CSWE311 | Human Resource Management | Elective-II | 4 | HR Functions, Recruitment & Selection, Performance Management, Training & Development, Employee Relations |
| 17CSWE312 | Youth Development | Elective-II | 4 | Youth Issues, Youth Policies, Skill Development, Livelihood Promotion, Participatory Approaches |
| 17CSWE313 | Geriatric Social Work | Elective-II | 4 | Ageing Population, Geriatric Health, Elderly Care, Policies for Elderly, End-of-Life Care |
| 17CSWL314 | Field Work Practicum III | Lab/Practical | 1 | Concurrent Field Work, Skill Integration, Specialized Agency Placement, Seminar & Presentation, Critical Reflection |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17CSW401 | Population Dynamics and Family Welfare | Core | 4 | Population Trends, Demography, Family Planning, Reproductive Health, HIV/AIDS Awareness |
| 17CSW402 | Organizational Behavior and Industrial Relations | Core | 4 | Organizational Structure, Group Dynamics, Leadership Theories, Conflict Management, Collective Bargaining |
| 17CSW403 | Entrepreneurship Development | Core | 4 | Concept of Entrepreneurship, Small Scale Industries, Project Formulation, Financial Management, Marketing Strategies |
| 17CSW404 | Block Placement / Internship | Project | 4 | Full-time Field Placement, Skill Application, Agency Functioning, Problem Identification, Report Submission |
| 17CSW405 | Project Work and Viva-Voce | Project | 10 | Research Project Design, Data Collection & Analysis, Thesis Writing, Presentation Skills, Viva-Voce Examination |
| 17CSWE406 | Social Defence | Elective-III | 4 | Social Defence Concepts, Crime Prevention, Rehabilitation of Offenders, Victim Support, Juvenile Justice |
| 17CSWE407 | Public Health | Elective-III | 4 | Public Health System, Epidemiology, Health Programs in India, Health Education, Communicable Diseases |
| 17CSWE408 | Social Policy and Planning | Elective-III | 4 | Social Policy, Planning Process, Policy Analysis, Welfare State, Five Year Plans |
| 17CSWE409 | Social Demography | Elective-III | 4 | Demographic Concepts, Population Growth, Fertility & Mortality, Migration Studies, Population Policies |
| 17CSWE410 | Employee Welfare | Elective-IV | 4 | Welfare Facilities, Industrial Safety, Occupational Health, Employee Assistance Programs, Legal Provisions for Welfare |
| 17CSWE411 | Family Social Work | Elective-IV | 4 | Family Structure, Family Problems, Family Therapy, Marital Counseling, Child Guidance |
| 17CSWE412 | Criminal Justice System | Elective-IV | 4 | Police Administration, Court Systems, Prison Reforms, Legal Aid Services, Victimology |
| 17CSWE413 | Child Rights and Protection | Elective-IV | 4 | Child Rights Conventions, Child Labour Issues, Child Abuse & Neglect, Adoption & Foster Care, Child Welfare Policies |
| 17CSWL414 | Field Work Practicum IV | Lab/Practical | 1 | Block Placement Activities, Specialized Intervention, Case Studies & Analysis, Peer Learning & Supervision, Professional Development |
