

MSW in General at Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak


Rohtak, Haryana
.png&w=1920&q=75)
About the Specialization
What is General at Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak Rohtak?
This Master of Social Work (MSW) program at Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, focuses on equipping students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills essential for professional social work practice in India. It emphasizes a holistic understanding of social issues, human behavior, and various intervention strategies. The curriculum is designed to address contemporary social challenges prevalent in the Indian context, preparing graduates for impactful roles in community development, welfare, and policy implementation.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for passionate individuals committed to social change and human welfare. It attracts fresh graduates from any discipline holding a Bachelor''''s degree, especially those with a background in humanities, seeking entry into the dynamic social sector. Additionally, it serves working professionals in NGOs or government bodies looking to formalize their experience, and career changers aspiring to contribute meaningfully to social development initiatives across India.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse and rewarding career paths in India, including roles as social workers, community development officers, counselors, project managers, and policy advocates. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-5 LPA, growing significantly with experience in NGOs, government welfare departments, CSR divisions, and international agencies. The program fosters critical thinking, ethical practice, and leadership, enabling graduates to drive positive societal impact and pursue higher studies or research.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build Core Theoretical Understanding and Observational Acuity- (Semester 1)
Immerse in foundational social work theories, principles, and historical contexts. Attend all classes, actively participate in discussions, and maintain a detailed field diary to record observations during initial agency visits. Focus on understanding the values and ethics that underpin professional social work practice.
Tools & Resources
MDU Library resources, core social work textbooks, academic journals, field visit reports, MDU e-resources
Career Connection
A strong theoretical foundation is indispensable for developing an ethical and effective professional identity, preparing for roles in direct service and community engagement.
Develop Basic Communication and Interpersonal Skills- (Semester 1)
Participate in classroom role-plays and group activities designed to enhance listening, empathy, and effective communication. Engage in peer learning groups to discuss concepts, practice client interaction scenarios, and provide constructive feedback to build rapport-building skills.
Tools & Resources
Group discussion forums, communication skills exercises, MDU Departmental workshops
Career Connection
These soft skills are fundamental for successful interactions with clients, communities, and colleagues in any social work setting, from counseling to community organization.
Acquire Digital Literacy for Academic and Professional Use- (Semester 1)
Gain proficiency in essential computer applications like MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) for assignments, reports, and presentations. Familiarize yourself with online research databases and MDU''''s digital learning platforms to efficiently access academic resources.
Tools & Resources
MDU Computer Labs, online tutorials for MS Office, MDU''''s learning management system
Career Connection
Modern social work practice often involves data management, report writing, and digital communication, making these skills crucial for administrative efficiency and effective program delivery.
Intermediate Stage
Master Applied Intervention Strategies and Field Practice- (Semester 2-3)
Actively participate in concurrent fieldwork, applying classroom knowledge of social case work, group work, and community organization. Take initiative in client engagement, intervention planning, and documentation. Seek regular supervision to refine practical skills and address challenges.
Tools & Resources
Designated field agencies, supervision meetings, case management tools, MDU faculty guidance
Career Connection
Direct, supervised practice builds confidence and competence, preparing graduates for front-line social worker roles in diverse settings like hospitals, correctional facilities, and community centers.
Develop Robust Research and Analytical Capabilities- (Semester 2-3)
Deepen understanding of social work research methodologies and statistical analysis. Actively engage in your project work in Semester 3, from problem identification to data analysis and report writing. Critically evaluate existing research to inform practice.
Tools & Resources
Research methodology textbooks, statistical software (e.g., SPSS), MDU library''''s research databases, faculty research mentors
Career Connection
Essential for evidence-based practice, program evaluation, and contributing to policy development, leading to roles in research, monitoring, and evaluation.
Explore Specializations and Network with Professionals- (Semester 2-3)
Actively choose electives in areas of interest (e.g., child protection, youth development) to gain specialized knowledge. Attend departmental seminars, workshops, and conferences to interact with practitioners, academicians, and policy makers in the social sector.
Tools & Resources
Elective subject resources, MDU departmental events, professional social work associations
Career Connection
Narrows down career interests, provides exposure to specific fields, and builds professional contacts crucial for internships and future employment opportunities.
Advanced Stage
Achieve Industry Readiness through Comprehensive Dissertation and Fieldwork- (Semester 4)
Undertake a comprehensive dissertation or research project, demonstrating independent research and analytical skills. Maximize learning from your final block fieldwork, taking on increased responsibility and leadership in agency settings. Focus on developing a professional portfolio.
Tools & Resources
Dissertation guidelines, MDU research supervisors, professional portfolio templates, agency-specific resources
Career Connection
A well-executed dissertation and extensive fieldwork are key differentiators, showcasing expertise and practical competence to potential employers in CSR, NGOs, or government.
Prepare for Placements and Professional Licensing- (Semester 4)
Actively participate in placement cell activities, workshops on resume writing, interview preparation, and group discussions. Research potential employers and understand job descriptions. Familiarize yourself with any professional registration or licensing requirements relevant to social work in India.
Tools & Resources
MDU Placement Cell, career counseling services, online job portals (Naukri.com, LinkedIn), industry-specific job boards
Career Connection
Direct preparation for securing desired employment in the social sector upon graduation, aligning skills with industry demands.
Cultivate Leadership and Advocacy for Systemic Change- (Semester 4)
Take leadership roles in student initiatives, departmental projects, or community outreach programs. Engage in critical analysis of social welfare policies and participate in advocacy efforts to influence positive societal change, focusing on human rights and social justice.
Tools & Resources
Student organizations, MDU faculty mentors, public policy documents, legal aid clinics
Career Connection
Develops leadership qualities, ethical decision-making, and an understanding of policy-level interventions, preparing for advocacy, leadership, and administrative roles in social welfare organizations.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- B.A./B.Sc./B.Com./B.B.A./B.C.A./B.Voc. or any other Bachelor degree with at least 45% marks in aggregate or any other examination recognized as equivalent thereto.
Duration: 4 semesters / 2 years
Credits: 96 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 20%, External: 80%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSW-101 | Introduction to Social Work | Core | 4 | Social Work: Concept, Nature & Scope, History of Social Work in India & Abroad, Fields of Social Work, Values, Principles, Ethics of Social Work, Professional Social Work |
| MSW-102 | Social Case Work | Core | 4 | Social Case Work: Definition & Purpose, Historical Development & Principles, Components & Process of Case Work, Tools & Techniques in Case Work, Therapeutic Approaches in Case Work |
| MSW-103 | Human Growth and Development | Core | 4 | Human Growth & Development: Concepts & Theories, Stages of Development: Infancy to Adulthood, Theories of Personality, Socialization & Its Agents, Challenges & Issues in Development Stages |
| MSW-104 | Social Group Work | Core | 4 | Social Group Work: Meaning & Nature, Historical Development & Principles, Group Formation, Dynamics & Types, Role of Social Worker in Groups, Leadership in Groups |
| MSW-105 | Social Work Research and Statistics-I | Core | 4 | Social Research: Meaning & Scope, Scientific Method & Types of Research, Research Design & Sampling, Methods of Data Collection, Report Writing |
| MSW-106 | Computer Applications in Social Work | Core | 4 | Introduction to Computers & Operating Systems, MS-Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Internet & E-mail for Social Work, Data Management & Security, Introduction to Basic Statistical Software |
| MSW-107 | Practicum-I (Field Work) | Practical/Field Work | 4 | Orientation to Social Work Agencies, Observation Visits & Agency Reports, Case Studies & Group Activities, Individual Supervision & Field Work Conference, Documentation & Report Writing |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSW-201 | Social Policy Planning and Development | Core | 4 | Social Policy: Concept, Objectives & Models, Social Planning & Development Theories, Human Rights & Social Legislation, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Social Development in India |
| MSW-202 | Community Organization and Social Action | Core | 4 | Community Organization: Concept & Principles, Models of Community Organization, Role of Social Worker in Community Development, Social Action: Meaning & Approaches, Advocacy & Mobilization |
| MSW-203 | Social Work with Medical & Psychiatric Settings | Core | 4 | Medical Social Work: Scope & Role, Health Policies & Programmes in India, Psychiatric Social Work: Mental Health Concepts, Common Mental Disorders & Therapies, Counselling & Rehabilitation in Health Settings |
| MSW-204 | Correctional Social Work | Core | 4 | Crime and Delinquency: Causes & Theories, Criminal Justice System in India, Correctional Institutions & Programs, Probation, Parole & Aftercare, Juvenile Justice System & Social Worker Role |
| MSW-205 | Social Work Research and Statistics-II | Core | 4 | Data Analysis: Univariate & Bivariate, Measures of Central Tendency & Dispersion, Correlation & Regression, Hypothesis Testing & Parametric Tests, Application of SPSS in Social Research |
| MSW-206 | Counseling: Theory and Practice | Core | 4 | Counseling: Concept, Goals & Principles, Theories of Counseling (Psychodynamic, Humanistic, CBT), Counseling Skills & Techniques, Ethics in Counseling, Crisis Intervention & Stress Management |
| MSW-207 | Practicum-II (Field Work) | Practical/Field Work | 4 | Concurrent Field Work in Agencies, Case Load Management & Record Keeping, Group Work Interventions, Agency Administration & Programme Participation, Field Work Supervision & Documentation |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSW-301 | Rural & Urban Community Development | Core | 4 | Rural Development: Concepts & Approaches, Government Schemes for Rural Development (India), Panchayati Raj Institutions, Urban Development: Challenges & Issues (Slums, Migration), Urban Planning & Role of NGOs |
| MSW-302 | Social Work with Disadvantaged and Vulnerable Groups | Core | 4 | Concept of Vulnerability & Disadvantage, Issues of SC/ST/OBC, Women, Children, Elderly, Social Work with Persons with Disabilities, LGBTQ+ Rights & Issues, Policies & Social Work Interventions |
| MSW-303 | Disaster Management & Social Work Interventions | Core | 4 | Disaster: Types, Causes & Impact, Disaster Management Cycle (Mitigation, Preparedness, Response), Relief, Rehabilitation & Reconstruction, Role of Social Worker in Disaster Management, Psychosocial Support in Disasters |
| MSW-304 | Social Work Administration & Supervision | Core | 4 | Social Welfare Administration: Principles & Functions, Organizational Structure & Management, Human Resource Management in NGOs, Financial Management & Fundraising, Social Work Supervision: Models & Process |
| MSW-305 | Project Work | Project | 4 | Project Identification & Problem Formulation, Project Proposal Writing, Data Collection & Analysis for Project, Project Report Preparation, Project Presentation & Ethical Considerations |
| MSW-306 | Open Elective (e.g., Child Protection) | Elective | 4 | Child Rights & Child Development, Forms of Child Abuse & Neglect, Child Labour & Trafficking, Juvenile Justice System, Policies & Programmes for Child Protection |
| MSW-307 | Practicum-III (Field Work) | Practical/Field Work | 4 | Specialized Agency Placement, Development of Intervention Plans, Monitoring & Evaluation of Programmes, Advanced Skill Development in Field Work, Reflective Practice & Ethical Dilemmas |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSW-401 | Human Rights and Social Justice | Core | 4 | Human Rights: Concept, Categories & UDHR, Indian Constitution & Human Rights, Social Justice: Principles & Dimensions, Discrimination & Affirmative Action, Role of Social Workers & NGOs in Human Rights |
| MSW-402 | Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) | Core | 4 | CSR: Concept, Evolution & Models, Drivers & Benefits of CSR, CSR in Indian Context (Companies Act 2013), Ethical Business Practices & Sustainability, Social Auditing & Impact Assessment |
| MSW-403 | Social Work in Mental Health | Core | 4 | Mental Health: Concepts & Determinants, Common Mental Illnesses & Their Impact, Assessment & Intervention Strategies, Rehabilitation & Recovery Models, Mental Health Act & Role of Social Worker |
| MSW-404 | Dissertation/Research Project | Project | 4 | Research Problem Formulation & Review of Literature, Research Methodology & Design, Data Collection & Analysis, Dissertation Writing & Structuring, Viva-Voce & Presentation of Findings |
| MSW-405 | Open Elective (e.g., Youth Development) | Elective | 4 | Youth: Definition & Characteristics, Challenges Faced by Youth in India, Youth Policies & Programmes, Youth Participation & Empowerment, Skill Development & Entrepreneurship for Youth |
| MSW-406 | Practicum-IV (Field Work) | Practical/Field Work | 4 | Block Field Work/Rural Camp, Consolidated Agency Experience, Programme Planning, Implementation & Evaluation, Professional Development & Career Planning, Final Field Work Report & Viva-Voce |




