.png&w=1920&q=75)
M-A-SOCIAL-WORK in Social Work at Mahatma Gandhi Central University
East Champaran, Bihar
.png&w=1920&q=75)
About the Specialization
What is Social Work at Mahatma Gandhi Central University East Champaran?
This Social Work program at Mahatma Gandhi Central University focuses on equipping students with theoretical knowledge and practical skills for professional social work practice. It emphasizes addressing social issues, promoting human rights, and facilitating community development within the Indian context, preparing graduates for diverse roles in welfare, health, and development sectors. The program''''s interdisciplinary approach and fieldwork components are key differentiators.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates from any discipline seeking entry into the dynamic field of social welfare and development. It also suits working professionals, particularly those in community development, NGOs, or public service, looking to deepen their expertise or transition into advanced social work roles. Individuals committed to social justice and community empowerment, with a strong sense of empathy, will thrive.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue impactful India-specific career paths as social workers, community development officers, project coordinators, counselors, or policy advocates. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-5 lakhs per annum, with experienced professionals earning significantly more in government, NGOs, and corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives. Growth trajectories often lead to leadership roles in national and international development organizations.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Social Work Theories- (Semester 1-2)
Actively engage with foundational social work theories (casework, group work, community organization) by reading core texts, participating in discussions, and applying concepts to real-life case studies. Attend all lectures and supplementary workshops.
Tools & Resources
University library resources, Relevant journals, Online platforms like Swayam for supplementary courses on social sciences
Career Connection
A strong theoretical base is crucial for ethical and effective practice, forming the bedrock for all future interventions and policy analysis.
Build Observational and Empathy Skills through Field Visits- (Semester 1-2)
Maximize learning from initial field visits and agency orientations. Focus on keen observation of social realities, active listening to beneficiaries and practitioners, and developing empathy. Document experiences meticulously in field journals.
Tools & Resources
Field visit reports, Guided reflection sessions with supervisors, Group discussions with peers
Career Connection
Essential for understanding diverse social issues, building rapport with communities, and tailoring interventions, directly impacting fieldwork effectiveness and future job roles.
Develop Effective Communication and Interviewing Techniques- (Semester 1-2)
Practice verbal and non-verbal communication skills, including active listening, questioning, and empathetic responses, through role-playing and mock interviews. Seek feedback from faculty and peers.
Tools & Resources
Communication skill workshops, Peer practice groups, Recorded practice sessions for self-assessment
Career Connection
Crucial for client assessment, counseling, advocacy, and inter-professional collaboration, directly enhancing employability in all social work settings.
Intermediate Stage
Engage Actively in Concurrent Fieldwork and Project Planning- (Semester 3)
Take initiative in fieldwork placements, actively seeking opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge in real community settings. Participate in project identification, planning, and initial implementation under supervision.
Tools & Resources
Fieldwork manuals, Agency staff for guidance, Project planning templates, Supervision sessions
Career Connection
Directly translates classroom learning into practical skills, making students highly competent for program management, community engagement, and project execution roles.
Specialize through Electives and Relevant Readings- (Semester 3-4)
Choose electives strategically based on emerging interests (e.g., rural/tribal development, urban development, disaster management) and delve deeper into related literature and case studies. Attend webinars and workshops on chosen areas.
Tools & Resources
Specialized journals, Online courses, Networking with professionals in chosen sub-fields, NPTEL courses
Career Connection
Develops expertise in specific social work domains, making graduates more attractive for targeted roles in specialized NGOs or government programs.
Build a Professional Network and Attend Sector Events- (Semester 3-4)
Connect with social work professionals, faculty, alumni, and peers during seminars, workshops, and conferences (local, state, national). Join professional social work associations.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, University alumni network, Professional association memberships, Local NGO events
Career Connection
Opens doors to internship opportunities, mentorship, job referrals, and staying updated with industry trends, critical for career progression in India.
Advanced Stage
Undertake an Impactful Project Work- (Semester 4)
Select a project topic that addresses a critical social issue in the local community or aligned with personal career goals. Execute the project meticulously, focusing on research, intervention design, data collection, and report writing, ensuring measurable outcomes.
Tools & Resources
Research methodology guides, Statistical software (basic), Faculty mentors, Community resources, Ethical guidelines
Career Connection
Showcases independent research, problem-solving, and project management skills, highly valued by employers for roles requiring initiative and evidence-based practice.
Prepare for Placement and Interview Success- (Semester 4)
Actively prepare for job applications by refining resumes and cover letters tailored for social work roles. Practice interview skills, focusing on behavioral questions, ethical dilemmas, and showcasing fieldwork experiences. Attend campus placement talks.
Tools & Resources
Career counseling services, Mock interview sessions with faculty/alumni, Online job portals (DevNetJobs, LinkedIn), University placement cell
Career Connection
Directly aims at securing desirable placements in reputed NGOs, government organizations, or CSR departments, ensuring a smooth transition into professional life.
Develop Leadership and Advocacy Skills- (Semester 4)
Seek leadership roles in student committees or community initiatives. Actively participate in social action and advocacy campaigns, learning how to mobilize resources, influence policy, and champion social causes effectively.
Tools & Resources
Debating clubs, Student forums, NGO partnerships for joint campaigns, Workshops on advocacy and policy analysis
Career Connection
Prepares individuals for leadership positions, program coordination, and policy advocacy roles, crucial for driving systemic change and advancing social justice in India.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Bachelor’s degree in any discipline with at least 45% marks or its equivalent grade from a recognized University/Institution. A relaxation of 5% marks will be given to SC/ST/OBC (NCL)/PwD candidates.
Duration: 4 semesters / 2 years
Credits: 80 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 30%, External: 70%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSW 101 | Introduction to Social Work | Core | 4 | Nature, Scope & Values of Social Work, Historical Development of Social Work, Basic Concepts of Social Work, Professional Social Work in India, Fields of Social Work Practice |
| MSW 102 | Social Case Work | Core | 4 | Social Case Work: History, Nature & Scope, Principles & Components of Social Case Work, Process & Tools of Social Case Work, Case Work in Different Settings, Recording in Social Case Work |
| MSW 103 | Social Group Work | Core | 4 | Social Group Work: History, Nature & Scope, Principles & Types of Social Groups, Group Work Process & Skills, Group Work in Different Settings, Recording in Social Group Work |
| MSW 104 | Community Organization | Core | 4 | Community: Meaning, Type & Characteristics, Community Organization: Concepts & Principles, Approaches & Models of Community Organization, Strategies & Skills in Community Organization, Community Organization in India |
| MSW 105 | Field Work-I | Practical/Field Work | 4 | Orientation to Field Work, Agency Visits, Individual Conferences, Group Conferences, Report Writing |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSW 201 | Social Work Research & Statistics | Core | 4 | Social Work Research: Nature & Scope, Research Design, Data Collection Methods, Data Analysis & Interpretation, Basic Statistics in Social Work |
| MSW 202 | Social Welfare Administration | Core | 4 | Social Welfare Administration: Meaning, Nature & Scope, Principles & Functions of Administration, Management in Social Welfare Agencies, Resource Mobilization & Financial Management, Supervision & Evaluation in Administration |
| MSW 203 | Human Growth and Development | Core | 4 | Understanding Human Development, Theories of Human Development, Stages of Human Development (Infancy, Childhood, Adolescence, Adulthood, Old Age), Factors Influencing Development, Deviance and Disability |
| MSW 204 | Counseling: Theory & Practice | Core | 4 | Introduction to Counseling, Theories of Counseling, Counseling Process & Skills, Types of Counseling, Ethical Issues in Counseling |
| MSW 205 | Field Work-II | Practical/Field Work | 4 | Concurrent Field Work, Skill Building, Report Writing, Individual & Group Conferences, Agency Functioning |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSW 301 | Social Legislation and Human Rights | Core | 4 | Social Legislation: Concept, Scope & Evolution, Human Rights: Concepts & Instruments, Social Legislation in India (Family, Child, Women, Labour), Laws related to Vulnerable Groups, Role of Social Worker in Human Rights |
| MSW 302 | Social Development | Core | 4 | Concept & Theories of Social Development, Indicators of Development & Underdevelopment, Social Planning & Policy, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Role of Social Work in Development |
| MSW 303 | Social Action & Advocacy | Core | 4 | Social Action: Meaning, Principles & History, Models & Strategies of Social Action, Advocacy: Concept, Process & Skills, Role of Media in Social Action & Advocacy, Current Issues & Movements in India |
| MSW 304 | Rural & Tribal Community Development | Core | 4 | Rural India: Structure & Problems, Tribal Communities: Characteristics & Issues, Approaches to Rural Development, Tribal Development Programs & Policies, Role of Social Work in Rural/Tribal Development |
| MSW 305 | Field Work-III | Practical/Field Work | 4 | Concurrent Field Work, Project Planning, Data Collection, Report Writing, Skill Application |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSW 401 | Population and Development | Core | 4 | Population Dynamics & Theories, Population Problems in India, Population Policies & Programs, Family Planning & Reproductive Health, Role of Social Work in Population & Development |
| MSW 402 | Disaster Management | Core | 4 | Concepts of Disaster & Hazard, Types of Disasters, Disaster Management Cycle (Prevention, Mitigation, Preparedness, Response, Recovery), Role of Government & NGOs in Disaster Management, Social Work Intervention in Disasters |
| MSW 403 | Project Work | Project | 4 | Project Identification, Proposal Writing, Data Collection & Analysis, Report Writing, Presentation & Viva-Voce |
| MSW 404 | Urban Community Development | Core | 4 | Urbanization: Trends & Challenges in India, Urban Community Structure & Problems, Urban Planning & Development Schemes, Slum Development & Resettlement, Role of Social Work in Urban Settings |
| MSW 405 | Field Work-IV | Practical/Field Work | 4 | Concurrent Field Work, Agency Administration, Supervision Skills, Documentation, Professional Practice |
