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MSW in Community Development at St Aloysius College (Autonomous)
Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka
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About the Specialization
What is Community Development at St Aloysius College (Autonomous) Dakshina Kannada?
This Community Development specialization program at St Aloysius College (Autonomous), Mangaluru focuses on empowering communities for sustainable change. It addresses social issues through participatory approaches, crucial in India''''s diverse socio-economic landscape. The program uniquely blends theoretical knowledge with extensive fieldwork, preparing professionals to drive grassroots development and policy advocacy, meeting the growing demand for skilled community organizers across various sectors in India.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates passionate about social change and aspiring to work at the community level. It also suits working professionals from NGOs, government agencies, or CSR initiatives seeking to upskill in strategic community engagement. Individuals transitioning into the social development sector, particularly those with a strong empathetic drive and a desire to address societal inequities, will find this specialization highly rewarding.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse India-specific career paths in NGOs, international development agencies, government welfare departments, and corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-5 LPA, with experienced professionals earning INR 7-15 LPA. The program aligns with roles like Project Coordinator, Community Mobilizer, CSR Manager, and Research Officer, offering significant growth trajectories in India''''s vibrant development sector.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Social Work Fundamentals through Fieldwork Reflection- (Semester 1-2)
Engage deeply with fieldwork experiences in Semesters 1 and 2. Regularly reflect on agency visits, client interactions, and community observations. Maintain detailed field diaries and actively participate in supervision sessions to integrate theoretical knowledge with practical challenges. Utilize the college''''s library resources for additional case studies.
Tools & Resources
Field diaries, Supervision meetings, Academic journals on social work practice, College library resources
Career Connection
Strong reflective practice builds foundational skills in assessment, intervention, and ethical decision-making, crucial for entry-level roles in any social welfare organization and demonstrating practical readiness to employers.
Develop Robust Research and Statistical Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Pay close attention to the Social Work Research & Statistics course. Practice data analysis using accessible software (like MS Excel for basic stats). Form study groups to clarify concepts and apply them to hypothetical social problems. Seek guidance from faculty on research methodologies.
Tools & Resources
MS Excel, Online tutorials for basic statistics, Research methodology textbooks, Faculty mentorship
Career Connection
Proficiency in research and data analysis is highly valued in development organizations for program evaluation, needs assessment, and reporting, opening doors to research-oriented roles and enhancing problem-solving capabilities.
Actively Participate in Social Science Discussions- (Semester 1-2)
Engage proactively in discussions related to Social Science Perspectives for Social Work. Connect sociological, psychological, and economic theories to real-world social issues in India. Join college clubs or forums focused on social justice or current affairs to broaden perspectives and develop critical thinking.
Tools & Resources
Academic debates, Newspaper analysis, Documentaries on Indian social issues, Social justice student clubs
Career Connection
A strong grasp of social sciences provides a holistic understanding of community problems, enabling more effective interventions and policy recommendations, key for leadership roles in the development sector.
Intermediate Stage
Intensify Specialization-Specific Fieldwork and Projects- (Semester 3)
In Semester 3, leverage fieldwork opportunities to focus on community development projects. Seek out agencies working in rural or urban development. Proactively initiate small-scale community projects or participate actively in existing ones, taking leadership roles where possible. Document processes and outcomes meticulously.
Tools & Resources
Community-based organizations (NGOs), Local government bodies, Project planning tools, Detailed project reports
Career Connection
Direct involvement in community development projects provides practical experience, builds a portfolio, and demonstrates initiative, making graduates highly desirable for community-level intervention roles.
Network with Development Professionals & Alumni- (Semester 3)
Attend workshops, seminars, and guest lectures organized by the department or college, especially those featuring community development practitioners. Connect with alumni working in the field through LinkedIn or college events. Seek informational interviews to understand current trends and career paths in India''''s development sector.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, College alumni network events, Industry seminars/webinars, Professional conferences
Career Connection
Networking opens doors to internships, mentorship, and job opportunities. Strong professional connections are invaluable for understanding industry demands and securing placements in competitive development organizations.
Engage in Policy Analysis and Advocacy Initiatives- (Semester 3)
Analyze Indian social policies and legislation covered in the curriculum, particularly those impacting communities. Participate in mock policy debates or contribute to college-led advocacy campaigns. Understand the mechanisms of grassroots advocacy and how social workers can influence policy change.
Tools & Resources
Government policy documents, NGO advocacy reports, Debate clubs, Public awareness campaigns
Career Connection
Developing skills in policy analysis and advocacy is crucial for roles that involve influencing social change at systemic levels, such as policy officers, program managers, or advocacy specialists in NGOs or government bodies.
Advanced Stage
Excel in Dissertation on Community Development Issues- (Semester 4)
Choose a dissertation topic directly related to Community Development, addressing a current social issue in India. Conduct rigorous primary or secondary research, apply theoretical frameworks, and produce a high-quality academic paper. Seek extensive faculty guidance and present findings effectively.
Tools & Resources
Academic databases, Statistical software (SPSS/R if applicable), Research ethics guidelines, Presentation software
Career Connection
A well-executed dissertation demonstrates advanced research capabilities, critical thinking, and expertise in a specific area of community development, enhancing credibility for research roles, project management, and future academic pursuits.
Master Project and Disaster Management Skills- (Semester 4)
Utilize the elective courses on Project Management and Disaster Management to gain hands-on skills. Seek opportunities to contribute to real-life project proposals or disaster preparedness plans during fieldwork. Understand funding mechanisms and stakeholder management in the Indian context.
Tools & Resources
Project management software (e.g., Trello, Asana for concepts), Case studies of Indian development projects/disasters, Funding proposal templates
Career Connection
These skills are highly sought after by NGOs, disaster relief organizations, and CSR departments in India, preparing graduates for roles in program coordination, project lead, and emergency response.
Prepare for Placements with Mock Interviews and CV Workshops- (Semester 4)
Actively participate in placement cell activities including CV building workshops, mock interviews, and group discussions. Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight community development experiences and skills. Practice articulating your fieldwork learnings and project contributions effectively.
Tools & Resources
College placement cell services, Online interview practice platforms, Professional resume templates, Industry-specific job portals
Career Connection
Thorough placement preparation significantly increases the chances of securing desirable positions in leading development organizations, ensuring a smooth transition from academics to professional practice.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- A candidate who has passed any Bachelor''''s Degree examination of Mangalore University or any other University considered as equivalent thereto by Mangalore University/St Aloysius College (Autonomous), provided the candidate has secured a minimum of 45% (40% for SC/ST/Category-I candidates) aggregate marks excluding languages, is eligible for admission to MSW programme.
Duration: 4 semesters / 2 years
Credits: 96 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 30%, External: 70%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSW 401 | Introduction to Social Work | Core | 4 | Nature & Scope of Social Work, Historical Development (India & West), Philosophy & Values, Principles of Social Work, Methods: Primary & Secondary |
| MSW 402 | Social Science Perspectives for Social Work | Core | 4 | Sociology for Social Work, Psychology for Social Work, Economics for Social Work, Political Science for Social Work, Anthropology for Social Work |
| MSW 403 | Social Work Profession & Ethics | Core | 4 | History of Social Work Profession, Ethical Principles & Dilemmas, Values & Standards of Practice, Professional Organizations, Advocacy & Social Justice |
| MSW 404 | Social Work Research & Statistics | Core | 4 | Introduction to Social Research, Research Designs, Data Collection Methods, Data Analysis Techniques, Basics of Statistics |
| MSW FW 405 | Field Work – I | Field Work | 8 | Orientation to Social Welfare Agencies, Observation & Understanding, Report Writing Skills, Concurrent Fieldwork Practice, Rural Camp Exposure |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSW 451 | Working with Individuals & Families | Core | 4 | Casework Principles & Process, Interviewing Skills, Psycho-social Assessment, Intervention Strategies, Family Therapy Approaches |
| MSW 452 | Working with Groups | Core | 4 | Group Work Principles & Models, Group Formation & Development Stages, Group Dynamics, Programme Planning in Groups, Therapeutic & Task Groups |
| MSW 453 | Working with Communities | Core | 4 | Community Organization Models, Principles of Community Practice, Social Action, Community Development Theories, Participatory Approaches |
| MSW 454 | Social Legislation & Human Rights | Core | 4 | Indian Constitution & Social Justice, Major Social Legislations, Concept of Human Rights, Child & Women Rights, Rights of Vulnerable Groups |
| MSW FW 455 | Field Work – II | Field Work | 8 | Agency-Based Fieldwork, Skill Development & Application, Supervision & Reflection, Concurrent Fieldwork Practice, Exposure Visits & Case Studies |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSW 501 | Organisational Behaviour and Management | Core | 4 | Fundamentals of Organizational Behaviour, Motivation Theories, Leadership Styles, Group Dynamics in Organizations, Organizational Change & Development |
| MSW 502 | Social Welfare Administration | Core | 4 | Principles of Administration in Social Welfare, Social Welfare Agencies & Management, Program Planning & Implementation, Budgeting & Financial Management, Resource Mobilization & Grant Writing |
| MSW FW 503 | Field Work – III | Field Work | 8 | Advanced Agency Practice, Specialization-Specific Fieldwork, Skill Integration & Supervision, Block Placement Experience, Detailed Report Writing & Presentation |
| MSW E 504.1 | Rural and Urban Community Development | Elective (Community Development) | 4 | Theories of Rural Development, Challenges of Urbanization, Grassroots Initiatives & NGOs, Local Self-Governance & Panchayati Raj, Sustainable Community Development |
| MSW E 504.2 | Health and Development | Elective (Community Development) | 4 | Public Health Concepts, Health Policy & Planning in India, Health Education & Promotion, Reproductive & Child Health, Mental Health in Communities |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSW 551 | Development Communication | Core | 4 | Communication Theories, Mass Media & Development, Participatory Communication, Social Marketing for Development, Advocacy & Campaigning |
| MSW DIS 552 | Dissertation | Core | 8 | Research Problem Identification, Literature Review, Methodology & Data Collection, Data Analysis & Interpretation, Thesis Writing & Viva Voce |
| MSW FW 553 | Field Work – IV | Field Work | 8 | Advanced Practice in Specialization, Independent Work & Autonomy, Professionalism & Ethics, Skill Refinement & Documentation, Final Fieldwork Report & Evaluation |
| MSW E 554.1 | Project Management | Elective (Community Development) | 4 | Project Cycle Management, Project Planning & Design, Monitoring & Evaluation, Budgeting & Funding Proposals, Project Sustainability & Documentation |
| MSW E 554.2 | Disaster Management | Elective (Community Development) | 4 | Disaster Cycle, Disaster Preparedness & Mitigation, Emergency Response, Rehabilitation & Reconstruction, Role of Social Worker in Disasters |
