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MA in Social Work at University of Mysore
Mysuru, Karnataka
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About the Specialization
What is Social Work at University of Mysore Mysuru?
This Master of Social Work (MSW) program at the University of Mysore focuses on equipping students with theoretical knowledge and practical skills for effective social intervention. It addresses critical social issues prevalent in India, from rural development to corporate social responsibility, preparing professionals to contribute meaningfully to societal well-being. The curriculum is designed to foster critical thinking and ethical practice in diverse socio-cultural contexts.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates from various humanities, social sciences, or even commerce backgrounds who are passionate about social change and community development. It also suits working professionals seeking to enhance their expertise in social welfare, human rights, or CSR sectors in India, offering a pathway for career advancement in both government and non-profit organizations.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including roles as social workers, community development officers, CSR managers, counselors, and project coordinators. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-5 LPA, growing significantly with experience. Opportunities exist in NGOs, government welfare departments, hospitals, corporate CSR divisions, and international development agencies, fostering professional growth and impact.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build Foundational Understanding of Social Issues- (Semester 1-2)
Engage deeply with core subjects like ''''Social Science Perspectives for Social Work'''' and ''''History, Philosophy & Fields of Social Work''''. Actively participate in class discussions, read recommended texts, and seek clarification on complex theories to establish a strong theoretical base. This foundational knowledge is crucial for understanding the root causes of social problems.
Tools & Resources
University Library Resources, Online academic journals (JSTOR, ResearchGate), Departmental seminars
Career Connection
A solid theoretical foundation in social sciences and social work principles is essential for ethical and informed practice, leading to better problem analysis and intervention design in professional roles.
Maximize Field Work Learning Opportunities- (Semester 1-2)
Treat ''''Field Work-I'''' and ''''Field Work-II'''' as your primary learning labs. Be proactive in agency settings, observe senior social workers, ask questions, and diligently maintain field work records. Reflect critically on your experiences and discuss challenges with your field supervisor to improve practical application of theoretical concepts.
Tools & Resources
Field Work Manual, Agency staff guidance, Supervision sessions with faculty
Career Connection
Practical experience gained in early field work is invaluable for developing core social work skills, building confidence, and preparing for future roles in direct service or community engagement.
Develop Effective Communication and Empathy Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Utilize subjects like ''''Social Case Work & Counseling'''' and ''''Social Group Work'''' to actively practice communication and empathetic listening. Participate in role-plays, mock interviews, and group activities. Seek feedback on your interpersonal skills from peers and faculty to enhance your ability to connect with diverse populations.
Tools & Resources
Role-playing exercises, Peer feedback groups, Self-help books on communication
Career Connection
Strong communication and empathy are cornerstone skills for any social worker, crucial for effective client engagement, advocacy, and collaborative work, significantly enhancing employability in the social sector.
Intermediate Stage
Engage in Applied Research and Data Analysis- (Semester 2-3)
Leverage ''''Social Work Research & Statistics'''' to develop hands-on research skills. Identify a social issue of interest, design a mini-research project, and practice data collection and basic analysis. Understanding research methodologies is vital for evidence-based practice and program evaluation in NGOs and government bodies.
Tools & Resources
SPSS/R (basic level), Microsoft Excel, University research facilities
Career Connection
Proficiency in research and data analysis is highly valued in roles requiring program evaluation, policy advocacy, and fundraising, opening doors to research-oriented positions in the social sector.
Strategically Choose Electives and Specializations- (Semester 3)
Carefully consider your career interests when choosing electives like ''''Health & Mental Health Social Work'''', ''''Child Development & Family Welfare'''', or ''''Human Resource Management''''. Network with professionals in these fields, attend workshops, and tailor your academic focus to build specialized knowledge that aligns with specific sector demands in India.
Tools & Resources
Career counseling sessions, Industry expert talks, Alumni network
Career Connection
Strategic elective choices allow for early specialization, making you a more attractive candidate for targeted roles in health, child welfare, or corporate social responsibility sectors.
Actively Participate in Community Development Projects- (Semester 2-3)
Beyond mandatory field work, seek opportunities to volunteer for local community development initiatives, especially those related to ''''Rural & Urban Community Development'''' or ''''Social Action''''. Take leadership roles in organizing awareness campaigns or small-scale interventions to gain practical experience in community mobilization and project management.
Tools & Resources
Local NGOs, University outreach programs, NSS/NCC units
Career Connection
Direct experience in community projects demonstrates initiative, leadership, and a commitment to grassroots development, highly valued by organizations working in poverty alleviation and social justice.
Advanced Stage
Excel in Block Placements and Internship/Project Work- (Semester 3-4)
View ''''Block Placement-I & II'''' and ''''Internship / Project Work'''' as a springboard for your career. Approach these with utmost professionalism, seek challenging assignments, and network extensively within the host organization. Your project work should demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving, reflecting your readiness for professional roles.
Tools & Resources
Internship guides, Faculty advisors, Industry mentors
Career Connection
Outstanding performance in these capstone experiences often leads to pre-placement offers or strong referrals, significantly boosting your entry into the professional social work field.
Develop Advocacy and Policy Engagement Skills- (Semester 3-4)
Engage with subjects like ''''Human Rights & Social Legislation'''' and ''''Social Action'''' to understand policy frameworks and advocacy strategies. Participate in policy discussions, mock debates, and workshops on legislative analysis. Learn to draft advocacy letters or policy briefs, essential for influencing social change at systemic levels in India.
Tools & Resources
Legal aid clinics, Human rights organizations, Policy advocacy groups
Career Connection
Skills in advocacy and policy engagement are crucial for roles in policy research, public relations for NGOs, and lobbying for social causes, enabling you to contribute to broader societal impact.
Prepare for Career Opportunities and Professional Networking- (Semester 4)
Actively attend career fairs, placement drives, and guest lectures organized by the department. Build a professional network by connecting with alumni, industry leaders, and faculty. Refine your resume, practice interview skills, and research potential employers (NGOs, government, corporates with CSR).
Tools & Resources
Career Services Cell, LinkedIn, Professional associations (e.g., NASW India chapter)
Career Connection
Proactive career preparation and networking are vital for securing desired placements, gaining insights into industry trends, and establishing a robust professional identity in the competitive Indian job market.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Bachelor''''s Degree (BSW / BA / BBM / B.Com / B.Sc / BCA or any other bachelor degree) from a recognized university with minimum 45% marks in aggregate (40% for SC/ST/Category-I candidates).
Duration: 4 semesters / 2 years
Credits: 98 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 30%, External: 70%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSW 1.1 | History, Philosophy & Fields of Social Work | Core | 4 | Understanding Social Work, History of Social Work in UK, USA, India, Philosophical Foundations, Ethical Principles, Fields of Social Work |
| MSW 1.2 | Social Science Perspectives for Social Work | Core | 4 | Understanding Society & Culture, Social Institutions & Change, Psychological Perspectives, Economic & Political Systems, Social Problems |
| MSW 1.3 | Social Group Work | Core | 4 | Concept & Principles of Group Work, Types of Groups, Stages of Group Development, Role of Social Worker in Group, Group Work Practice Settings |
| MSW 1.4 | Social Case Work & Counseling | Core | 4 | Concept & Principles of Casework, Components of Casework, Counseling Process, Skills in Counseling, Casework & Counseling Settings |
| MSW 1.5 | Field Work-I | Practical/Field Work | 6 | Orientation to Agency, Observation Visits, Record Keeping, Application of Social Work Methods, Supervision & Evaluation |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSW 2.1 | Social Action & Social Movements | Core | 4 | Understanding Social Action, Theories of Social Movements, Strategies of Social Action, Role of Social Worker in Advocacy, Case Studies of Indian Social Movements |
| MSW 2.2 | Community Organisation & Social Welfare Administration | Core | 4 | Concepts of Community Organisation, Models & Principles, Social Welfare Administration, Program Planning & Management, Resource Mobilization |
| MSW 2.3 | Social Work Research & Statistics | Core | 4 | Nature & Scope of Social Work Research, Research Design, Data Collection Methods, Basic Statistical Concepts, Report Writing |
| MSW 2.4 | Rural & Urban Community Development | Core | 4 | Concepts of Rural & Urban Development, Challenges in Rural India, Urbanization & its Issues, Government Programs for Development, Role of NGOs |
| MSW 2.5 | Field Work-II | Practical/Field Work | 6 | Advanced Agency Engagement, Case Studies & Group Sessions, Report Writing & Documentation, Community Visits & Interaction, Peer Learning & Supervision |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSW 3.1 | Human Rights & Social Legislation | Core | 4 | Concepts of Human Rights, Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Indian Constitution & Human Rights, Social Legislation in India, Role of Social Worker in Human Rights Advocacy |
| MSW 3.2 | Corporate Social Responsibility | Core | 4 | Evolution & Concepts of CSR, Theories of CSR, CSR in India (Companies Act 2013), CSR Practices & Models, Impact Assessment & Reporting |
| MSW 3.3 (Elective) | Health & Mental Health Social Work | Elective (Choose 1 from 3 options) | 4 | Health Care Systems in India, Role of Social Worker in Health, Mental Health Issues & Challenges, Intervention Strategies, Community Mental Health |
| MSW 3.3 (Elective) | Child Development & Family Welfare | Elective (Choose 1 from 3 options) | 4 | Child Development Theories, Policies & Programs for Children, Family Structures & Dynamics, Family Counseling, Child Protection & Welfare Schemes |
| MSW 3.3 (Elective) | Human Resource Management | Elective (Choose 1 from 3 options) | 4 | Concepts of HRM, HR Planning & Recruitment, Training & Development, Performance Management, Industrial Relations & Labour Welfare |
| MSW 3.4 | Skill Development for Social Work Practice | Core | 4 | Communication Skills, Documentation & Report Writing, Interviewing Skills, Advocacy & Negotiation Skills, Crisis Intervention |
| MSW 3.5 | Field Work-III & Block Placement-I | Practical/Field Work | 6 | Specialized Field Placements, Independent Case Management, Project Planning & Implementation, Block Placement Experience, Intensive Supervision |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSW 4.1 | Tribal & Dalit Welfare | Core | 4 | Tribal Communities in India, Dalit Identity & Issues, Constitutional Provisions & Policies, Development Programs for Marginalized, Social Work Intervention Strategies |
| MSW 4.2 | Disaster Management | Core | 4 | Concepts of Disaster, Types of Disasters, Disaster Management Cycle, Role of Social Worker in Disaster, Rehabilitation & Reconstruction |
| MSW 4.3 (Elective) | Health & Mental Health Social Work | Elective (Choose 1 from 3 options) | 4 | Public Health Interventions, Addiction & Substance Abuse, Psychiatric Social Work, Geriatric Care, Ethics in Health Social Work |
| MSW 4.3 (Elective) | Child Development & Family Welfare | Elective (Choose 1 from 3 options) | 4 | Adolescent Issues, Gender & Child Rearing, Marriage & Divorce Counseling, Elderly Care in Families, Domestic Violence Intervention |
| MSW 4.3 (Elective) | Human Resource Management | Elective (Choose 1 from 3 options) | 4 | Organizational Behavior, Employee Welfare & Safety, Compensation & Benefits, Labour Laws in India, Strategic HRM |
| MSW 4.4 | Internship / Project Work | Project | 6 | Problem Identification, Literature Review, Methodology & Data Analysis, Report Writing, Presentation & Viva-Voce |
| MSW 4.5 | Field Work-IV & Block Placement-II | Practical/Field Work | 6 | Consolidation of Skills, Leadership in Field Settings, Advocacy & Policy Engagement, Preparation for Professional Practice, Comprehensive Evaluation |
