Introduction to the MSW Program
The Master of Social Work (MSW) program at Swami Ramanand Teerth Marathwada University is a postgraduate professional course designed to prepare students for advanced social work practice. The curriculum integrates theoretical knowledge with practical skills to enable graduates to work effectively with individuals, groups, and communities facing various social challenges.
Program Duration: Two Years (Four Semesters)
Total Credits: 80 credits
Program Objectives
The MSW program at the university is designed to achieve the following objectives:
- To develop professional skills for effective social work intervention
- To develop knowledge and understanding of human behavior and social environment
- To foster commitment to social justice, human rights, and ethical practice
- To prepare students for leadership roles in social welfare and development sectors
- To enhance research capabilities in social work practice
- To develop critical thinking and analytical skills for addressing social issues
Program Structure
The MSW program is structured over four semesters with both theoretical courses and practical components. The curriculum is designed to provide foundational knowledge in the first year and specialization in the second year.
First Year Syllabus
| Semester | Course Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Semester I | MSW-101 | History and Philosophy of Social Work | 4 |
| Semester I | MSW-102 | Social Work Practice with Individuals | 4 |
| Semester I | MSW-103 | Social Group Work | 4 |
| Semester I | MSW-104 | Community Organization | 4 |
| Semester I | MSW-105 | Social Work Research | 4 |
| Semester I | MSW-106 | Field Work-I (Concurrent) | 4 |
| Semester I | MSW-107 | Social Work Administration | 4 |
| Semester | Course Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Semester II | MSW-201 | Human Behavior and Social Environment | 4 |
| Semester II | MSW-202 | Social Welfare Administration | 4 |
| Semester II | MSW-203 | Community Development | 4 |
| Semester II | MSW-204 | Psychology for Social Work | 4 |
| Semester II | MSW-205 | Field Work-II (Concurrent) | 4 |
| Semester II | MSW-206 | Social Policy and Planning | 4 |
| Semester II | MSW-207 | Rural Camp and Study Tour Report | 4 |
Second Year Syllabus
In the second year, students choose one specialization from the following options:
- Medical and Psychiatric Social Work
- Human Resource Management
- Community Development
- Criminology and Correctional Administration
- Family and Child Welfare
Semester III - Specialization Courses
| Course Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MSW-301 | Urban and Rural Community Development | 4 |
| MSW-302 | Statistics and Data Analysis | 4 |
| MSW-303 | Specialization Paper I (based on chosen specialization) | 4 |
| MSW-304 | Specialization Paper II (based on chosen specialization) | 4 |
| MSW-305 | Field Work-III (Concurrent) | 4 |
| MSW-306 | Elective Paper I | 4 |
Semester IV - Specialization Courses
| Course Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MSW-401 | Specialization Paper III (based on chosen specialization) | 4 |
| MSW-402 | Specialization Paper IV (based on chosen specialization) | 4 |
| MSW-403 | Field Work-IV (Concurrent) | 4 |
| MSW-404 | Elective Paper II | 4 |
| MSW-405 | Block Placement / Internship | 8 |
| MSW-406 | Dissertation/Project Work | 8 |
Detailed Course Content
Semester I Course Details
MSW-101: History and Philosophy of Social Work
This course covers the historical development of social work as a profession, its philosophical foundations, and different approaches to social work practice. Topics include:
- Evolution of social work in India and globally
- Philosophical foundations of social work practice
- Values, ethics, and legal aspects of social work
- Social work as a profession: roles and responsibilities
- Major social reform movements and their impact on social work
MSW-102: Social Work Practice with Individuals
This course focuses on casework practice methodologies, theories, and techniques. It includes:
- Introduction to social casework: definition, objectives, and importance
- Psycho-social casework processes
- Case work methods and techniques
- Recording in casework
- Counseling principles and skills
Second Year Specializations
Medical and Psychiatric Social Work
This specialization prepares students to work in healthcare settings and mental health facilities. Course content includes:
- Medical social work: roles in hospitals and healthcare settings
- Psychiatric social work: roles in mental health care
- Psychopathology and classification of mental disorders
- Therapeutic approaches in mental health
- Rehabilitation services for persons with mental illness
Human Resource Management
This specialization focuses on people management in organizational settings. Content includes:
- Human resource functions in organizations
- Recruitment, selection, and placement
- Training and development
- Performance appraisal systems
- Employee welfare and industrial relations
Practical Components
The MSW program places strong emphasis on experiential learning through fieldwork and practical components:
- Concurrent Fieldwork: Students engage in fieldwork two days a week throughout the program, working with social welfare agencies, NGOs, hospitals, schools, and community organizations.
- Rural Camp: A seven-day rural exposure camp in the second semester to understand rural issues and development challenges.
- Study Tour: Visits to various social work organizations and projects to observe best practices.
- Block Placement: In the final semester, students undertake a 30-day intensive internship in an organization relevant to their specialization.
- Dissertation: Students conduct independent research on a social issue relevant to their area of specialization and present a dissertation.
Assessment Methods
The evaluation system includes:
- Internal Assessment: 30% of total marks through assignments, seminars, quizzes, and participation
- Semester End Examination: 70% of total marks through written examinations
- Fieldwork Evaluation: Continuous assessment based on supervisor feedback, fieldwork diary, and fieldwork reports
- Viva Voce: Oral examinations for dissertation and specialization papers
Career Prospects
Graduates of the MSW program can pursue careers in various sectors including:
- Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)
- Government social welfare departments
- Hospitals and healthcare settings
- Corporate sector (CSR departments and HR)
- International development agencies
- Research and academic institutions
- Correctional facilities and legal services
- Community development organizations
With specialization, graduates can take up specific roles such as medical social workers, HR professionals, community development officers, mental health counselors, or child protection specialists, depending on their area of expertise.
