Master of Social Work is a postgraduate course that is purely based on charity work. This is a two year programme that comprises the study of social work. The course is offered by many Universities in India. It is also called Master of Arts in Social Work.

This course is most suitable for those people who have a keen interest in charity works like development and welfare of children and old age people. The career opportunities for these graduates are also many. They can work in both Government and private sectors. The International organizations like UNICEF, WHO, etc also offer job opportunities for them.

MSW graduates have two options after the completion of the course, either they can go for higher studies or can find employment in various related sectors.

Higher Studies Options after MSW

The interested MSW graduates can choose the higher study option after their graduation. Many universities offer various research programs in this field. They can apply for courses like

• Doctor of Social Work (DSW)
• Ph.D. in Psychiatric Social Work
• Ph.D. in Social Work

Job Opportunities for MSW Graduates

The job opportunities for the MSW graduates are at a bright side nowadays. All jobs in this field are related with charity works or social services. The graduates can work with many government and privates sectors. They can join NGOs or any other sectors that is related with welfare of children, old age people and the poor. Another choice for these graduates is the teaching profession after Masters in Social Work.

International organizations like WHO, UNICEF, etc also offer job opportunities for them. After gaining experience in this field they can also join as consultants in numerous reputed organizations. The areas of their work include

• Counseling Centers
• Education Sector
• Correction Cells
• Clinics
• Health Industry
• Human Rights Agencies
• Mental Hospitals
• Disaster Management Department
• Hospitals
• Old Age Homes
• Natural Resources Management Companies
• Prisons
• Gender Issues Associations or Groups

These graduates can perform in many roles in these areas such as Humanitarian Values and PMER Officer, Programme Coordinator, Sub Regional Training Coordinator, Junior Research Fellow, District Consultant, Assistant Director, etc. The pay packages for these professionals are also good and may vary depending on their experience in this field and quality of their service. A fresher working with diverse projects can expect a monthly salary of Rs.8000/- to Rs.10, 000/-. However it may differ according to the organizational standards.

Short Term Courses for MSW Graduates

There are many short term courses also for these graduates. This is offered by many institutions in India. One such course is the Certificate course in Social Work offered by Tata Institute of Social Sciences in Mumbai. This is a part time course of one year duration. The other short term courses are

• Certificate in Therapeutic Skills for Helping Professions (Counseling)
• Certificate Course in Advanced Social Research Methodology
• Certificate Course in Social Perspective in Disaster Management

The short term/ certificate courses will surely add a value to their career.