Difference Between BSW and MSW

Difference Between BSW and MSW

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Updated on Jan 10, 2025 12:29 IST

The UG course in social work is known as a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) while the post-graduation course in social work is called a Masters in Social Work. Social work is the discipline of Social Science which deals with the improvement of the social structure of society. Read the article below to in detail about the difference between BSW and MSW courses.

Difference Between BSW and MSW

Difference Between BSW and MSW

Social Work is one of the most personal career choices one can make and the basis of the choice should solely depend on one's unstoppable ability to become a social worker in any scenario. There are various career options for those who wish to make a career in social work. To become a social worker, candidates need to follow a path that demands finding out societal issues and making a relevant solution for those issues on a ground level.
There are various social work courses available for candidates who are interested in social work. Candidates can study bachelor's and master’s degrees in social work. The UG course in social work is known as a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) while the post-graduation course in social work is called a Masters in Social Work. Social work is the field of Social Science that focuses on the improvement of the social structure of society. A social worker aims to work with the people of the community, and families to find a solution towards various societal issues such as poverty, unemployment and education. Read the article below to in detail about the difference between BSW and MSW courses.

Also Read: Top 10 BA Subjects & Specialisations

BSW Highlights

Candidates can check more details of the BSW course in the table given below. After the completion of BSW, candidates can pursue additional education by earning a Master of Social Work degree.

Particulars

Details

Course Name

Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)

Course Level

Undergraduate

Duration 

3 Years

Eligibility

10+2 from recognised university with 50 per cent marks

Entrance Exams

CUCET, PUBDET, TISS NET, Jamia Milia Islamia Entrance Exam etc.

Fees

INR 25,000 -5 lakh

Average Salary

INR 3-5 LPA

Job Profiles

Teacher, Researcher, Social Activist, Project Coordinator etc.

Top Recruiters

 CRY, UNICEF, Goonj, Help Foundation, Gateway Solutions

Top Colleges

Aligarh Muslim University, Amity University, St. Joseph's University etc.

Also Read: List of PhD Specialization

BSW Course Eligibility Criteria

Candidates interested in pursuing a BSW course are required to check the eligibility criteria of the BSW course below. In India the educational qualifications needed to pursue a BSW course are as follows:

  • Aspirants need to pass Class 12 from a recognized institute.
  • The minimum qualifying score needed by most of the institutes is 50 per cent. Meanwhile, there is no minimum score in some colleges.
  • For UG: There is no preference for the stream studied in Class 12. However, candidates who have a background in the field of social work, sociology, psychology, or any related field are preferred if they want to pursue a BSW course.

Top Colleges for BSW Courses

Candidates can check the table below to learn about the top colleges for BSW courses.

Name of BSW College

BSW Course Fee (in INR)

MCC - Madras Christian College

----

Aligarh Muslim University

----

IGNOU - Indira Gandhi National Open University

18,000

University of Mumbai

----

MSU, Vadodara

2 lakh

CSJM, Kanpur

67,000

Visva Bhararti University, West Bengal

3,000

VMOU, Kota

14,000

DAVV - Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya, Indore

24,000

Dr Bheem Rao Ambedkar University, Agra

----

MSW Highlights

Candidates who have completed bachelor degree in Social Work can pursue MSW course. However, BSW is not mandatory for candidates to pursue MSW course. The MSW course details are mentioned below in the table:

Particulars

Details

Course Full Name

Master of Social Work

Degree

Postgraduation

Duration

2 Years

Eligibility

Graduation with 50 per cent marks

Entrance Exams

SATJNUEE, DUET, PUBDET, TISSNET

Fees

INR 20,000 to 2 lakh

Average Salary

INR 3 to 5 LPA

Job Profiles

Social Worker, Child Development Manager, HR Manager, Fundraiser, Professor, etc.

Top Recruiters

Goonj, CRY, Accenture, Flipkart, Amazon, Just Dial and so on

Top Colleges

Amity University, NoidaLoyola College, ChennaiAligarh Muslim University, University of Lucknow, etc.

MSW Eligibility Criteria

In order to pursue MSW course, candidates are needed to meet the eligibility criteria. Candidates can check the space below to know about the academic qualification required for MSW course. Candidates can pursue MSW after completing graduation from a recognised board with a 50 percent marks. Notably, the minimum qualifying score is defined by the MSW colleges offering the course.

Top 10 Colleges for MSW Course

The list of some popular government colleges offering MSW course are:

Name of College

Fees (in INR)

Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh

----

Bangalore University, Bangalore

10,000

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar University of Social Sciences, Indore

13,000

IGNOU, Delhi

36,000

Madras Christian College, Chennai

63,000

MSU, Vadodara

17,000

NSOU - Netaji Subhas Open Univesity, Kolkata

10,000

Panjab University, Chandigarh

58,000

University of Lucknow, Lucknow

28,000 to 1 lakh

University of Madras, Chennai

68,000

Difference between BSW and MSW

Candidates can check the main difference between BSW and MSW course below:

Particulars

BSW

MSW

Aim

The course focuses on foundational studies in social work. It allows candidates to work with individuals, community etc.

MSW course is the higher degree that helps candidates in clinical practice. Candidate with MSW degree can become a LCSW

Job Opportunities

After pursuing BSW candidates can work as a manager, child welfare specialist, client advocate,  probation officer etc.

Candidates with MSW degree can work in the clinical settings or can practice privately. They can also work in child welfare.

Course Duration

The duration of BSW course is four years.

The duration MSW course is of two years.

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