MSW (Master of Social Work) Career: Job Profiles, Placements, Salary, Top Recruiters, Abroad
MSW is a master’s degree in social work that empowers students to expand their knowledge in the field of social work and helps them bring its practical applications into service. This course is best suitable for those candidates who wish to pursue a career that involves working for socially disadvantaged people. Candidates who want to study further can pursue courses such as MBA and PhD to enhance their career prospects. There are ample career opportunities for MSW graduates in the private sector such as Social Worker, Care Manager, School Counsellor and Fundraiser. They can also pursue professions such as PMU State Coordinators, Senior Consultants, Field Executives, Associate Professors (MSW) and PGT Teachers (Social Science) in the government sector. These jobs may be permanent or contract-based and may require the candidate to have some work experience. Candidates can also seek job opportunities in Group A and Group B government services by qualifying for national-level entrance exams such as UPSC CSE, SSC CGL, SBI PO and SBI Clerk. They can also pursue a career in academia where they get the opportunity to imbibe the values of Social Work in students and encourage them to become good citizens of society.
- MSW Career: Facts
- Top Career Profiles in MSW
- 2.1 MSW Job Profiles in the Government Sector
- 2.2 MSW Job Profiles in Private Sector
- MSW Scope in India: Jobs, Salary and Further Education
- Competitive Exams After MSW
- 4.1 Courses after MSW
- 4.2 Top Recruiters for MSW Graduates
- Best MSW Colleges for Placements (In India)
- FAQs About MSW Career
MSW Career: Facts
- There are around 220,000 active Non-governmental organisations, 107,000 registered societies and 89,000 non-government trusts.
- The average salary of a Social Worker Abroad is around $74,000 per annum.
- MSW graduates who wish to work in private firms can join as Corporate Social Responsibility Executives. It is an entry-level position and the starting salary is around INR 3.8 LPA.
Top Career Profiles in MSW
Empathy, patience and active listening are some of the key skills required to work in job roles related to Social Work.
MSW Job Profiles in the Government Sector
Government Ministries such as the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, the Ministry of Rural Development and the Ministry of Women and Child Development notify job vacancies to recruit graduates who have pursued a postgraduate degree in Social Work. MSW graduates can also work in government schools and colleges.
Given below are some of the top government jobs for MSW graduates along with a brief description of the job role and the average annual salary:
| MSW Government Jobs |
Description |
Average Salary (in INR) |
|---|---|---|
| PMU State Coordinators |
A PMU State Coordinator is responsible for implementing, monitoring and maintaining records. They also provide feedback on the existing implementation of social schemes. |
9 LPA |
| Senior Consultant |
A Senior Consultant offers technical advice and analyses government policies and initiatives. |
15 LPA |
| Field Executive |
Field Executive is a field job in rural development. A Field Executive is required to travel and coordinate with people. |
3.5 LPA |
| Associate Professor (MSW) |
An Associate Professor teaches elective subjects in a university or college. |
7 LPA |
| PGT Teacher (Social Science) |
A PGT Teacher teaches Humanities and Social Science subjects to students of higher classes. |
5.5 LPA |
Note: The salaries mentioned above may vary depending on the organisation offering the job.
MSW Job Profiles in Private Sector
MSW graduates are trained in offering professional social work and contribute to the social welfare of people. They possess the required education, expertise and values to work with people belonging to all walks of life.
Given below are some of the top MSW Job Profiles along with a brief description of the job role and average annual salary:
| MSW Job Profiles |
Job Description |
Average Salary (in INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Social Worker |
Social workers make support plans, and are involved in promotion of justice through research and activism. |
2.9 LPA |
| Care Manager |
A Care Manager works in healthcare institutions. S/he coordinates the communication among caretakers and is responsible for a patient’s safety. |
6.2 LPA |
| School Counsellor |
A School Counselor mentors students to improve their academic performance, guide them career prospects and help them personal growth. They also help them in dealing with emotional and psychological issues. |
3.9 LPA |
| Fundraiser |
A Fundraiser is responsible for collecting donations by creating campaigns and conducting events to attract potential donors. |
4.8 LPA |
Note: The salaries mentioned above may vary depending on the organisation offering the job.
Candidates can also refer to: Social Work Career
MSW Scope in India: Jobs, Salary and Further Education
The scope of MSW in India
Government Organisations: The Government Ministries and Departments that work towards social welfare and the torchbearers of social justice in India offer several job roles related to Social Work. INR 7.7 LPA is the average annual income of a government employee.
Community Service Organisations: Community Service Organizations or NGOs offer a wide range of job opportunities for MSW graduates. They can also seek overseas job opportunities by becoming an International Social Worker.
Corporates and Consultancies: Private companies offer job opportunities with decent packages in many entry-level and executive-level positions. INR 6.8 LPA is the average salary of a corporate employee.
Educational Institutions: MSW Graduates can teach various subjects in primary classes, Social Science in mid-level classes and, Sociology and other Humanities subjects in senior-level classes. The average annual income of a Trained Graduate Teacher (TGT) is INR 5.7 LPA. They can also become Associate Professors, Assistant Professors and Professors in universities and colleges.
Candidates can also read: NGO Management Courses
Competitive Exams After MSW
MSW graduates can appear for various competitive exams conducted for recruitment in various state and central government jobs.
Given below are some of the top Competitive Examinations that can offer job opportunities for MSW graduates in the government sector:
| Competitive Exams |
Description |
|---|---|
| UPSC CSE is a national-level competitive exams that is conducted each year for recruitment into Group A and Group B services. |
|
| SSC CGL is a national-level exam through which candidates can seek jobs as Assistants in various Ministries. |
|
| SBI PO offers job opportunities in SBIs located at various places in India. The candidate joins as an Assistant Manager. |
|
| SBI Clerk offers recruitment in clerical positions in SBIs. |
Courses after MSW
Given below are some of the courses that can be pursued by MSW graduates along with a brief description of the course:
| Courses after MSW |
Description |
|---|---|
| MBA is a 2-year postgraduate-level degree in Business Administration. Pursuing an MBA can help MSW graduates in securing managerial level positions in NGOs. |
|
| PhD in Social Work |
PhD in Social Work is a research-based programme which where the student works on a thesis. It enhances one’s career opportunities in educational institutions. |
Candidates can also read: Teaching Career
Top Recruiters for MSW Graduates
There are more than 2 Lakh Community Service Organizations in India offering a broad range of job opportunities for MSW graduates.
Given below are some of the top companies that hire candidates who have a master’s degree in Social Work:
| Top Recruiters |
|
|---|---|
| Mukti |
Praja Foundation |
| HelpAge India |
Salaam Baalak Trust |
| Seva Mandir |
eVidyaloka |
| BHUMI |
Child Rights and You |
| Robin Hood Army |
Teach For India |
Best MSW Colleges for Placements (In India)
The college-wise average fees and median package offered during placements are presented in the table below:
| MSW Colleges |
Average Fees (in INR) |
Average Salary (in INR) |
|---|---|---|
| 60,000 |
15 LPA |
|
| 28,480 - 1.12 L |
14.4 LPA |
|
| 1.52 L |
11.68 LPA |
|
| 1.09 L |
10 LPA |
|
| 84.08 K |
9 LPA |
|
| 30,000 |
8.15 LPA |
|
| 32,600 |
8 LPA |
|
| 1.65 L |
7.5 LPA |
|
| Amrita School of Arts and Sciences, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham - Amritapuri Campus |
1.1 L - 2.75 L |
4.7 - 7.35 LPA |
| 4,380 |
7.25 LPA |
Note: The fees and salary mentioned above may vary.
FAQs About MSW Career
Q. What is the average salary of a fresher with MSW degree in India?
A. MSW graduates can find work at the below-mentioned job profiles. Their average salary at the beginning can range as follows:
| Job Profile | Average Salary (in INR) |
|---|---|
| Social Worker | INR 4.5-6 LPA |
| Clinical Social Worker | INR 4.5 -5.6 LPA |
| Project Coordinator | INR 3-5 LPA |
| Professor | INR 5-8.5 LPA |
| HR Specialist | INR 5.6-7.5 LPA |
Q. Which are the top recruiters for MSW graduates in India?
A. MSW graduates can generally hired by NGOs, Healthcare companies, social service organisations, schools, colleges, and private organisations. Based on their areas of employment some of the top hiring recruiters are:
| Top Recruiters for MSW Graduates | ||
|---|---|---|
| Apollo | Medanta | SunPharma |
| Infosys | Piramal | Chandigarh University |
| Max | Goonj | CRY |
Q. Which sectors hire MSW graduates in India?
A. After completing MSW, students can find employment in several areas. MSW field is not suitable for everyone. People who are dedicated and wish to serve the society should enter this area. MSW people can work in health clinics, hospitals, NGOs, schools, and social service agencies.
Students can see the table below to know the industries where MSW graduates can find employment.
| Top Employment Areas for MSW Graduates | |
|---|---|
| Healthcare | Private Organisations |
| Academics | Non Government Organisations |
| Ministry of Social Justice and Child Welfare | ----- |
Q. Is MSW a good career?
A. Whether or not MSW is a good career choice for you will depend on your values, interests, and level of dedication to the demands of the field. Working with individuals in stressful situations is a common aspect of a social work job. In this line of work, empathy and compassion for others are crucial.
Also, MSW offers various specialisations like clinical social work, school social work, medical social work, and others. Your professional path can be customised to fit your interests and skills.
Also Read: Human Rights and Humanitarian Laws
Q. What is the scope of MSW?
A. Students learn how to use existing resources to address societal problems and attempt to alleviate people's suffering through social interventions like funding and counselling in the social science course MSW. The course provides professional knowledge on a variety of social work-related subjects, including labour safety, community participation, human resource development and management, and rural rebuilding.
Research is heavily emphasised in the programme, and applicants leave with the skills needed to help individuals in need. The social work industry is expected to grow further over the next ten years, increasing the need for these specialists. Also Read: MSW Syllabus
Q. What are the roles of international social workers?
A. International Social Workers are professionals who fight for social justice across the globe. Under-developed and developing countries are their prime areas of focus. They can seek job opportunities in community service organisations and charitable organisations. Some of the top recruiters of International Social Workers are the World Health Organisation, International Justice Mission, Food for the Hungry International, the United Nations and the International Rescue Committee. The scope of International Social Work includes social development, poverty, refugees, human rights, advocacy and immigrants. The average annual salary of an International Social Worker is around $58,500.
Q. What does an art therapist do?
A. An art therapist is a professional who has expertise in the field of Art and Social Work. Art therapy involves using Art to help people resolve stress-related and mental issues especially when they find difficulty in expressing themselves. The nature of the job is similar to that of social workers. Most Art Therapists are self-employed though some can also work for an organization.
The MSW graduates who are interested in Art can pursue this career. The average salary of an entry-level Art Therapist in India is around INR 2.8 LPA.
Most Popular Courses
Popular Courses
- Master of Social Work (MSW)Kristu Jayanti College
- Discontinued (June 2023) M.S.W. in Human Resource Development and ManagementChrist University
- Masters in Social Work (MSW)PSG College of Arts and Science - PSGCAS
- Master of Social WorkMSU - The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda
- Master of Social Work (MSW)Aligarh Muslim University
- Master of Social Work (MSW)Sree Narayana Guru College
- Master of Social WorkNehru Arts and Science College
- Master of Social WorkCentral University of Karnataka
- Master of Social Work (MSW)Dibrugarh University
- Master of Social Work (MSW)Hindustan College of Arts and Science
Popular MSW (Master of Social Work) Colleges in India
Popular Private MSW (Master of Social Work) Colleges in India
MSW Applications open. Apply Now
Popular MSW (Master of Social Work) Specializations
Popular Specializations
- Human Resources
14 Colleges
- Psychiatry
7 Colleges
- Personnel Management
2 Colleges
- Community Medicine Nursing
1 College
- Community Medicine
1 College
- Counseling
1 College
News & Updates
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 9 hours ago
Social work is the specialisation that falls under MSW course, it is a profession and practice dedicated to improving the well-beings of families and communities, especially those in vulnerable or social, emotional, economic, and environmental challenges to promote equity, inclusion and empowernment
S
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 9 hours ago
See the table below for top private MSW colleges in Mumbai with their total course fee and eligibility:
College Name | Total Tuition Fee | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| YES University, Mumbai Admissions | INR 1.4 L | Merit-Based |
| YES Education Admissions | INR 10000 | Merit-Based |
Disclaimer: This information is sourced from the official website and may vary.
N
Beginner-Level 4
Answered 10 hours ago
There are different colleges for MSW courses in Mumbai but mumbai university is the No1 college according to the popularity basis.
N
Beginner-Level 4
Answered 10 hours ago
The aspirants need to fulfil certain educational factors and criteria to pursue MSW at the post-graduation level. The basic eligibility criteria to be fulfilled by the MSW aspirants are as follows:
- Candidates should have a bachelor's degree in any discipline, ideally in Social Work or related subjec
V
Beginner-Level 4
Answered Yesterday
The table below shows the top MSW Colleges in Kerala along with their average placement package and the prominent recruiters:
| College Name | Annual Median Package | Top Recruiters |
|---|---|---|
| Amrita School of Arts and Sciences Placements | INR 4.83 - 7.13 LPA | IBM, Wipro, Oracle, Google, SAP, Dell, Amazon etc. |
| Rajagiri College of Social Sciences Placements | INR 7.25 LPA | HP, HCL, Infosys, IBM, Wipro, Mphasis, Axis Bank etc. |
| Kerala University Placements | INR 3.15 LPA | GE Capital Services, IBM, TCS, Nest developers, Infosys etc. |
| Amrita Department of Social Work Placements | INR 4.7 LPA | Azim Premji Foundation, Times of India, Indian Express, Jeevan Hospital etc. |
Disclaimer: This information is sourced from the official website of the ranking body listed and may vary.
A
Beginner-Level 4
Answered Yesterday
The table below shows the affordable top Best MSW Colleges in Kerala that have fees of less than INR 1 lakh:
| Low-cost Colleges | Total Tuition Fee |
|---|---|
| Kerala University Fees | INR 3,360 |
| CU Kerala Fees | INR 4,720 |
| Rajagiri College Fees | INR 4,380 |
| Calicut University Fees | INR 5,280 |
| Christ College Irinjalakuda Fees | INR 9,700 |
Disclaimer: This information is sourced from the official website and may vary.
R
Beginner-Level 4
Answered 3 days ago
Hello!
Document Verification is an important part of the admission process. Students are required to submit identity proof documents like Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Drivers Licence, Voter ID, etc.
Students are also required to submit Class X certificate and marksheet, class XII certificate and marksheet
m
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 3 days ago
Students who wish to pursue the MSW course from IGNOU must fill out the online application form on the official website of IGNOU. Students have to submit their personal details and the required documents along with the application fee.
Students are eligible for MSW courses if they have completed thei
m
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 3 days ago
Students who wish to pursue MSW courses can pick from various specializations and fields of social work. Some popular ones are:
- Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Work: They work with people suffering from mental health disorders or addiction issues.
- Health and Medicine Social Work: They work in
m
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 3 days ago
The MSW degree is pursued at the post-graduate level. Generally, the Master of Social Work (MSW) degree course duration is of two years, if it is being pursued from a regular, full-time college. A distance/correspondence MSW degree course duration can extend to 4 years, depending on the student.
m
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 3 days ago
MSW is an abbreviation of Master of Social Work. It is a 2-year postgraduate degree in the field of Social Work. Students who have completed their undergraduate degree in any specialisation can pursue this degree, if they secured at least 45% marks. Students who wish to serve the community can go fo
m
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 2 weeks ago
The total tuition fee for Stella Maris College MSW is INR 65,100. This information is sourced from official website/ sanctioning body and is subject to change. Candidates opting for hostel have to pay an hostel fee. Once the selection is completed, selected aspirants need to pay course fee to confir
N
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
For an MSW, it's always a good deal to go for the North Eastern Regional Institute of Management as such, is a good deal among choices. The course emphasizes practical ability and involvement in the community with all the preparation offered in preparing students for careers as workers in social ser
K
Contributor-Level 8
Answered 2 months ago
Even if you have pursued the Master of Social Work (MSW) course through distance mode in India, it can still help you land a job abroad. However, the level of recognition and job possibilities depends on various other factors such as:
- Accreditation: Your MSW degree should be granted from a UGC (Unive
D
Contributor-Level 8
Answered 2 months ago
MSW course (full form Master of Social Work) is a postgraduate degree with a duration of 2 years, usually comprising 4 semesters.
To pursue MSW course in India, one should have a BSW degree or a Bachelor Degree in Humanities/Social Science/Science, commerce or management studies.
Specializations in So
D
Contributor-Level 8
Answered 2 months ago
According to Osmania University's official website, a graduate from any discipline can apply for the Master of Social Work (MSW) degree through CPGET.
A
Contributor-Level 8
Answered 2 months ago
IISWBM Kolkata offers MSW or Master in Social Welfare as a 2 year programme affiliated by the University of Calcutta. The programme involves summer internship and field work as a part of the curriculum and is divided in 4 semesters. One of the salient feature of the IISWBM Kolkata MSW is the dual sp
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
See the table below for top private MSW colleges in India with their total course fee and eligibility:
College Name | Total Tuition Fee | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
INR 2.6 lakh | Merit-Based | |
INR 2.48 lakh | Merit-Based | |
| LPU Jalandhar Admission | INR 2 lakh | CUET-PG |
INR 65,200 | Merit-Based | |
INR 1.4 lakh | Merit-Based |
Disclaimer: This information is sourced from official website and may vary.
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
See the table below for top government MSW colleges in India with their total course fee, seat intake and eligibility:
College Name | Total Tuition Fee | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
INR 32,400 - INR 36,000 | Merit-Based | |
INR 28,000- INR 1.12 lakh | Merit-Based | |
INR 24,000 | Merit-Based | |
INR 18,200 | Merit-Based | |
INR 57,730 | PU CET (PG) |
Disclaimer: This information is sourced from official website and may vary.
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
Yes, MSW colleges in India do offer distance courses and you can refer below for some of them:
| College Name | Tuition Fee | Eligibility / Exams |
|---|---|---|
| IGNOU | INR 32,400 - INR 36,000 | Merit-Based |
| NSOU | INR 10,400 | Merit-Based |
| Tamil Nadu Open University | INR 6,000 | Merit-Based |
| School of Distance Education Bharathiar University | INR 21,120 | Merit-Based |
| KSOU | INR 34,290 | Merit-Based |
Hope this helps!
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
Hi, please refer below for the top specialisations offered by best MSW colleges in India:
| Top Specialisations | No. of Colleges |
|---|---|
| Human Resources | 10+ |
| Psychiatry | 6 |
| Personnel Management | 2 |
| Community Medicine Nursing | 1 |
| Counselling | 1 |
Hope this answered your question!
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
Hi, it can be observed that pursuing MSW in India can be quite inexpensive as most of the colleges have an average tuition fee of less than INR 1 lakh.
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
Hi, listed below are the top MSW colleges in India with their tuition fee and eligibility criteria:
| College Name | Tuition Fee | Eligibility / Exams |
|---|---|---|
| Amity University, Noida | INR 2.6 lakh | Merit-Based |
| IGNOU - Indira Gandhi National Open University | INR 32,400 - INR 36,000 | Merit-Based |
| Christ University | INR 2.48 lakh | Merit-Based |
| University of Lucknow | INR 28,480 - INR1.12 lakh | Merit-Based |
| LPU | INR 2 lakh | CUET-PG |
Hope this helps!
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
India is home to 800+ best MSW colleges of which 400+ colleges are owned privately, 180+ colleges are owned by the government and the rest 80+ colleges are owned by semi government institutions. CUET-PG, CPGET and AP PGCET are the top entrance exams for admission to best MSW colleges in India. Amity
A
Contributor-Level 10
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Name the specialisation which comes under MSW course?