MSW (Master of Social Work) Course: Fees 2023, Admission, Top Colleges, Distance Learning & Online

Updated on Feb 24, 2022 07:27 IST

MSW course or Masters of Social Work is a postgraduate degree. There are more than 550 MSW colleges in India imparting the two-year degree course. The course is divided into four semesters of theoretical and practical training in the field of Social Work. MSW course is imparted in a full-time mode, distance learning mode, part-time mode and online mode. The full-time MSW course is recognised by the Universities Grants Commission offered under the Humanities stream. Candidates who hold a BSW degree pursue MSW courses as the successor of their bachelor’s degree.

Studying MSW from India goes economically in pockets as compared to other master's courses; most of the MSW colleges in India have a course fee of less than INR 1 lakh. Scroll down to know more details about MSW courses including types of courses, Distance MSW courses, part-time MSW courses, and more.

Table of Contents
  1. Types of MSW Courses
    • 1.1 Popular MSW Courses
  2. MSW Degree Courses
    • 2.1 Top MSW Degree Courses
  3. Distance MSW Courses
    • 3.1 Top Distance MSW Courses
  4. Online MSW Courses
  5. FAQs on MSW Courses

Types of MSW Courses

Types of MSW courses can be categorised based on the mode of study. Educational institutes in India including universities, colleges, stand-alone institutes and MOOC platforms deliver MSW with a different mode of education. Space below mentions the types of MSW courses based on the mode of education.

MSW Courses: Different Mode of Study

Nearly 550 colleges in India offer MSW courses with different education modes. Candidates can pursue an MSW course based on their academic needs, obligations and eligibility criteria. MSW courses with different modes of education are as follows:

  • Full-time MSW: Classroom-based MSW course offered by traditional universities. Full-time MSW course follows the age-old education type imparted under the recognition of UGC.
  • Distance/Correspondence MSW: This course is identical to a full-time MSW degree course; however, students can complete a distance MSW course and get the degree credential without studying at a college.
  • Online MSW: These courses are generally offered by MOOC platforms in collaboration with global leading universities. Some universities have also established a distinct university offering an online degree course.
  • Part-time MSW: These courses have an identical course curriculum, yet the candidates can complete the course by attending the college on a part-time basis. The lectures under a part-time or short term MSW course are delivered on the weekends or any day of the week to lower the stress of attending the college five days a week.

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Popular MSW Courses

Full-time MSW course is among the most popular courses as it is offered by almost all the universities offering the course in the field. Besides a full-time MSW course, several universities and colleges offer a distance MSW course followed by part-time MSW and online MSW as the least popular courses in line.

MSW courses often help in some related fields including:

MSW Degree Courses

MSW is a two-year degree course offered by several universities across India. Under the UGC recognised MSW curriculum, the course is divided into four semesters. The table below mentions the key highlights of the MSW Degree course:

Course Features

Course Details

Name of course

MSW

Duration of course

2 years

Course fees

Annual college fees for an MSW course typically ranges below INR 1 lakh

Eligibility

Candidates passing bachelor’s degrees in any discipline are eligible for the course. However, BSW graduates are preferred at the time of admission

Admission process

Merit-based/Entrance-based

Subsequent course to pursue

PhD in Social Work

What after an MSW degree?

Candidates can pursue a doctorate course. Job positions include Community Outreach Worker, Human Services Specialist, Rehabilitation Case Worker, Child and Family Social Worker, Therapist, etc.

Top MSW Degree Courses

Candidates can find a few of the top MSW degree courses along with the college offering the course in the table below:

Name of MSW College

Name of MSW Course

AIMS Institutes

Master of Social Work (MSW)

PSG College of Arts and Science - PSGCAS

Masters in Social Works

Social Sciences Centre (M.S.W.), Bharati Vidyapeeth

Master of Social Work (MSW)

IISWBM - Indian Institute of Social Welfare and Business Management

Masters in Social Welfare (MSW)

Christ University

M.S.W. in Human Resource Development and Management

M.S.W. in Clinical and Community Practice

NSOU - Netaji Subhas Open University

Master of Social Work

Hindustan College of Arts and Science

Master of Social Work (M.S.W.)

St Xavier's University, Kolkata

Master of Social Work (MSW)

MGU Kerala - Mahatma Gandhi University

Master in Social Work (M.S.W.)

MCC - Madras Christian College

Master of Social Work in Human Resource Management

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Distance MSW Courses

Courses offered under distance learning mode do not require the students to attend the college. Candidates who do not wish to attend classes yet wish for an MSW degree can get one via the distance MSW course. The table below mentions key highlights of a Distance MSW degree:

Course Features

Course Details

Name of course

Distance MSW, also known as Correspondence MSW

Duration of course

2 years

Course fees

Most of the colleges offering distance MSW course have a course fee less than INR 1 lakh

Eligibility

Candidates must have passed a bachelor's degree course or equivalent. BSW graduates are preferred for the course.

Admission process

Merit-based

Subsequent course to pursue

PhD

What after a Distance MSW degree?

Candidates can pursue doctorate courses, or go for a job. Job profiles include Community Outreach Worker, Human Services Specialist, Rehabilitation Case Worker, Child and Family Social Worker, Therapist, etc.

Top Distance MSW Courses

The table below mentions the top MSW courses along with the universities/colleges offering the course in Distance mode:

Name of Distance MSW College

Name of Distance MSW Degree

NSOU - Netaji Subhas Open University

Master of Social Work

IGNOU - Indira Gandhi National Open University

Master of Social Work (MSW)

Master of Social Work (Counselling)

School of Distance Education, Bharathiar University

Master of Social Work (MSW)

Wisdom School of Management

Masters of Social Work

Directorate of Distance Education, Alagappa University

Master of Social Work (MSW)

Utkal University

Master of Social Work

Madhya Pradesh Bhoj Open University

Master in Social Work (MSW)

YES Education

Distance MSW ( Master of Social Work)

IGNOU Ahmedabad Regional Centre

Masters in Social Work

ANU CDE Guntur

Master of Social Work (MSW)

Online MSW Courses

Besides distance MSE, an online MSW course helps aspirants pursue the course without going to college. One can pursue an Online Master of Social Work (MSW) at ANUCDE Guntur. Alternatively, a BSW graduate can go for a certification course in the field of Social Work. Several MOOC platforms offer certification courses related to Social Work. Some of these certification courses include:

FAQs on MSW Courses

Q: What is an MSW course?

A: MSW is a PG degree course recognised by UGC. The course majors in the field of Social Work.

Q: What is the full form of the MSW course?

A: MSW course stands for Masters of Social Work. This is among the top choices for the candidates who complete the BSW course.

Q: What is the duration of the MSW degree course?

A: MSW degree is imparted at PG level with a duration of two years. Two years of the MSW course is divided into four semesters.

Q: Can I pursue an MSW degree in an online mode?

A: Yes. ANU CDE Guntur offers MSW courses in an online mode. Alternatively, candidates can go for certification courses majoring in Social Work offered by MOOC platforms.

Q: Can I pursue MSW in distance mode?

A: Yes. Several open universities and distance education departments offer distance MSW courses, also known as correspondence MSW.

Q: What is the basic eligibility criteria to pursue the MSW course?

A: Candidates who have passed the bachelor’s degree exam are eligible for the MSW course.

Q: I completed a bachelor’s course in the Science stream. Am I eligible for the MSW course?

A: Yes. Candidates, irrespective of their bachelor’s degree discipline, can pursue MSW courses. However, several universities only offer the course to candidates who hold a BSW degree.

Q: Can I pursue MSW with a specialisation?

A: Yes. Several MSW courses are offered with specialisations including counselling, human resources, community medicine, etc.

Q: I do not hold a BSW degree, can I still pursue an MSW degree course?

A: Candidates can go for MSW degree courses irrespective of their stream at bachelor’s level courses.

Q: Do I only get a job in an NGO after completing an MSW course?

A: No. Several organisations other than NGOs hire MSW graduates. One can become a lecturer after completing the required skill set in the field of Social Work.

Popular MSW (Master of Social Work) Colleges in India

Following are the most popular MSW (Master of Social Work) Colleges in India. Learn more about these MSW (Master of Social Work) colleges (Courses, Reviews, Answers & more) by downloading the Brochure.
2.76 L

MSW Applications open. Apply Now

65.2 K
4.6 LPA
62.91 K
3.5 LPA
2.2 L - 2.64 L
3.53 LPA
1.65 L
7.5 LPA
65.08 K
4 LPA

Popular Private MSW (Master of Social Work) Colleges in India

5.0
2.0
2 L

MSW Applications open. Apply Now

1.6 L
1.48 L
6 LPA

MSW Applications open. Apply Now

1.4 L
7.2 LPA

MSW Applications open. Apply Now

2 L
6.75 LPA

MSW Applications open. Apply Now

Popular MSW (Master of Social Work) Specializations

Following are the most popular MSW (Master of Social Work) Specializations . You can explore the top Colleges offering these Specializations by clicking the links below.

Popular Specializations

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Student Forum

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Write here...

Answered 4 weeks ago

Children's University has a total intake of 35 seats in MSW programme. Candidates are offered seat in MSW based on their merit in the last qualifying exam. A minimum of graduation is required for the MSW course. Once selected, aspirants need to pay the course fee to confirm their seat in the univers

...Read more

N

Nishtha Shukla

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 4 weeks ago

Yes, Children's University offers a two-year MSW course spread across four semesters. The university offers MSW at the PG level. Aspirants who have completed graduation are eligible to apply for the MSW programme. Admission to MSW is merit-based.

N

Nishtha Shukla

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 4 weeks ago

A student who is interested in social work can pursue an MSW course at the Master's level. Masters in Social Work (MSW) courses can be pursued by anyone if they have completed their undergraduate. Students from all specializations, including BSc are welcome to pursue MSW courses if they qualify for

...Read more

M

Muskan Chugh

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

MSW (Masters in Social Work) is a professional course, and it's demand is growing with ample scope and opportunities. some of the job opportunities of MSW course are:

  • Corporate Social Responsibility
  • Education
  • Skill Development
  • Child Welfare
  • Women Empowerment
  • Working in Social Enterprise
  • Public Health
  •  Human

...Read more

N

Nitesh Sinha

Beginner-Level 5

Answered a month ago

Mumbai is home to many multinational companies and domestic firms that are almost always searching for capable talent. Students can explore several job options after completing their MSW degree.

Below is the table showing colleges with their rating and top recruiters:

College Name

Average Placement Package

Top Recruiters 

University of Mumbai [MU] Placements

INR 60 K

Aventis Pharma Ltd., HSBC, Birla SunLife, CITI Bank, Dr Reddys Laboratories Ltd etc.

Amity University, Mumbai Placements 

INR 1.4 L

HDFC Bank, Zeta, HDB Financial, IBM, WNS GlobalServices etc.

R

Rupali Garg

Beginner-Level 5

Answered a month ago

Below is a table showcasing a list of the best government colleges for MSW Colleges in Mumbai with total course fees and eligibility:

College Name

Total Tuition Fee

Entrance Exam

University of Mumbai [MU]  Admissions INR 60000Merit-Based

A

Aashi Shukla

Beginner-Level 5

Answered a month 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

...Read more

S

SHRUTI TIWARI

Contributor-Level 9

Answered a month 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 LMerit-Based
YES Education AdmissionsINR 10000Merit-Based

Disclaimer: This information is sourced from the official website and may vary.

N

Nitesh Anand

Beginner-Level 5

Answered a month ago

There are different colleges for MSW courses in Mumbai but mumbai university is the No1 college according to the popularity basis. 

N

Nishtha Sinha

Beginner-Level 5

Answered a month 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

...Read more

V

Vikram Sharma

Beginner-Level 5

Answered a month ago

The table below shows the top MSW Colleges in Kerala along with their average placement package and the prominent recruiters:

College NameAnnual Median PackageTop Recruiters 
Amrita School of Arts and Sciences Placements INR 4.83 - 7.13 LPAIBM, Wipro, Oracle, Google, SAP, Dell, Amazon etc.
Rajagiri College of Social Sciences Placements INR 7.25 LPAHP, HCL, Infosys, IBM, Wipro, Mphasis, Axis Bank etc.
Kerala University Placements INR 3.15 LPAGE Capital Services, IBM, TCS, Nest developers, Infosys etc.
Amrita Department of Social Work Placements INR 4.7 LPAAzim 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

Anshuman Saxena

Beginner-Level 5

Answered a month ago

The table below shows the affordable top Best MSW Colleges in Kerala that have fees of less than INR 1 lakh:

Low-cost CollegesTotal Tuition Fee
Kerala University FeesINR 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

Rupali Garg

Beginner-Level 5

Answered a month 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

...Read more

M

Muskan Chugh

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month 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

...Read more

M

Muskan Chugh

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month 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

...Read more

M

Muskan Chugh

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month 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

Muskan Chugh

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month 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

...Read more

M

Muskan Chugh

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

The total tuition fee for Stella Maris College MSW is INR 65,100This 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

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N

Nishtha Shukla

Contributor-Level 10

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