A Master’s in Social Work nurtures agents of social change and empowers them with the skills to build a successful career. Do you want to know how? Is pursuing a degree programme in social work worth it in the age of AI?
A career in social work is promising, and pursuing a Master’s in Social Work from a purpose-driven university like Chanakya University will make you ready for the expanding role of community work. Prepare an equitable society, do your part, and help develop a sustainable future.
In today’s passage, we will explore the evolving role of social work in India and how Chanakya University Bangalore offers a master’s of social work syllabus that fosters social change-makers of tomorrow. Let’s begin.
Why Social Work Matters More Than Ever?
Indian society is complex with a broad spectrum of challenges, including;
- Poverty
- Income inequality
- Illiteracy
- Gender-based violence
- Caste discrimination
- Environmental degradation
- Overburdened public health system
There are policies and programmes in place to tackle these challenges. However, their implementation requires ground-level interventions. This is where trained professionals in social work step in.
What Can Professionals with a Master of Social Work Contribute to?
- Help tribal communities access healthcare
- Work with NGOs to teach underprivileged children, help women in need, and support senior citizens
- Counsel trauma victims
- Work in urban slums, tribal areas, and rural communities
- Function as educators, advocates, and facilitators
- Work with NGOs, the private and public sectors, and government bodies
According to the Bureau of Labour Statistics, the job market for social workers is expected to grow, with an estimated 60,000 job openings annually. The combination of government investment, corporate mandates, and pressing societal needs will generate thousands of career options in social work in India.
The Expanding Role of Social Work in India
Let’s explore further to evaluate the expanding role of social workers in India.
Mental Health & Well-being
- With increasing mental health issues, especially among youth and working professionals, social workers are now actively involved in counselling, community mental health programs, and crisis intervention.
- Government initiatives, such as the National Mental Health Programme, are creating new opportunities for trained professionals.
Healthcare & Public Health
- Social workers collaborate with hospitals, NGOs, and government bodies to ensure access to medical services, support HIV/AIDS awareness, assist TB patients, and promote maternal and child health.
- They play a vital role in rural healthcare outreach and in helping people navigate complex healthcare systems.
Child Protection & Education
- In both urban and rural settings, social workers are crucial in preventing child abuse, supporting children in conflict with the law, promoting the Right to Education (RTE), and rehabilitating children from labour and trafficking.
Gender Justice & Women Empowerment
- Addressing domestic violence, gender-based discrimination, dowry issues, and trafficking, social workers are central to gender sensitisation and women’s rights advocacy.
- They also support the implementation of schemes such as Beti Bachao Beti Padhao and Mahila Shakti Kendras.
Master of social work syllabus at leading universities offer specialisations in core aspects of social and community work. It helps nurture your core expertise in various aspects of expanding scope of social work.
Disaster Relief & Climate Action
- Social workers with MSW at Chanakya University, the best private university in India, are increasingly involved in disaster preparedness, relief, and rehabilitation—whether for floods, earthquakes, or pandemics like COVID-19.
- They also promote climate awareness, sustainable farming, and community-based environmental initiatives.
Legal Aid & Human Rights
- Partnering with legal aid clinics and human rights organisations, social workers help marginalised communities access justice.
- They support victims of caste discrimination, manual scavenging, bonded labour, and displacement.
Community Development & Urban Poverty
- From slum redevelopment and sanitation to skill development and microfinance support, social workers are holistically addressing urban poverty.
- They mobilise communities to claim their entitlements and improve local governance.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
- With mandatory CSR spending under Indian law, social workers now engage in designing, implementing, and auditing social impact programs in collaboration with corporations.
Digital Inclusion & Technology
- Bridging the digital divide is another emerging area of focus. Social workers play a crucial role in promoting digital literacy, particularly among rural women, the elderly, and low-income students.
Specialisations Students Can Pursue with a MSW at Chanakya University, Bangalore
Core specialisations at Chanakya University, the best private university in India:
- Community Development
- Medical and Psychiatric Social Work
- Human Resource Management
How a Master of Social Work Differs from Other MA Course Details?
| Feature | Master of Arts (MA Course Details) | Master of Social Work (MSW) |
| Core Focus | Varies by discipline, but generally heavy on classroom instruction and theory. | A unique blend of theory, fieldwork, and human-centered learning. |
| Learning Methodology | Primarily classroom-based learning. | Strong emphasis on experiential learning through practical internships. |
| Fieldwork/Internships | May not be a mandatory or central component. | A core requirement, with placements in NGOs, social enterprises, government agencies, and grassroots organizations. |
| Career Trajectory | Often leads to a specific career path related to the discipline. | Not limited to a single trajectory; offers expansive and diverse career options. |
| Potential Career Fields | Dependent on the specific field of study (e.g., history, literature, economics). | Healthcare, education, gender advocacy, rehabilitation, CSR, international development, and policymaking. |
Master of Social Work at Chanakya University, Bangalore
At Chanakya University, the MSW program is more than just an academic pursuit—it’s a life-shaping journey. Rooted in values of equity, sustainability, and ethical leadership, the course helps students develop critical thinking, empathy, and resilience—qualities essential for today’s social change-makers.
MSW Course Fees
Rs. 1,63,000/- (2 Years Programme)
MSW Course Subject
Core subjects you learn at CU include;
- Human Behaviour and Social Environment
- Social Work Methods (Casework, Group Work, Community Organisation)
- Social Policy and Legislation
- Research Methodology in Social Sciences
- Mental Health and Counselling
- Gender and Development
- Livelihood and Social Entrepreneurship
- Disaster Management and Environmental Justice
Conclusion
India needs more social workers—not just as service providers but as leaders, thinkers, and reformers. If you desire to serve, lead change, and shape a just future, a Master of Social Work could be your ideal path.
With affordable MSW course fees, a rich Master of Social Work syllabus, and impactful MSW course subjects, the programme at Chanakya University equips you to make a real difference.