BSW (Bachelor of Social Work) – Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) is a professional degree in the area of social work that is provided at the undergraduate (UG) level. Typically, a BSW degree program lasts three years and is divided into 6 semesters. Aspirants can study BSW as an entire program or as a correspondence/distance education. Colleges in India provide a BSW degree programme in both English & Hindi.
What is BSW (Bachelor of Social Work)?
BSW is a three-year undergraduate programme that is especially advantageous to persons working at the middle and lower levels of NGOs and social and development organisations in both the public and private sectors. BSW is offered in both English and Hindi throughout the country.
It is beneficial to applicants who wish to work in the social welfare sector since it enables them to get professional skills and knowledge to assist clients in dealing with emotional and psychological issues. Based on indigenous wisdom, the programme provides social work education and training. It assists the learner in developing the necessary attitudes for comprehending people’s problem-solving solutions.
The Bachelor’s Degree course in BSW is divided into three parts:
- Foundation Courses
- Elective Courses
- Field Work (Practicum)
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Why Choose BSW (Bachelor of Social Work)?
BSW is perfect for those who want to provide professional support to those who need it.
- BSW is designed specifically for those who want to improve the quality of life for the poorest of the poor and recognise the rising demand for properly educated social workers across the country.
- BSW assists the student in developing professional skills and the ability in assisting individuals in resolving different social and economic challenges.
- Having strong observation and evaluation abilities, as well as prior awareness of current social concerns, aids in achieving greatness in the topic.
BSW (Bachelor of Social Work) Course Eligibility Criteria
All the universities and institutions have their own different eligibility requirements. The following are the minimum eligibility criteria to enrol in BSW course.
- Candidates must have completed (10+2) Secondary and Higher Secondary education from a recognised board in humanities and science.
- Aspirants from the SC/ST categories must get at least 40% in the qualifying exams. Depending on the university, this proportion may differ.
- Most admissions are based on merit, thus a high school diploma is required to study at a top institution.
BSW (Bachelor of Social Work) Courses Admission Process
Admission is determined by the university or college’s cut-off lists. The admissions procedure is completely based on merit. An Aptitude Test is also conducted by several universities, such as Osmania University.
BSW Direct Admission
Universities such as Amity University provide direct admission through management quota. Direct admission is not accessible at government colleges since they do not have a management quota.
BSW Lateral Entry
Aspirants can apply for lateral entry into the second and third years of BSW at institutes such as the Delhi Institute of Professional Studies. The requirements range from one college to the next.
BSW Distance Admission
Aspirants who are unable to complete a full-time study might enrol in a three-year distance BSW programme. Candidates must ensure that the Distance Education Board (DEB) of the University of Georgia has authorised and certified the distance BSW courses. Only then are the degrees legitimate and acceptable for work in government and private institutions, as well as for further education.
BSW remote learning courses are available from universities such as IGNOU and Annamalai University. Age isn’t a barrier. Examinations are held either online or at the institute’s examination centres. The duration in distance mode is a minimum of 3 years whereas a maximum of 6 years.
BSW (Bachelor of Social Work) Course Fee structure
The cost of a Bachelor of Social Work degree ranges from INR 7K to INR 30K each year. The cost of a BSW course varies based on the college/facilities university and amenities, as well as the degree of education delivered. The following table represents some colleges and their fees.
| College Name | Fees Per Annum |
|---|---|
| Magadh Mahila College, Patna | INR 8K |
| Amity University, Lucknow | INR 66K |
| RKDF University, Bhopal | INR 20K |
| Patna University, Patna | INR 7K |
| Tilak Maharashtra Vidyapeeth, Pune | INR 35K |
BSW (Bachelor of Social Work) Specializations
Most institutions provide a variety of electives to be chosen. These electives can be quite beneficial in terms of specialisation. The following is a list of both basic and optional courses.
| S.No. | Subject |
|---|---|
| 1. | Humanities and Social Sciences |
| 2. | Science and Technology |
| 3. | Introduction to Social Work |
| 4. | Basics of Psychology for Social Workers |
| 5. | Social Work Intervention with Individuals and Groups |
| 6. | Social Work Intervention with Communities and Institutions |
| 7. | Empowerment of Women |
| 8. | Sexual Health Education |
| 9. | Marriage, Partnership and Parenthood |
| 10. | Introduction To HIV/AIDS |
| 11. | Substance Abuse and Counselling |
| 12. | Basics of Counselling |
BSW (Bachelor of Social Work) Syllabus
The Bachelor of Social Work course syllabus and subjects are constructed in such a way that students have a better grasp of numerous course subjects that are vital for them to create their knowledge in future courses. The BSW curriculum and modules include a wide range of areas related to social work. They cover a wide range of topics, including psychology, sociology, language, social issues, fieldwork, community development, and much more.
| BSW First-Year Subjects | BSW Second-Year Subjects | BSW Third-Year Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction to Social Work | Basics & Emergence of Social Work | Current Issues in Community & Organization |
| Social Work Intervention with Communities | Psychology Concepts of Human Behaviour | Sexual Health Education |
| Social Work Intervention with Institution | Field Work | Role of NGOs |
| Introduction to Family Education | Science & Technology | Approaches in Social Work |
| Substance Abuse | Relevance of Psychology in Social Work | Factual Information of Substance Abuse, Relevance & Implications |
| Humanities & Social Science | Social Problems & Services | Developing Skills & Competencies for Intervention of Strategies |
| Introduction to HIV/AIDS | Basic Concepts of Social Psychology | Empowerment of Women |
| Counselling | Introduction to Social Case Work | Cognitive & Psychoanalytical Techniques |
| Methodology to Understand Social Reality | Contemporary Social Problems & Social Defense | Cultural & Social Values in Family Life |
BSW Scope of Higher Studies
Higher education opportunities for a Bachelor of Social Work with the greatest pay are available in practically all commercial and public sectors of various organisations in India and worldwide. Students with a bachelor’s degree in social work (BSW) can pursue a master’s degree in one of the following fields:
- Master of Arts in Extensive Education and Social Work
- Doctor of Philosophy in Women’s Studies
- Post Graduate Diploma in Social Work and Rural Development
- Post Graduate Diploma in Social Work among Tribals
- Master of Business Administration
- Master of Arts in Social Work
- Master of Arts in Gandhian Studies, Master of Arts in Gender and Development Studies
BSW (Bachelor of Social Work) Scope
Social work is both a practice and an academic study that fosters societal change and growth, social cohesiveness, and individual empowerment and liberty. Social work is based on principles of social justice, human rights, communal responsibility, and diversity and respect.
BSW Employment sectors
The following are the employment sector where BSW Graduates join as a professional.
- Hospitals
- Clinics
- Counselling Centres
- Mental Hospitals
- Old Age Homes
- Prisons
BSW (Bachelor of Social Work) Job Profiles
The following are the job profiles for BSW (Bachelor of Social Work) Graduates.
| Habilitation specialist | Group home worker |
| Mental health assistant | Residential counsellor |
| Activity director | Workshop director |
| Volunteer Coordinator | Youth worker |
| Community development worker | Adult guidance worker |
| Teaching parent | Program Coordinator |
| Charity officer | Play Therapist |
| Advice worker | – |
BSW (Bachelor of Social Work) Salary
The compensation for a BSW course varies depending on the job description. Bachelor of Social Work graduates with some experience in the industry might earn a very excellent wage. The pay for a Bachelor of Social Work varies depending on the aspirant’s knowledge and talents.
The organisation and position you work for are also factors that influence the typical wage package. Freshmen may start with an ordinary BSW compensation package, but as they acquire experience, their pay rises to a specific level. The typical income for the BSW course is between INR 2L and 5L per annum.
| Job Profiles | Average Annual Salary (INR) |
|---|---|
| Social Worker | 3,16,000 |
| Special Educator | 2,16,000 |
| Project Manager | 4,50,000 |
| Habilitation Specialist | 7,50,000 |
| Teacher | 4,50,000 |
BSW (Bachelor of Social Work) colleges
Bachelor of Social Work graduate degree programmes are offered by top Bachelor of Social Work institutions in India and internationally to students interested in humanities and science, psychology, social studies, and other fields. The following are some of the finest colleges in India for a Bachelor of Social Work:
| Sl.No. | Name of the College |
|---|---|
| 1 | Bharathidasan University |
| 2 | Jamia Millia Islamia University |
| 3 | Indira Gandhi National Open University |
| 4 | Osmania University |
| 5 | National Institute of Social Work and Social Sciences |
| 6 | Patna University |
| 7 | Aligarh Muslim University |
| 8 | Madras School of Social Work |
| 9 | University of Delhi |
| 10 | Madras Christian College |
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Frequently Asked Questions
The bachelor’s degree in social work (BSW) is best suited for entry-level careers in fields including family services, child welfare, public health, and substance misuse. Individuals interested in clinical social work, on the other hand, frequently continue their school and earn a Master of Social Work degree (MSW).
A bachelor’s degree in social work (BSW) is ideal for entry-level positions in disciplines such as family services, child welfare, public health, and substance abuse. Clinical social workers, on the other hand, usually continue their education to get a Master of Social Work degree (MSW).
Yes, you may study MBA after BSW if you have a minimum of 50% in your BSW graduation from a BSW college recognised by any board of education.
Yes. There are several job opportunities available, and one may work their way through them to become a member of well-known NGOs, government agencies, organisations, and enterprises. However, a Master’s degree is recommended to focus on a specialisation.
Candidates who complete a BSW programme can work in NGOs, rehab centres, schools, organisations, community centres, and other departments that require expert assistance in social work.