The Department of Social Work at Rajagiri College of Social Sciences began its journey in 1955 with a Diploma in Social Services (DSS). In 1961, it introduced the Master of Social Work (MSW) programme, initially specializing in Personnel Management, Labour Welfare, and Industrial Relations. By 1969, the MSW programme expanded to include Social Welfare Administration, Family and Child Welfare, Community Development, and Medical and Psychiatric Social Work, rapidly gaining nationwide recognition.
Over the past years, the Department has solidified its reputation as a center of excellence, consistently ranked as the second-best social work programme in India by India Today and Outlook magazines. It is the first institution in the country to offer comprehensive social work education, from diploma (DSS) (currently PGDCSW), BSW to Doctoral levels (Ph.D.). In 2013, a second batch of the MSW programme was introduced, and in 2019, a new specialization in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) was added. From 2024, the Department offers an MSW in Clinical Social Work.
The Department's focus on experiential learning is enhanced through various Live Labs and the establishment of a dedicated Research Centre for Social Work. It maintains a robust network of over 40 Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with leading international universities across the globe. Since 1998, it has engaged in international exchange programmes, starting with its partnership with Western Michigan University, USA. These exchange programmes facilitate both student and faculty mobility, enriching the academic environment.
Programmes offered:
To be a centre par excellence in Social Work education, unique in experience, value based in approach and pioneering in efforts, for enriching and fulfilling LIFE.
To facilitate the sprouting of professionally competent and socially sensitive social workers with a global outlook to proactively respond to emerging societal concerns, capable of addressing life challenges.