MSW Admissions Applications Program “Personal Statement”for Use with Spring 2019 Applications
One of the most important aspects of your MSW application is your ability to communicate, in writing, that you meet all of the requirements of WNMU's Social Work Program. This is to be accomplished through a personal statement. It is of upmost importance that all materials are written exclusively by the applicant. Any indication that someone else has substantially helped with or written this narrative is grounds for rejection of the applicant or dismissal from the MSW Program.
The personal statement should be 3-4 double-spaced, typewritten pages using a 12-point Times New Roman font. Please use the bolded questions as headings for your responses. Your response will aid the Admissions Committee in assessing your qualification for our MSW Program and for professional social work practice. Qualifications looked for are A) the ability to think critically; B) clarity in self-expression and self -reflection (writing and language skills); C) responsiveness and sensitivity to diversity; D) commitment to service and improving social conditions; E) and the ability to function creatively, responsibly, and independently.
1. Please explain your motivation for seeking a Master’s degree in social work and discuss your vision of how you plan to use your degree. What strengths do you bring to the profession? What areas of growth and learning do you hope to achieve while completing the program?
2. Please describe how your personal values and ethics have influenced your interactions with people who are different from yourself. This could include differences in race/ethnicity, culture, spiritual tradition, age, (dis)ability, socio-economic status, sexual orientation or gender identity. Provide two detailed examples of how you have put your values and ethics into action.
3. Reflect on your ability to be successful as a self-directed learner in an online Master’s program.
4. Graduate study requires a significant investment of time and energy. In addition to reading, course participation and written assignments (up to 9 hours or more per week per course), field practicum require an average of 15 hours per week during the 16-week spring semester or 16-week fall semester and an average of 22 hours per week during the 10-week summer semester in the agency, extensive homework assignments, and a weekly one hour online synchronous session for 2 or 4 semesters depending on whether you have a BSW and when it was received. You are responsible for finding your field practicum agency and typically practicum sites require daytime availability. Students are not allowed to use their current employment for field practicum per CSWE regulations.
Please discuss why you are prepared to attend graduate school at this time in your life and describe the plans you are making to adjust your personal and professional life to successfully complete your MSW degree, including the field practicum requirements.