Personal Statement Instructions

Please enclose with your application a typewritten, double-spaced personal statement which will help the Program Director and faculty understand the nature and development of your interest in education for professional Social Work. Prepare this statement carefully because it represents an important part of your application and will be used to assess your ability to organize, conceptualize and articulate ideas in writing. There are two general content areas that your statement should address. The first area relates to your understanding or interest in Social Work as a profession. The second area should reflect your views on human diversity and how a society might meet the social welfare needs of its citizens. State your responses thoroughly, but as succinctly as possible.

I. Understanding of/and Interest in Social Work

1. Present your understanding of Social Work as a profession in your own words.

2. Trace the development of your interest in Social Work, including:

a. What factors influenced your decision to pursue a major in Social Work

b. How did you learn about this program?

c. Discuss your career goals

d. Discuss any paid or volunteer experiences in which you have been able to help a person, a group, or a larger collectivity.

e. Assess your personal strengths and limitations that you think may impact your performance in

Social Work education and your future as a Social Work practitioner

II. Perspective on Human Diversity, Social Welfare and Society

1. Discuss your views on human diversity

2. Discuss the potential role(s) society should play in providing for the social needs of its citizens.