MASTER OF SOCIAL WORK

MASTER OF SOCIAL WORK INDIANA WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY

PERSONAL STATEMENT GUIDELINES

The essay is an essential aspect of the admission process and will be carefully assessed in order to make an informed

decision regarding your acceptance into the program. Please follow the guidelines and carefully address each

question.

GUIDELINES

a) Typed (Times Roman 12 point font), double-spaced, professionally written, evidence of forethought,

carefully proofed and convincing language and phrasing.

b) Please be sure to number each page and include your name in the header

c) Maximum of 5 pages. (Part 1 should comprise 2-3 pages)

QUESTIONS

Part 1 - Write an autobiographical statement explaining why you would like to become a social worker. Your response

should provide a full description of characteristics that distinguish you as a potential candidate for IWU’s MSW

online program. The academic review committee is interested in evidence of your ability to synthesize professional/

personal experiences through the following statements.

•Describe your motivation in seeking an MSW degree. Include family experiences, relationships, cultural

and religious values and practices that have had a direct impact on your decision to obtain your MSW.

•Discuss how your life and work experience, personal values and goals fit with the mission and vision of

IWU’s MSW online degree program.

•Describe your commitment to social justice and social change

•Describe your preparation and readiness for IWU’s MSW community-based field placement and how you

plan to secure your field hours while balancing other life commitments.

Part 2 – Identify and discuss a social problem that you believe is significant to the social work profession. Include:

definition of the problem, identification of societal issues that may have created or contributed to the problem and

potential intervention and/or solution to the problem.

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