StonyBrook MSW Essay

The School’s Mission Statement asserts in part: “The purpose of the School of Social Welfare is to prepare students for work in professional social work practice in the public and non-profit sectors of health and social welfare. The School’s educational process enables students to identify and analyze the nature and extent of oppression and engage in social work practice that affirms people’s strengths as a means of creating social change in their lives and in society. The School stresses a commitment to the values of human and cultural diversity, human dignity, social and economic justice, and individual and group self-determination.” To assist us in evaluating your qualifications, you must submit a personal essay. This essay is an important component of your application. We assess your understanding of the profession, our mission, and your readiness for graduate social work education through the manner with which you address the identified issues and your use of examples that illustrate your points. Although you may include any information that you believe is pertinent to your application, please be sure to discuss the following areas:   Part I. Identify a social problem/issue (2-3 double spaced typewritten pages): Students that are graduating with a BSW from Stony Brook University have the option of either writing a full problem analysis as indicated, or submitting their Mini-Paper #1 assignment from HWC 315 Integrating Seminar I, including feedback revisions. Discuss it addressing the following points: State why this problem/issue is of importance. Discuss in what way this problem/issue impacts individuals, families and communities. Identify the societal influences that either perpetuate or have caused this problem/issue. Propose a means to address this problem/issue. Part II. Reflect on your professional growth (2-3 double spaced typewritten pages): Provide an example of how your BSW education has strengthened or altered your perspective or understanding of social issues. We are particularly interested in examples that relate to your commitment to social and economic justice. Discuss your strengths, time management skills and goal setting abilities that make you well suited for graduate social work education. Give examples that demonstrate leadership abilities, experience in diverse communities, and your commitment to the profession. Discuss your professional goals. Identify the area(s) of social work that you wish to pursue in the future and the impact you wish to have through your practice.