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MSW Application Instructions for Personal Narrative

The purpose of the personal narrative is to give you an opportunity to discuss yourinterests in the UNCW MSW program and the social work profession, and to reflect onwhy you are choosing this career path.

The UNCW faculty of social work has defined social work practice as,"..the professional and respectful application of social work theory and interventions that, in collaboration with the client, promotes individual emotional wellness, mentalhealth, and family functioning, and seeks to enhance the social environment." The faculty has expressed the purpose of the MSW program as preparation for clinical social work practice, which entails the formation of an intentional therapeutic partnership designed toassist clients in their search for optimal functioning, through the use of strengths based assessment, collaborative goal planning, and client-directed interventions. Clinical practice is enhanced by building upon existing relationships and support systems within families and communities, strengthening and empowering client systems for the enhancement of optimal functioning and must be based upon knowledge and sensitivity regarding culturally diverse families, individuals and communities.

With this program purpose in mind please address the following questions. The document should be word-processed, double spaced, dated and signed.

• Why have you chosen social work as a profession?
  • What personal experiences, or volunteer or paid human service work haveinfluenced this decision?
  • Discuss an area of social work practice that particularly interests you andexplain why an MSW would prepare you for this work.
  • What personal qualities and strengths would you bring to the social workprofession?
• There are many types of MSW programs – why are you interested in our 2- year,full-time, clinically-focused program?
• Issues of diversity and social justice are core concerns of all social workers; please discuss your experience and interests in these areas.