Common Grammar Errors in the MSW Personal Statement and How to Fix Them

When applying for a Master of Social Work (MSW) program, we know that your personal statement and your resume are critical parts of your application. It’s your chance to showcase your passion for social work, relevant experiences, and your commitment to making a difference in your community. Common grammar errors can distract from your writing and make your application appear less polished.

Below are some common grammar mistakes, along with tips on how to avoid them.

An MSW or a MSW?

One of the most frequent mistakes applicants make is using the incorrect article before the acronym for Master of Social Work - “MSW.” The confusion is usually about whether to use “an” or “a” before “MSW.”

Correct usage:

• An MSW

Incorrect usage:

• A MSW

It’s not about whether the first letter is a consonant or vowel but rather the sound it makes when spoken. Since “MSW” is pronounced as "em-ess-double-u," the initial sound is a vowel (the “e” in “em”), so the article “an” should be used. (Note: When you are writing MSW out fully – “Master of Social Work” you would use the “a” beforehand!)

How to fix it: If you are writing a personal statement and referencing an “MSW degree”, always ensure that “an” precedes it.

Master of Social Work or Masters of Social Work?

Another common error is the confusion between “Master of Social Work” and “Masters of Social Work.”

Correct usage:

• Master of Social Work

Incorrect usage:

• Masters of Social Work

Many applicants mistakenly use the plural “Masters” when referring to the degree, which is incorrect. It is not "Masters of Social Work" but rather “Master of Social Work” (without the “s”). The word “Master” here is singular because it refers to one master’s degree.

How to fix it: Always use the singular form "Master" when writing the full name of the degree. If you are referring to the degree broadly, you would say “master’s degree”.

 When should social worker be capitalized?

Capitalization rules can be tricky, especially with professional titles like "social worker."

Correct usage:

• Capitalize "social worker" when it is used as a formal title before someone’s name, such as:

• "Social Worker Jane Smith."

• Do not capitalize “social worker” when it is used as a general term to describe someone’s profession or role:

• "I am looking forward to getting my degree so I can work as a social worker."

Incorrect usage:

• Many applicants mistakenly capitalize "social worker" when referring to the profession in a general sense:

• "I want to be a Social Worker."

This is incorrect, “social worker” is not being used as a formal title.

How to fix it: Only capitalize “social worker” when it appears directly before a person’s name or as part of a title. For general references, such as writing about your career goals, it should remain lowercase.

 When should social worker be lowercase?

As mentioned above, “social worker” should be lowercase when it refers to the profession in general rather than a specific individual’s title.

Correct usage:

• "I am passionate about becoming a social worker."

• "Social workers play a vital role in community health."

Incorrect usage:

• "Social Workers help families in need."

In this context, the phrase should be lowercase.

How to fix it: When you’re referring to the profession and not an individual, “social worker” should be lowercase.

 When should “Master of Social Work” be capitalized?

Understanding when to capitalize degree names can be tricky, but there are some helpful rules to follow.

Correct usage:

• Capitalize Master of Social Work when you are writing the full degree name:

• "I am pursuing a Master of Social Work degree."

• Do not capitalize “master’s degree” or "degree in social work" when these phrases are used generically:

• "I hope to complete my master’s degree in social work next year."

Incorrect usage:

• Applicants often capitalize both the degree name and the generic term, which is not correct:

• "I am applying for a Master’s Degree in Social Work."

How to fix it: Capitalize the full degree title (Master of Social Work), but when referring to a “master’s degree” or “degree in social work” generically, keep these terms lowercase.

Make Sure to Write Degree Names Correctly

Another common error is the incorrect spelling or wording of degree names. This can easily happen with various undergraduate and graduate degrees, but it’s particularly common when referencing undergraduate social work degrees.

Correct usage:

• Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)

Incorrect usage:

• BA in Social Work or BS in Social Work

When referencing a degree in social work at the undergraduate level, the correct term is Bachelor of Social Work or BSW for short. Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Science (BS) are different degrees entirely. For social work, the correct term is Bachelor of Social Work (BSW), not “BA in Social Work.”

How to fix it: Double-check the exact degree titles you have earned and make sure to use the correct form in your personal statement or resume.

Writing Out Credentials Correctly

When referencing your professional credentials or academic degrees in your personal statement or resume, accuracy is really important to properly share with others what experience and background.

Correct usage:

• MSW, RSW (Registered Social Worker)

• MSW, LCSW

Incorrect usage:

• RSW, MSW

• LCSW, MSW

When listing multiple credentials, be sure to use the proper abbreviations and follow the correct order. MSW always comes before any province or state licensure, such as RSW, because the MSW is a prerequisite for licensure.

When using credentials that are tied to state licensure or provincial governing bodies, take extra care to refer to your college’s guidelines. For example, the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers sets out important considerations and information about titles and credentials.

How to fix it: Always list your academic degree (MSW) first, followed by your licensure or certifications. In addition, be sure to refer to your governing body’s guidelines on listing your credentials.

Your personal statement and resume are pivotal parts of your MSW application and avoiding common grammar mistakes can make a big difference in how admissions committees perceive you. Although it is easy to make little grammar mistakes, by making sure to check these (very) common mistakes, you can present yourself as a professional and prepared candidate. Taking the time to proofread and double-check for these will help your application stand out for all the right reasons!

Our team of Application Advisors at MSW Helper specialize in helping Master of Social Work applicants write strong personal statements for their MSW application. Learn more about personal statement editing or attend a free webinar for MSW applicants.