PERSONAL STATEMENT
(GENERAL REQUIREMENTS)

The personal statement is an important part of your application. It is your opportunity to provide information about your background, interests and aspirations, and how they relate to your proposed academic program.

If you are applying to departments not listed below, describe your reasons for pursuing graduate study, the program you hope to follow at CGU, and the strengths and weaknesses of your preparation for graduate study.

Length and Format: Unless otherwise noted below, the length should be 2-3 double-spaced, typed pages. We suggest you use a header with your name and the program to which you are applying. Essay format is acceptable.

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PERSONAL STATEMENT
(PROGRAM-SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS)

If you are applying to the programs/departments listed below, please take a look at these specific guidelines for the Personal Statement component in your application.

ART Provide a one-page artist statement (no longer than 500 words) in lieu of the 2-3 page personal statement.
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ARTS MANAGEMENT Write a 3-5 page statement (maximum 5 pages) answering the following three questions:
  1. Why is admission to the program important to you?
  2. What special contributions do you believe you will make to the Drucker School?
  3. Describe an ethical dilemma you have encountered and the process by which you resolved the situation.

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FINANCIAL ENGINEERING Write a 3-5 page statement (maximum 5 pages) answering the following three questions:
  1. Why is admission to the program important to you?
  2. What special contributions do you believe you will make to the Drucker School?
  3. Describe an ethical dilemma you have encountered and the process by which you resolved the situation.

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MBA All applicants are required to answer both essay questions:
  • Question 1 (Essay - 750 words max)
    At the Drucker School, creativity and innovation are at the core of what we teach. We pride ourselves on giving our students the tools and knowledge they need to find creative solutions to management problems. With this in mind, discuss a time when you used creativity and innovation in your personal or professional life to solve a problem, create change, or make an impact within an organization, group, or team.
  • Question 2 (Visual essay)
    Develop a roadmap that gives a visual representation of who you are personally and professionally, and why a Drucker MBA is important to you. The roadmap should depict your career aspirations and demonstrate how a Drucker MBA will help you achieve your career goals.

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EDUCATION Write a 5-page, double-spaced personal statement that addresses the following six questions:
  1. Who are you?
  2. What is your research interest?
  3. Why are you pursuing this graduate degree?
  4. What is your professional and academic background?
  5. Why CGU?
  6. Why the School of Educational Studies?

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EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT Write a 3-5 page statement detailing why you wish to obtain your desired degree or certificate, what you hope to gain from your experience at the Drucker School, your goals, and what you feel you can contribute to the classroom.
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HUMAN RESOURCES DESIGN Include descriptions of relevant research and work experience in applied settings.
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MUSIC Include details of special training, travel, exhibits, or performances of particular note.
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PSYCHOLOGY Include descriptions of relevant research and work experience in applied settings.
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TEACHER EDUCATION The variety of our programs within Teacher Education determine different standards and guidelines for the Personal Statement.
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