Statement of Purpose (SOP)

Statement of Purpose (SOP) is often a difficult and arduous task for prospective Masters and PhD students; however such difficulties are not usually insurmountable.

An ideal statement of purpose should include the following:

• A specific area of research interest within the department which includes the research topic you will like to work on.

• Education background-a description of your academic background and how it has prepared you adequately to be successful in the graduate program.

• Past work experience; kindly state any work experience you have and any work you have done in the area that you are interested in. Also mention any skills and techniques you acquired during the process.

• Connect your education, experience and area of interest to ongoing projects/research work being undertaken in the department and mention specific faculty members whose projects/research work you are interested in. State relevant academic publications that might have influence your decision.

• Mention any volunteer service(s) you have participated in.

• Mention any publication you have published using correct citation as footnote.

• State why this particular program at this particular university is the best place for you to pursue your interest.

• State what you hope to achieve at the end of your graduate studies.

Note: Avoid words that are too excessive and superfluous when writing your statement of purpose; always be specific, give examples where applicable.