Clare Masson

"I wanted a degree that would allow me to directly impact those affected by human rights violations. After my Peace Corps experience, I knew that an MSW was the one degree that would give me the skills to understand policy issues at every level."

Undergraduate InstitutionGeorgetown University

Undergraduate MajorSpanish

MSW Concentration
Individualized

Student ActivitiesDanforth Scholar

Co-chair, Students for Change

Co-chair, 2006 International Festival

Clare's love of travel, language, and service to others naturally led her to the Peace Corps. But it was her Peace Corps experience in the former Soviet State of Moldova, where she saw first-hand the horrors of human trafficking, that led her to social work.

"Ultimately I want to affect social policy at the macro level, but what I like about the MSW degree is that it also pushes me to learn what is going on locally.

"There is so much opportunity at the Brown School. Students can actually choose where to complete their practica. With the ability to create an individualized course of study, you can tailor the program to meet your needs.

"I've been amazed at the resources that are available at Washington University. The library, the summer stipends, and the grants you can receive. There are numerous opportunities to engage in research."

Currently Clare is in Cambodia completing a field work project on human trafficking. To read more about Clare's field work experience, visit Clare's blog.