Family Studies & Social Work
How to Apply
School of Education, Health, and Society
In addition to meeting other Miami University admission requirements, the Family Studies and Social Work Department (FSW) requires the following for regular admission status:
- A letter of intent to enter the FSW program, which includes a statement of professional goals.
- An undergraduate grade-point-average of at least 2.75 on a 4 point scale.
- Three professional letters of recommendation.
Step one:
- Apply online at www.muohio.edu/graduate.
- Have all undergraduate transcripts sent to:
The Graduate School
102 Roudebush Hall
Miami University
Oxford, Ohio 45056
Miami graduates need to supply only one official transcript, graduates of other colleges and universities must send two. Additionally, if you have completed graduate-level coursework at any other institution, you will also need to send two official transcripts from these institutions.
FSW does not require either the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) or the Miller Analogy Test (MAT) test scores for admission. However, you are encouraged to submit scores from either. They will be considered.
International students: Non-U.S. citizens should refer to the information on the Graduate School Web site concerning the application process and required tests.
Step two:
- Submit a statement of interest and three professional reference letters to:
Dr. Charles B. Hennon
Director of Graduate Studies
Family Studies and Social Work
Miami University
Oxford, Ohio 45056
Fax: 513-529-6468; Telephone: 513-529-2323; email: hennoncb@muohio.edu
Statement of your interest, accomplishments, and professional goals:
The statement, which will be reviewed by FSW faculty, should be 600 to 700 words. It should include:
- A discussion of your interest in obtaining a degree in the family and child studies area, including specific courses within the program that most interest you and why.
The areas of faculty expertise in the department in which you are interested in doing research and at least two FSW professors you would like to work with on independent studies and/or research, including your thesis.
- A description of your academic background, employment, and/or volunteer activities and other accomplishments related to the family and child studies area.
- An explanation of how the FSW program will help you achieve your professional goals.
Professional Reference Letters
Obtain three letters of reference from individuals familiar with your professional and academic experiences. The individuals you request references from could include professors, employers, co-workers, or others who are knowledgeable about your academic and professional experiences and goals. At least two of the letters should be written by current or former professors (if you have been out of school for awhile, please contact the FSW graduate studies director for alternatives).
The letters should include:
- An evaluation of the applicant’s experiences and accomplishments relevant to her/his academic career, especially the study of families and children.
- An assessment of the applicant’s motivation and potential for graduate study in the family and child studies area, and commitment to the family and child studies area.
- A statement about any other information that might be helpful in determining the applicanty’s success in graduate work, including experience with or knowledge of social work research.
Your references may mail the letters directly to Dr. Charles Hennon, address above, or if you wish to send your application materials in one envelope you can request the author of each reference letter to place it in a sealed envelope and sign it on the flap.
Deadline: Feb. 1
Step three:
The Graduate School will evaluate your application after all materials (application form, fee, and transcripts) have been received and will make a recommendation to admit or not to admit to FSW. FSW faculty will review your case once it has all your application materials (including the letters of reference and personal statement). Official notice of admission decisions will come from the Graduate School.
The FSW faculty will consider the following in admission decisions:
- Overall GPA (minimum of 2.75 is expected)
- Previous academic work in family and child studies or related areas
- Potential to successfully complete graduate work, including the thesis
- Commitment to the family and child studies profession
- Congruency between applicant’s professional goals and teaching and research emphases within the program
Please note that the FSW curriculum is currently being revised.