Family Studies & Social Work
Advising FAQs
School of Education, Health, and Society
Who is my academic advisor?
Call the FSW offiice at 513-529-2323 or go in person to 101 McGuffey Hall. You may also log into myMiami and select the “student” tab. Your advisor should be listed in the upper right-hand corner.
Whenever you have academic questions, it is always best to check personally with your advisor. However, we have provided answers below to some of the questions we hear most frequently.
I’m a Family Studies major and on my DARS it says I still have to take FSW 160, FSW 162, and FSW 442 but these classes haven’t been offered. What should I do?
There have been revisions of the Family Studies major since fall 2008 that eliminated these courses. You should meet with your faculty advisor to discuss your options. There are several available solutions.
I’m a Child Studies minor and on my DARS it says I have to take FSW 482 and FSW 483 but these classes haven’t been offered. What should I do?
There have been revisions of the Child Studies minor since fall 2008 that eliminated of FSW 483 and an alternate course in place of FSW 482 (FSW 481). Call the FSW office 529-2323 to be put in touch with your the department's minor advisor. Again, there are several options available.
I’m a Family Studies minor. My DARS says I have to take classes that are different than the website or my advising sheet/handout. I think I have fullfilled the requirements. What should I do?
There have been revisions of the FamilyStudies minor since fall 2008. Call the FSW office 529-2323 to be put in touch with the department's minor advisor. Again, there are several options available.
My DARS says that I need to take FSW 494. What is required? How do I register for it?
FSW 494 is an internship. Student participate in field experiences in their specific area (family studies/child studies) and also complete assignments on line that supplement their field experiences. Students do not need to complete their internships in Oxford or the surrounding area (e.g., some students have chosen to complete their internships in their hometowns or abroad). Students are responsible for securing their internship site, which must be approved by the instructor.
This course is offered during the summer and students are encouraged to plan to take it between their junior and senior years. If you are unable to take the course during the summer,there are a limited number of openings during the regular academic year.
Contact your advisor (minor or major) for up-to-date information. .
Students register for this course as an independent study and thus must sign up individually with their instructor.
I want to be a Social Work major. What do I need to do?
All Social Work majors start as pre-majors and must apply to be admitted to the major. In order to become a pre-major, you need to go to the FSW office (101 McGuffey Hall) to declare the pre-major.
When should I apply to become a Social Work major? And what are the requirements?
The application deadline is March 1, and most students apply during spring semester of their sophomore year.
Before qualifying to become a Social Work major, pre-majors should take FSW 201, FSW 206, FSW 261, FSW 281 or PSY 231, STA 261, SOC 151, ZOO 161, ECO 131 or ECO 201, and EDP 101 or PSY 111.
When may I sign up for my Social Work Field Practicum?
Before a student begins their Field Practicum he/she must complete FSW 306 and FSW
406 and be accepted as a Social Work major.
Is there a required GPA to begin my Field Practicum (FSW 411)?
Yes, students must complete FSW 201, FSW 206, FSW 309, FSW 295, FSW 306 and FSW 406 plus maintain a minimum 2.75 GPA in those courses.
How many hours must be completed during the Social Work Field Practicum (FSW 411)?
A total of 450 hours of field experiences over two consecutive terms (semesters and/or summer term) are required. In addition, a student must be enrolled in the senior seminar social work class (FSW 412 or 413) at the same time they are enrolled in FSW 411.
I am planning my schedule for the next few years. When can I expect required courses to be offered?
The following is a course rotation indicating what is typically offered during each term. This rotation is subject to change given instructor availability, curriculum changes, and student interests.
Fall Semester:
FSW 201
FSW 261
FSW 281
FSW 295
FSW 306
FSW 312
FSW 381
FSW 411
FSW 412
FSW 466/566
FSW 475
FSW 411
FSW 412
FSW 481
Spring semester:
FSW 206
FSW 261
FSW 281
FSW 295
FSW 309
FSW 361
FSW 381
FSW 406
FSW 411
FSW 413
FSW 466/566
FSW 475
FSW 481
Summer term:
FSW 261
FSW 361
FSW 475/575
FSW 494/594
FSW 201
FSW 206
FSW 312
What if I cannot get into the classes I need for my major, minor or thematic sequence?
Family Studies and Social Work classes are quite popular. Typically, there is a high demand for courses that are not restricted to majors. Students should contact the instructor of the course to inquire about force adding, which is at the discretion of the instructor.
Log into myMiami and select the “student” tab. Your advisor should be listed in the upper right-hand corner.
How do I force-add a class?
Contact the instructor of the course you would like to force-add to see if it is possible to force-add the course. Do not assume that you will be allowed to force-add any course. Obtain a drop/add form from the FSW office (101 McGuffey), the Campus Avenue Building, or your residence hall advisor. If the instructor will allow you to force-add, the instructor and the department chair must sign the form.
How do I change my major?
Come to the FSW office (101 McGuffey) to complete a form (family studies) or pick up an application (social work) to change/add a major and to meet with an advisor in your new major.
What thematic sequences do you offer?
We offer three thematic sequences: FSW 1, Services and Supports for Children, Youth, and Families; FSW 3, Families and Sexuality Across the Life Course; and FSW 4, Children in Families. Go here for more information.
What minors do you offer?
We offer a Family Relationships minor (18-19 total credit hours) and a Child Studies minor (19 total credit hours). Click here for more information.
