Family Studies & Social Work
FAQs
School of Education, Health, and Society
What type of academic programs do you offer?
FSW offers two majors, two minors, and one master's degrees. Our programs are 
highly regarded by employers, professional schools, and other graduate programs, and our students successfully compete for sought-after jobs, internships, and assistantships. Find out more.
Do undergraduates have contact with tenured faculty members?
Absolutely. You'll get personal attention from professors in and out of the classroom. They will help prepare you to be successful. Unlike many other universities where faculty members focus on either teaching or research, FSW faculty members combine the best of teaching and research credentials.
Can I graduate in four years?
Yes. Miami's graduation rate is among the highest in the country for major public institutions. FSW majors are designed to be completed in four years when followed according to the program of study. Academic advisors will assist in your course selection and program planning. Be aware that changing your major, adding a second major or deviating from the planned program could lengthen your time for completion.
Can I combine study abroad opportunities with my FSW major?
Yes. Miami is among the top 25 schools in the nation in the number of students who study abroad. Many students choose Miami's Luxembourg campus for overseas study, but a variety of additional international opportunities exist. Advisors are available to help you work out an individual course of study and plan your international experience. Year-long, semester-long or summer programs are available.
What careers are available to FSW majors?
Our graduates have impressive careers in a variety of fields, including schools, hospitals, government, corporations, and non-profit agencies. The careers and internship section of the FSW site provides helpful information on what types of positions our graduates go into and how to prepare for these careers.
Miami provides a number of resources to students as they prepare to launch their careers, including a nationally recognized Office of Career Services.
You'll also be able to participate in one of the largest collegiate career fairs in the nation, an internship fair, and have access to a full range of services.
Are there opportunities for undergraduate research?
Miami has amazing undergraduate research opportunities, and many of our undergraduates work side-by-side with faculty members on scholarly projects. In fact, FSW undergraduates have co-authored articles that are published in scholarly journals. Learn more about the array of undergraduate research opportunities by going here.
Can I double major and still graduate on time?
It depends on what you select to study, but many students do double major and graduate in four years. Students should also consider the many options to add a minor. Academic advisors will work with you to help you add a minor or a second major.
Will there be academic advisors to help me when I enroll?
Yes, we're well aware that as a new student you'll have many questions. So you will have a variety of assistance available, starting with orientation. Once you're on campus you can go for help to FSW faculty advisors, first-year advisors in your residence hall, and our chief departmental adviser . This site provides more background.
What about financial assistance?
The majority of Miami students receive financial assistance in the form of scholarships, grants, loans, or work/study employment and campus jobs. An important thing to remember when comparing the cost of schools is that more than 65 percent of Miami students graduate in four years or less (compared to 36.4 percent nationally). For complete information about financial assistance visit Miami's Office of Student Financial Assistance. Most Miami scholarships are administered by the Office of Student Financial Aid, but FSW does administer two scholarships (one for upperclass undergrads, one for graduate students. Information on the scholarships can be found in the undergraduate and graduate areas of this site.
If I have further questions is there someone at FSW can talk to before applying?
Prospective undergraduates may call or email Carolyn Slotten at 513-529-2339 or slottetc@muohio.edu. Prospective graduate students should call or email Charles Hennon at 513-529-4908 or hennoncb@muohio.edu. Elisa Radina is director of the family studies program, 513-529-3639 or radiname@muohio.edu. William Newsome is director of the social work program, 513-529-3314 or newsomws@muohio.edu.