Write all of the introduction content here. Only use NON
FULL-WIDTH block.
Full-Width blocks can be inserted
outside of this block and will wrap around the form. Form settings are located on page settings
(click
“Program” for page
settings in
right-hand sidebar.)
Write your contact information here and insert your embed form code in the Custom HTML block below
Be the reason someone believes in a better tomorrow.
The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program provides a strong foundation in social work values, ethics, and practice, with a focus on diversity, social justice, and supporting populations-at-risk. Students gain knowledge in human behavior, social policy, and research, with a unique focus on working with families. The program includes experiential learning through a practicum (internship) to develop skill-building and offer real-world experience in agency settings to prepare graduates for impactful careers.
Social Work Curriculum and Courses
Accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, this program provides a professional foundation in social work values and ethics, diversity, economic and social justice, populations-at-risk, human behavior, social welfare policy and services, social work research, and social work practice. A few of the courses you will take in this major include:
- FSW 206 Social Policies and Programs to Promote Social Justice
- FSW 304 Professionalism and Ethics for Practice
- FSW 306 Trauma Responsive Assessment and Intervention
- FSW 415 Culturally-Informed Engagement
- FSW 418 Program Development and Evaluation
What’s unique about the Social Work Major at Miami University?
Hear firsthand accounts from students and faculty about why Miami stands out, the unique integration of social work and family science curriculums, and the invaluable practical experience gained through the program’s extensive practicum.
Mission Statement
The mission of the Miami University Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) Program is to prepare students to become competent leaders in promoting social justice, advancing human rights, and enhancing the well-being of individuals and communities. By integrating knowledge based on scientific inquiry from social work, family science, and human development, the program uses the Person-in-Environment framework and an applied family science lens to help students understand individual behavior within complex family and community contexts. Aligned with the NASW Code of Ethics, the program emphasizes the values of service, social justice, the dignity and worth of the person, integrity, and the importance of human relationships. Students are trained to address the complex needs of individuals and communities through a local and global perspective, promoting anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion (ADEI). The program is committed to enhancing the quality of life and advancing social, racial, economic, and environmental justice.
In our classes, we talk about challenging experiences and how to respond to those challenges. You also get to apply what you learned, and you gain an appreciation for the process of generating knowledge.
Mary Martin ’18
Facts and Stats
Your college experience here will be one of the most exciting times of your life. To make sure of this, we’ll provide you with a powerful support system.
First-time pass rate after taking the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) exams (67.2% national average pass rate)
Association of Social Work Boards 2024 Data
Among Public Universities in the United States for Four-Year Graduation Rate
Miami University Data
of 2022 Graduates Were Employed or Continuing Their Education By Fall 2022
Miami University Data
Student Experiences
Empowering Future Social Workers: Student Experiences at Miami University
Hear firsthand accounts from students and faculty about why Miami stands out, the unique integration of social work and family science curriculums, and the invaluable practical experience gained through the program’s extensive practicum.
Why We Chose Social Work: Student Stories from Miami
Learn how empathy, dedication, and a desire to create positive change have inspired these students to pursue careers in helping others. If you’re considering a path in social work, watch this video to see if a career of making a difference is right for you.
Helping Struggling Communities Heal and Thrive
There are a lot of different ways to help struggling communities heal and thrive. And in this podcast episode, we hear from Naomi Gaston, a social work and individualized studies major who wanted to learn how she could better serve her local community by learning the ins and outs of our political system. And along the way, she also unexpectedly found herself helping another local community heal in the aftermath of a national tragedy.
Miami University Social Work students use immersive VR
In a groundbreaking fusion of empathy and innovation, Social Work students at Miami University are stepping directly into immersive training scenarios using virtual reality.
Begin your MSW journey with our 4+1 Combined Degree Program
Graduate with a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree at Miami with one additional year of study (3 semesters: Summer, Fall, and Spring) after graduating with a B.S. in Social Work (BSW). Our combined program allows highly qualified students to begin working towards a master’s degree as junior or seniors. Combined program students remain undergraduates and pay their undergraduate tuition rate until they apply for graduation or submit a request to the Graduate School to have their classification changed from undergraduate to graduate.
Additional Opportunities for Social Work Majors
This program prepares students for generalist social work practice. Through a combination of classroom instruction and practicum-based learning experiences, students develop the knowledge and skills needed to assess the needs, strengths, and resources of individuals and their social environment. Students learn to provide effective services to individuals, families, groups, and organizations, while also working to strengthen and improve the resources available within communities.
Family Life Education Certification
Students may also complete courses to apply for provisional certification as a Family Life Educator from the National Council on Family Relations. The certification emphasizes academic preparation and experience to enable the individual to know how to design and implement curricula, workshops, and other family life education programs.
Family life education substance areas include families in society, internal family dynamics, lifespan human growth and development, human sexuality, interpersonal relationships, family resource management, parent education and guidance, family law and public policy, ethics, and family life education methodology.
BSW Practicum
Social work majors are required to complete an internship consisting of 450 hours at one or more agencies over a two-semester period in their senior year. Students choose from a variety of options.
For more information or questions, please email [email protected].
Frequently Asked Questions
Click on plus button at the bottom of this Accordion BLOCK (not accordion tab) to create a new tab. Select Accordion TAB block to edit tab headline. Select nested blocks within accordion tab to edit content.
-
- Miami’s undergraduate social work program is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
- Our faculty have expertise in a wide range of areas, including gerontology, cultural diversity, interpersonal violence, substance use, mental health, and clinical care (psychotherapy).
- In your senior year, you complete an internship at one or more agencies. You chose your internship placement based on your interests and career goals.
- Graduates of our program are eligible to take the national Social Work Board licensure examination. Our licensure pass rates are well above state and national averages.
- Graduates of our program are eligible for advanced standing and can complete their master’s degree in social work in one year.
- Our low faculty-student ratios provide opportunities for personal attention and interaction with faculty in and out of the classroom.
- Our graduates are employed in a variety of settings, including schools, mental health clinics, hospitals, Veterans’ Affairs offices, public social service agencies, and corporations.
- Graduates of our program are eligible to become professionally certified as a family life educator through the National Council on Family Relations.
-
Yes. Miami’s graduation rate is among the highest in the country for major public institutions.
Our program is 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.
-
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.
With early and careful planning, many students can study abroad for a semester. Many summer options are also available.
-
Absolutely! Core social work courses are offered on both the Hamilton and Oxford campuses. Most of the upper-level classes are offered on the Oxford campus.
-
Overall employment of social workers is projected to grow 11 percent from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations, with the highest demand in healthcare, mental health, and substance abuse areas. Majoring in social work provides students with many opportunities. Social workers provide the bulk of mental health services in the US.
BSW graduates are employed in family service agencies, child welfare organizations, nursing homes, criminal justice agencies, and schools, to name just a few. Clients may consist of individuals, families, groups, organizations, or communities.
-
If you want more information about social work or want to discuss your application, please make an appointment to talk with a social work advisor by calling the Social Work Program Office at 513-529-3314. You can also email your questions to [email protected].
Social Work Admissions Requirements
Get started with your social work degree today!
Students must take FSW 201 and FSW 206 and earn a grade of “C” or better, and complete a social work orientation session, before being formally accepted into the major. Early in students’ college career, we recommend taking FSW 201 and FSW 206. Students are required to take FSW 304, FSW 306, and FSW 406 before entering the senior social work practicum.
Admission and Aid
Explore what it means to be a college student at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, where students prepare to go anywhere and everywhere. We’ll be here to help every step of the way as you prepare for college admission, enrollment, and success.
Contact Us
Undergraduate Admission
513-529-2531
[email protected]
Department of Family Science and Social Work
McGuffey Hall 101J
210 E. Spring St.,
Oxford, OH 45056
513-529-2323
[email protected]