Message from the Chair
Welcome to the Department of Family Science and Social Work (FSW). It is an honor to lead a team that has a student- and client-centered approach to teaching and mentoring undergraduate and graduate students. We are fortunate to carry out this mission in communities with vibrant cultures that encourage student involvement, communal engagement, equity, and social justice.
Our faculty and staff have a steadfast commitment to promoting a comprehensive understanding of the interconnected relationships between theory, research, policy, and practice by incorporating knowledge, values, and skills from the fields of social work, human development, and family science. Students who complete our academic programs seek careers in social work, child life, family life education, human services, counseling, and many other innovative industries.
We created a dynamic and participatory educational experience that exposes students to challenging discussions and cutting-edge theories. Our curriculum focuses on real-world challenges that individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities face in a rapidly changing society. Our coursework prepares social workers, family scientists, and child life specialists with a solid foundation in family dynamics as well as trauma- and culturally-informed practice.
At the undergraduate level, we offer one major in Social Work that qualifies students for licensure as social workers and professional certification as a Family Life Educator. Academic training for certification as a Child Life Specialist is also housed in FSW. Our undergraduate and graduate certificates include coursework required for certification by the Association of Child Life Professionals (ACLP), the majority of which have received ACLP approval. We offer two minors (Family Relationships and Child Studies and Youth Development) and three thematic sequences.
At the graduate level, we offer a Master of Social Work. This coursework focuses on advanced generalist training with a specialization in working with children and families as well as adulthood and aging. Students may also take coursework in substance use training and treatment, mental health and trauma, as well as school social work.
We look forward to welcoming you into one of our educational programs. Leading these programs are faculty experts with strong national recognition and reputation in their fields of study. They bring real-world expertise into the classroom and actively conduct and disseminate research focused on reducing disparities and promoting equity for underserved populations and developing and evaluating interventions for improving health and well-being.
I believe what makes Miami University and FSW special is the people. This includes our alumni, faculty, staff, community partners, and most importantly our students. We look forward to you becoming a part of our growing family. Please reach out to anthony.g.james@MiamiOH.edu with any questions.
Anthony G. James, PhD
Interim FSW Chair and Professor
