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Master of Social Work
Miami University's Master of Social Work (MSW) program prepares you to ethically and effectively respond to the complex needs of individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. With a focus on social justice, we empower you to positively impact diverse populations in a variety of settings and roles. Through a blend of online coursework and in-person immersive experiences, the program offers flexibility without sacrificing meaningful engagement and hands-on learning. Graduates of Miami’s MSW program are eligible for social work licensure across all 50 states.
Quick Facts
12-24 Months
Time to Graduation
3 Locations
Hybrid format with On-site Courses in Oxford and Middletown
$700
Per credit hour
Make a Real Difference
With a commitment to advancing social justice, promoting human rights, and addressing systemic inequalities, Miami's MSW program prepares you to lead in creating positive change and improving the well-being of individuals and communities. Through rigorous academic training and hands-on experience, you’ll develop the skills and compassion necessary to handle challenging situations and advocate for those in need.
MSW Combined Degree Program
Current Miami students who are majoring in social work, psychology, or sociology are eligible for our combined degree program. This program offers Miami undergraduate students the opportunity to pursue both a bachelor's and master's degree at the same time, earning the MSW in only one year of additional study after graduating with a bachelor’s degree. Apply as a junior and begin taking MSW classes as a senior.
Hybrid Master of Social Work Program Curriculum
The MSW curriculum encompasses a diverse range of courses, blending practical skill development with real-world learning opportunities. Through coursework focused on anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion, students learn how to address systemic inequalities and advocate for marginalized populations.
From client engagement and assessment to clinical intervention and program evaluation, students graduate with the ability to conduct research, provide social services, work in nonprofit management, engage in policy advocacy, manage cases, and lead crisis intervention.
Connect With Communities Through Practicum Education
The Council on Social Work Education considers practicum education essential for developing competent social work professionals. As a required component of the MSW degree, the social work practicum connects you with nearly 100 partner sites across Butler County, Cincinnati, and Dayton, where you experience various hands-on training opportunities. You'll collaborate directly with our Director of Practicum Education to identify the best-fit agencies and secure an internship. Once you have a placement match, you’re paired with a site supervisor who helps you build real-world skills while guiding your individualized learning.
Our practicum education network offers diverse settings for working with children, veterans, immigrants, those overcoming addiction, and more. Gain insight into social services, community health, schools, and nonprofits while working alongside experienced professionals.
School-Based Mental Health Program
Miami University's School-Based Mental Health program offers a unique opportunity to make a positive impact while completing your Master of Social Work degree and receiving financial support. Program participants deliver high-quality behavioral health services to K-12 students in Southwest Ohio. By combining academic learning with real-world experience, you will gain valuable hands-on experiences while addressing the mental health needs of young learners in school settings.
Experiential Learning
Participate in real-world learning experiences supporting K-12 students at internship sites in Dayton Public Schools, Hamilton City School District, or Northridge Local Schools. We are in the process of expanding to additional locations!
Scholarship
Receive a $4,000 scholarship and a $4,500 internship practicum placement subsidy for each semester that you are in your practicum placement (i.e., 2 semesters for Advanced Standing MSW students and 3 semesters for Traditional Program MSW students).
Program Flexibility
Balance coursework, field placements, and other responsibilities with full-time and part-time hybrid and online class options. Program courses are available in Middletown and Oxford, Ohio.
Flexible Learning, Real Support: Transform Your Career with Miami’s MSW Program
60%
of Mental Health Services are Provided by Social Workers, Bureau of Labor Statistics
100%
Post-Graduation Success Rate, Miami University Data
Admission Overview
Application Requirements
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with a recommended 3.0 GPA.
- Transcripts from all previously attended universities.
- Résumé or curriculum vitae.
- $50 application fee.
Personal Statement
Your personal statement should be 600 to 750 words in length and include:
- A discussion of why you are interested in obtaining an MSW degree.
- A description of your academic background, employment, volunteer activities, and other accomplishments related to social work.
- An explanation of how the MSW program will help you achieve your professional goals.
Graduate Committee
The Graduate Committee evaluates your MSW application once it is complete. Miami University's Graduate School sends all decisions and official notices of admission through email.
Our Graduate Committee considers:
- Previous academic work in social work or related areas.
- Potential to successfully complete graduate work.
- Commitment to the social work profession.
- Congruence between your professional goals and our program’s teaching and research emphases.
Funding and Awards
Since this program does not follow the standard graduate tuition rate, students are not eligible for some university funding opportunities, such as a grant-in-aid, graduate assistantships, or the TEAM scholarship. U.S. citizens and permanent residents may be eligible for external scholarships, and all students are eligible for on-campus employment opportunities. To learn more about paying for your MSW degree, contact the department at MSW@MiamiOH.edu.
Financial Aid Sources for Graduate Students
Financial aid resources, facts, and application instructions.
Free online scholarship search tool from the U.S. Department of Labor
External scholarships gathered by the U.S. Department of Labor.
Miami University One Stop
University-wide tuition payment portal.
Military and Veteran Benefits
Tuition assistance and other educational benefits for military-affiliated students.
Tuition Waiver for Full-Time Miami University Employees
Full-time Miami University employees, and their dependents, are eligible for a tuition waiver.
University Partnership Program
Scholarships for students who commit to intern at a public child welfare agency.
Miami University has given me the opportunity to earn two degrees while being a mother and gain valuable social work experience.
Jessica Payne, MSW, 2024
What You Can Do With a Master of Social Work
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 7% increase in overall social work roles from 2022 to 2032, which is higher than average growth across all occupations. With social workers in demand, you can find job security and advancement opportunities. Whether you aspire to work directly with individuals or prefer to focus on research, policy, and development, an MSW degree equips you with the skills and ethical framework needed to fulfill a variety of positions.
Graduates of Miami's MSW program go on to pursue diverse roles such as:
- Case manager
- Child protective services agent
- Domestic violence advocate
- Family life educator
- Healthcare social worker
- Probation officer
- School social worker
- Substance abuse counselor
- Therapist
Graduates looking to advance their career or hold an administrative position may further their education by earning a Ph.D. in areas like social work and gerontology or a Doctorate of Social Work (D.S.W.).
Empower Yourself to Impact Others With a Master’s in Social Work
Take the next step toward a rewarding career in social work with Miami University's hybrid Master of Social Work degree program. Join our supportive MSW community on the path toward creating a more equitable and just society.
Mission Statement
The Mission of Miami University’s MSW program is to prepare students to become advanced generalist professionals who are lifelong learners and leaders who contribute to the social work profession. Our graduates exemplify social work and family science principles that foreground diversity and cultural humility, prioritizing knowledge grounded in scientific inquiry and encouraging a continuous quest for human rights, as well as social, racial, economic, and environmental justice. Through an applied family science lens, our social work program strives to equip students to view individual behavior within the context of families and the person-in-environment framework locally and globally. Our mission is aligned with NASW’s Code of Ethics and core values that include competence, dignity and worth of the person, integrity, service, and the importance of human relationships. We aim to foster a learning environment that supports the development of ethical, compassionate, and culturally responsive social work professionals who are committed to promoting human and community well-being.
Social Work
210 East Spring Street
101A McGuffey Hall
Oxford, OH 45056
