Program Overview
The online Ph.D. in Integrative Social Work is a nonclinical doctoral program that brings together research, scholarship, and knowledge from multiple disciplines to help you advance social change in communities, organizations, and society.
What makes Saybrook’s approach distinct:
- Integrative and Holistic Framework: A holistic approach helps you understand social work through psychological, sociological, political, economic, and spiritual factors.
- Open Entry With No MSW Required: You can apply with a master’s degree in social work, psychology, public health, sociology, or a related field.
- Community-Based and Applied Learning: Coursework emphasizes how community-based research and real-world applications of theory can inform program design, policy development, and social change initiatives.
- Scholar-Practitioner Model: Designed for working professionals, this program allows you to continue building your career while developing doctoral research, teaching, and leadership skills.
Choose Between Two Tracks
You can tailor your studies to your professional interests by choosing from one of the following learning tracks:
Interdisciplinary Track
The Interdisciplinary Track lets you explore topics across disciplines. This track is well suited for students interested in research, teaching, interdisciplinary scholarship, or careers in higher education. It also offers you the flexibility needed to pursue study through our Specialization in Teaching and Advanced Research (STAR) program.
Integrative Community Studies Track
The Integrative Community Studies Track focuses on how communities respond to challenges such as addiction, trauma, inequity, and gaps in health and social support. If you’re interested in strengthening communities through nonprofit organizations, healthcare, government, or community-based agencies, this track is a strong fit.
Career Pathways
Rather than preparing students for clinical licensure, this program emphasizes macro-level work that spans communities, organizations, and systems.
Career pathways may include roles in areas such as:
- Academic teaching and research
- Higher education leadership
- Nonprofit leadership
- Healthcare administration
- Policy analysis and advising
- Government or NGO leadership
- Community development
- Organizational change
- Social impact strategy
- Social enterprise or nonprofit founding
Request Info
Saybrook Learning Model
Online learning fueled by community and connection defines the Saybrook experience. As pioneers of the virtual classroom, we understand there is no substitute for the joy, belonging, and exploration that occurs when we collaborate as a community. The University Learning Experiences were designed to foster this collaboration and connection regularly.
- Residential Learning Experiences (RLE)
At these in-person intensives, clinical program students put theory into practice, hone clinical skills, gain professional guidance from experienced faculty, and acquire the residential hours required for clinical licensure. - Virtual Learning Experience (VLE)
Explore, collaborate, and deepen your engagement with your learning community. These online, synchronous events foster rich interactions beyond the classroom with your classmates and faculty. - Community Learning Experience (CLE)
Form meaningful connections, explore new ideas and perspectives, and immerse yourself in a transformative experience during this in-person, five-day event with the entire Saybrook University community.
Integrative Social Work Faculty
Saybrook’s Integrative Social Work faculty are practitioner-scholars dedicated to advancing their field through continued practice and comprehensive instruction. Meet one of our faculty members below.
Stephen Brown, Ph.D.
- Extensive experience in social policy development, student retention, diversity, social justice, student equity, and more
- Conference presenter/panelist on issues such as African American male achievement, student athlete success, and graduation/retention