What Is Integrative Social Work?
At the core of integrative social work is the complex interplay of social work, sociology, psychology, health care, and policy. By integrating traditional social work principles with alternative, holistic approaches, this field offers us a big picture view of the root causes of distress in communities and societies. Increased mental health issues and profoundly challenging events like global conflict and humanitarian crises have tested our collective well-being and resilience. Integrative social work draws from diverse disciplines and modalities to address the complex and evolving social issues of our times with creativity, adaptability, and cultural competence.
At Saybrook, integrative social work is rooted in a humanistic understanding of people and communities. You will explore the connections between mind, body, spirit, and society as you develop thoughtful approaches that create positive change at the community, organizational, and systems levels.
What Can You Do with a Social Work Degree?
A Ph.D. in Integrative Social Work can help you expand your work beyond direct practice into research, teaching, leadership, policy, consulting, advocacy, and administration.
Our integrative social work graduates have enjoyed success across a variety of settings, including:
Career Settings
- Academia
- Independent consulting
- Colleges and universities
- Public health
- Research
- Substance abuse centers
- Hospitals and health care facilities
- Nonprofit organizations
- Community mental health centers
- Government agencies
Frequently Asked Questions for the Online Social Work Program
Are all of the social work programs online?
Yes, all of the Saybrook social work programs are offered 100% online.
Who is the Ph.D. in Integrative Social Work designed for?
Saybrook’s Ph.D. in Integrative Social Work is designed for students who hold a master’s degree in social work or a related social science field and want to build on their existing experience to expand their influence across communities, organizations, education, policy, and research.
Students may come from backgrounds in social work, psychology, public health, sociology, community development, nonprofit leadership, healthcare, government, advocacy, conflict resolution, or related fields.
Does a doctoral degree in social work require clinical training?
No. Saybrook’s Ph.D. in Integrative Social Work does not require clinical training. The program is designed for students interested in research, teaching, leadership, policy, consulting, advocacy, and organizational change rather than clinical preparation.
What’s the difference between a Doctorate in Social Work and a Ph.D. in Social Work?
A Doctor of Social Work (DSW) is typically a practice-focused doctoral degree designed for social work professionals who want to advance in clinical practice, administration, or applied leadership. A Ph.D. in Social Work is typically more research-focused and prepares students to contribute to the field through scholarship, teaching, policy, leadership, and systems-level change.
Saybrook’s Ph.D. in Integrative Social Work emphasizes research, interdisciplinary study, and a holistic, person-in-environment approach to social issues. The program is designed for students who want to examine complex challenges across individuals, communities, organizations, and systems rather than pursue clinical licensure.
Do you need an MSW to pursue a doctorate degree in social work?
While a Master of Social Work degree is preferred, Saybrook accepts applications from graduates with any relevant master’s degree.
Are the online social work programs available part-time?
Yes, programs can be completed part-time or full-time, allowing students to complete their degree on their own time.
What do social workers do?
A social worker coordinates care for their clients to support them in navigating life’s challenges. This could include coordinating with mental health therapists, placing clients in rehab facilities, or managing case files and advocating for clients. The day-to-day tasks for a social worker can change depending on the setting.
Why You Should Study Integrative Social Work
We encourage students to challenge tradition and take responsible action through a rigorous, research-informed curriculum. They learn to build compassionate and authentic relationships, communities, and support structures.
Our humanistic approach, as part of our Integrative Social Work graduate degree and certificate programs, combines distanced learning with community and connection, allowing you to learn at your own pace without sacrificing opportunities to form lifelong friendships and professional relationships with classmates, faculty, and academic partners.
UNBOUND: Integrative Social Work
Discover the unique ways Integrative Social Work students, alumni, and faculty apply their education to foster change for a better, more balanced society in the latest from UNBOUND, our online magazine.
Saybrook Learning Model
Our Integrative Social Work programs offer an enriching, asynchronous online experience with occasional synchronous elements that bring us together as a community for connection and collaboration. Although most of your time will be online, in-person attendance may be necessary at a University Learning Experience depending on your program’s requirements. Visit the Saybrook Learning Model page to learn more about University Learning Experiences.
