What Is Integrative Social Work?
At the core of integrative social work is the complex interplay of social work, sociology, psychology, health care, and law. 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.
What Can You Do with a Social Work Degree?
Whether working in clinical settings, community organizations, educational institutions, or private practice, our graduates use their degrees to play a pivotal role in fostering empathetic, person-centered care. Many graduates of our Ph.D. social work program find fulfilling careers as advocates, administrators, teachers, policymakers, consultants, and practitioners.
Our integrative social work graduates have enjoyed success in a variety of career roles and organizations.
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
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.
