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
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.
Does a doctoral degree in social work require clinical training?
No, there are no degree requirements for clinical training for the Ph.D. program, as most clinical training is completed during an MSW program.
What’s the difference between a Doctorate in Social Work and a Ph.D. in Social Work?
While both social work programs prepare graduates at the doctoral level, there are differences between a Doctor of Social Work (DSW) and a Ph.D. in Social Work. The DSW curriculum focuses on advanced practical applications of social work and typically takes 3 years to complete, while the Ph.D. focuses on advanced research and takes about 4 years to complete at Saybrook. Both the DSW and Ph.D. in Social Work can help MSW graduates advance their careers and move into a leadership role.
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.
How do you become a social worker?
The requirements to become a social worker vary by the state you are seeking to work in, but the general requirements are as follows:
- Earn a BSW
- Earn an MSW
- Complete fieldwork. If you’re looking to become a clinical social worker, this requires about two years of supervised training
- Pass the licensure exam for your state.
- Meet any other state licensing requirements
While a doctorate is not required to become a social worker, it can help licensed social workers advance their careers or go into policy-making.
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.
