Social Change
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Create Change in Communities and Systems Through a Holistic Approach
Saybrook University’s online Ph.D. in Integrative Social Work focuses on social work at the systems level. At Saybrook, integrative social work means integrating knowledge from multiple disciplines to understand the many factors that shape people’s lives, including social, cultural, economic, political, and spiritual influences.
Whether your background is in social work, psychology, public health, sociology, or a related field, you can build on your experience while developing a deeper understanding of individuals, communities, and systems. As you study complex social issues, you will learn to evaluate evidence, connect ideas across disciplines, conduct research, and apply findings to real-world challenges.
Our nonclinical doctoral program is for students who want to advance social change through scholarship, teaching, leadership, policy, or community-focused work. A Master of Social Work (MSW) is not required to pursue this degree. We welcome students with master’s degrees in social work, the social sciences, and related fields.
Choose Between Two Tracks
You can shape your doctoral studies by choosing between two tracks: one designed for flexible, interdisciplinary study and one focused on community-based approaches to social change.
Interdisciplinary Track
The Interdisciplinary Track lets you shape your studies around your professional background and 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 Specialization
The Integrative Community Studies Specialization helps you explore how communities respond to challenges such as addiction, trauma, inequity, and gaps in health and social support. You will examine community needs from multiple perspectives and learn how research can inform practical, evidence-based responses. This specialization is a strong fit if you want to strengthen communities through nonprofit organizations, healthcare, government, or community-based agencies.
Ph.D. in Integrative Social Work Job Outcomes
Graduates of Saybrook’s Ph.D. in Integrative Social Work are prepared to pursue leadership, research, policy, teaching, and consulting roles focused on improving communities and social systems. Rather than preparing students for clinical licensure, this program emphasizes macro-level work focused on creating change at the systems level.
Career pathways may include roles in the following areas:
Academics & Research
- University professor
- Researcher
- Program director
Leadership & Administration
- Nonprofit executive director
- Organizational leader
- Healthcare administrator
- Social impact strategist
Policy & Systems Change
- Policy analyst/advisor
- Government or NGO leadership roles
- Community development leader
Education & School Systems
- School system administrator
- Higher education faculty
Entrepreneurial & Impact Work
- Nonprofit founder
- Social enterprise leader
Program Components
Admissions Requirements
Students entering the Ph.D. in Integrative Social Work online program must have completed a master’s degree in social work, or other relevant master’s degree, from an institutionally accredited college or university prior to enrollment. It is preferred that applicants have one to two years of professional experience prior to admission. Applicants will be judged on their overall ability to do graduate work, including academic writing.
Applicants for the Ph.D. in Integrative Social Work online degree must submit the following documents:
- An official transcript from an accredited university demonstrating successful completion with a 3.0 GPA or better, though exceptions may be made
- A personal statement
- Professional resume or CV
- An academic writing sample
- All applicants will be interviewed by a member of the Social Work faculty
Invest in Your Future
Saybrook University remains committed to keeping higher education affordable and accessible. Our Financial Aid Department is ready to offer guidance and support in determining suitable financial assistance tailored to your needs, including potential scholarship opportunities, grants, and more.
Cost
Saybrook wants you to have the information you need to make an informed decision about your academic and career aspirations. Our cost calculator provides an estimated cost of attending Saybrook to earn your Ph.D. in Integrative Social Work.
Sample Courses
Foundations of Integrative Social Work
This three-credit course presents foundational models and concepts for integrative social work through complementary paradigms, including integrative healthcare and integrative mental health care, interprofessionalism and multidisciplinary care, patient-centered and person-centered social work, a holistic, mind-body-spirit approach, lifestyle medicine, and the mindfulness and compassion-based approach. This course also examines the difference the various models make for the professional practice of social work, including clinical, administrative, and consultation work, and teaching in social work education.
Public and Community Health
This three-credit doctoral-level course will familiarize social work students with the concepts and skills needed in public health and community health. This course requires a shift to a community, national, and global perspective on health and disease, as cultural expectations, community practices, and widespread environmental factors shape individual behavior and health. Students in this class will gain understanding and develop skills in diagnosing community-based health concerns and understanding the complexities of community, national, and global trends that impact on health.
Public Policy and Social Work
This three-credit course addresses how public policy, the public health system, and the broader healthcare system function to promote health and treat illness, as well as how governments function to address public health issues. Major topics addressed will include the structure and function of federal and state level public policies, the public healthcare system in the United States, how those functions are provided for by law and financed by governments, the structure of the healthcare delivery system, and how it relates to the public health system.
Catalog
Please refer to our academic catalog for more information on the Ph.D. in Integrative Social Work program.
FAQs
Is it required to choose a specialization to complete the Integrative Social Work Ph.D. program?
Yes. A specialization is required to complete the degree program. Our online social work specialization for the Ph.D. program is Integrative Community Studies, with more specialization paths coming soon.
Is the integrative social work program 100% online?
Yes, the Saybrook University social work doctorate is 100% online.
What’s the benefit of getting a doctoral degree in social work?
A Ph.D. in Social Work can be the right option for those with a master’s degree who want to advance their career. Saybrook’s online social work Ph.D. helps to address complex social issues through policy change, research, and community work. This doctoral program is excellent for professionals looking to move into policy-making, government positions, higher education, and other advanced careers.
What can you do with a Ph.D. in Social Work?
Graduates of Saybrook’s online Ph.D. in social work program go on to lead fascinating careers in policy change, executive director and program director roles, healthcare administration, community outreach, governmental or public sector influence, leadership in social work education, and academia.
What is the difference between a Master of Social Work (MSW) and a Ph.D. in Social Work?
The difference between the two degrees lies in the career path you would like to take. We’ve outlined the differences below.
A Master of Social Work (MSW):
Purpose: prepares students for direct practice and clinical roles.
Focus:
- Clinical skills
- Case management
- Therapy and counseling
- Fieldwork/practicum
Typical Careers:
- Therapist
- Clinical social worker
- School social worker
- Case manager
Licensure: an LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) is required for clinical practice
Ph.D. in Integrative Social Work (Saybrook):
Purpose: Prepares students for roles in leadership, research, policy, and systems change.
Focus:
- Research and theory
- Community-based application
- Interdisciplinary integration
- Holistic and humanistic approaches
Typical Careers:
- Professor
- Policy leader
- Nonprofit executive
- Researcher
- Healthcare or organizational leader
Licensure: Does NOT lead to clinical licensure
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University Learning Experience
Our Ph.D. in Integrative Social Work program is 100% online. While most coursework is completed asynchronously, students participate in required synchronous sessions through our Virtual Learning Experiences (VLEs). These take place during the first week of each fall and spring semester.
Students may also choose to attend the in‑person Community Learning Experience (CLE). The CLE is offered in odd‑numbered fall semesters, is entirely optional, and is not required for program completion.
UNBOUND: Integrative Social Work
Utilizing an evidence-informed and holistic approach that considers the full context of someone’s life, Saybrook University’s online Integrative Social Work programs help you build the critical research and leadership skills to advance change through policy, organizational leadership, and community-based change.
Profile, Students
Saybrook University Student Profile: Derek Kee-Haynes
For Derek Kee-Haynes, Saybrook’s humanistic approach makes space for decolonizing social work, because one size of social work doesn’t fit all.
Career Resources
Master’s vs. Ph.D. in social work: What’s the difference?
Ready to pursue a graduate degree in social work? Discover the differences between a master’s degree and a Ph.D. in social work here.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Submit an inquiry and one of our admissions specialists will connect with you to answer your questions and guide you through next steps.