Online Social Work Graduate Degree Programs | Saybrook

Online Social Work Graduate Degree Programs | Saybrook
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Integrative Social Work
Integrative Social Work
Advocate and lead with a person-centered, evidence-informed approach to social work and community well-being, where traditional principles meet holistic insights
by earning your doctorate in social work or completing a social work certificate.
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.
About Our Online Integrative Social Work Programs
Our online Integrative Social Work programs bridge the gaps between mental health, social justice, and community well-being and bring harmony to those in distress. The social work doctoral programs are all online, with required Virtual Learning Experiences and optional Community Learning Experiences.
Explore the online social work programs below to learn more about interconnected solutions to these diverse and urgent needs.
Ph.D. Programs in Integrative Social Work
Ph.D. in Integrative Social Work
Integrating the time-honored traditions of social work with the values of social justice and social transformation, the Integrative Social Work online Ph.D. helps you develop a mindfulness-based, person-centered, and evidence-informed perspective on social work and community health.
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Ph.D. in Integrative Social Work: Integrative Community Studies Specialization
Learn how disaster, trauma, family relationships, addiction, and more can affect entire communities in the Integrative Community Studies Specialization online program. You’ll emerge ready to make positive changes in social services, community health, nonprofit organizations, and more.
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Ph.D. in Integrative Social Work: Legal Studies Specialization
Prepare to serve as a social and community change agent in the online Legal Studies Specialization program. You’ll learn to provide advocacy in legal systems, promote regulatory change, develop community programs, and consult with organizations and individuals, through the lens of social justice.
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Certificate Programs in Integrative Social Work
Legal Studies Certificate
Navigate complex legal systems and advocate for vulnerable clients who struggle with issues relating to family law, child welfare law, education and special education law, and mental health law.
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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.
Explore UNBOUND
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.
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