Overview of Program
Integrative social work (ISW) is an approach to social work that considers the entire person, mind, body, and spirit, within a community and societal perspective. ISW is holistic, person-centered, and mindful. ISW also adopts the de-colonizing and global perspectives, embracing social justice and social equity for all elements in society. Saybrook's Ph.D. in integrative social work is evidence-based, informed by a scientific understanding of self-in-society. Students will access research, critically evaluate the credibility of research, conduct independent research, and translate research findings for application in their professional work.
The ISW doctoral degree program is attuned to the traditions of social work, and to the social justice, social equity, and social transformation that are at the core of the mission of Saybrook University. This curriculum is designed to appeal to applicants with MSW degrees, with an interest in administration, consulting, teaching, research, and policymaking. By the end of the program, students will be prepared to work as administrators, teachers, consultants, and practitioners in academic, community, corporate, and clinical settings.
Program Learning Outcomes
Students completing the Ph.D. Degree in Integrative Social Work will be able to:
- Examine and analyze the traditional community and societal values of the social work profession and their application to the changing landscape of the 21st century.
- Explain the influence of social policy, public health programs, and advocacy on general health and well-being and the implications for individuals, organizations, and/or communities.
- Apply multicultural competencies and diversity awareness, and support health equity and social justice in healthcare, society, and law.
- Engage, assess, and intervene with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
- Critically evaluate methodologies, apply published research, and conduct independent research to investigate contemporary issues with community and society.
- Assess and synthesize evidence, theories, and informed practices/interventions in integrative social work.
Specializations
- Integrative Community Studies Specialization
- Integrative Gerontology Studies Specialization
- Legal Studies Specialization
Career Opportunities
Upon completion of the Ph.D. in Integrative Social Work, graduates will be prepared to be leaders and change agents in a variety of fields, as administrators, policy makers, academic faculty, researchers, and consultants. Graduates will be prepared to advocate for policy reform, re-shape government regulations, initiate and transform social welfare and public health organizations, and provide advice and guidance for organizations in healthcare, public health, and criminal justice
Admissions Requirements
Students entering the Ph.D. Integrative Social Work program must have completed a master’s degree in social work, or other relevant master’s degree, from a regionally 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 must submit:
- An official transcript(s) of accredited degrees,
- A personal statement,
- A resume/CV, and
- An academic writing sample.
- All applicants will be interviewed by a member of the Social Work faculty. The minimum expected grade point average (GPA) requirement is 3.0 from the last degree-granting institution, though exceptions may be made. Students showing weaknesses in academic writing skills must take Graduate Academic Writing, a 3-credit course
University Learning Experience
Virtual Learning Experience (VLE) - Required, Community Learning Experience (CLE) - Optional
All new students begin their studies with a Welcome Week. Welcome Week activities, including a degree program orientation, are held online during the week ahead of the start of the fall and spring semesters. Participation is strongly encouraged.
The Ph.D. Integrative Social Work (ISW) program is a low-residency degree program, with most course work completed online. Students will attend web-based videoconferences as a part of many of their classes. Attendance and participation in videoconferences are essential components in class work, and any student unable to attend all videoconference sessions must develop a plan with the course instructor for compensatory learning.
New students participate in the MBM 0505 Mind-Body-Spirit Integration (MBSI) Seminar. The MBSI consists of two full days of experiential learning (virtual or residential), and four 4-hour virtual sessions on consecutive Saturdays. Refer to the course description for requirements.
Some elective courses may require additional residential conference training. Refer to course descriptions for requirements.
Program Specific Requirements
Saybrook may accept up to 9 doctoral credits as transfer credit toward the Ph.D. Integrative Social Work, from other regionally accredited colleges and universities. Transfer credits must be from doctoral courses in social work. Transfer credits will be applied to reduce the required number of elective or required courses for degree completion.
If a student has taken more than 9 credits of past doctoral courses matching required courses, or can demonstrate learning equivalent to a required course, the required course(s) may be waived without credit, and students will take additional elective(s) in their place. For further details regarding transfer credit policies, consult the Institutional Transfer Credit Guidelines section of the University Catalog.
Credits/Hours
Students must successfully complete at least 60 units of credit to qualify for the Ph.D. Integrative Social Work degree.
Hours Required per Credit Hour
A credit hour for an online course represents 15 hours of instructional activity (e.g., engagement with web-based instructional materials) based upon a 50-minute hour (“clock hour”) toward achieving specified student learning outcomes, therefore 720 clock hours of instruction are required for the degree. For online courses, the 15 hours of instructional activity may include but are not limited to synchronous or asynchronous lectures or webinars, interactive tutorials, and online discussions. A credit hour also assumes an additional 30 hours of homework, studying, and/or research.
Mode of Delivery
The Ph.D. Integrative Social Work program uses an Online Learning Model. Depending on the types of elective courses selected, some may require in-person sessions during a residential conference.
Length of Program
The degree completion time for a full-time student enrolled in the 60-credit Ph.D. Integrative Social Work program following the default course sequence will range from 3.5 - 4 years. Any breaks in enrollment and/or reduced enrollment may impact completion time.
Core Courses (18 credits)
Research Course Sequence (21 credits)
Integrative Gerontological Studies Specialization
Students in the integrative gerontological studies specialization will take four classes for their specialization:
Integrative Community Studies Specialization
Students in the integrative community studies specialization will take four classes for their specialization:
Legal Studies Specialization
Students in the legal studies specialization will take four classes ( 2 required and 2 electives) for their specialization:
Elective Courses
Any 3 doctoral-level courses (9 credits total) offered within the program, College, or University.
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