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
- Interdisciplinary 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.
All students are required to attend the Virtual Learning Experience (VLE) during week one in the fall and spring semesters of each academic year. Although students may complete most courses through distance learning, all our degree programs have VLE requirements. VLEs are academic requirements, and their completion is important for your successful academic progress: they allow you to meet with faculty and co-learners in a synchronous, stimulating, and supportive virtual environment. Our VLEs are an important part of your learning experience as they nurture intellectual and relational creativity, enrich the educational environment, and foster faculty and peer interactions. During the VLE, there are courses being launched, workshops, independent learning activities, peer learning opportunities, community events, and other hands-on experiences intended to nurture professional development, skill building, relationships, and transformative change. You can find the specific hour and track requirements on the Academic Commons University Learning Experience Program Requirements Page linked here. https://tcsedsystem.libguides.com/VLE_Requirements
Students are required to attend the VLE throughout their program and are encouraged to attend the Community Learning Experience (in person) in lieu of the VLE in the fall of odd calendar years.
Certain courses may have additional experiential, participation, or attendance requirements beyond those outlined for the program. Students should consult individual course descriptions for details.
Credits/Hours
Students must successfully complete at least 60 credits 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 learning experience.
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)
Elective Courses - 6 or 9 credits
Any 3 doctoral-level courses (9 credits total) offered within the program, College, or University.
Total Degree Requirements with Specialization Option: 60 credits
Integrative Community Studies Specialization - 12 credits
Students in the integrative community studies specialization will take four classes for their specialization:
Total Degree Requirements with Specialization Option: 60 credits
Interdisciplinary Specialization - 12 credits
Choose four elective courses from the following:
Total Degree Requirements with Specialization Option: 60 credits
Teaching and Advanced Research Specialization (STAR) - 12 credits
Overview
The 12-credit Specialization in Teaching and Advanced Research (STAR) serves university learners interested in pursuing academic careers. Innovative, learner-centered, skill-based courses in teaching, grant writing, curriculum design, and academic publication prepare learners for professional and scholarly success in their field of interest. Over four core courses, learners develop a scholarly portfolio to promote academic success post-graduation. This academic dossier will include a written teaching philosophy, Curriculum Vitae, exemplar syllabi and course designs, grant proposals, research publications and presentations. Following completion of the core courses, learners then work with faculty research mentors to apply the dossier to professional academic goals: establishing and building professional networks, refining skills, and participating in academic opportunities. STAR learners are invited to present at the STAR Learner Research Symposium, an annual virtual academic conference featuring learner research presentations.
Any Saybrook student can enroll in RES4010, RES5010, RES5020, or RES5030 as elective courses if they meet the prerequisite requirements.
Total Degree Requirements with Specialization Option: 60 credits
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