Academics at SP2
The School of Social Policy & Practice offers three master’s programs and three doctoral programs designed to prepare students to confront complex social challenges and lead meaningful, lasting change. By combining rigorous, engaging coursework with applied fieldwork, our curriculum reflects the needs of the communities we serve and equips students to respond to them effectively.
Master’s Programs
Equip yourself with the theoretical skills and practical experience you need to make a lifetime of impact as a skilled social worker, social policy analyst, or nonprofit leader through our MSW, MSSP, or NPL programs.
SP2 Hub Practicum Model: Beyond Coursework
Each master’s degree program at the School of Social Policy & Practice includes experiential education components that enable students to apply their learning in real-world scenarios.
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The Master of Social Work (MSW)
Program partners with organizations that can provide opportunities for students to develop knowledge, practice skills (foundation/generalist, clinical or macro), and provide experiences that will assist the student’s integration of classroom learning and professional training and development while at the organization. Students complete 16-24 hours a week, across 3 days/week for four semesters: Advanced standing completes 24 hours/3 days/week for 3 semesters.
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The Master of Science in Social Policy (MSSP)
Program gives students the autonomy to independently select or identify their own organization to complete a policy-related or data analytic practicum. Students complete 250 hours for MSSP students in the fall and spring semesters, and 150 hours for MSSP+DA students in the fall semester.
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The Master of Science in Nonprofit Leadership (NPL)
Program offers students a hands-on, career-focused experience through a Leadership Practicum mentoring and leadership development experience with an executive-level leader at a local, national, or international social impact organization. Students complete 250 hours in fall and spring semesters
Doctoral Programs
Prepare to make your mark as an advanced social welfare scholar, social work practitioner or nonprofit administrator through our rigorous PhD, DSW, or DNPA programs.
Expand Your Experience
Go beyond your degree with interdisciplinary opportunities that set Penn SP2 apart. Pursue dual degrees across Penn’s world-class schools, engage in transdisciplinary partnerships, or specialize through certificate programs.
Dual Degree Programs
Expand your expertise across disciplines by pursuing dual degrees with partner schools from across Penn. Choose from combinations including MSW/MBA, MSW/JD, MSW/MPH, and more.
Research Driving Social Change
Actionable Intelligence for Social Policy (AISP)
Data-driven policy analysis and integrated data systems
Center for Guaranteed Income Research (CGIR)
Studying unconditional cash, poverty, and economic mobility.
Alumni Making Impact
Frequently Asked Questions About Penn SP2 Programs
Penn SP2 offers six graduate programs: Master of Social Work (MSW), Master of Science in Social Policy (MSSP), Master of Science in Nonprofit Leadership (NPL), Doctorate in Clinical Social Work (DSW), Doctorate in Nonprofit Administration (DNPA), and PhD in Social Welfare. We also offer 40 dual degree combinations across Penn’s graduate schools and numerous specializations within each program.
Penn SP2 is ranked #8 nationally by U.S. News & World Report for social work graduate programs. As an Ivy League institution, SP2 combines rigorous academics with hands-on field experience
The MSW prepares you for clinical social work practice and licensure (LCSW). The MSSP focuses on social policy analysis and research methods. The NPL trains leaders for nonprofit and social sector management. All three programs can lead to careers driving social change, but through different pathways.
Yes. The MSW and MSSP offer both full-time and part-time options. The NPL is available on-campus, online, or hybrid in full-time or part-time formats. The DSW and DNPA are online programs with two week-long on-campus immersion experiences, designed for working professionals. Visit individual program pages for current format details.
SP2 offers 40 dual degree combinations across Penn’s 12 graduate schools, including MSW/MBA, MSW/JD, MSW/MPH, MSSP/MBA, NPL/MBA, and many others. Dual degrees typically add one year to your studies and provide interdisciplinary expertise.
SP2 alumni work across healthcare (hospital social work, mental health), government (policy analysis, child welfare), nonprofits (program management, community development), academia (research, teaching), and private practice (licensed clinical social work). Our career services team supports job placement.
All SP2 students complete supervised field placements in Philadelphia-area organizations. MSW students complete 900+ hours across diverse settings. Field placements are integrated into your coursework and provide hands-on experience before graduation.
Tuition varies by program. Financial aid, scholarships, and assistantships are available. Visit our Tuition & Fees and Financial Aid pages for current costs and funding options. Many students receive need-based aid or merit scholarships.
Begin Your Journey at SP2
Ready to make a difference? Explore our programs, connect with admissions, or schedule a visit to campus.
