Admissions
SP2 is looking for the next leaders in social work, social policy, and nonprofit leadership–discover what it takes to apply to one of our 6 master’s and doctoral programs.
98% of SP2 Students Receive
Financial Assistance
An SP2 degree is an investment in your career and community — and you shouldn’t face that investment alone. Nearly all SP2 students receive some form of financial assistance, including merit scholarships, grants, federal loans, and work-study programs.
Receive Financial Aid
Nearly all SP2 students receive
merit scholarships, grants, loans, or work-study
SP2 Scholars Program
Full-tuition awards for outstanding incoming students
PhD Tuition
PhD students are fully funded with annual stipend and health coverage
Named Scholarships
Fellowships, endowed awards, and memorial scholarships available each year
Application Deadlines
| Program | Deadline Type | Date |
|---|---|---|
| MSW MSSP NPL | Priority Deadline | December 1 |
| Final Deadline | February 1 | |
| DSW | Final Deadline | February 15 |
| DNPA | Final Deadline | February 15 |
| PhD | Final Deadline | December 15 |
Application deadlines are subject to change. Always verify current deadlines in our How to Apply section before submitting your application.
What SP2 Students Say
Frequently Asked Questions
Penn SP2 does not specify a minimum GPA requirement. Admissions decisions are holistic and consider your academic record, professional experience, personal statement, and letters of recommendation. Strong applicants demonstrate both academic ability and relevant experience in social work or policy.
No. Penn SP2 does not require GRE scores for any of its graduate programs. Our holistic admissions process focuses on your academic history, professional experience, writing ability, and potential to contribute to the field of social work and social policy.
Yes. The Master of Social Work (MSW) and several other master’s programs offer part-time enrollment options designed for working professionals. Part-time students take a reduced course load each semester. Contact the Admissions office to discuss scheduling options for your specific program of interest.
98% of SP2 students receive some form of financial assistance. Options include merit scholarships (including full-tuition awards through the SP2 Scholars Program), grants, federal loans, and federal work-study. The PhD program is fully funded with an annual stipend.
Yes. You may apply to multiple SP2 programs in the same admissions cycle. Each application requires a separate application fee and a complete set of supporting materials tailored to that program’s requirements.
Deadlines vary by program. MSW: December 1 (priority) / February 1 (final). NPL online: April 1. PhD in Social Welfare: December 15. DSW and DNPA: February 15. Always verify current deadlines on the program-specific admissions page, as dates are subject to change.
Yes. Penn SP2 welcomes applications from international students worldwide. International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency through TOEFL (minimum 100), IELTS (minimum 7.5), or Duolingo (minimum 135).
See our How to Apply page for complete international applicant requirements.
Application fees are: Master’s programs: $25 (early deadline) / $65 (late deadline). PhD in Social Welfare: $80. DSW and DNPA: $65. Fee waivers may be available for eligible applicants — contact the Admissions office for details.
