Apply to a Master’s Program at SP2
Take the next step in your career. Apply to one of our master’s programs and join a community committed to social good, evidence-based practice, and making a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals, families, and communities.
Admissions Requirements
Admission decisions are based on your undergraduate record, experience in human services, application essay, and recommendation letters. Our holistic review process considers your full academic and professional background.
A bachelor’s degree with a liberal arts perspective from an accredited college or university, or a bachelor’s degree in social work from an accredited undergraduate social work program.
Liberal Arts Background Areas:
Your coursework should include studies in society, history and tradition, arts and letters, economics, formal reasoning and analysis, the living world, the physical world, and social studies.
Recommended Courses:
- Humanities: languages, philosophy, religion, art history, architecture, literature, classics, speech
- Social Sciences: psychology, sociology, anthropology, ethnic studies, gender studies, international relations, human behavior, human development, political science, communications, education, urban planning, criminal justice
- Natural Sciences: statistics, astronomy, biology, botany, environmental studies, genetics, nutritional sciences, physics
Note: Applicants without a liberal arts or social work background may be required to take liberal arts courses prior to matriculation or may not be considered for admission.
Your undergraduate record should demonstrate academic achievement and readiness for graduate-level studies. We look for consistent academic performance that indicates your ability to succeed in rigorous graduate coursework.
We seek candidates who demonstrate:
- Maturity and critical thinking abilities
- Good judgment and integrity
- Strong oral and written communication skills
- Respect for difference and diversity
- Capacity for self-awareness
- Commitment to social work values
Work experiences in social services and significant volunteer experiences such as Peace Corps and AmeriCorps are highly valued.
International applicants whose first language is not English must submit one of the following test scores taken within the last two years:
- TOEFL: 100 or higher (Institutional Code D698)
- IELTS: 7.5 or higher
- Duolingo English Test: 135 or higher
Test Waiver Options:
- A degree from a U.S. college or university
- A degree from a country where English is the official language
- A degree from an institution where English is the medium of instruction
Program-Specific Admissions Requirements
All applicants must meet the general requirements outlined above. Additional requirements apply for Advanced Standing applicants.
Advanced Standing Program
Applicants for admission to the Advanced Standing Program must have:
- A bachelor’s degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited, CASWE-accredited, or internationally equivalent program. Completion must be within the past five years.
- Grade of “B” or higher in all undergraduate (or graduate) social work courses.
- High academic achievement and demonstrated competence in field placement.
- Readiness for graduate-level studies.
Work experiences in social services and significant volunteer experiences such as Peace Corps and AmeriCorps are highly valued.
Letter of Recommendation Requirement
One of your letters of recommendation must be from your undergraduate practicum instructor — the person with primary responsibility for teaching, supervision, and evaluation in your BSW practicum placement.
This person should be able to describe your capacity for social work practice and specifically recommend you for the Advanced Standing program.
Alternative Option: If a letter from your agency-based practicum instructor is not available, you may provide a letter from someone familiar with practicum placement who can speak to your capacity for social work practice and make a specific recommendation for Advanced Standing status, such as a current or recent practice course instructor.
Application Components
Complete your application with these required components
Online Application
Start your admissions process by submitting your application online. After creating an account, you can return to your application multiple times before submitting. You can track the status of your application and receipt of supporting materials at any time.
Required Components:
- Resume
- Application essay responses
- Personal information and background
Transcripts
Submit transcripts detailing all undergraduate and postgraduate study via the online application. Include coursework from your degree-granting institution(s), study abroad programs, and any transfer institutions.
Requirements:
- Official transcripts (not screenshots)
- Clear display of name, enrollment dates, courses, credits, and grades
- International transcripts require third-party evaluation (WES, Educational Perspectives, or other NACES-accredited service)
Do not mail hard copies of transcripts.
Letters of Recommendation
All recommenders must submit letters online directly from their email accounts. All letters are verified to ensure proper protocol.
Full-Time & Part-Time Applicants: Three letters including at least one work-related and one academic reference. Third is your choice.
Advanced Standing Applicants: Three letters including work-related, academic, and one from undergraduate practicum instructor specifically recommending Advanced Standing.
Transfer Applicants: Three letters including work-related and academic references, with at least one academic reference from current MSW program.
Test Scores
English Language Proficiency (International Applicants):
- TOEFL: Send to Institutional Code D698, Department Code 99
- IELTS: Send to University of Pennsylvania School of Social Policy & Practice via E-Delivery
- Duolingo: Send directly to Penn SP2
GRE: Not required for admission.
Test scores must be from within the last two years and officially submitted by the application deadline.
Transfer of Credits
Credit may be granted toward MSW requirements for work completed at other accredited graduate schools of social work within the past five years:
- 2-year or 3-year MSW Students: Up to one year’s work (maximum 8 courses) for full year completion at accredited social work program
- Related Master’s Degree: Up to 6 credits based on course overlap with our curriculum
- Some Graduate Work: Up to 4 credits for courses with high degree of overlap
Requirements for Transfer Credit:
- Written application to MSW Faculty Director after admission acceptance
- Final official transcripts submitted to admissions office
- Course syllabi for all courses considered for transfer
- Grade of “B” or higher in all courses
- Transfer credit approval before registration
Note: Credits earned concurrently from other institutions will not be transferred unless prior approval is granted by the Faculty Director.
Technical Standards
The MSW program prepares students for professional social work practice. All students must satisfy Technical Standards with or without reasonable accommodations for entrance, continuation, and graduation. These apply in classrooms, practicum placements, and all professional contexts.
Communication
- Communicate effectively and responsibly with students, faculty, clients, and professionals
- Use effective verbal and nonverbal communication skills
- Listen objectively and interpret nonverbal communication
- Recognize and respond to emotions
- Write clearly at appropriate academic and professional levels
Intellectual and Cognitive Skills
- Think critically and apply problem-solving skills
- Acquire knowledge and process experiences to inform practice
- Demonstrate willingness for self-reflection and growth
- Take responsibility for actions and consider impact on others
- Be punctual, dependable, and manage time effectively
- Navigate transportation requirements for practicum and classes
- Integrate feedback and changing information
Emotional and Behavioral Readiness
- Manage personal issues appropriately and seek help when needed
- Maintain respectful relationships with all stakeholders
- Complete required practicum hours and meet social work competencies
Contact Us
SP2 Admissions
215 746 1934
215 746 1300 (fax)
apply@sp2.upenn.edu
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