Find Your Program at SP2

The Master of Social Work (MSW) and Master of Science in Social Policy (MSSP) serve different career goals. The MSW prepares you for direct clinical practice, community organizing, and social work licensure (LCSW). It emphasizes hands-on field placements and clinical skills. The MSSP focuses on policy analysis, program evaluation, and systemic change through research and data. If you want to work directly with individuals and communities, choose the MSW. If you want to shape the policies that affect those communities, the MSSP is your path. Both are two-year master’s programs with distinct career outcomes.

The DSW (Doctorate in Clinical Social Work) and PhD in Social Welfare serve fundamentally different purposes. The DSW is a practice doctorate for licensed clinicians who want to advance their clinical expertise, take on leadership roles, or teach — all while continuing their professional practice through our low-residency format. The PhD is a research doctorate for scholars who want to generate new knowledge, publish in academic journals, and pursue tenure-track faculty positions. The PhD is fully funded with stipends. Choose the DSW if your goal is advanced practice; choose the PhD if your goal is research and academia.

The Doctor of Nonprofit Administration (DNPA) is the nation’s first doctoral degree specifically designed for senior nonprofit leaders. Launching at Penn SP2, this low-residency program combines executive education with applied research to prepare nonprofit executives, directors, and senior managers for the highest levels of organizational leadership. The DNPA builds on the NPL (Nonprofit Leadership) master’s degree pathway. If you’re an experienced nonprofit professional seeking the terminal credential in your field, the DNPA offers a unique opportunity unavailable elsewhere.

Yes, depending on the program. The NPL (Nonprofit Leadership) master’s is designed for working professionals with a part-time cohort format. The DSW and DNPA doctoral programs use low-residency formats that allow you to continue your career. The MSW offers both full-time and part-time options. The MSSP and PhD are primarily full-time programs, though the MSSP may accommodate some outside work. Contact admissions for specific scheduling details for your program of interest.

Penn SP2 offers approximately 40 dual degree combinations across its master’s programs. The MSW can be combined with degrees from across the University of Pennsylvania, including JD/MSW (Law), MBA/MSW (Business), MPH/MSW (Public Health), MEd/MSW (Education), and many more. The MSSP offers dual degree options including JD/MSSP and MPA/MSSP. Dual degrees allow you to earn two graduate degrees in less time than completing each separately. Visit individual program pages for specific dual degree listings and application requirements.

Start with our Program Finder tools on this page. Use the filters above to narrow programs by degree level, type, and study format. For additional guidance, schedule a consultation with our admissions team — they can help you evaluate your background, goals, and which program best aligns with your career vision.