MS in Social Policy - Frequently Asked Questions

Admissions
What are the basic requirements for admission to the MSSP Program?
What is the application deadline?
What is the application fee?
What information is required for an application to be considered complete?
Is an application interview arranged with all applicants?
Who makes admission decisions? When can I expect a decision on my application?
Do you accept transfer students into Penn’s School of Social Policy & Practice (MSSP)?
Is there a deposit fee?

Tuition & Financial Aid
What is the current tuition at the University of Pennsylvania School of Social Policy & Practice (MSSP)?
What do you estimate I will need to have available to manage financially for one academic year?
Does the School offer financial aid?
Does the School offer work-study?
What is the procedure for obtaining financial aid?
I already have undergraduate loans. Will I be accepted for graduate student loans?
What do you consider in determining financial aid?
When will I be notified of your decision on my financial aid request?
Does the fact that I will need financial assistance negatively affect my chances for acceptance into the program?

Curriculum
Does the School offer a part-time program?
How many courses do you take each semester?
What is the structure of the program?
How many students are in a class?
What is the size of your MSSP class?
What are the joint/dual degree programs?
What is the grading system used in the MSSP Program?
Does the School provide academic advising?

Social Policy Internship
How are social policy research internships arranged?
What are my chances of having a social policy research internship working with children? Aging? Substance abuse?
How much time is spent in the social policy research internship?
Will I need a car for the internship?
What are the social policy research internship requirements for part –time students?

 

Admissions

What are the basic requirements for admission to the MSSP program?
Admission requires:

What is the application deadline?

What is the application fee?
The application fee varies based on whether you submit an on-line or paper application, and by the time of submission.
The MSSP application fee for paper application is $65.00.
All paper applications received before December 31st will have a reduced fee of $25.00.
For on-line applications, the fee is $50.00 if you apply before December 1st and $65.00 after that date.

What information is required for an application to be considered complete?
Your application is considered complete when the following have been received:

    • Application form;
    • Financial plan form;
    • Three letters of recommendation: one (1) work/volunteer related reference and two (2) academic references.
    • Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate studies; and
    • Application statement prepared in response to the questions listed in the School bulletin or on the web (under Apply).

Is an application interview arranged with all applicants?
It is our policy to offer an interview to all applicants being considered for matriculation. This will help to assure that you have been well informed about our program, and that you have been apprised of our expectations. It also helps us to get to know you better, and helps you to make informed choices.

Most interviews are in person interviews; however, when geographic distance is an issue, a telephone interview can be arranged.

If the application material reflects a strong and solid applicant, we can offer admission without an interview. Even in this instance, we offer an interview at a later date to respond to questions.
You may be offered a “pre-application” interview before you complete or file an application. This interview is primarily to clarify our program and your professional goals.

Who makes admission decisions? When can I expect a decision on my application?
Once the application is complete (including the interview), the Admissions Committee (composed of  faculty members) makes all admission decisions.  The completed application file, i.e., transcripts, experience, letters of recommendation and the application statement is reviewed. You can expect a written notification in two to three weeks. If you have not heard from us, feel free to call the Admissions Office (215/898-5539).

Do you accept transfer students into Penn’s School of Social Policy & Practice?
No, we do not accept transfers into the MSSP Program.  We do however accept up to two university course credits for graduate level courses taken at Schools other than Penn, that are consistent with the course requirements for the MSSP Program.  To receive credit for outside courses, applicants/students need to make a request in writing.  The written request should include a copy of the course syllabus, the final paper and grade for review by the faculty.  Application for credit for work completed at schools other than Penn must be made in writing to the Faculty Director of the MSSP Program.  Transfer credits must be granted before the student’s registration can be accepted.

Is there a deposit fee?
Yes. The fee is $250.00 payable after notification of acceptance. Your acceptance letter will tell you the date by which this fee is expected. This deposit fee is applied to your bill upon matriculation. It is not refundable if you do not matriculate.

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Tuition & Financial Aid

What is the current tuition at the University of Pennsylvania School of Social Policy & Practice?

Estimated Tuition and Fees (Academic Year 2008 - 2009)
The MSSP program consists of a total of 10 courses.  For the Academic Year 
2008-2009, the cost per course is $4,027. 


 

Full-Time
(fall & spring based on four courses per semester; summer tuition to be determined)

Part-Time

Tuition

$32,216/year

$4,027/per course

Fees

$2,000/year

$250/per course

Technology Fee

$520/year

$65/per course

Total

$34,736

$4,342/per course

The Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania reserve the right to increase tuition and fees, and otherwise to amend the regulations concerning tuition, fees, and method of payment, at any time, and to make such changes applicable to students in the University at that time, as well as to new students.

What do you estimate I will need to have available to manage financially for one academic year?
Tuition and Fee: $34,736
Room $10,400
Board: $4,200
Books: $1,500
Miscellaneous: $5,700 (estimate of financial needs for single student-also includes health insurance of approximately $2,600)
TOTAL: $56,536

These are estimated figures and will change depending upon individual circumstances (i.e., if you are living at home with family, this may reduce your room and board).

Does the School offer financial aid?
Yes, we do offer limited financial aid to students who enroll in the MSSP Program. We recognize the high cost of quality education, and willingly help applicants with financial planning. Financial aid is based on need. It is imperative that students complete Penn’s Financial Aid Application. There are also Annual Dean’s Awards based on merit alone. Dean’s Awards are considered a component of the total financial aid award.

Does the School offer work-study?
There are a limited number of work-study grants. These work-study grants are for one year only.

What is the procedure for obtaining financial aid?
All students applying for financial aid must first indicate the request on the Financial Plan Form, which is a part of the application material. Financial aid applicants are later required to complete a PFAA (Penn’s Financial Aid Application) form, which will be mailed to applicants after the admissions application is received. When we receive the completed PFAA, our Financial Aid Committee will analyze it to determine the need, and our resources. All financial aid is granted on the basis of need. You must also complete a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) form. As you seek financial aid from the School, it is expected that you will also make an application for the Guaranteed Student Loan program. You should apply for a Guaranteed Student Loan through the University of Pennsylvania because the University does not charge an origination fee. 

I already have undergraduate loans. Will I be accepted for graduate student loans?
Yes. The required payment on your undergraduate loans will be deferred while you are a graduate
student. Of course, you will have to resume payment of the undergraduate loans and begin payment of your graduate loans once you complete the MSSP program. A person who has defaulted on an undergraduate loan may not be eligible for certain loans.

What do you consider in determining financial aid?
We can consider your income, family income (if you are a dependent child), number of dependents, savings, assets, outstanding undergraduate loan indebtedness, etc. If your parents are claiming you as a dependent, or if you are age 24 or under, your parents must complete the parent’s section of Penn’s FAF Form.

When will I be notified of your decision on my financial aid request?
After we have reached a decision on your acceptance, and received a copy of your Penn FAF, you will receive a written notification of your financial aid award. In general we begin making financial aid decisions in early March.

Does the fact that I will need financial assistance negatively affect my chances for acceptance into the program?
No. It has no bearing at all. Acceptance is based on suitability for our program. Whether or not you need financial assistance does not affect your acceptance or rejection.

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Curriculum

Does the School offer a part-time program?
Yes. The Part time MSSP Program is designed for students who have chosen to study in the MSSP Program, but are not prepared to matriculate on a full time basis. Participants in the Part time program must meet the same admission requirements as those for full time students. They must also complete degree requirements in effect at the time of admission. Part-time students will adhere to all of the program requirements on a part time basis.  The minimum course load for a part time student is two courses per semester, and the maximum is three courses per semester. Although completion is recommended within two years, part time students must complete the program within five years from the date of acceptance into the program.

Students enrolled in the part-time MSSP program must be able to attend classes held during the day, and to complete the Capstone seminar and internship as the final required courses.
Students admitted to this program are assisted by an Educational Advisor who will assist in developing individualized education plans.

How many courses do you take each semester?
Full-time students take a minimum of four courses a semester for two semesters. Each class meets one day a week for two hours and 30 minutes.   The Capstone Seminar takes place during the Spring Semester and Summer Session I.  The Policy Internship will also take place during Summer Session I.
The minimum course load for a part time student is two courses per semester, and the maximum is three courses per semester.

What is the structure of the program?
The full time program is conducted in two semesters (Fall and Spring) and one Summer Session.  Students are in the classroom two days a week for two semesters, and complete the Policy Internship and one Capstone Seminar in Summer Session I.

The part time program is basically conducted over six semesters (two Fall semesters, two Spring semesters and two Summer Sessions).  The minimum course load for a part time student is two courses per semester, and the maximum is three courses per semester. One Capstone Seminar, one elective and the Policy research Internship are completed over two Summer Sessions.  Although completion is recommended within two years, part time students must complete the program within five years from the date of acceptance into the program.

How many students are in a class?
Our classes are seminar style classes that are limited to twenty-five enrollees. However classes are often smaller, dependent upon the number of enrollees.  This is a plan designed to promote valuable classroom interaction and exchange between faculty and students.  In other words, be prepared to participate, raise critical questions, and share your ideas and learning.

What is the size of your MSSP class?
Academic year 2007 – 2008 we expect approximately 19 students.

What are the joint/dual degree programs?
Penn School of Social Policy and Practice offers the following dual degree programs:

The following joint/dual degree programs are in the development stage.

A separate application to each school is required. Acceptance into the MSP program is not confirmation of your acceptance into any one of the joint degree programs. In other words, if you apply for a joint degree, you are independently accepted (or not accepted) by each school.

What is the grading system at the Penn School of Social Policy and Practice (SP2)?
SP2 uses the system of letter grade evaluation that is used by other M.A. and PhD programs at the University. A cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or above is required for MSP graduation.

Does the School provide academic advising?
Yes. Each student is assigned an Educational Advisor who helps the student make the maximum use of the School and University’s resources for a rich academic experience.

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Social Policy Internship

How are Social Policy Internships arranged?
The internship placement process begins in the spring semester.  Incoming students are asked to complete placement information during the first semester of the program.  The placement information form will help the faculty identify a setting that will advance the student’s study and integration of theory and practice.  The placement form, along with the personal statement and admissions interview, will be reviewed by the Director of the MSSP Program.  Each student has the opportunity, and is encouraged,  to participate in the selection of the placement through dialogue with the Program Director and an interview at his/her potential internship before it begins.  (This can be a phone interview.)

What are my chances of having an internship focused on children? Aging? Substance abuse?
Your chances are good. Students have the opportunity to practice their policy analysis skills and gain work experience through a summer internship.  The 6-8 week internship is structured on the basis of individual student interest, past social policy experience and, when appropriate, students may complete their internship requirement at their current place of employment.  Internships may occur anywhere in the United States or in another country best suited to the learning objectives of the student.  The student will be guided in the conduct of the social policy analysis by an experienced analyst located within the student’s internship setting.  In every case, the policy internship must consist of a minimum commitment of 15 hours per week.  The internship is a vital part of your learning experience, so we take great care in seeing that it meets your educational needs and interests.

How much time is spent in the Internship?
The policy internship consists of a minimum commitment of 15 hours per week for 6-8 weeks.

Will I need a car for the Internship?
No. We have internship sites that are located in close proximity to public transportation.

What are the Internship requirements for part –time students?
Part- time MSP students must fulfill the same Internship requirements as full-time students.