Admission requires:

• completion of a formal application for admission;
• bachelor’s degree and grade point that reflects strong academic ability;
• an application essay;
• competitive scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or Law School Admission Test (LSAT) that indicate the requisite analytic ability;
• in the case of international students whose first language is other than English, TOEFL scores at a level appropriate for advanced graduate work;
• three references (two academic and one employment or volunteer);
• a writing sample that demonstrates potential for policy analysis work (preferably on a policy-relevant topic); and
• the financial plan form.

The application deadline for the MSSP program is April 15.  We suggest you apply early.

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.

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).

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

We have 17 incoming students for the 2009-2010 academic year.

Penn School of Social Policy and Practice offers the following dual degree programs:

• Masters in Social Policy/Master of Social Work
• Masters in Social Policy/PhD in Social Welfare

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

• Masters in Social Policy/Master of Government Administration (MSP/MGA)
• Masters in Social Policy/Master of Public Health (MSP/MPH)
• Master of Bioethics (MSP/MBE)
• MSP and Juris Doctorate

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.

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.

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.

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.)

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.

The policy internship consists of a minimum commitment of 15 hours per week for 6-8 weeks.

No. We have internship sites that are located in close proximity to public transportation.

Part-time MSSP students must fulfill the same Internship requirements as full-time students.