The passionate pursuit of social good, innovation, and impact.

Penn’s School of Social Policy & Practice (SP2) brings together social work, social policy, and nonprofit leadership in an interdisciplinary learning environment and offers six nationally recognized graduate programs, including the nation’s first practice doctorates in clinical social work and nonprofit administration. Students can tailor their education through specializations, dual-degree options, and certificate programs, with flexible formats designed to meet students where they are. SP2’s reach extends beyond the classroom, from working professionals deepening their expertise through continuing education to pre-college students being introduced to social change through SP2’s high school programs. Our graduates are prepared not only to enter their fields, but to shape their future.

At SP2, we engage with society’s most complex challenges — issues that are persistent, interconnected, and not easily solved. We meet this complexity with equally dynamic approaches, integrating research, education, and practice across disciplines. Grounded in a deep commitment to humanity, and by embracing multiple perspectives and methods, we prepare our community to navigate and shape a rapidly evolving social landscape.

SP2’s world‑class faculty are scholars, educators, and practitioners whose work influences policy and practice at local, national, and global levels. Their expertise spans areas such as health and well‑being, economic security, climate inequality, philanthropy, and data‑informed policymaking.

Through a network of interdisciplinary research centers and collaborations across Penn, SP2  translates innovative scholarship into actionable solutions to pressing social challenges. Experiential learning is central to the student experience, with extensive internship and practicum opportunities each year across greater Philadelphia and beyond, reflecting SP2’s deep commitment to community engagement and real-world impact.