What programs does Penn SP2 offer?

Penn SP2 offers six graduate programs: Master of Social Work (MSW) , Master of Science in Social Policy (MSSP) , Master of Science in Nonprofit Leadership (NPL) , Doctorate in Clinical Social Work (DSW) , Doctor of Nonprofit Administration (DNPA) , and PhD in Social Welfare .

How does SP2 rank nationally?

Penn SP2 is ranked #8 nationally by U.S. News & World Report for social work graduate programs. As an Ivy League institution, SP2 combines rigorous academics with hands-on field experience.

What is the difference between MSW, MSSP, and NPL programs?

The MSW prepares you for clinical social work practice and licensure (LCSW). The MSSP focuses on social policy analysis and research methods. The NPL trains leaders for nonprofit and social sector management.

Does SP2 offer part-time or online programs?

Yes. The MSW and MSSP offer both full-time and part-time options. The NPL is available on-campus, online, or hybrid in full-time or part-time formats. The DSW and DNPA are online programs with two week-long on-campus immersion experiences, designed for working professionals. Visit individual program pages for current format details.

What dual degree options are available?

SP2 offers dual degree combinations across Penn’s 12 graduate schools, including MSW/MBA, MSW/JD, MSW/MPH, MSSP/MBA, NPL/MBA, and many others. Dual degrees typically add one year to your studies and provide interdisciplinary expertise.

Where do SP2 graduates work?

SP2 alumni work across healthcare (hospital social work, mental health), government (policy analysis, child welfare), nonprofits (program management, community development), academia (research, teaching), and private practice (licensed clinical social work). Our career services team supports job placement.

How much does SP2 cost?

Tuition varies by program. Financial aid, scholarships, and assistantships are available. Visit our Tuition & Fees and Financial Aid pages for current costs and funding options. Many students receive need-based aid or merit scholarships.

Academics at SP2

The School of Social Policy & Practice offers three master’s programs and three doctoral programs designed to prepare students to confront complex social challenges and lead meaningful, lasting change. By combining rigorous, engaging coursework with applied fieldwork, our curriculum reflects the needs of the communities we serve and equips students to respond to them effectively.

Explore Programs Request Information

Master’s Programs

Equip yourself with the theoretical skills and practical experience you need to make a lifetime of impact as a skilled social worker, social policy analyst, or nonprofit leader through our MSW, MSSP, or NPL programs.

MASTER’S DEGREE

Master of Social WorkMSW

Become an effective, compassionate social worker committed to impact and the pursuit of social good. Prepare for clinical practice, policy analysis, and community leadership through our CSWE-accredited MSW program.

Career Outcomes:

Social Worker
Therapist
Caseworker
Mental Health Clinician
Counselor
Policy Analyst
Research Specialist
Community Organizer

Format
Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing: Location
On-Campus, Hybrid

MSW Program Details

MASTER’S DEGREE

Master of Science in Social PolicyMSSP

Prepares nonprofit leaders and social entrepreneurs to guide organizations tackling some of the world’s most complex social challenges.

Career Outcomes:

Policy Analyst
Research Specialist
Consultant
Data Scientist
Legislative Aide
Government Affairs Officer

Format
Full-Time, Part-Time: Location
On-Campus

MSSP Program Details

MASTER’S DEGREE

Master of Science in Nonprofit LeadershipNPL

Prepares nonprofit leaders and social entrepreneurs to guide organizations tackling some of the world’s most complex social challenges.

Career Outcomes:

Chief Executive Officer
Chief Development Officer
Major Gifts Officer
Director of Corporate Social Responsibility
Grants & Foundation Relations Director
Philanthropy Consultant
Director of Community Impact

Format
Full-Time, Part-Time, Accelerated Track: Location
On-Campus, Online or Hybrid

NPL Program Details

SP2 Hub Practicum Model: Beyond Coursework

Each master’s degree program at the School of Social Policy & Practice includes experiential education components that enable students to apply their learning in real-world scenarios. Our Practicum placements are a foundational complement to our coursework.

Master of Social Work (MSW)

The MSW program partners with organizations that can provide opportunities for students to develop knowledge, practice skills (foundation/generalist, clinical or macro), and provide experiences that will assist the student’s integration of classroom learning and professional training and development while at the organization. Students complete 16-24 hours a week, across 3 days/week for four semesters: Advanced standing completes 24 hours/3 days/week for 3 semesters.
Master of Science in Social Policy (MSSP)

The MSSP program gives students the autonomy to independently select or identify their own organization to complete a policy-related or data analytic practicum. Students complete 250 hours for MSSP students in the fall and spring semesters, and 150 hours for MSSP+DA students in the fall semester.
Master of Science in Nonprofit Leadership (NPL)

The NPL program offers students a hands-on, career-focused experience through a Leadership Practicum mentoring and leadership development experience with an executive-level leader at a local, national, or international social impact organization. Students complete 250 hours in fall and spring semesters.

Doctoral Programs

Prepare to make your mark as an advanced social welfare scholar, social work practitioner or nonprofit administrator through our rigorous PhD, DSW, or DNPA programs.

DOCTORAL DEGREE

Doctor of Clinical Social WorkDSW

Advance your clinical expertise with the terminal practice doctorate for licensed social workers. Low- residency format allows you to continue professional practice while deepening specialized knowledge.

Career Outcomes:

Promotions in clinical settings
Lecturer, term faculty, practice professor and other non-tenure track position
Tenure-track positions in small, teaching-oriented programs

2 Years Of
Coursework: 1 Year Of
Dissertation Seminar: Hybrid,
Annual Immersions

DSW Program Details

DOCTORAL DEGREE

Doctor of Nonprofit AdministrationDNPA

The nation’s first doctoral degree in nonprofit administration. Combines executive education, applied research, and strategic leadership development for senior nonprofit leaders seeking the terminal credential.

Career Outcomes:

Leadership positions at nonprofits, philanthropic foundations, social enterprises, government and policy organizations, and academic institutions and think tanks
Consulting and advisory roles

2 Years Of
Coursework: 1 Year Of
Dissertation Seminar: Hybrid,
Annual Seminars

DNPA Program Details

DOCTORAL DEGREE

PhD in Social WelfarePhD

Pursue original research and scholarly excellence through our fully funded PhD program. Join a community of scholars advancing social work science, policy research, and interdisciplinary inquiry across SP2’s research centers.

Career Outcomes:

Faculty positions in schools across different disciplines including Social Work, Public Policy, and Public Health
Leadership positions in government agencies, nonprofit organizations, think tanks, research institutes, and more

4 Years Of
Coursework: On-Campus

PhD Program Details

Expand Your Experience

Go beyond your degree with interdisciplinary opportunities that set Penn SP2 apart. Pursue dual degrees across Penn’s world-class schools, engage in cross-institutional partnerships, or specialize through certificate programs.

Dual Degree & Cross-Institutional Programs

Expand your expertise across disciplines by pursuing dual degrees with partner schools from across Penn & Philadelphia. Choose from combinations including MSW/MBA, MSW/JD, MSW/MPH, and more.

Certificate Programs

Global Opportunities

Research Driving Social Change

SP2’s research centers drive social innovation through groundbreaking scholarship on issues such as AI ethics, guaranteed income, social impact, violence and digital spaces, and data-driven policy analysis. Across centers, labs, and special projects, researchers generate actionable insights that address society’s most pressing challenges and inform real-world change.

Actionable Intelligence for Social Policy (AISP)

Data-driven policy analysis and integrated data systems

Center for Guaranteed Income Research (CGIR)

Studying unconditional cash, poverty, and economic mobility

Center for Social Impact Strategy

An action-oriented training center and research lab for social impact

SAFELab

Examining the ways youth of color navigate violence on and offline

Explore Research

Alumni Making Impact

“[What I liked most about my experience at SP2 were] probably my classmates and the overall culture. I loved engaging with my peers, hearing about their passions, and learning about or collaborating on projects in classes. It also helps that we had a thoughtfully designed set of courses built on core skills, a set of great faculty and instructors who also had deep passions and careers, and access to wonderful events at Penn and in Philly. Overall, it was just a great setting to build my skills, identity, and community.”

Daniel Schiff, MSSP’13

Assistant Professor and Co-Director of the Governance and Responsible AI Lab at Purdue University

“The most important thing to my learning and growth were the relationships I built at Penn. So many years after I graduated, those connections persist. Given the value and power of social networks and social support, I feel quite lucky to have connected with the incredible people I met at Penn who I still call friends and colleagues today.”

Julie Cederbaum, PhD’09

Professor, University of Southern California

“Learning alongside thoughtful, values driven faculty and peers- many at different stages of their careers- pushed me to reflect more intentionally on my own path. Spending time immersed in community-based settings deepened my understanding of how complex social programs affect individuals and reinforced the importance of centering the voices of children and families in social policy.”

Aldustus (A.J.) Jordan, MSW’00

President, Vanguard Group Foundation