I received a really high level of support and mentorship during my PhD. The faculty demonstrate a genuine concern for the students in the PhD program and prepare them for the next steps that follow once they’ve completed the program.

The PhD program at the Penn School of Social Policy & Practice allowed me to build essential writing, teaching, and analytical skills on the foundation of my previous social work practice. The multidisciplinary nature of the program allowed me to become a well-rounded scholar, and helped confirm my commitment to the field of social work.
Learn more about Rachel.

Coming to Penn, I was excited to learn that just before the doors of the Penn School of Social Work opened in 1908, W.E.B. DuBois conducted one of the first extensive neighborhood surveys and published his seminal book, The Philadelphia Negro. I arrived at just the right time to be involved in another groundbreaking project at the University of Pennsylvania, the Philadelphia Census of Congregations Project.
Learn more about Stephanie.

Penn’s PhD program in Social Welfare showed me how to use research and data to assess social services and suggest evidence-based improvements. I was able to use those skills during and after the program to help local non-profits evaluate their work and sustain the funds needed to continue their work. I now use those same skills to develop and maintain a Division of Performance Management and Accountability for the Department of Human Services in Philadelphia.

I had a world class university as a base to think through my ambitions. I had at my disposal an engaged faculty to connect me to resources to make things happen. Many times I hear colleagues struggle with a choice of whether to be a researcher or an activist. While at Penn, I figured that out: Why must I choose?
Learn more about Jeffrey.