Our students join us from around the world, bringing with them a host of perspectives, backgrounds and experiences, and embodying SP2’s commitment to using their knowledge and skills to build community and to advance the social good. During their time here they engage in innovative research and meaningful fieldwork, striving every day to make lasting change and a meaningful impact in Philadelphia and beyond.

“A central imperative for social work, policy, and practice is the fundamental need to think conscientiously about the individuals, groups, and communities these disciplines will affect most. We are resolute in our intention to educate students of social policy and practice to embrace difference and build community in all its dimensions, and to create cutting-edge scholarship that enables our field to more effectively promote social good.”

– Sara S. Bachman, PhD, Dean

Program Curriculums

Our focus on social good demands a multifaceted approach to recognizing and celebrating the many identities, experiences, histories, and aspirations that animate our local and global community. This commitment permeates all five of our rigorous degree programs (MSW, MSSP, NPL, PhD, and DSW), helping bind these programs to SP2’s overarching mission: producing the best social service providers, policymakers, and nonprofit leaders in the world.

Visiting Scholars

Since 1908, the School has served as a temporary home for hundreds of Visiting Scholars joining us from around the world. This tradition of welcoming the best and brightest from abroad continues today, and many international scholars regard SP2 as their research home while in the United States.

Events

03/18

The Field Center Presents Understanding Disability Services At Penn And Best Practices For Supporting Disabled And Neurodivergent Students

From Foster Care to College: How Can Social Workers Support Higher Education Success?

Research tells us that without support, young adults with foster care experience are less likely to attend, persist, and succeed in higher education. These college students face complex challenges that […]

Events

03/19

Promotional graphic for the University of Pennsylvania School of Social Policy & Practice virtual speaker series titled 'Climate's influence on health, politics, and the labor economy -- a look at the US and the Global South'. Features the event date and time, 'Wednesday, March 19, 2025, 12 - 1 p.m. ET', and images of three speakers: Ben Jealous, Dr. Ioana Marinescu, and Dr. Alice Xu.

SP2 Speaker Series – Climate

This is a virtual event and open to all.

News

A person adds a note to a colorful board with the question

Groundbreaking experiments with guaranteed income for formerly incarcerated individuals show promising results

Research from the Center for Guaranteed Income Research at Penn’s School of Social Policy & Practice (SP2) reveals the profound potential of guaranteed income for individuals reentering communities after incarceration.


Contact Us

Joretha N. Bourjolly, MSW, PhD

Associate Dean for Community Cultivation & Engagement

215 898 8444

jerri@upenn.edu