JUMP-START YOUR CAREER
At SP2, career planning begins on day one
The School of Social Policy & Practice (SP2) graduates leaders, educators, and scholars who are making a difference in policy, practice, and academia – here in Philadelphia and all over the world. For many, that journey begins before they’ve even graduated.
From networking to sample resumes to job boards, our Career Services Office is here to help you navigate every step on the road to a meaningful and impactful career.
Make an Appointment
Meet with a Career Services professional and begin shaping your plan for pursuing a career with the power to change the world.
Find a Job
Looking for tools and resources to help navigate the job search process? Our Social Work & Human Services Community portal is a great place to start.
SP2 Career Plans Survey Report
Learn more about the post-graduation plans of recent SP2 students.
Job Search Essentials
Check out more University of Pennsylvania career resources.
MSW Licensure Information and Resources
Graduating MSW students are eligible to register and take the LSW exam during their final (graduating) semester in Pennsylvania. The LSW is a national exam. If a student passes the exam in Pennsylvania, they are able to apply for reciprocity in another state.
Please note that the LCSW (clinical) exam can be taken a minimum of three years in Pennsylvania (two years in New Jersey) post-LSW exam with the approval of a clinical supervisor. The LCSW exam is an exam separate from the LSW exam.
Licensure in Pennsylvania
The PA State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapist and Professional Counselors no longer accepts paper applications. Please go to their website to apply. Go to the Licensing Services on the left column to Register and begin the process.
The application no longer requires two recommendations from professional social workers. A Criminal Background Check is now required as part of the application for PA licensure. Also, there is a new requirement indicating that each applicant must complete the Self-Query form from the National Database of Clinicians within 6 months of the application. Details are contained in the application on the website.
The online application process includes the verification of social work education form, which students can download and give to the SP2 Registrar to sign and submit directly to the Board. This allows students to register and sit for the exam before graduation. Students do not submit their transcript until after graduation. The SP2 Registrar will reach out about this process and form at the start of the spring semester for expected graduates.
State Boards must have official, final transcripts on file. Even if students pass the exam before graduation, they must send their official transcript to the State Board after graduation once degrees have been conferred. SP2 does not send the transcript on students’ behalf; students are responsible for ordering transcripts from the University Registrar. To ensure that a transcript is sent properly, students should check their unofficial transcripts in Path@Penn to ensure:
- that the degree has been conferred; and
- that all information is correct
Additionally, the SP2 Registrar will reach out directly with a degree conferral confirmation. Questions about the information displayed on a transcript should be addressed to the SP2 Registrar.
Please note that criminal history checks must be no older than 90 days from the date of Application for Licensure by examination.
Licensure in Other States
If you are interested in the licensure requirements of other states, please utilize this Professional Licensure Disclosure list. Under “Degree Name,” select “Master of Social Work.” From there you can navigate to the state of interest and find their respective licensure board and website.
Exam Preparation
SP2 offers an online LSW Prep Course that prepares graduating MSW students for the LSW exam. Students can access the courses through OpenSP2, which offers a variety of continuing education opportunities for our current students and alumni.
SP2 offers complimentary access to the SP2 LSW Prep Course to current graduating MSW students. Contact the MSW Administrative Director, Mai Le at mtle@upenn.edu for more information.
The MSW Program offers a licensure information session for students in their final semester. Please find the materials from the most recent session below.
Additional Resources
- Advanced clinical instructors, advanced macro instructors, and field liaisons are familiar with the LSW exam and will spend practice class time on the LSW exam.
- Study Materials, Exam Registration, & Practice Test: https://www.aswb.org
- The ASWB Examination Guidebook: https://www.aswb.org/exam/getting-ready-for-the-exam/aswb-examination-guidebook/
- Information Sessions Available through the NASW-PA: https://www.nasw-pa.org/
- LSW Pre-Course through Bryn Mawr College: https://www.brynmawr.edu/swprodev/lsw-lcsw-exam-preparation. A recent survey of past participants of the prep course revealed a 90% exam pass rate after taking this course.
News
Gifts & Giving
12/03
Penn Receives $5 Million to Create the First-of-its-Kind Professorship in Philanthropy
The Wieler Family Professorship in the field of philanthropy will hold a primary appointment in Penn’s School of Social Policy & Practice and a secondary appointment in the Wharton School.
News
Faculty & Research
11/21
Dean Bachman delivers keynote at Penn Center for AIDS Research symposium
With the goal of optimizing implementation and improving outcomes for people with HIV, a team led by SP2’s Dean Sara S. Bachman is evaluating a novel approach to HIV medical case management being implemented by the Philadelphia Department of Public Health.
News
Alumni
10/18
Bringing social work to Penn’s community engagement
Tapping into his social work background to support and cultivate Penn’s relationship with the local community, Glenn Bryan, C’74, SW’76, has spent decades building connections between his alma mater and the place where he grew up.
Contact Us
Career Services Office
Suite 20, McNeil Building
3718 Locust Walk
Philadelphia, PA 19014-6209
Office Hours
Monday-Friday, 9am to 5pm
Walk-in Hours for SP2 Students
Wednesdays, 2:30pm to 3:30pm
Sharon Fleshman
Senior Associate Director
215-898-4381
215-898-2687 (fax)
Esther Ra
Career Advisor
Available by appointment on Mondays and Thursdays.
Patty Greenfield
Associate Director