APPLYING TO SP2

Become a more powerful advocate for social justice

Application Deadlines

Please note that for all programs, your application, transcripts, and supporting materials (letters of recommendation and, if applicable, official English language proficiency test scores and evaluated transcripts) must be submitted through the online application system by the deadline for your application to be considered complete. Please note that official copies of test scores typically take 3-4 weeks to arrive, so schedule your English language proficiency exam accordingly.

Master of Social Work

The priority application deadline is December 1st. The final application deadline is February 1st. Please note that it is strongly recommended to apply by the December 1st deadline to ensure the optimum practicum placement process.

MS in Social Policy

The priority application deadline is December 1st. The final application deadline is February 1st.

MS in Nonprofit Leadership

The priority application deadline is December 1st. The final application deadline is February 1st.

Select priority application applicants who are not admitted to the program may be considered in the final application pool instead of being rejected. Applications will be accepted and considered after February 1st only if slots remain to be filled in the program.

PhD in Social Welfare

The application deadline is December 15th.

Doctorate in Clinical Social Work

Applications must be submitted by February 15th.

We are currently accepting applications for all five degree programs.

Image of Sarah Amin Ali working on computer

COVID-19 Considerations

Recognizing the challenges of teaching, learning, and assessing academic performance during the global COVID-19 pandemic, Penn’s admissions committees for graduate and professional programs will take the significant disruptions of the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020 into account when reviewing students’ transcripts and other admissions materials as part of their regular practice of performing individualized, holistic reviews of each applicant. As we review applications, we will respect decisions regarding the adoption of Pass/Fail and other grading options during the period of COVID-19 disruptions. An applicant will not be adversely affected in the admissions process if their academic institution implemented a mandatory pass/fail (or similar) system for the term or if the applicant chose to participate in an optional pass/fail (or similar) system for the term. Penn’s longstanding commitment remains to admit graduate and professional student cohorts composed of outstanding individuals who demonstrate the resilience and aptitude to succeed in their academic pursuits.

Instructions for Specific Populations

International Students

International Students

SP2 welcomes applications from international students. Applicants should review the admission requirements for the program to which they are applying.

Transcript Evaluations

  • TOEFL: 100 on the Internet-based (iBT) TOEFL
  • IELTS: Overall Band Score of 7.5
  • Duolingo English Test: Overall Score of 135

Duolingo English Test scores should be sent to the University of Pennsylvania, School of Social Policy & Practice. No application ID is needed.

Visa Sponsorship Restrictions

International students must be enrolled full-time in order to qualify for visa sponsorship.

Please note that due to visa restrictions related to distance education, we are unable to accept applications from international students who may require visa sponsorship from the University. Visa sponsorship cannot be provided for the Online Master of Science in Nonprofit Leadership program.

Dual Degree Applicants

Dual Degree Applicants

Non-degree Applicants

Non-degree Applicants

Non-degree Applicants

Non-degree status is available to students who wish to enroll in a class without applying to a degree program. Each of SP2’s Master’s programs allow non-degree students to enroll in some courses.

Course Eligibility

Master of Social Work

Non-degree students are permitted to take up to 6 courses in the MSW program. Due to the clinical nature of many of the MSW courses, not all classes will be appropriate for non-matriculating students. Course interest is reviewed on a case-by-case basis with the Administrative Director of the MSW Program before non-degree students register for classes. In some situations, degree-seeking students receive priority for course enrollment and, therefore, those classes may be closed to non-degree students.

Master of Science in Social Policy

Non-degree students are permitted to take up to 2 courses in the MSSP program. All MSSP courses are available to non-degree students; priority for course registration, however, is given to MSSP degree-seeking students. Please contact the Associate Director of the MSSP Program to request more information about MSSP course availability.

Master of Science in Nonprofit Leadership

Non-degree students are permitted to take up to 2 courses in the NPL program. All NPL courses are available to non-degree students except for NPLD 7850 and NPLD 7910. Priority for course registration is given to NPL degree-seeking students. For more information, contact the Administrative Director of the NPL Program.

Application Process

To apply as a non-degree student, you must submit an online application. While letters of recommendation are not required for non-degree students, the supporting documents of a brief personal statement and a resume are required. Students are required to submit transcripts detailing all undergraduate and postgraduate study in accordance with the School’s transcript policy.

Application deadlines are as follows:

Fall: August 1st

Spring: December 15th

Summer I or II: April 25th

Academic Policies

Students must have earned an undergraduate degree prior to taking any non-degree courses at SP2.

If a student chooses to apply to an SP2 degree-granting program at a later date, non-degree coursework may be counted towards the degree. Students must have earned at least a “B” in the course within the last five (5) years.

Tuition & Fees

Tuition and fees are charged at the annual per-course unit rate (same as the rate of tuition for each part-time program). SP2 is not able to provide scholarships for non-degree students. University of Pennsylvania employees are able to use the tuition benefit towards non-degree coursework.