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

07/15

A photo of two people's hands gesturing as if they're in the middle of a conversation with the following text:

Weingarten & SDS Info Session

Information session for students to learn about academic and disability support services at Penn including accommodations.

Events

07/15

a group of adult students in the midst of a conversation

Incoming Student/Alumni Networking Event – NYC

Casual networking event to allow incoming students and alumni in the NYC area to connect.

News

Newark skyline

Report: Newark guaranteed income pilot shows positive financial, health, family, and housing impacts 

New research from the Center for Guaranteed Income Research (CGIR) at Penn’s School of Social Policy & Practice (SP2) offers insight into the efficacy of different forms of unconditional cash transfers and reveals the positive impact of guaranteed income on low-income families in Newark, NJ. 


Contact Us

Joretha N. Bourjolly, MSW, PhD

Associate Dean for Community Cultivation & Engagement

215 898 8444

jerri@upenn.edu