Master of Science in Social Policy (MSSP)
The Master of Science in Social Policy (MSSP) Program provides students with analytical and research skills, real-world field experience, cross-disciplinary learning opportunities, and personalized mentorship—preparing them to understand, evaluate, and shape policies that address complex social challenges.
Program Overview & Competencies
Program Overview
Our program empowers students to evaluate, create, and execute justice-centered, evidence-informed policy solutions in government and non-government settings. You’ll experience an innovative curriculum, gain access to expert faculty, and engage in intensive real-world experiences that will prepare you to drive meaningful change in health, housing, education, immigration, and beyond.
For students interested in enhancing their studies with a certificate that prepares them to leverage data analytics for social policy, SP2 offers the MSSP+Data Analytics (MSSP+DA) certificate.
Competencies
Students who complete this program will be able to
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Evaluate existing policy measures using qualitative and quantitative data
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Utilize qualitative and quantitative data to make policy recommendations at the municipal, state, and federal levels as well as within non-government contexts
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Collaborate with a wide variety of stakeholders like community organizations, government agencies, nonprofits, and more to develop new policy and plan for its implementation
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Act as an advisor for organizations, businesses, nonprofits and governmental agencies who would benefit from the theoretical basis and applications of our social policy curriculum
Curriculum & Program Tracks
The Master of Science in Social Policy Program (MSSP) is an academic year-long, ten-course program that includes a 250-hour policy practicum. Dual degree students should reference the course outline listed on the dual degree webpage.
Full Time
The course grid reflects the 10-course unit required course of study for MSSP students to ensure on-time graduation. Occasional scheduling alterations may be made on an individual basis with the approval of an academic advisor. Dual degree students should reference the course outline listed on the dual degree webpage.
Required Courses
- MSSP 6280: Policy: Analysis of Issues, Strategy and Process (1 CU)
- MSSP 6290: Research & Evaluation Design (1 CU)*
- MSSP 6300: Quantitative Reasoning (1 CU)
- MSSP 6680: Economics for Social Policy (1 CU)
- SP2 Elective 1 or MSSP Theory Elective (1 CU)*
- MSSP 6370: MSSP Policy Internship Seminar (0CU)
5 CU
*May be taken in spring or fall
- MSSP 6310: Law and Social Policy or MSSP 7805: Law and Social Policy: Foundations (1 CU)
- MSSP 8970: Applied Linear Modeling (1 CU)
- SP2 Elective 1 or MSSP Theory Elective (1 CU)*
- SP2 Elective 2 (1 CU)
- MSSP 6360: MSSP Capstone Seminar: Policy Communications (1 CU)
- MSSP 6370: MSSP Policy Practicum Seminar (0CU)
5 CU
*May be taken in spring or fall
Part Time
This course grid reflects the 10-course unit required course of study for MSSP students. The part-time configuration can be completed in 2-3 years. Occasional scheduling alterations may be made on an individual basis with the approval of an academic advisor.
Required Courses
- MSSP 6280: Policy: Analysis of Issues, Strategy and Process (1 CU)
- MSSP 6300: Quantitative Reasoning (1 CU)
2 CU
- MSSP 6310: Law and Social Policy or MSSP 7805: Law and Social Policy: Foundations (1 CU)
- MSSP 8970: Applied Linear Modeling (1 CU)
2 CU
- SP2 Elective 1 (1 CU)
- SP2 Elective 2 (1 CU)
2 CU
- MSSP 6290: Research and Evaluation Design (1 CU)
- MSSP 6680: Economics for Social Policy (1 CU)
- MSSP 6370: MSSP Policy Practicum Seminar (0 CU)
2 CU
- MSSP Theory Elective (1 CU)
- MSSP 6360: MSSP Capstone Seminar: Policy Communications (1 CU)
- MSSP 6370: MSSP Policy Practicum Seminar (0CU)
2 CU
MSSP + Data Analytics (MSSP +DA)
The course grid reflects the required 12 course unit course of study for MSSP+DA students to ensure on-time graduation. Any alteration from the plan of study requires approval from an academic advisor. For a more in-depth look at the MSSP+DA option, visit the certificate page.
Required Courses
- MSSP 6280: Policy: Analysis of Issues, Strategy and Process (1 CU)
- MSSP 7100: Democratizing Data (1 CU)
- MSSP 6070: Practical Data Science (1 CU)
- MSSP 8970: Applied Linear Modeling (1 CU)
4 CU
- MSSP 6310: Law and Social Policy or MSSP 7805: Law and Social Policy: Foundations (1 CU)
- MSSP/SWRK 7300: Community Mapping (1 CU)
- MSSP 6080: Practical Machine Learning (1 CU)
- Elective (1 CU)
4 CU
- MSSP 6380: MSSP+DA Capstone Seminar: Telling Stories with Data (1CU)
- MSSP 6390: MSSP+DA Policy Practicum in Data Analytics Seminar (0CU)
- MSSP 6680: Economics for Social Policy (1CU)
- MSSP 6290: Research & Evaluation Design (1CU)
- Elective (1CU)
4 CU
Elective Course Examples
This course explores the transformative potential of AI in the realm of public policy. Students will delve into the implications of AI for policy practice, learning how to harness AI tools to understand citizen priorities, formulate policy options, and aid decision making processes. Additionally, the course will cover methods for using AI to extract insights from large datasets and academic literature, enabling evidence-based policy development. Co-taught by an AI expert and a policy expert from the University of Pennsylvania, students will gain both a technical grounding in AI tools (including large language models) and a nuanced understanding of policy processes, ethical frameworks, and real-world case studies.
With the impactful decision of Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, the US Supreme Court in 2022 struck down almost 50 years of federal policy precedent of Roe v. Wade (1973). This opened a time of confusion as states scrambled to determine the meaning and implications of existing and future state and local policies. This course specifically utilizes the term reproductive justice. As Ross & Solinger (2017) describe, the definition of reproductive justice intentionally moves beyond the pro-choice/pro-life perspectives of policies regulating abortion and focuses policy assessment through core principles of 1) the right not to have a child, 2) the right to have a child, 3) the right to parent children in a safe and healthy environment, and 4) sexual autonomy and gender freedom for every human being. This course will first provide historical context of reproductive justice policy in USA history, then focus on local, state, and federal policies regulating reproductive justice. Policies will be particularly analyzed through the lenses of LGBTQ+, race, disability, and critical theory.
This interdisciplinary course will introduce students to social policy and practice perspectives from outside the U.S. and especially from communities in the Global South. The course will familiarize them with global professions and help prepare them for overseas/cross-cultural practice. Through the course students will identify numerous strategies and skills professionals have used to collaboratively build interventions within human rights, social policy, social welfare, education, healthcare and sustainable development arenas.
Practicum Education
During the policy practicum, students gain real-world experience and apply classroom learning and research skills. Students in the MSSP program complete 250 hours of a policy practicum throughout the academic year. Students in the MSSP+DA program complete 150 hours of a policy practicum during their second fall semester. Practicum activities may include policy analysis, data analysis, research, policymaking, advocacy, policy implementation, policy communications, and policy evaluation. Practicums span all types of agencies and organizations, including nonprofits, research institutions, advocacy organizations, think tanks, state and local government, federal government, and private foundations.
Eligibility & Admissions
SP2 seeks students from diverse backgrounds who demonstrate a commitment to social good and are prepared for graduate-level study. Review the eligibility requirements to determine which program track is right for you.
Career Outcomes & Alumni Success
Our career services team supports job placement and professional development.
Sample Career Outcomes
- Policy Analyst
- Research Specialist
- Consultant
- Data Scientist
- Legislative Aide
- Government Affairs Officer
Where Our Graduates Work
- Government: City Councils, State Legislatures, Executive Agencies and Legislative Bodies from the Municipal to Federal Level
- Policy & Advocacy: Thinktanks, Advocacy Organizations, International Charities and NGOs
- Business: Data Analytics, UX and Consumer Research, Compliance
“I was drawn to how SP2’s MSSP program brings together social science, policy thinking, and data tools. It’s not just about caring about issues; it’s about learning how to analyze them carefully and act on evidence.”
Master of Science in Social Policy Program FAQs
Graduates pursue careers in government agencies, think tanks, advocacy organizations, foundations, and mission-driven private-sector organizations. They work in roles such as policy analyst, legislative aide, program evaluator, and research director. Penn SP2’s location in Philadelphia and proximity to Washington, D.C. opens doors to federal, state, and municipal policy offices.
The MSSP is typically completed in one academic year of full-time study, and the MSSP+DA is completed in three semesters. MSSP also offers part-time scheduling options, which may extend the timeline. Students should consult with an advisor to plan the path that fits their career goals.
Social policy focuses on analyzing, designing, and evaluating the laws and programs that shape public welfare. Think e.g. housing, workforce, healthcare, and education systems. Social work is more direct-practice oriented, working with individuals and communities. Many SP2 students combine both perspectives to become effective advocates and change-makers.
Yes. MSSP students complete an applied policy research project or capstone that demonstrates their ability to analyze a real-world policy challenge and propose evidence-based solutions. This experience is highly valued by employers and can serve as a portfolio piece for job applications.
SP2 does not require GRE scores for admission to the MSSP program. Applicants are evaluated holistically on academic record, professional experience, statement of purpose, and letters of recommendation. This policy reflects SP2’s commitment to accessible, equity-centered graduate education.
Our dedicated practicum placement program connects students with a wide network of organizations across sectors, helping match them with opportunities that align with their interests and career goals. Throughout the process, students receive guidance on placement requirements, timelines, and next steps to ensure a successful practicum experience.
