Non-Degree Learning & Continuing Education
Professional developement opportunities for every type of learner.
Looking to Expand Your Expertise?
SP2 Has An Offering for Every Learner
At the School of Social Policy & Practice (SP2), we’re committed to offering a wide range of non-degree and continuing education opportunities. Whether you’re a social work, social policy, or nonprofit professional eager to gain new knowledge and earn additional credentials, or you work in a different field and want to explore how SP2’s coursework and thought leadership can enrich your career and life, we provide flexible options for every type of learner.
Our offerings include the Non-Degree program, which allows students to take courses in any of our three master’s programs without committing to a full degree, as well as executive and certificate programs, many of which are transdisciplinary collaborations with SP2 research centers and other Penn schools. We also offer robust online programs in areas such as corporate social responsibility and entrepreneurship, along with Licensed Social Worker (LSW) exam preparation. All of these learning opportunities are shaped by Penn’s world-class faculty and research, and each offers a welcoming, engaging environment where learners gain relevant experience and build meaningful connections.
Non-Degree Learning
Non-degree status is available to students who wish to enroll in a class without applying to a degree program. Non-degree students can explore the curriculum of any three of SP2’s master’s programs and decide which of them is the right option for you.
Penn employees are eligible to use their tuition benefit for the non-degree program. Visit the Penn Human Resources page for more information.
Eligibility & Application
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. SP2 cannot provide University-sponsored student visa documentation for non-degree courses.
For more information regarding admissions, contact the SP2 Admissions team and visit the Master’s Program Admissions page.
- Spring: December 1
- Summer (1&2): May 1
- Fall: July 1
Master of Social Work
Non-degree students are permitted to take up to 6 courses in the MSW program.
MSW Sample Courses
Fall & Spring- SWRK 6010: History and Philosophy of Social Work and Social Welfare
- SWRK 6020: Human Behavior in the Social Environment*
Master of Science in Social Policy
Non-degree students are permitted to take up to 2 courses in the MSSP program.
MSSP Sample Courses
Fall & Spring- MSSP 6280: Policy: Analysis of Issues
- MSSP 7805: Law and Social Policy
Master of Science in Nonprofit Leadership
Non-degree students are permitted to take up to 2 courses in the NPL program.
NPL Sample Courses
Fall & Spring- NPLD 6890: Ethics and the Pursuit of Social Impact
- NPLD 7200: Introduction to Data Analysis
- NPLD 7860: Strategic Management and Leadership of Nonprofits
- NPLD 7870: Leadership Theory and Practice
- NPLD 5930: Design Thinking for Social Impact
Executive and Certificate Programs
Specialized programs for professional development
Social Innovation Design (XSD)
This innovative 7-month online program was co-developed by the Center for Social Impact Strategy (CSIS) at SP2 and Penn’s Stuart Weitzman School of Design. Its content is tailored to design professionals who want to utilize their skill set for positive change, and professionals working in mission-driven organizations but needing design tools to achieve.
Organizational Leadership in Social Work
A transdisciplinary collaboration with the Wharton School provides current students and alumni with a flexible opportunity to chart their own learning path, become effective leaders, and generate enduring social impact.
High Impact Philanthropy Academy
Unlock the power of philanthropy with High Impact Philanthropy Academy, a certificate program designed by the Center for High Impact Philanthropy at SP2. This program is designed for grantmakers, foundation trustees, foundation executive directors/CEOs, and other philanthropic leaders eager to create more social impact with their giving.
Executive Program in Social Impact Strategy (CSIS)
The Executive Program in Social Impact Strategy is an 8-month online certification from the School of Social Policy and Practice at the University of Pennsylvania for leaders and innovators working to make an impact. This program offers a comprehensive online and in-person curriculum that arms students with cutting-edge social impact tools and frameworks to ensure that they maximize the impact of their ideas.
Organizational Leadership in Social Work Certificate
A transdisciplinary collaboration with the Wharton School provides current students and alumni with a flexible opportunity to chart their own learning path, become effective leaders, and generate enduring social impact.
Free Executive Education from the Center for Social Impact Strategy
Social Impact Strategy
This course provides an introduction to social impact strategy and social entrepreneurship including key concepts, an overview of the field, and tools to get started as a changemaker.
Corporate Social Responsibility
This course explores how CSR creates shared value for firms, employees, and society as businesses and nonprofits work together on complex societal issues.
NEON Program Partnership
SP2 is proud to partner with the National Education Opportunity Network (NEON), a nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding access to college-level learning opportunities for talented students in historically underserved communities. Through partnerships with leading colleges and universities, NEON delivers credit-bearing courses taught by university faculty to students in Title I high schools nationwide, helping to expand educational opportunity and support pathways to higher education and economic mobility.
As part of this partnership, SP2 offers two courses that introduce students to the fields of social work and social innovation.
- Introduction to Social Work
Instructors: Caroline Wong, MSW and Emily Rich, LSW
An overview of the social work profession, its values, and its role in advancing individual and community well-being. - Social Innovation
Instructor: Ariel Schwartz, MPA, PhD
Explores how creative, systems-focused approaches can address complex social challenges and drive meaningful social change.
