PHILADELPHIA
A dynamic, world-class city rich with opportunity to make a meaningful impact.
The School of Social Policy & Practice (SP2) is located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, a dynamic city ripe with opportunity for students pursuing careers in social work and social policy.
Philly is a big place grappling with big challenges. It’s home to nonprofits, hospitals, and social service agencies doing innovative work, and SP2 is an important part of this ecosystem. Our students are everywhere—honing their skills and doing their part to promote fairness against social problems of all kinds here in the city and beyond.
Faculty News
Faculty Making a Difference
Our world-renowned faculty are dedicated to making a difference in our own backyard, from conducting innovative research on how to better serve the city’s homeless population to how policy can be re-envisioned to protect Philadelphia’s LGBTQ+ youth.
Student Stories
Students Impacting Philly
Our students are making big changes here in Philadelphia—from working one-on-one with domestic violence survivors to conducting innovative research on how social systems impact the health of marginalized community members.
Actionable Intelligence for Social Policy
This SP2 initiative empowers students and faculty to help state and local governments collaborate and responsibly leverage data to improve lives in Philadelphia and beyond.
Tracking COVID Relief Funding
The Center for High Impact Philanthropy has established a regional COVID response dashboard to help funders in Southeastern Pennsylvania and Southern New Jersey plan beyond initial relief efforts.
Living in Philadelphia
Philadelphia is the sixth largest city in the United States, but is often described as a “city of neighborhoods.” Students are encouraged to make the most of their time while living and studying here.
Practicum Education
Our students build important skills and professional connections at hospitals, community centers, hospice agencies, and more – here in Philadelphia and beyond. Take a look at some of the agencies where our students are connecting theory with practice while making real-world impact.
Events
07/15
Coffee & Cost with Pamela Gordy, Director of Financial Aid
Incoming students, you’re invited to get a head start on your SP2 experience! Join us this summer for virtual and on-campus events designed to help you feel prepared and connected. […]
Events
07/16
Advising for Academic and Professional Success – July Session
Join us this summer for virtual and on-campus events designed to help you feel prepared and connected. You can: • Meet faculty, program directors, and advisors • Learn about academics, […]
News
Faculty & Research
07/01
Dr. Abigail Ross named SP2 Master of Social Work faculty director
Associate Professor Abigail (Abby) M. Ross, LICSW, MPH, PhD, has been named faculty director of the Master of Social Work (MSW) program at the University of Pennsylvania School of Social Policy & Practice (SP2), effective July 1, 2026.