PRACTICUM
Gain real-world policy experience
During the policy practicum, students have the opportunity to 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. Practicum span all types of agencies and organizations, including nonprofits, research institutions, advocacy organizations, think tanks, state and local government, federal government, and private foundations.
MSSP students begin their practicum in their first fall semester. MSSP+DA students begin their practicum in their second fall semester.
The practicum is structured based on individual student interests and past social policy experiences and can take place in the United States or abroad. The practicum must be social policy related.
Practicum Search
Prior to starting the practicum, students receive detailed information on the search process and requirements. Program staff are available to meet with students to discuss practicum options and guide students through the process. There are several ways to find a right-fit:
- Review the SONIA database of past practicum sites.
- Identify possible practicum opportunities through networking with friends, family, classmates, faculty, former employers, or personal contacts.
- Research organizations of interest to see if a practicum or internships are available.
- Consult with Penn Career Services for a resume and cover letter review, participate in mock interviews, gain career advice, and more.
Practicum opportunities received through the MSSP office are entered in the SP2 SONIA practicum database and may also be posted on the MSSP Canvas practicum site or featured in the weekly MSSP newsletter. During the search, students are encouraged to cast their net broadly and apply to many organizations. This will yield the best possible opportunities.
Partial list of past practicum sites
- ACLU of Pennsylvania
- Actionable Intelligence for Social Policy (AISP)
- Center for American Progress’ Women’s Initiative
- Center for High Impact Philanthropy (CHIP)
- Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia*
- CHILD USA*
- China House
- City of Philadelphia Department of Human Services*
- City of Philadelphia Office of Children & Families
- Data Science for Social Good, Carnegie Mellon University
- Economy League of Greater Philadelphia
- Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia
- Health Equity & Policy Lab
- Mayor’s Internship Program, Philadelphia Mayor’s Office
- Prevention Point Philadelphia
- Satell Institute
- Social Security Administration
- Think Tanks and Civil Societies Program
- Towards Unity for Health (TUFH)
- United Nations Development Programme
- The World Bank
*Denotes a partner organization
Events
08/19
New Student Orientation 2026: Day One
10:30 AM – 12:00 PM Crafts in Caster Building Campus tour Collaborative Games 1:30 PM- 2:30 PM Ice Cream Social, Caster Building Courtyard 5:30 PM- 8:00 PM Quizzo at […]
Events
08/19
SP2 One Book Discussion – Virtual
SP2 is excited to announce the selection of Technology for Good: How Nonprofit Leaders Are Using Software and Data to Solve Our Most Pressing Social Problems by Jim Fruchterman. In […]
News
Faculty & Research
08/11
Partnering with local digital leaders to promote violence prevention
A team of Philadelphia-based content creators is collaborating with Penn public health experts to develop a comprehensive anti-violence campaign tailored for youth across the City, with youth-focused workshops and educational materials to be piloted in select Philadelphia public schools this fall.
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