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
Practicum Partnerships
Penn MSSP-DHS Performance Management & Technology Fellowship
The MSSP program partners with the Philadelphia Department of Human Services (DHS) to offer the MSSP-DHS Performance Management & Technology Fellowship Program. This Fellowship provides one MSSP or MSSP+DA student with the opportunity to work at the DHS Division of Performance Management & Technology, conducting research and evaluation on child welfare policy at the DHS Data Analytics Unit. The DHS Division of Performance Management & Technology promotes safety, permanency, and well-being for children and youth at risk of abuse, neglect, and delinquency. It conducts research to evaluate the effectiveness of programs and develops and maintains integrated information systems and data analytics that inform practitioners and impact policy decisions. MSSP-DHS Fellows apply their policy, research and evaluation, and data analytics training to improve services that impact children’s lives. MSSP-DHS Fellows complete at least 150 hours in the Spring or Summer semester in consultation with their advisor. The schedule is determined by the Fellow and DHS staff with a preference for at least a 12-hour/week commitment. This fellowship fulfills both the MSSP and MSSP+DA practicum requirements. For more information, please contact the MSSP program.
CHILD USA Social Science Fellowship Program
Events
03/18
Brown Bag Lunch Series – Demarcus Jenkins
SP2 Faculty present the Brown Bag Lunch series! Bring your lunch & join the informal conversation to learn what interests your colleagues and professors at SP2. Faculty members will present […]
Events
03/19
CASI presents Nandita Das: My Journey from Social Work to Cinema
The Center for the Advanced Study of India (CASI) at the University of Pennsylvania (Penn) is pleased to invite you to the Spring 2026 Saluja Global Fellow Lecture by Nandita Das, […]
News
Alumni
03/09
Shaping the future of responsible AI: A Q&A with Daniel S. Schiff, MSSP’13
In this Q&A, MSSP alumnus Daniel Schiff reflects on what drew him to SP2, the experiences that shaped his career in AI governance, and what he hopes to contribute to the future of technology and society.
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MSSP Program