SOCIAL POLICY
Advance social good through policy and data.
The School of Social Policy & Practice (SP2) will equip you to create policy solutions that increase fairness and forge enduring social change. You’ll draw on the numerous resources the University of Pennsylvania has to offer, immersing yourself in a program that is equal parts analytical and practical. It’s an education and an experience that equips you to harness the power of policy to make lasting positive change.
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Master of Science in Social Policy
The Master of Science in Social Policy (MSSP) Program empowers you to evaluate, create, and execute critically oriented, 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.
You can complete the 10-course MSSP program in 11 months or 2.5 years.
Master of Science in Social Policy + Data Analytics for Social Policy Certificate
The MSSP Program + Data Analytics for Social Policy Certificate (MSSP+DA) is a STEM-designated degree that empowers you to leverage social policy and data analytics to address economic, educational, and health social issues. Throughout the program, the data analytic material is taught in relationship with the various theories, approaches, and domains of social policy analysis. You’ll learn to use data to help solve social problems across systems such as immigration, child welfare, and education.
You can complete the 12-course MSSP+DA program in 3 or 4 semesters; full-time study is required. During your course of study, you will learn programming languages such as R, Python, GIS, ArcGIS, and Tableau and engage in practical policy research through the Data for Equitable Justice Lab.
FEATURED ALUMNI
Naimat Chopra, MSSP+DA ’22
“My decision to attend SP2 was driven by my passion to specialize in the intersection of data analysis, policy, and development studies. The ENERGIA fellowship I pursued at the Kleinman Center for Energy Policy significantly deepened my understanding of gender, energy, and climate policies. With the skills acquired at SP2, I successfully transitioned to roles at UN Energy and the Asian Development Bank. Currently, I am working as an independent energy and climate specialist. The professors and administrative staff at SP2 have played a crucial role in fostering my academic and professional growth. They have been deeply invested in my career achievements and continue to provide invaluable support and guidance. Choosing SP2 was one of the most pivotal decisions of my life, and marks a transformative milestone in my professional journey.”
“In a world experiencing seismic political and economic shifts, we need social impact-oriented policy professionals able to advance effective positive change.”
–Sara S. Bachman, PhD, Dean
Social Policy Internship
You’ll hone your policy analysis skills and gain valuable work experience through the required 150-hour policy internship. This internship is tailored to your interests, experiences, and coursework.
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Related News
Student Life
12/11
SP2 student among two from Penn chosen as Marshall Scholars
School of Social Policy & Practice (SP2) student Adeliade Lyall is among two Penn students chosen as 2026 Marshall Scholars.
Faculty & Research
12/04
How might AI shape the future of work?
Computer scientist Konrad Kording and economist Ioana Marinescu have developed an interactive model that incorporates assumptions from both their fields to predict how AI will affect wages, jobs, and the overall economy.
Alumni
07/25
Alumni Q&A | Ayesha Amin, MSSP’18
SP2 alumna Ayesha Amin, MSSP’18, is a feminist activist, gender expert, and founder of Baithak – Challenging Taboos, a women-led grassroots organization advancing gender justice, sexual and reproductive health and rights, and climate justice across Pakistan. We reached out to her to learn more about her time at SP2 and the transformative work she’s leading.
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