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.
Ready to join the MSSP community?
Related News
Faculty & Research
02/07
Improving lives through data: SP2’s Actionable Intelligence for Social Policy boosts national impact through students and alumni
Like a number of SP2 students and alumni, Sharon Zanti, PhD in Social Welfare ’24, has taken a path that is interwoven with SP2’s Actionable Intelligence for Social Policy (AISP). An initiative co-founded by Professor Dennis Culhane, AISP has paved the way for state and local governments to better support residents by responsibly connecting data.
Alumni
05/17
SP2 honors five accomplished social change agents at 2024 Alumni Hall of Fame Ceremony
Five distinguished alumni were celebrated at the 2024 SP2 Alumni Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Friday, May 17. The event marked the sixth year that the School has honored alumni through the SP2 Hall of Fame.
Student Life
02/19
SP2 and National Education Equity Lab launch high school course in social work and social policy
This spring, underserved high school students engaged in the National Education Equity Lab will have the opportunity to learn about career paths in social work and social policy from experts at SP2.
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MSSP Program