Leslie Daniels, SP2's Director of Field Education, speaks to a group of students

SOCIAL Work

Social workers committed to impact and the pursuit of social good.

The current context of the world makes it clear that the need to pursue social change and social good has never been greater—and effective social change requires exceptionally well-trained social workers. The University of Pennsylvania School of Social Policy & Practice (SP2) offers both a Master of Social Work with full-time, part-time, and Advanced Standing options and a Doctorate in Clinical Social Work.

Request Info

Learn more about the social work programs and the SP2 experience.

Apply Now

Ready to experience SP2? Learn more about the application process.

Visit SP2

Join us for an upcoming in-person or virtual event.

Master of Social Work

Fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, the Master of Social Work (MSW) Program empowers you to become the type of committed and compassionate social work leader that today’s complex world needs more than ever. Learn more about our renowned faculty, curriculum, diverse practicum placements, and commitment to social good and meaningful change.

Doctorate in Clinical Social Work

The Doctorate in Clinical Social Work (DSW) Program allows ambitious, MSW-prepared social workers to advance their education in just three years—without putting their careers on hold. Become a clinical expert, inspired educator, and real-world scholar through a convenient blend of online evening classes and on-campus immersion experiences.

Adult students sit in rows at tables with colorful nametags, listening to a speaker

“Our world is confronted with mounting social problems, highlighting the increasingly vital role of social workers. Our MSW and DSW programs are thoughtfully designed to equip students with the skills to lead positive change and advocate for social good. Whether making a difference in the lives of individuals, transforming communities, or tackling global issues, our students are empowered to effect meaningful and lasting change.”


– Mary Mazzola, Ed.D., MSW

Associate Dean, Enrollment Management and Global Outreach

News

A person adds a note to a colorful board with the question

Groundbreaking experiments with guaranteed income for formerly incarcerated individuals show promising results

Research from the Center for Guaranteed Income Research at Penn’s School of Social Policy & Practice (SP2) reveals the profound potential of guaranteed income for individuals reentering communities after incarceration.

News

Photo of a woman silhouetted against a sunset, with the sun visible through her profile

Health capability profile offers public health tool for clinicians, health care professionals, social workers, policy makers, and individuals

With the goal of helping individuals, communities, and professionals identify how to promote people’s ability to be healthy and flourish, a new article coauthored by Dr. Jennifer Prah of SP2 and Perelman School of Medicine presents a methodology applied to major causes of death in the United States and other pressing public health issues.

News

Dennis Culhane speaks at a podium

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.