SOCIAL Work
Social workers committed to impact and the pursuit of justice.
The current context of the world makes it clear that the need to pursue social change and social justice 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.
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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 field placements, and commitment to social justice 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.
FEATURED ALUMNI
Amber Hikes, MSW’08
“This world, this country, needs SP2 graduates more than ever. I have not had a traditional career — I’ve been an organizer, an educator, a nonprofit leader, an executive director, and a policymaker, but I’ve always been an advocate and I’ve always been a proud social worker. And at every turn, I’ve hired social workers, policymakers, and nonprofit leaders to help me lead this work.”
“Each of us – students, faculty, staff, alumni, donors, and others – is truly committed to advancing the pursuit of social innovation, justice, policy, and practice, and fostering a better future for all.”
–Sara S. Bachman, PhD, Dean
Ready to join the SP2 community?
FEATURED ALUMNI
Danna Bodenheimer, DSW’10
“I entered the DSW Program the first year it was offered. The second I got the brochure, I knew it was a fit for me. There was no question that I wanted to sharpen both my clinical skills and my understanding of theory overall, and to feel equipped for leadership in the field. Penn gave me all of that, I was surrounded by mentors and leaders who were diverse in their styles and thought patterns.”
News
Faculty & Research
06/25
Study by SP2 examines potential of direct cash for cancer patients from low-income households
The three-year randomized controlled trial by SP2 is examining the potential of direct cash assistance for patients from low-income households receiving care in Philadelphia, along with their families. The study is supported by funding from actor Bradley Cooper’s One Family Foundation and a grant awarded through the Independence Blue Cross Foundation Institute for Health Equity.
News
Faculty & Research
06/21
DeMarcus Jenkins to explore links between housing policies and school integration and desegregation
SP2 Assistant Professor DeMarcus A. Jenkins will serve as co-principal investigator of a $442,340 grant from the American Institutes for Research Equity Initiative in the Behavioral Sciences for the project “Moving in Motown: Examining Promise of Integrated Neighborhoods and Schools Through Detroit’s Choice Neighborhood Initiative.”
News
Faculty & Research
06/05
SP2 professor Jennifer Prah inducted into St. Louis Tennis Hall of Fame
Themes of health, gender equity, hard work, and discipline have been at the core of Dr. Jennifer Prah’s work — not only in her career as an academic and SP2 faculty member, but also during her years as an accomplished tennis player, for which she was honored on April 28 as a 2024 inductee to the St. Louis Tennis Hall of Fame.
Contact Us
Mai Le, JD, MSW
Administrative Director, MSW Program
215 746 4031
Jeff Johnson-Curry
Administrative Coordinator, DSW Program
215 573 7133