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 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 practicum 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.

Daniel Jacobson Lopez

FEATURED ALUMNI

Daniel Jacobson López, MSW ’15

“I chose Penn’s School of Social Policy & Practice (SP2) because of its educational reputation, faculty, and clinical focus combined with an emphasis on racial and social justice, as I had wanted to receive the best clinical education to effectively engage with individuals who had experienced racism, homophobia, and other forms of discrimination. My time at SP2 and the larger Penn campus was unmatched in terms of community and providing a sense of purpose. I became actively involved in Latine and Black student organizations, often in leadership roles that allowed me to advocate for Black and Brown students, and made a lot of friends in the process.”

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 justice. 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

Mery Diaz

FEATURED ALUMNI

Mery Diaz, DSW ’11

“When I consider the reasons for attending SP2, I think back to the School’s mission — a long-standing commitment to social justice and educating students committed to taking an active role in fighting oppression. The School’s mission resonated with me then and continues to do so now. In our national, and global context, it is a mission constantly being put to the test. I do not take lightly that graduating from SP2 was instrumental in opening doors, but also in shaping the critical scholar, teacher, and mentor I am and strive to be every day with this mission in mind.”

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Glenn Bryan Headshot

Bringing social work to Penn’s community engagement

Tapping into his social work background to support and cultivate Penn’s relationship with the local community, Glenn Bryan, C’74, SW’76, has spent decades building connections between his alma mater and the place where he grew up.

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Tamara Cadet

SP2’s Dr. Tamara J. Cadet collaborates on Penn research awarded $6.5 million grant

As a co-investigator, SP2 Associate Professor Tamara J. Cadet will collaborate on UPenn PRC’s work with communities in the Philadelphia area to develop, test, and evaluate solutions to public health problems, with a particular focus on cancer.

News

Headshots of Katie Fesperman (left) and Hannah Smith (right)

SP2 MSW alumni win Pennsylvania Society for Clinical Social Work awards 

Two recent graduates from the School of Social Policy & Practice Master of Social Work (MSW) Program are among this year’s winners of the Awards for Clinical Excellence given by the Pennsylvania Society for Clinical Social Work (PSCSW).