Jump-Start Your Career
At SP2, career planning begins on day one
The School of Social Policy & Practice (SP2) graduates leaders, educators, and scholars who are making a difference in policy, practice, and academia – here in Philadelphia and all over the world. For many, that journey begins before they’ve even graduated.
From networking to sample resumes to job boards, our Career Services Office(opens in a new tab) is here to help you navigate every step on the road to a meaningful and impactful career.
Make an Appointment
Meet with a Career Services professional and begin shaping your plan for pursuing a career with the power to change the world.
Find a Job
Looking for tools and resources to help navigate the job search process? Our Social Work & Human Services Community portal is a great place to start.
Job Search Essentials
Check out more University of Pennsylvania career resources.
Penn Career Fairs
(opens in a new tab)Job & Internship Search
(opens in a new tab)Networking & Mentoring
(opens in a new tab)Sample Resumes: MSW, MSSP, NPL
(opens in a new tab)Cover Letter Checklist
(opens in a new tab)Sample Cover Letters – Nonprofit
(opens in a new tab)Interviewing Tips
(opens in a new tab)Negotiating An Offer
(opens in a new tab)Grant and Fellowship Opportunities
(opens in a new tab)MSW Licensure Information and Resources
Graduating MSW students are eligible to register and take the LSW exam during their final (graduating) semester in Pennsylvania. The LSW is a national exam. If a student passes the exam in Pennsylvania, they are able to apply for reciprocity in another state.
Please note that the LCSW (clinical) exam can be taken a minimum of three years in Pennsylvania (two years in New Jersey) post-LSW exam with the approval of a clinical supervisor. The LCSW exam is an exam separate from the LSW exam.
Licensure in Pennsylvania
The PA State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapist and Professional Counselors no longer accepts paper applications. Please go to their website(opens in a new tab) to apply. Go to the Licensing Services on the left column to Register and begin the process.
The application no longer requires two recommendations from professional social workers. A Criminal Background Check is now required as part of the application for PA licensure. Also, there is a new requirement indicating that each applicant must complete the Self-Query form from the National Database of Clinicians within 6 months of the application. Details are contained in the application on the website.
The online application process includes the verification of social work education form, which students can download and give to the SP2 Registrar to sign and submit directly to the Board. This allows students to register and sit for the exam before graduation. Students do not submit their transcript until after graduation. The SP2 Registrar will reach out about this process and form at the start of the spring semester for expected graduates.
State Boards must have official, final transcripts on file. Even if students pass the exam before graduation, they must send their official transcript to the State Board after graduation once degrees have been conferred. SP2 does not send the transcript on students’ behalf; students are responsible for ordering transcripts from the University Registrar. To ensure that a transcript is sent properly, students should check their unofficial transcripts in Path@Penn to ensure:
- that the degree has been conferred; and
- that all information is correct
Additionally, the SP2 Registrar will reach out directly with a degree conferral confirmation. Questions about the information displayed on a transcript should be addressed to the SP2 Registrar.
Please note that criminal history checks must be no older than 90 days from the date of Application for Licensure by examination.
Licensure in Other States
If you are interested in the licensure requirements of other states, please utilize this Professional Licensure Disclosure(opens in a new tab) list. Under “Degree Name,” select “Master of Social Work.” From there you can navigate to the state of interest and find their respective licensure board and website.
Exam Preparation
SP2 offers an online LSW Prep Course that prepares graduating MSW students for the LSW exam. Students can access the courses through OpenSP2, which offers a variety of continuing education opportunities for our current students and alumni.
SP2 offers complimentary access to the SP2 LSW Prep Course to current graduating MSW students. Contact the MSW Administrative Director, Mai Le at mtle@upenn.edu for more information.
The MSW Program offers a licensure information session for students in their final semester. Please find the materials from the most recent session below.
