University of Pennsylvania School of Social Policy & Practice

University of Pennsylvania School of Social Policy & Practice SP2 contributes to the advancement of more effective, efficient, & humane human services through education, research, & civic engagement.

The pursuit of social good is at the heart of the SP2's 6 graduate programs & other knowledge-building activities. Our graduates are known for their leadership skills, problem solving expertise, and ability to impact change at the individual, community, policy, national, and global levels. The University of Pennsylvania School of Social Policy & Practice is educating tomorrow's leaders to confront societal problems in a time of diminishing resources, to provide leadership to nonprofit organizations, and to design and facilitate real-world solutions while fostering meaningful societal change. Students can also learn about the integration of innovative technology to enhance the delivery of social services, research on welfare to work initiatives, faith-based services, and other ground-breaking faculty research. Penn encourages its followers, fans, and visitors to its social media accounts to interact with the University and one another freely but is not responsible for comments or posts made by visitors to or fans of Penn accounts. Comments posted by visitors and fans may not reflect official views or policies of the University. Users who make comments on social media pages should be respectful of fellow visitors and maintain civil and rational discussions. All comments are subject to social networks’ terms of use and codes of conduct. Account administrators reserve the right to review all comments and posted materials and remove such materials for any reason. While strong and reasoned discussion is permissible, Penn reserves the right to remove and/or report comments (to those platforms and to Penn administration as appropriate) that engage in false information, personal attacks (including other community members or Penn students/faculty/staff), vulgarity, or threats. The University does not permit social media messages that sell products or promote commercial or political ventures.

We're proud to introduce SP2's anticipated 2027 graduates of the PhD in Social Welfare program.These emerging scholars a...
09/24/2026

We're proud to introduce SP2's anticipated 2027 graduates of the PhD in Social Welfare program.

These emerging scholars are advancing innovative research on complex social challenges and are preparing to lead the future of social welfare research, policy, practice, and teaching.

Congratulations to:
• Chelsea K. Brown, MSW, LCSW
• Jung Ho Choi, MPP
• Husel Husile, MSW
• Hwiyoung P. Lee, MA
• Subin Na, MA
• Mira K. Philips, MSc
• Suzanne Tham, MSW

Learn more about their research and professional interests at https://sp2.upenn.edu/sp2-directory/?departments=phd-anticipated-graduates

Are you ready to bring your intellect, curiosity, and creativity to tackling complex social challenges? Join a PhD in So...
09/23/2026

Are you ready to bring your intellect, curiosity, and creativity to tackling complex social challenges? Join a PhD in Social Welfare info session this fall!

🔹 Meet faculty and current students and explore cutting-edge research opportunities.
🔹 Get answers about admissions, funding, coursework, and career pathways.
🔹 Discover how you can contribute to transforming social welfare through rigorous scholarship.

Your future as a leader in social welfare research starts here.
🗓 Upcoming Info Sessions:
10/7 online • 10/10 in-person

Ready to take the next step? Reserve your spot in an info session today: https://sp2.upenn.edu/admissions-events/

09/22/2026

Who gets to become American, and who gets to decide?

In this video, SP2 Associate Professor Yoosun Park discusses the questions at the heart of her new book, "Social Work, the Americanization Movement, and the Construction of Americans, 1874–1930."

Join Dr. Park and coauthor Michael Reisch on October 1 for America at 250: Where Do We Go From Here? The Borders of Belonging, a conversation exploring how ideas of citizenship, assimilation, and belonging have shaped the nation's past and continue to influence debates about identity, inclusion, and community today.

Moderated by Ben Jealous. Remarks by SP2 Dean Sara S. Bachman.

📅 October 1, 2026
🕓 4:00-6:00 p.m. ET
📍 Public Trust, Philadelphia

Register: https://sp2.upenn.edu/events/sp2-speaker-series-the-borders-of-belonging/

Ready to take the next step in your social work career? Join a DSW information session and discover how SP2's program he...
09/16/2026

Ready to take the next step in your social work career? Join a DSW information session and discover how SP2's program helps experienced practitioners expand their impact in practice, policy, and education.
📅 Upcoming sessions: 9/16 • 10/1 • 10/6 • 11/3 • 11/10 • 11/17 • 12/1 • 12/8 • 1/5 • 1/12
🔗 Register today: https://sp2.upenn.edu/admissions/admissions-events/

Advance Your Practice: Join a Doctor of Clinical Social Work (DSW) information session this fall!

Our DSW information sessions detail how the program empowers experienced practitioners to influence practice, policy, and education.

🔹 Explore flexible pathways designed for working professionals
🔹 Discover how the DSW program prepares clinical experts, inspired educators, and real-world scholars
🔹 Learn about the hybrid format: online coursework paired with in-person immersion experiences
🔹 Discover the SP2 Difference

🗓 Upcoming Info Sessions:
9/8 • 9/16 • 10/1 • 10/6 • 11/3 • 11/10 • 11/17 • 12/1 • 12/8 • 1/5 • 1/12

Ready to take the next step? Reserve your spot in an info session today:
https://bit.ly/4xYoZqI

09/11/2026

"You belong here."

As our newest SP2 students begin their journey, our faculty directors share some words of encouragement: build community, stay curious, think critically, prioritize learning over perfection, and never hesitate to lean on your faculty and peers for support.

Whether you're learning with us in Philadelphia or from around the world online, welcome to SP2. We're so glad you're here!

  A look back at New Student Orientation and Convocation, where SP2's newest students officially kicked off their Penn e...
09/10/2026



A look back at New Student Orientation and Convocation, where SP2's newest students officially kicked off their Penn experience! The celebration welcomed our incoming students and offered opportunities to connect, learn, and build relationships that will last throughout their time at SP2 and beyond.

📸 Want to see more highlights? Explore the full NSO photo gallery on Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/pennsp2/albums/72177720335438097/

09/09/2026

Thinking about graduate school? Hear from Adiza Ezell, SP2's Director of Admissions and Recruitment, on what makes our community a place where future leaders in social work, social policy, and nonprofit management thrive.

Applications to all six SP2 graduate programs are now open. We look forward to connecting with you and supporting you throughout your graduate school journey!

Learn more and apply at https://sp2.upenn.edu/admissions/

Shape Policy for a Better Tomorrow: Join an MSSP Info Session!Curious about making an impact through policy? SP2's M.S. ...
09/08/2026

Shape Policy for a Better Tomorrow: Join an MSSP Info Session!

Curious about making an impact through policy? SP2's M.S. in Social Policy (MSSP and MSSP+DA) prepares you to analyze, design, and advance effective social policies through a curriculum that blends policy, research, and data science. Join a virtual info session to:
🔹 Learn from policy experts and engage with current students.
🔹 Discover career possibilities in policy, research, and advocacy.
🔹 Explore how the MSSP program can help you become a leader in social innovation and social impact.

🗓 Upcoming Info Sessions:
9/22 • 10/20• 11/19 • 12/9 • 1/12

Your future as a social policy expert starts here. Reserve your spot in a session today: https://sp2.upenn.edu/admissions-events/

Discover Your Future at Penn SP2: Join a Master's Information Session!Curious about how SP2 can help you make a differen...
09/04/2026

Discover Your Future at Penn SP2: Join a Master's Information Session!

Curious about how SP2 can help you make a difference? Our Master's Information Sessions are your gateway to exploring our innovative graduate degree programs and finding the perfect fit for your passion and career goals. Join an information session to:
🔹 Hear directly from Admissions staff and program experts
🔹 Ask questions about curriculum, career paths, and application tips
🔹 Learn about financial aid, the application process, and how SP2 supports your success from day one
🔹Explore which SP2 master’s program is the right fit for you

🗓 Upcoming Info Sessions:
9/17 • 10/8 • 10/14 • 10/24 (on-campus) • 11/4 • 11/17 • 12/3 • 1/14 • 1/20 • 1/26

Your journey begins here. Reserve your spot in an info session today: https://sp2.upenn.edu/admissions-events/

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3701 Locust Walk
Philadelphia, PA
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