School of Social Policy & Practice

School of Social Policy & Practice
Name	School of Social Policy & Practice
Established	1908
Type	Private professional school
Parent	University of Pennsylvania
Dean	Sara S. Bachman
City	Philadelphia
State	Pennsylvania
Country	United States
Website	https://www.sp2.upenn.edu/

School of Social Policy & Practice. The School of Social Policy & Practice at the University of Pennsylvania is a premier institution dedicated to advancing social justice, equity, and effective policy through education, research, and civic engagement. Founded in the early 20th century, it has evolved into a multidisciplinary hub that prepares leaders to address complex societal challenges in Philadelphia, across the United States, and around the globe. The school is renowned for its rigorous academic programs, influential research centers, and its deep commitment to community-based practice and innovation.

History

The school traces its origins to 1908, when it was established as a training program for social workers in response to the growing Progressive Era reforms and the needs of industrializing cities like Philadelphia. It was formally incorporated into the University of Pennsylvania in 1935, becoming the University of Pennsylvania School of Social Work. Under the leadership of early deans like Katherine D. Hardwick, the curriculum expanded to integrate emerging theories from psychology and sociology. A significant evolution occurred in 2005 when it was renamed the School of Social Policy & Practice to reflect its broader, interdisciplinary mission encompassing social policy, nonprofit management, and social work. This shift aligned with the vision of deans such as Richard J. Gelles and was influenced by the legacy of Penn's founder, Benjamin Franklin, and his ethos of useful knowledge.

Academics

The school offers a suite of professional and doctoral degrees designed to foster leadership in social change. Its core programs include the Master of Social Work, the Master of Science in Social Policy, the Master of Science in Nonprofit Leadership, and the Doctor of Philosophy in Social Welfare. The curriculum emphasizes an integrated approach, combining rigorous theoretical frameworks from political science and economics with hands-on, practical experience. Students engage in fieldwork placements across a vast network of partner organizations in Philadelphia, including the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and the City of Philadelphia's Department of Human Services. The pedagogy is heavily influenced by a commitment to anti-racism, trauma-informed care, and human rights, preparing graduates for careers in government agencies, international NGOs like the United Nations, and community foundations.

Research

Research at the school is conducted through several pioneering centers and initiatives that translate scholarship into actionable policy and practice. The Center for Social Impact Strategy focuses on innovation in the social sector, while the Penn Aging Concentration addresses issues related to gerontology and long-term care. The Actionable Intelligence for Social Policy initiative partners with municipalities like New York City and Los Angeles to use integrated data systems for improving social services. Faculty research, supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, frequently influences national debates on topics such as child welfare, housing policy, criminal justice reform, and health equity. This work is often published in leading journals like the *American Journal of Public Health* and presented at conferences such as the Society for Social Work and Research annual meeting.

Campus and Facilities

The school is primarily housed in the Caster Building, a historic structure located on the University of Pennsylvania's campus in the University City section of West Philadelphia. This facility contains technologically advanced classrooms, collaborative workspaces, and the SP2 Library, which provides specialized collections on social welfare history and nonprofit management. The building's proximity to other Penn schools, including the Perelman School of Medicine and the Fels Institute of Government, facilitates interdisciplinary collaboration. Students and faculty also utilize resources across the broader Ivy League campus, such as the Annenberg Public Policy Center and the Penn Museum, and engage deeply with the surrounding Philadelphia community through various field education and research partnerships.

Notable Alumni and Faculty

The school's community includes numerous influential scholars, practitioners, and policymakers. Distinguished faculty have included Dennis Culhane, a leading researcher on homelessness; Toorjo Ghose, an expert on HIV/AIDS and incarceration; and Johanna K.P. Greeson, known for her work on transition-age youth. Prominent alumni span various sectors, such as former Pennsylvania Secretary of Public Welfare Gary D. Alexander, National Association of Social Workers executive director Angelo McClain, and Obama administration official Maya L. Harris. The school also maintains connections with notable figures in social justice, including honorary degree recipient Bryan Stevenson of the Equal Justice Initiative and former visiting scholar Marian Wright Edelman of the Children's Defense Fund.

Programs and Degrees

Beyond its core degree offerings, the school provides specialized certificates and dual-degree options in collaboration with other schools within the University of Pennsylvania. These include a JD/MSW with the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School, an MSW/MBA with the Wharton School, and an MSW/MPH with the Perelman School of Medicine. The Doctor of Social Work program is designed for advanced practitioners seeking to lead systemic change. The school also offers executive education and non-degree programs through its Social Innovation & Impact Initiative, catering to professionals from organizations like the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the World Bank. These programs are consistently ranked among the best in the nation by publications such as *U.S. News & World Report*.

Category:University of Pennsylvania Category:Social work schools in the United States Category:Educational institutions established in 1908 Category:Graduate schools in Pennsylvania