PENNS MASTER OF SCIENCE IN SOCIAL POLICY (MSSP)

leadership in policy... changing laws

Program Overview: The MS in Social Policy is an 11-month program spanning three semesters of study. In some cases, students may elect to extend the program over a longer period of time. Courses in the full-time MS in Social Policy program begin in September and continue through July. The Master of Science in Social Policy Program (MSSP) prepares professionals for policy leadership positions in government, philanthropic foundations, research institutes, nonprofit and non-governmental organizations, and other related settings, through: Understanding the world views, assumptions, and philosophies underlying all policy solutions; Understanding how decisions about social policy issues are made, shaped and influenced at local, state, national and global levels; Formulating a social reform agenda that is evidence-based and aims at improving the equity, effectiveness and efficiency of policy creation and implementation; and Generating and considering a wide array of policy options to address social problems. The program is designed for: Early and mid-career professionals engaged in policy work in a wide variety of organizational settings; Recent recipients of a bachelors degree in the social sciences who wish to develop policy skills; and Students pursuing other advanced degrees at Penn who wish a graduate degree in social policy may be able to combine the MSSP with the following degrees: Master of Social Work (MSW), Master of Public Administration (MPA), Master of Public Health (MPH), and Juris Doctor (JD). In every case, the students progress in meeting the programs requirements will be guided by a written Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) developed jointly by the student and the students academic advisor. Admission Requirements: Applicants to the MSSP Program must have: A demonstrated record of academic achievement in undergraduate education; Graduate Record Examination (GRE), Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), or Law School Admission Test (LSAT) scores that indicate the requisite analytic ability;

Test of English as a Second Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (ILETS) scores are required for international or resident students whose first language is other than English; Three references (two academic and one professional); and A writing sample that demonstrates potential for policy analysis work. Application Deadline: The MSSP program offers a rolling admission process until the class is filled. Financial aid is allocated on a preferred basis to those whose applications are completed by or before April 15. For more details visit our website: www.sp2.upenn.edu/programs/mssp. Or contact Caroline Wong, MSW, Senior Associate Director, at cwong@sp2.upenn.edu; (215) 573-4977.

Partial list of our graduates post-MSSP employment sites: American Institutes for Research Brookings Center for Social Responsibility, Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia Community First Fund (CDFI), Pennsylvania Common Ground, New York Department of Homeland Security, Washington, DC Goodwill Industries International, Rockville, MD Impact Services of Philadelphia National Conference of State Legislatures National League of Cities, Washington, DC Pew Charitable Trusts, Philadelphia The Hatcher Group The Mural Arts Program of Philadelphia Reach for College, Washington, DC United Way, Philadelphia and New York

www.sp2.upenn.edu

The MSSP Program prepared me for the growing demand for accountability in grant making, how to develop program metrics and evaluation criteria, and understanding of the complex relationship government has with the nonprofit sector. Brian Gralnick, MSSP07, Director, Center for Social Responsibility, Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia

The MSSP Program gave me the tools and confidence to pursue a career in international development/policy work. I am grateful for the time my professors invested in me and for the relationships I developed through my time at SP2 and beyond. Emily Wengrovius, MSSP08, Policy Specialist, StateFederal Relations, National Conference of State Legislatures

I loved that each student could choose their own personal emphasis; not only did this allow me to focus on my own interest in Criminal Justice but our classes were filled with enriching dialog. The conversations, the connections with students and faculty and the wide range of classes have thoroughly prepared me for my career in policy and research. Ashley Chapman, MSSP08, Virginia Statewide Advocacy Manager, National Multiple Sclerosis Society

I am a Contract Specialist in the Office of Procurement Operations for the Department of Homeland Security. My office supports the Secretary of DHS, (Janet Napolitano) and the Office of the Undersecretary for Management. Specific customers include the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), the Chief Procurement Officer (CPO), the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), the Chief Human Capital Officer (CHCO) and the Chief Security Officer (CSO). Acquisitions conducted in this division include performance-based products and services. I work on a team which handles multi-million dollar special projects to support agency-wide initiatives for the Department of Homeland Security. Tanisha Walcott, MSSP09, Contract Specialist, Office of Procurement Operations, The Department of Homeland Security

The MSSP Program gave me the needed tools and skills to pursue a career in ex-offender services and prison policy. Undoubtedly, I am prepared to be a great leader, innovator and researcher in my field of expertise. Herbert Whren, MSSP11, Ex-offender Services, Impact Services, Inc.

The MSSP Program prepared me to think critically about which practices and policies will catalyze student achievement in urban school districts. Alisha Scruggs, MSSP07, Management and Program Analyst, U.S. Department of Education