PHILADELPHIA The University of Pennsylvania School of Social Work is changing its name to the School of Social Policy & Practice.  

In addition to the Masters of Social Work (MSW) degree, the School of Social Policy & Practice continues to offer a Ph.D. in Social Welfare.  These programs will soon be augmented by a new Masters of Science program in Non Profit and Non Governmental Organization Leadership, which is offered in collaboration with the School of Arts and Sciences and Wharton.  A Masters of Science in Social Policy is in the planning stage as is a program of advanced study in Philanthropy.

"With all the new degree programs, we felt that we needed a name that better captures the full range of our educational and research activities," Dean Richard Gelles said.

"The School of Social Policy & Practice," said Penn President Amy Gutmann, "is positioned to be the preeminent institution devoted to the advancement of human welfare and the education of those who will lead the grassroots, non-profit, governmental and corporate entities dedicated to promoting the human rights that are so crucial to sustaining and growing democracy worldwide."  

"The MSW degree will continue to be the core degree offered by the school," Gelles said, "and we'll continue to adhere to the core values and goals of the social work profession.  There's always a feeling of loss when these sorts of changes occur, but there's also a sense that we are guiding a venerable and respected school with a rich 100-year history into a new era."

The School of Social Policy and Practice also offers seven joint degree programs: The MSW and JD, the MSW and MBA, the MSW and Masters of Science in Education, the MSW and BA, the MSW and Master of Public Health, the MSW and Master of Bioethics, and the MSW and Master of Government Administration.

The name change has been approved by the University Board of Trustees.  A formal ceremony will take place in October.