Master of Social Policy
The MSP dual-degree builds critical advanced skills and knowledge for the next generation of leaders to advance equity through policy.
Learn to leverage the power of policy.
The next generation of global leaders must understand the substance of social issues as well as how to design, manage and evaluate social policy. The Master of Social Policy dual-degree program enriches your training with advanced knowledge and skills in social policy analysis, evaluation, management and leadership.
MSP coursework can be completed in one academic year, or can be completed in two years on a part-time basis for students who already hold a master’s degree. The program is designed to bring together individuals from a variety of backgrounds to advance equity through policy. Discover the program pathway that is right for you by visiting the MSP Application Information page.
Master of Social Policy
Information
Our curriculum is designed to help you develop the skills and experience necessary to advance social and health equity, and to develop and implement innovative policy approaches.
The Master of Social Policy dual-degree program involves 31 new credit hours completed at the Brown School, along with 12 credit hours applied from your additional master’s-level program.
Students complete full-time (360 hour, 3-credit) internships with a variety of leading non-profit organizations, government agencies, policy think tanks and legislative offices. The MSP internship is typically completed the summer after courses are complete, May through August. Through real-world experience, students put knowledge into action through significant opportunities for policy analysis, implementation, and/or practice.
The Brown School offers generous scholarship support—more than $8 million last year—as well as need-based financial aid.
Brown School students typically cover their educational expenses through a combination of sources, including:
- Scholarships from the Brown School
- Scholarships and Grants from External Organizations
- Yellow Ribbon Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits
- Federal Work-Study and Part-Time Employment
- Federal Student Loans
- Out-of-pocket payments
Our welcoming, student-centered community will guide you in your academic, personal and professional growth, and we are dedicated to connecting each student with the resources they need to thrive.
An Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion fosters an inclusive environment and promotes dialogue among all students. Our Communication Lab and Stat Lab offer support in critical areas of your academic work. The innovative Career Services team prepares you to navigate the job market successfully with one-on-one coaching, specialized workshops and networking events. In addition, our holistic advising system ensures you have faculty and administrative guidance throughout your program.
Students can also take advantage of programming specific to the MSP program, including lunch seminars, policy-related speakers, as well as social events to build community within the MSP cohort and introduce new students to the St. Louis area.
Brown School considers each applicant holistically. Our students come from a wide variety of academic backgrounds. Although we welcome students with an undergraduate degree in social work, it is not a requirement for the MSP program. Admissions and scholarship decisions are based primarily on a review of the following:
- Commitment to the mission of the Brown School
- Undergraduate GPA
- Additional academic work
- Specialized training relevant to the program
- Human service-related experience
- Leadership experience or potential
- Ability to think critically
- Recommendations from academic and professional references
The MSP program is open to applicants who meet certain eligibility requirements. Learn more about these requirements and application specifics at the link below.
Master of Social Policy Program Expands, Adds Partners
Brown School Student Named Presidential Management Fellows Finalist
Inaugural INsights at Delmar DivINe Event: Building the Nonprofit Ecosystem
“Policy creates a starting point for systemic change. The MSP program develops dynamic, versatile leaders who are equipped to make equitable shifts in all branches of government. Our transdisciplinary approach to policy and advocacy ensures that multiple perspectives come together to bring us to the right solution.”
—Anna Goldfarb Shabsin,
Assistant Dean of the Master of Social Policy Program
View our recent Policy Information Session to learn about the curriculum and new MSP courses.
“At the Brown School, I really appreciated being around people who understand making policy change is hard work … People who value being strategic and advocating for a change that is achievable and makes sense.”
– MELANIE GOLDRING, MSW/MSP ’19
Dream Project Fellow, Dominican Republic
Dream Project Fellow, Dominican Republic
