What is Wharton’s MBA Program for Executives?
Wharton delivers an undiluted MBA curriculum to working professionals through the MBA Program for Executives, comprised of three cohorts who each represent a diverse pool of experienced professionals. Wharton emphasizes an intensive core in general management and an unmatched selection of electives in a format tailored for working professionals. See the two-year class calendar.
Length | 24 months for the Philadelphia and San Francisco cohorts, and 22 months for the Global cohort. |
Class Session Length | Philadelphia and San Francisco cohorts: Year 1: May – May Year 2: June – May Global cohort: Year 1: May-April. Year 2: May-March. |
Weekly Schedule | Alternate Friday/Saturday weekends with several extended sessions, plus a a Global Business Week experience |
Total Credit Units | 19.0 |
Core Curriculum | 10.0 |
Electives | 9.0 |
Majors and Program Customization | You are not required to have a major, but you have the option to pursue one of our formal majors. Elective requirements are increased to offer you better individualized study options. |
Faculty | Classes taught by Wharton standing and associated faculty |
Global Experience | The one week Global Business Week is required, chosen from a selection of destinations that mix San Francisco, Philadelphia, and Global students. You can also take part in Global Modular Courses when schedule and availability permit. |
Entering Class Size | 122 in Philadelphia, 112 in San Francisco |
Average GMAT | 680 – 750 with 710 as the mean (Range includes mid 80% of test scores) |
Average Work Experience | 12 years |
Tuition and Fees (Two years) | $223, 500 (class entering in 2023) |
Housing and Meals | Tuition and fees include some course materials and all required program-related housing and meals. Transportation, airfare for the required Global Business Week, and parking are not included. |
Executive Career Coaching | You have access to career coaching, workshops, and resources through dedicated EMBA Career Advancement Office. Internships are not available and only eligible students are permitted to participate in on-campus recruiting alongside the Full Time MBAs. |
Company Support/Sponsorship | An endorsement from your company is required for time away from work. Financial support from your company is also required for Fellows applicants and is encouraged for others. Please call our office to discuss the Fellows application option with a member of our admissions team. |
Campus Locations | Philadelphia and San Francisco and Global |
Curriculum and Academics FAQ
How does the Wharton MBA Program for Executives differ from Wharton's full-time MBA program?
There is no difference in the degree earned by executive and full-time MBA students. The primary difference is the every-other-weekend residential format of the program for Philadelphia and San Francisco cohort members, which allows for a different on-campus experience, as well as the kind of career services we provide, which are more suited to a working professional. Members of the Global cohort have the same access to these resources, and meet remotely during synchronous classes throughout the week.
In the executive program, students have about six years more experience, on average, than traditional full-time MBAs. Therefore, they are usually farther along in their careers. While the required courses are essentially identical to those in the traditional program, coursework has been adapted by the faculty to take advantage of the additional experience brought to the classroom. For more information comparing the two programs, see Compare the Wharton MBA/EMBA Programs.
Can I do a semester on a different campus, or with the Global cohort?
Yes, during the second year of the program, you may prefer to commute to Philadelphia or San Francisco to take a semester of elective courses. (Please be aware that this arrangement can be made only if space is available in the desired location.) Once you are matriculated in the first year of the program, you should contact your program manager for more information.
I am a member of the Philadelphia or San Francisco cohort and live in the area. Can I spend my Friday nights at home rather than at the hotel?
When you join the Wharton MBA Program for Executives, you agree to immerse yourself in the school environment for two days every other week, including spending Friday nights at the hotel with classmates. Students confirm our view that they learn nearly as much from each other as they learn during formal class hours. Much of this interaction takes place on Friday evenings when the study groups get together to master course material. This time commitment also allows students to form personal and professional bonds which last long after graduation.
I would like to concentrate in a specific major. Is this possible?
This program is designed for people who have already made significant progress in their careers. Specific majors are not typically necessary as these concentrations by the full-time students are generally viewed as a way for business students to prepare themselves for entry-level positions. Instead, the program’s mission is to offer those already in management positions the coursework and shared experience to enter upper-level management and leadership ranks. The training is therefore geared more toward understanding broad management skills, though students may use second-year electives to build depth in particular fields. That said, some of the more general majors, such as finance, management, and marketing, can be earned by executive students as a result of pursuing their area of interest.
How do students complete the program in just two years while working full time?
Wharton MBA for Executives students generally carry 3.5 course units per semester, as opposed to the 5 course units per semester taken by traditional MBAs, and they attend class during both summer terms. Executive students must attend classes for six terms (over 2 years) in order to complete all the required courses while carrying a reduced load each semester. This pace allows students to complete the same requirements while working full time.