What is Wharton’s MBA Program for Executives?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.