Admissions

Compare Wharton Programs

Prospective students often ask how they should decide which program is the best fit. The comparison table below outlines some of the key similarities and differences between the full-time MBA and executive MBA programs. For more information on Wharton’s MBA for Executives, please visit the website »

Programs Comparison Table

Wharton MBA for Full-time Students

Wharton MBA for Executives

Length
20 months
3.5-month summer internship period
Year 1:
Aug (pre-term)
Sep - May
Year 2:
Sep - May graduation
24 months
Classes run throughout the summer
Year 1:
May - May
Year 2:
June - May graduation

Class Schedule
Classes meet Monday-Thursday throughout the school year.
Classes meet alternate weekends on Friday/Saturday, with several extended sessions and a 1-week international study trip.

Curriculum
Total Credit Units
19.0
19.25
Core Curriculum
10.0
11.25
Major
5.0
not required (see below)
Electives
4.0
8.0

Majors vs. General Management Focus
Full-time MBA students select among 18 majors, including the option for an individualized major. Approximately 30% of MBA students complete their degree with a dual major and 10% design an individualized major. Students choose electives from among Wharton's wide selection of course offerings.
Because most executive MBA students already bring depth in a particular field, the program does not offer formal majors. Electives and independent study options provide opportunities to deepen their expertise or widen their range of studies. Electives are chosen by each cohort from among Wharton's wide selection of course offerings.

Faculty
Classes taught by Wharton standing and associated faculty. Faculty use a mix of case study, lecture/discussion, simulations and field study.
Classes taught by Wharton standing and associated faculty. Faculty use a mix of case study, lecture/discussion, simulations and field study.

Special Features
Learning Teams
Yes (assigned first-year learning teams)
Yes (assigned first-year learning teams)
Leadership Course
Yes (required)
Yes (required)
Field Application
Yes (optional)
Yes (required)
International Study
Dual-degree programs, Study abroad options, Global Immersion program (optional)
International Study Seminar with 1-week overseas trip (required)
Independent Study
Option available
Option available

Waivers
Waivers available, by credentials or examination.
Some waivers available (esp. accounting), by credentials or examination.

Class Profile
Entering class size
817
212 (Philadelphia and San Francisco total)
Average GMAT
720 (mid-50% range: 650-770)
700 (mid-80% range: 640-760)
Average work exp.
4 years
10 years

Tuition and Fees
(2011-2012)
$58,244 - 1st year tuition only
$89,200 - est'd total 1st year budget
Estimated annual budget includes tuition and fees, room and board in Philadelphia area, books and supplies.
(2011 tuition for two-year program)
$167,160 Philadelphia
$173,940 San Francisco
Includes tuition and fees, books, and program-related housing and meals. Transportation, airfare for required international trip, and parking not included.

Housing and Meals
Housing and meals are not included in the tuition. The campus and greater Philadelphia area offer excellent opportunities for student and family housing.
Program-related housing and meals are included in the tuition and fees. The residential component is an integral aspect of the total program experience and required on program nights.

Student Lifestyle
High level of extracurricular activities and involvement, including clubs, conferences, sports and other student-run initiatives and events. Frequent opportunities for partners and families to network and participate.
Intensive immersion in classes, learning teams, and informal networking with other students during program weekends fosters strong community. Several special event opportunities for partners and families.

Networking Opportunities
With classmates and faculty inside and outside class on campus.
With business leaders through executive speaker series, in-class guest speakers, conferences, and on-campus recruiting events.
Full access to Wharton alumni network, online community, and club activities.
With classmates and faculty in-class and during program weekends, plus continued connections between sessions.
With business leaders through executive speaker series, in-class guest speakers, and international seminar trip.
Full access to Wharton alumni network, online community, and club activities.

Career Services
Access to on-campus recruiting services for summer internships and permanent positions.
Access to MBA Career Management.
Lifelong access to MBA alumni career services.
Career counseling, workshops, and access to career resources through dedicated MBA Exec Career Management Services. Internships not available.
Job search services for self-sponsored students and others who meet the eligibility requirements.
Lifelong access to MBA alumni career services.

Company Support / Sponsorship
No requirement or formal program for sponsorship, although some companies sponsor students.
Access to MBA Career Management.
Lifelong access to MBA alumni career services.
Company endorsement required for time away from work. Company financial support required for Fellows applicants and encouraged for others.
For self-sponsored students, access to MBA Career Management after first year.
Lifelong access to MBA alumni career services.

Campus Location(s)
Philadelphia

 
Philadelphia and San Francisco

Career Strategy
Often looking to make an immediate career change or seeking broader expertise for career advancement.
Value opportunity to focus on MBA coursework and extended MBA experience, both on- and off-campus.
Majors and summer internship experience highly valued as chance to gain specific skills and new company or industry exposure.
May want to build on non-business academic background to create stronger credential combination (including dual-degree options).
Typically further along in career, often on track for advancement to senior management. Some younger but highly qualified "fast-track" candidates also sponsored by companies.
Value "real-time" application – bringing MBA knowledge to current work issues.
Seeking new skills and exposure for long-term career goals, but specific major and internship experience not needed or as highly valued.
May be independent professional seeking to add management skills while continuing current professional activities.

Lifestyle Choice
Prefer to devote time to study and related program activities.
Seek exposure to large, diverse, and international class of students.
Value opportunity to experience wide range of extracurricular activities.
If applicable, family or partner can locate in the Philadelphia area for the two-year period involved.
Prefer schedule that allows for continuing career. Can balance heavy course load in addition to work and family.
Value intense 'immersion' with small but diverse cohort of experienced classmates.
Do not want or need high level of non-academic extracurricular options.
Can travel to Philadelphia or San Francisco on alternate weekends.

Transfer Policy
While academically the executive MBA and full-time MBA programs are the same, the delivery of the curriculum, the experience profile and near-term career aspirations of students, and the nature of the student experience are substantially different. Therefore, applying concurrently or transferring post enrollment is permitted only for extenuating circumstances unrelated to the student's career aspirations or employment situation.