There is no difference in the degree earned by executive and full-time MBA students. In the executive program, students are about six years more experienced, on average, than traditional full-time MBAs. They are therefore about that much farther along in their careers. While the required courses are essentially identical to those in the traditional program, all 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.
Wharton does not offer its MBA program in a one-year, evening, or online format. Wharton's MBA Program for Executives and its full-time MBA program are both two-year residential programs. On class weekends, all executive students stay on site where, in addition to attending classes, they study and dine together. The MBA Program for Executives is offered in Philadelphia and San Francisco; all students commute to these campus locations for classes that generally take place on Friday and Saturday of alternate weekends. The full-time MBA program is offered in Philadelphia only. Other (non-MBA) programs that may interest you include Wharton Executive Education and Wharton Certificate Programs.
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. This pace allows students to complete the same requirements while working full time. 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 program is designed for people who have already made significant progress in their careers. Therefore specific majors are not offered since these concentrations 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 the understanding of broad management skills, though students may use second-year electives to build depth in particular fields.
When you join the Wharton MBA Program for Executives, you agree to immerse yourself in the school environment for two days every other week. 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.
Yes, during the second year of the program, you may prefer to commute to Philadelphia (or East students may prefer to commute to 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 the program for more information.
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