"What was most surprising to me was how much I learned. When you've had a modicum of success, you tend to think that you know it all. But when you get into a program like Wharton, you realize how much you don't yet know."
Alumni Profile
Faculty Knowledge
Our professors bridge disciplines and tackle real-world problems. 20 Wharton research centers and initiatives generate cutting-edge research by bringing together professors, executives, and students to focus on subjects including entrepreneurship, social impact management, business ethics, health care economics, real estate, retailing, sports business, and leadership and change management.
These interdisciplinary research centers conduct high-level conferences, support global research, and sponsor other initiatives that translate into new knowledge in the curriculum and in business practice. Many take their engagement further, from societal wealth creation in Africa to leveraging digital content through Wharton Customer Analytics Initiative (WCAI) to increasing sustainable business practices through the Initiative for Global Environmental Leadership.
Wharton's online business journal provides insightful analysis of business news.
Educating Future Leaders
Wharton's professors bring rigor and real-time knowledge to challenge students to think strategically and prepare them with the analytical skills needed to tackle complex issues — now and into the future.
With students from many industries and countries in the classroom, faculty build knowledge collaboratively with students. In discussions it is not surprising to hear a student offer up their experience to add to, or challenge, a view.
Many students are entrepreneurial or focused on leading change — and the faculty/curriculum integrates experiential learning with classroom knowledge. Students also have opportunities to collaborate with professors outside the classroom, taking risks and trying out new ideas with the support of experienced mentors.
Creating an Innovative Curriculum
Wharton thinks about earning first. From the concept of learning teams to the leadership program, to the specially designed classrooms, faculty continue to develop new teaching and learning methods, tools, and strategies — not only case studies, but also diverse methods such as lectures and hands-on learning. Faculty select the methods that work best for each topic and those that are most appropriate for the experience level and interests of the class.
With Wharton's Alfred P. West, Jr. Learning Lab, faculty have developed nearly 20 web-enabled simulations, real-time learning experiences, and interactive programs that challenge students to think strategically across multiple business functions. Through higher-education publisher Pearson Addison-Wesley. Wharton's Online Trading and Investment Simulation, OTIS, has been licensed for use by more than 200 educational institutions worldwide.
