EMBA Academics and Learning FAQ
The following are frequently asked questions about academics and learning. If you have any additional questions, please feel free to contact us.
- How does the Wharton MBA Program for Executives differ from Wharton's full-time MBA program?
- Does Wharton offer any one-year, part-time, evening, or online MBA programs? Can I do the program in my own city?
- How do students complete the program in just two years while working full time?
- I would like to concentrate in a specific major. Is this possible?
- Since I live in the area, can I spend my Friday nights at home rather than at the hotel?
- Can I do a semester on the other (Philadelphia/San Francisco) campus?
How does the Wharton MBA Program for Executives differ from Wharton's full-time MBA 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.
Does Wharton offer any one-year, part-time, evening, or online MBA programs? Can I do the program in my own city?
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. 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.
How do students complete the program in just two years while working full time?
Wharton MBA for Executives students generally carry three course units per semester, as opposed to the five course units per semester taken by traditional MBAs. This pace allows students to complete the same requirements while working full time. Executive students must attend classes for six terms (over two years) in order to complete all the required courses while carrying a reduced load each semester.
I would like to concentrate in a specific major. Is this possible?
This program is designed for people who have already taken the first steps in their career. We therefore do not offer specific majors since these concentrations are generally viewed as a way for business students to prepare themselves for entry-level positions. Instead, our mission is to offer those already in management positions the coursework and shared experience to enter upper-level management and leadership ranks. Our 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.
Since I 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. Our 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 our students to form personal and professional bonds which last long after graduation.
Can I do a semester on the other (Philadelphia/San Francisco) campus?
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, please contact the director of the Wharton MBA Program for Executives for more information.