Compare the Wharton MBA/EMBA Programs

While it can never be over-stated that there is no standard profile for Wharton MBA students in either program — prospective students often ask how the two programs differ, and how they should decide which is the best fit. The quick summary and program comparison table below outline some of the key similarities and differences. We also encourage you to hear what other students have said about the factors they considered in making their choices.

The Wharton MBA and EMBA programs are virtually the same with regard to:

  • Academic qualification and selectivity
  • Program length (around 2 years)
  • Core curriculum and total credit requirements
  • Faculty and classroom experience
  • Cost (although factored differently, see table below)
  • Access to Wharton's worldwide alumni network
  • Potential long-term career value

The principal areas of difference are:

  • Age and experience profile of entering students
  • Program calendar and class schedule
  • Student lifestyle (extracurricular experience and interaction)
  • Entering class size
  • Majors and electives
  • "Sponsoring" relationship with current employer

Key decision factors often focus on:

  • Career stage and career advancement strategy
  • Lifestyle choice and location options

Program Comparison Table

Wharton MBA for Full-time Students

Wharton MBA for Executives
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.
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: June - 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 Units19.019.25
Core curriculum10.011.25
Major5.0not applicable (see below)
Electives4.08.0
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.
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.
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.
Class Profile (entering 2006)
Entering class size 800 229 (Philadelphia and San Francisco total)
Average age 28 (range 21-41) 33 (< 30 yrs 20%; > 39 yrs 12%)
Average GMAT 713 (mid-80% range: 660-760) 700 (mid-80% range: 640-760)
Average work exp. 5.8 years 10 years
Tuition and Fees (For 2006-2007)
$44,795 1st year tuition
$69,369 estimated 1st year budget
Estimated annual budget includes tuition and fees, room and board in Philadelphia area, books and supplies. 		(Two-year program for class entering 2006)
$136,308 (Philadelphia)
$145,380 (San Francisco)
Includes tuition and fees, books, and program-related housing and meals. Transportation 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 provided at executive facilities and included in the tuition and fees. The residential component is an integral aspect of the total program experience, and all students are required to stay at the facility on program nights.
Company Support / Sponsorship No requirement or formal program for sponsorship, although some companies sponsor students. Company endorsement required for time away from work. Company financial support required for Fellows applicants and encouraged for others.
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 study 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.
  • In-program career development support.
  • 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