Nicholas Sheppard, WG'06
“The Wharton program is slightly longer than other executive MBA programs, but I didn't want a watered-down degree. I knew Wharton had the best reputation, in part because it offered the same faculty and curriculum as the full-time MBA. In choosing Wharton, I felt that, if I was going to sacrifice the time and money to pursue the degree, I should select the best school. I've found the commute from New York, which takes about an hour and a half, to be very easy. I'm able to use the travel time to catch up on my reading or to chat with others on the program.”
» Read more of this EMBA student perspective.
EMBA Program Facts and Dates
The full Wharton MBA — the Wharton executive MBA is a two-year, weekend residential program offering the same degree, innovative curriculum, and top faculty as Wharton's world-renowned full-time MBA program. Offered in Philadelphia and San Francisco, the program attracts students from throughout the U.S. and around the world.
- Program Schedule
- Curriculum
- Two Campuses
- Entering Class Profile
- Application Deadlines
- Tuition
- Sponsorship
- Wharton Alumni Network
Program Schedule
The two-year program begins in late May and runs throughout each year. Students attend classes on Fridays and Saturdays on alternate weekends, with approximately five additional extended sessions and a one-week International Study Seminar abroad. Students spend approximately 20-25 hours of study outside of class each week. All program-related housing and meals are included in the tuition fee.
For more information, see Program Schedule and Calendar.
Curriculum
The Wharton MBA combines a strong foundation in management skills with the flexibility to address special interests. The first year focuses on the core curriculum, which lays the groundwork of essential management knowledge. During the second year, each cohort chooses a set of elective offerings from among the largest course selection of any MBA program. Classes are led by Wharton's standing and associated faculty, who use a mix of teaching methods, including case study, lecture and discussion, group work, and simulations. An Executive Speaker Series, as well as guest speakers in class, bring additional perspectives from leaders in business and government.
To find out more, see Academics and Learning.
Two Campuses
The Wharton EMBA program is offered on the Wharton campuses in Philadelphia and San Francisco. The application process, curriculum, and program services are the same - Wharton faculty travel to the West Coast to lead their courses in San Francisco.
For a closer look: Philadelphia or San Francisco
Entering Class Profile 2008
| Admitted Applicants | 230 |
| Matriculants | 207 |
| Women | 25% |
| Underrepresented Minority Students | 4% |
| Average Age | 34 |
| Under 30 | 22% |
| Over 39 | 11% |
| Average Years Work Experience | 10 |
| Average GMAT | 701 |
| Students Holding Advanced Degrees | 46% |
| Average Salary and Bonus | $224,698 |
| Sponsored by Employer (>50% finc'l support) | 55% |
For a complete profile and a breakdown between East and West Classes, see Class Profile.
Application Deadlines
| Application Deadline | San Francisco (West) January 19, 2009* Decisions released no later than March 6, 2009 Philadelphia (East) February 1, 2009* Decisions released no later than April 15, 2009 |
| Program Start Dates |
San Francisco: April 2009 Philadelphia: May 2009 |
For information on application requirements and procedures, see Application Process.
Tuition Fee
The tuition fee includes tuition, books, and program-related housing and meals. Transportation and parking costs are not included.
The cost of the two-year program for the class entering May of 2008 is:
Philadelphia: $150,870
San Francisco: $159,810*
* Tuition fees for Philadelphia and San Francisco classes are based on the same fee structure; differences reflect higher housing and meal costs in San Francisco.
For more information, see Tuition Fee.
Sponsorship
All students who are employed full-time must have the written endorsement of their organizations, enabling them to commit the time necessary for class attendance and course work over the two-year program. Many students will also receive full or partial financial sponsorship from their organizations. Individuals who are self-employed or are only partially sponsored will need to finance all or part of their tuition. If you need to consider self-financing, please contact your program office (East or West).
For more information, see Sponsorship.
Wharton Alumni Network
Graduates join a lifelong network of Wharton alumni.
- 80,000+ Wharton alumni worldwide
- 8,000+ alumni in Western U.S.
- 140 countries
- 82 alumni clubs
For more information, see Alumni Network.