Wharton MBA - Curriculum Analysis

The Wharton MBA is a two-year program designed to build a strong foundation in business with the core courses, while the 21 majors offer a wide array of specialization options. 

In this in-depth analysis of the Wharton MBA Curriculum, we cover:

•    Overview of the Wharton MBA Program
•    Core Curriculum
•    Majors and Electives - A Wide Selection of Academic Specializations
•    Experiential Learning at Wharton MBA
•    Global Learning Opportunities
•    Dual Degree Programs

Overview of the Wharton MBA Program

The student journey begins with "Pre-Term," a period of orientation that builds community and provides an academic foundation before the formal semester starts. The intense first year is dedicated to completing the core curriculum, where students work closely in learning teams. A summer internship allows for the practical application of classroom knowledge, and the second year is focused on advanced electives and majors.

Core Curriculum - Flexible Core

Wharton’s academic structure is built on a clear framework of a core curriculum, majors, and electives. This design provides both a shared, foundational knowledge base and the flexibility for students to align their studies with their professional ambitions.

The Duality of the Core Curriculum

The core curriculum, which requires 9.5 credit units, is divided into a fixed and a flexible segment. 

The fixed core consists of six required classes, ensuring all students are grounded in fundamental disciplines like leadership and finance. 

The flexible core offers a choice of subjects within broad areas like Operations and Accounting, allowing students to tailor their foundational knowledge to their background and interests.

Majors and Electives - A Wide Selection of Academic Specializations

Following the core, students choose from a selection of 21 majors. This allows them to develop expertise in a specific area, from Accounting to Strategic Management. Notably, Wharton offers 10 STEM-certified majors, which are valuable for students seeking roles that require both technical and business acumen. The curriculum also allows for the pursuit of a double major or the creation of an individualized major for unique career goals.

Over 200 Electives - Part of Majors

Electives provide the final layer of customization. Students can choose from nearly 200 courses across 10 academic departments at Wharton and take up to four courses at other University of Pennsylvania schools. This breadth allows for a highly personalized academic experience tailored to individual interests.

Experiential Learning at Wharton MBA

Wharton's curriculum extends beyond the classroom through a range of experiential learning opportunities. These programs are designed to develop leadership skills, provide hands-on experience, and apply business concepts in real-world scenarios.

The Learning Team: A Foundation for Collaboration

The Learning Team model is a central component of the Wharton experience. First-year students are placed into diverse teams of five or six peers who work closely on academic projects. This structure serves as a "living laboratory" for developing the persuasive leadership and teamwork skills necessary for today's business world.

Executive Coaching for Personal Development

The Executive Coaching and Feedback Program provides a one-on-one coaching experience for first-year students. Using 360-degree self-assessments and feedback from peers, a professional coach helps each student develop a personalized leadership plan. This program is designed to integrate the many aspects of a student's Wharton experience and guide their individual growth.

Pushing Boundaries with Leadership Ventures

Wharton Leadership Ventures are hands-on, immersive experiences that push students out of their comfort zones to test their leadership skills in unconventional environments. These range from expeditions in challenging outdoor settings to workshops and intensives focused on specific leadership methodologies.

 Global Learning Opportunities

The Wharton curriculum emphasizes a global perspective, offering several programs that allow students to gain firsthand experience in different business and cultural environments. These opportunities are designed to broaden a student’s horizons and build a truly international network.

The Wharton-INSEAD Alliance

This integrated exchange program allows Wharton MBA students to immerse themselves in the global business landscapes of Europe and Asia. Students can study at INSEAD's campuses in Fontainebleau, France, or Singapore, providing exposure to different international business cultures.

Global Immersion and Modular Courses

Global Immersion Programs (GIPs) are elective, half-credit courses that combine on-campus preparation with a week-long immersive travel experience. Similarly, Global Modular Courses (GMCs) are short, intensive, full-credit courses conducted in a relevant country to link innovative business ideas with new business phenomena.

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Dual Degree Programs: A Path to Integrated Expertise

For students with interdisciplinary interests, Wharton offers a variety of dual and joint degree programs, allowing students to combine their business education with another area of study, often in a condensed time-frame. 

Wharton has established partnerships with other University of Pennsylvania schools, as well as with top institutions like Johns Hopkins University and Harvard University. These programs prepare graduates for roles at the intersection of business and other fields, such as law, medicine, public policy, or international relations.

A Deeper Look

For a complete breakdown of all elective courses, a detailed look at the core curriculum & majors, and a full list of all student clubs, subscribe and read our comprehensive Wharton MBA Curriculum analysis at F1GMAT Premium