The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania

Wharton MBA Core Values

Understanding an MBA program’s core values is crucial for applicants because these principles shape the learning environment and overall student experience. The Wharton Way is the strategic framework that guides the school’s commitment to advancing business education and societal progress. It focuses on three key areas:

Elevation of its Research: Wharton is dedicated to producing cutting-edge research that addresses the world’s most pressing business and societal challenges. Although research is often not student-facing, it has long-term implications for the academic experience and value of the MBA degree. By fostering an environment that attracts top scholars and thought leaders, Wharton ensures that its insights drive innovation and actionable solutions. Wharton’s research not only influences academic discourse but also informs policy and business practices globally. This focus on impactful scholarship underscores its role as a leader in shaping the future of business.

Pedagogical Innovation: Wharton constantly reimagines its approach to education, integrating the latest technology and methodologies to enhance the learning experience. The school prioritizes real-world application through experiential learning, simulations, and interdisciplinary courses. By staying ahead of business trends, Wharton equips students with the tools and knowledge to solve tomorrow’s challenges. This commitment to innovation ensures that graduates are agile, forward-thinking leaders prepared to thrive in dynamic environments.

Collaboration Across Disciplines and Divides: Lastly, Wharton fosters partnerships that bridge disciplines, industries, and global communities. By encouraging collaboration between scholars, practitioners, and policymakers, the school develops solutions that address complex, multifaceted issues. This inclusive approach ensures that diverse perspectives are valued and leveraged for more equitable and impactful outcomes. Through interdisciplinary initiatives, Wharton builds connections that amplify its influence and drive progress on a global scale.

The Wharton MBA Academic Experience

The academic experience in the Wharton MBA program is defined by its rigorous curriculum, flexibility, and emphasis on real-world application. Students begin their journey with a comprehensive core curriculum designed to build foundational knowledge in key areas such as finance, leadership, marketing, and operations. These core courses provide a strong analytical and strategic framework that equips students to tackle complex business challenges. Throughout the core curriculum, students are divided into 4 clusters. Each cluster is then divided into three cohorts (70 students each) that each complete the courses together. Within that cohort, students are assigned to a learning team (5-6 students) who will work together on all group projects and assignments.

Flexibility is a hallmark of the Wharton MBA, with over 200 elective courses available for students to customize their learning experience. These electives span 18 majors, including entrepreneurship, healthcare management, and business analytics, allowing students to tailor their studies to their career goals and interests. Students can also cross-register for courses in other schools within the University of Pennsylvania, further broadening their educational opportunities. This multidisciplinary approach encourages creative problem-solving and fosters a comprehensive understanding of complex business challenges.

Notably, courses like Leadership Ventures – hands-on leadership experiences that take students on international and domestic trips to work with teams on real-world projects – are integral to Wharton’s commitment to developing practical leadership skills. Additionally, Wharton offers opportunities for students to participate in Global Modular Courses, which combine business theory with experiential learning, allowing students to explore global business environments and cultural differences.

A key aspect of the Wharton academic experience is its emphasis on experiential learning. Programs such as the Wharton Global Modular Courses and Leadership Ventures provide students with opportunities to apply classroom concepts to real-world scenarios. These hands-on experiences help students develop practical skills and foster a deep understanding of how to navigate complex business environments. For example, the Global Modular Courses offer intensive, short-term learning experiences in international settings, giving students first-hand exposure to global business challenges.

Wharton also emphasizes leadership development as a cornerstone of its academic approach. The McNulty Leadership Program, including courses like Foundations of Teamwork and Leadership and the Executive Coaching and Feedback Program, helps students refine their leadership capabilities. These programs combine self-assessment, peer feedback, and expert coaching to help students become more self-aware and effective leaders. Leadership development is woven into the entire MBA experience, ensuring students graduate with the skills and confidence to lead in any industry or role.

Finally, the Wharton MBA fosters a collaborative and intellectually stimulating atmosphere. The school encourages students to challenge assumptions and engage in thoughtful discussions. This culture of collaboration is reinforced by Wharton’s team-based learning approach, where students tackle projects and case studies in groups, mirroring real-world business dynamics. Similar to other top MBA programs, Wharton students adopt a grade non-disclosure policy, which emphasizes collaboration over competition.