MBA Program Breakdown
The Wharton MBA degree requires 19 course units (CUs) of graduate-level courses, up to four of which may be taken with an approved Penn academic program outside of Wharton. All 19 CUs must be taken while registered in Wharton MBA program coursework, with the exception of coursework taken in approved dual degree programs. Students may take up to 21 CUs of coursework without incurring additional tuition charges. The MBA program is designed for a full-time residency consisting of four academic terms; fall and spring over two years.
The Master of Business Administration degree
by required Course Units:
Curriculum Planning and Academic Advising
Starting in Pre-Term, you will meet with your Academic Advisor to map out a plan the meets your academic goals. You can then continue to check in throughout the quarters and semester to stay on track or chart a new course.
The Details
Core Curriculum
Wharton’s academic departments have designed a rigorous core curriculum that will teach you the essential skills and concepts that alumni of the Wharton MBA program are expected to have mastered.
Majors
All MBA students are required to fulfill the course requirements of at least one major. The program offers 22 MBA majors. Typically five credit units, specified by the academic department, are required to satisfy a major.
Electives
Wharton’s curriculum offers a broad range of elective courses in each of its ten academic departments.
Multiple Majors
If you pursue more than one major, you must complete the requirements for each major. However, students are permitted to count up to a maximum of 2.0 CUs (course units) of cross-listed electives across majors.
Non-Wharton Courses
MBA students are able to take non-MBA Penn courses. Find courses you can take at Penn by visiting Path@Penn. To enroll, please email the course and section number (e.g. EDUC 5050-001) to mbaprogram@wharton.upenn.edu.
In order to count towards the MBA degree, the course must be graduate-level (5000 and above). If online, the course must be designated as online synchronous. Asynchronous courses do not count towards the MBA degree.
Dual Degrees
Customize your academic experience by pursing a dual degree program with one of Penn’s other Schools. Wharton also has dual degree programs with Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies and Harvard Kennedy School.
Independent Study Projects
Students, under the supervision of a faculty member, can register for an Independent Study Project (ISP) for course credit in order to pursue an area of special interest that may not be covered by a course in the curriculum. Permission to count an ISP towards a major require instructor and departmental approval. Ordinarily, you may take only 1CU of ISP per semester. Permission to take more than one independent study must be received in advance from the Office of Academic Affairs. ISPs are not permitted to be taken pass/fail.
Language Study
You may earn credit towards the MBA degree by taking a language course at the University. Generally, degree credit is offered only for language course work completed at the Advanced or Business level.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I update my major?
To update your major, please complete the following form.
How do I drop a course?
You can drop a course via Course Match. Go to the “My Courses” tab and click the red button next to the course.
How many cross listed courses can I count to multiple majors?
You can count up to 2 CU of cross listed courses to two majors.
How many credits do I need to graduate?
MBA students must complete 19 CU of graduate level course work, of which 15 CU must be Wharton courses.
How do I schedule an Academic Advising Appointment?
Click here to access the Academic Advisor Appointment Scheduler.
I have a quick question. Do Academic Advisors take walk-in appointments?
Between 12:00pm-1:00pm and 3:00pm-4:00pm every Monday through Thursday, you can visit the MBA Program Office (JMHH 300) for walk-in academic advising.