The Wharton School
Overview
The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania is a private business school located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Established in 1881 through a donation from Joseph Wharton, it is the first collegiate business school in the United States. The school confers degrees at the undergraduate, MBA, executive MBA, and doctoral levels, and offers a variety of executive education programs.
History
The Wharton School was founded by industrialist Joseph Wharton, who envisioned a school that would produce educated leaders in business and government. The school officially opened its doors in 1881, making it the first business school in the United States. The school's early curriculum was a combination of liberal arts and business subjects, reflecting Wharton's belief in the importance of a broad education for future business leaders.
Academics
Wharton offers a comprehensive range of academic programs, including undergraduate, MBA, executive MBA, and doctoral programs. The school is known for its rigorous curriculum, which combines business fundamentals with a global perspective.
Undergraduate Program
The undergraduate program at Wharton is a four-year program that leads to a Bachelor of Science in Economics. The program offers 20 concentrations, including finance, marketing, real estate, and entrepreneurship. The curriculum includes a strong foundation in the liberal arts, with courses in subjects such as history, philosophy, and foreign languages.
MBA Program
Wharton's MBA program is a two-year program that offers a broad-based business education. The program is known for its flexible curriculum, which allows students to customize their course of study. The first year of the program is devoted to the core curriculum, which covers fundamental business disciplines such as accounting, finance, marketing, and operations management. The second year of the program is devoted to electives, allowing students to specialize in their areas of interest.
Executive MBA Program
The Executive MBA program at Wharton is designed for mid-career professionals who wish to advance their careers while continuing to work full time. The program is offered on both the Philadelphia and San Francisco campuses, and students can choose to study on either coast. The curriculum is identical to the full-time MBA program, but the format is designed to accommodate the schedules of busy professionals.
Doctoral Program
Wharton's doctoral program is a research-oriented program that prepares students for careers in academia and research. The program offers nine areas of study, including accounting, finance, marketing, and operations management. The curriculum includes coursework, independent research, and the completion of a doctoral dissertation.
Research and Innovation
Wharton is renowned for its research and innovation in business education. The school is home to more than 20 research centers and initiatives, which focus on areas such as entrepreneurship, finance, leadership, and social impact. These centers provide opportunities for faculty and students to collaborate on research projects, and they also serve as a bridge between academia and industry.
Campus
The Wharton School is located on the University of Pennsylvania's campus in the University City neighborhood of Philadelphia. The school's facilities include state-of-the-art classrooms, a business library, and several research centers. The campus also includes residential facilities for students, as well as dining and recreational facilities.
Notable Alumni
Wharton has a distinguished list of alumni who have made significant contributions in various fields. These include CEOs of Fortune 500 companies, successful entrepreneurs, and leaders in government and non-profit organizations. Some notable alumni include Warren Buffett, CEO of Berkshire Hathaway; Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX and Tesla; and Sheryl Sandberg, COO of Facebook.