Class of 2009
MBA Program
Academic Overview
Peggy Bishop Lane
Naomi Tschoegl
MBA Program Office
Academic Overview
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Introducing the MBA Program Office
Wharton Curriculum
International Programs
Pre-Term
Important Mailings
What makes a Wharton MBA?
Leadership is expected
• in knowledge through academic excellence
• by challenging yourself in a rigorous environment
– Rigor is evident in quantitative and qualitative subjects
• in our world class faculty – and not just in finance
• in your teams – through assignments and out of class
experiences
• in making responsible waiver choices – learning new
things and contributing to your classmates
• even when you are having fun!
Structure of Your MBA Program
Who?
– Class of approximately 800 students
– 12 Cohorts of approximately 65 students
– Learning teams of 5-6 students
– 210 standing faculty across 11 departments
What?
– Core Curriculum – essential for any business
– Elective Curriculum – depth and exploration
– Other – international study, independent study
Core Curriculum
Core Curriculum is 10 credit units if no waivers
Cohort based
your cohort and learning team help get you through it
… and vice versa!
Analytical Tools
Management Tools
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Accounting
Finance
Statistics
Economics
Decision Science
Operations
Marketing
Management
Strategy
Managing People
Marketing Strategy
Legal Environment
Supply Chain Management
Ethics
Mgmt. Communications
Teamwork and Leadership
Waivers
Most core classes can be waived
by credential or by exam
• Philosophy:
– Attempt waiver if you feel the material will be redundant
– Trade-off between expanding individual knowledge base and
being with/contributing to the cohort
• Warning! Rules for each course differ
– See Waiver Information Guide (in 1st mailing)
• Credentials due in August
• Exams given in August/September
• Waiving is not earning credit
– Replace core with elective credits
– No need to replace in the same term if <= 1cu waived
Elective Courses and Majors
What is a major?
– Typically 5 credit units, one from the core
– Ensures depth in one area
– A signal of interest and significant knowledge
Other Electives:
– Wharton electives in addition to major
– Penn Graduate level courses (up to 4 credit units)
– 2 additional electives may be graduate or
undergraduate
Graduation = 19 credit units
International Programs
• Global Immersion Program (GIP)
– Month after spring semester – a combination of
lectures, meetings, and travel
– Five current locations - Southeast Asia, China, South
America, India and Africa
• Global Consulting Practicum (GCP)
– First or second year
– Consulting in Peru, Israel, Chile, China, India, and
Colombia
• Exchange Programs
– 14 different exchanges, including INSEAD
– Options for semester, quarter or summer term
Academics Outside the
Curriculum
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Learning teams/ Leadership fellows
Leadership Ventures
Wharton Leadership Lecture Series
Tutor @ Wharton
Teaching and Research Assistants
Case Competitions
Conferences
Club Activities
Faculty Liaison Activities
Pre-Term: Summer 2007
Re-orientation to academic life
and opportunity to get acquainted with your
classmates, the campus, and Philadelphia
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Learn basic skills
Prepare for fall core courses
Enrich your knowledge base for the future
Try to waive courses for which you know the material
• Social:
– Meet classmates, administration and faculty
– Begin developing relationships that help shape your
Wharton experience
Pre-Term 2007 Schedule
• Week of July 30
– International Student Orientation
– Welcome and Cohort Orientations/Welcome to Philly
– Math camp
– Waiver/placement classes begin
– Convocation
• Week of August 6
– Economics, Statistics and Accounting classes begin
– Other “fun” classes begin
– Career Management Orientation
• Weeks of August 13 & 20
– Math test and waiver exams
– Phillies baseball game, Art Museum tour
• Aug 28 - 30: Learning Team Retreat / Diversity Workshop
• September 4: Case Day
• September 5: Fall classes begin
Important Information
PennKey Codes!
– Sent from the University upon matriculation
– Expire in 60 days, so activate immediately
1st Mailing (late-May)
– Get Started
– Waiver Information Guide
– MBA Resource Guide
2nd Mailing (mid-June)
– MBA Bulletin #1
(includes schedule,
Cluster Assignment)
MBAPO E-mail (bi-weekly)
– Information about the upcoming weeks
– Answers to frequently asked questions
– Introduction to the MBA Program Office
MBA Program Office
300 Jon M. Huntsman Hall
mbaprogram@wharton.upenn.edu
http://spike.wharton.upenn.edu/mbaprogram/
215-898-7604