Wharton is an undergraduate and graduate business school at the University of Pennsylvania

The Wharton School is one of the oldest business schools in the United States, founded in 1881 at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. It offers degree programs at multiple levels: a four-year undergraduate Bachelor of Science in Economics, a two-year full-time MBA, and specialized master's degrees in fields like finance, business analytics, and real estate. The school also runs executive education programs for working professionals.

Wharton is known for its finance and economics programs, and its graduates work across banking, consulting, private equity, and other industries. The school is selective — admission is competitive at all degree levels. If you are considering business school and want to understand what Wharton offers and how its programs work, this guide explains the basics.

Key Takeaways

  • Wharton offers an undergraduate degree in economics, a full-time MBA, and several specialized master's programs, each with different admission requirements and time commitments.
  • The undergraduate program is a four-year degree taken as part of the University of Pennsylvania; the MBA is typically completed in two years of full-time study.
  • Admission to Wharton programs requires standardized test scores (the SAT for undergraduates, the GMAT or GRE for graduate programs), transcripts, and essays.
  • Tuition varies by program and changes year to year; you can find current costs on the Wharton website or by contacting the admissions office directly.
  • Wharton's location in Philadelphia gives students access to major financial and business centers in the Northeast corridor.

The undergraduate program and how it differs from other business degrees

Wharton's undergraduate program is a Bachelor of Science in Economics offered through the University of Pennsylvania. Unlike some business schools that admit students directly into a business major, Wharton admits undergraduates into the school itself, and you begin business coursework in your first year. The degree takes four years to complete and includes courses in accounting, finance, management, and economics alongside general education requirements.

The undergraduate program is part of the broader University of Pennsylvania, so you also have access to courses and resources across the university's other schools. Many undergraduates take electives outside business to build skills in writing, data analysis, or other fields. Admission to the undergraduate program requires the SAT, high school transcripts, essays, and extracurricular activities. Wharton's undergraduate acceptance rate is very low — typically in the single digits — making it one of the most selective undergraduate business programs in the country.

The MBA program and what it covers

Wharton's MBA is a full-time, two-year program designed for people with work experience. The program requires the GMAT or GRE and typically looks for candidates with at least a few years of professional background, though the exact requirement varies. The curriculum includes core courses in finance, accounting, strategy, and organizational behavior, followed by electives that let you focus on areas like private equity, real estate, or international business.

The MBA is taught through a combination of classroom instruction, case studies, and team projects. Many MBA programs include an internship or consulting project during the summer between the first and second year. Wharton's MBA is full-time, meaning you attend classes during the day and are expected to be on campus; there is no part-time or online MBA option at Wharton, though the university does offer other graduate business programs with different formats.

Specialized master's degrees and executive programs

Beyond the MBA, Wharton offers several master's degrees focused on specific fields. These include a Master of Science in Finance, a Master of Science in Business Analytics, a Master of Science in Real Estate, and others. These programs are typically one to two years long and are designed for people who want deep informed in a particular area without pursuing a full MBA. Admission requirements vary by program but generally include standardized test scores and relevant work experience or academic background.

Wharton also runs executive education programs for working professionals who cannot commit to a full degree program. These are shorter courses and certificates, often taught in evenings or weekends or in intensive formats. Executive programs range from a few days to several months and cover topics like finance, leadership, and strategy. These programs do not lead to a degree but provide training and a credential from Wharton.

How to find admission requirements and explore

Each Wharton program has its own admission process and requirements. For the undergraduate program, you explore through the Common process along with the University of Pennsylvania's supplemental essays. You will need SAT scores, high school transcripts, and teacher recommendations. The process typically opens in August and has a important date in early January.

For the MBA and master's programs, you explore through Wharton's graduate admissions portal. You will need to submit your GMAT or GRE scores, college transcripts, essays, and letters of recommendation. Many programs also conduct interviews with admitted or near-admitted candidates. process important date vary by program and round; most MBA programs have multiple process rounds with earlier rounds closing in the fall and later rounds in the winter or spring.

The official Wharton website lists current important date, required documents, and contact information for each program's admissions office. You can also request information directly from the admissions team if you have questions about whether a program is right for your background or goals.

Cost and financial support

Tuition at Wharton varies by program. The undergraduate program costs are part of the University of Pennsylvania's overall tuition and fees, which change each year. The MBA and master's programs have their own tuition rates, which also vary annually. You can find current tuition figures on the Wharton website or by contacting the admissions office.

Wharton offers financial aid to undergraduate students through a combination of grants, loans, and work-study. The school uses the Free process for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine financial need. Graduate students may be offered scholarships or assistantships, though many MBA students fund their education through loans. Some employers sponsor employees to attend Wharton's executive programs or MBA, so if you are working, it is worth asking whether your company offers tuition support.

Career outcomes and alumni network

Wharton graduates work across industries, with concentrations in finance, consulting, technology, and entrepreneurship. The school maintains a large alumni network, and many Wharton graduates hold senior positions at major companies and financial institutions. The career services office helps students and graduates with job searches, resume review, and networking.

Wharton publishes employment data showing where graduates work and what roles they take after graduation. This data varies by program — undergraduate graduates may go into entry-level analyst roles or pursue further education, while MBA graduates often move into management or specialized finance roles. You can review this data on the Wharton website to understand typical career paths for each degree.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need work experience to explore to Wharton's undergraduate program?

No. Wharton's undergraduate program is for high school graduates and does not require work experience. The MBA and specialized master's programs do typically require some years of professional experience, though the exact requirement varies by program.

Can I take Wharton classes without enrolling in a full degree program?

Wharton's executive education programs offer short courses and certificates for working professionals. These are not degree programs but provide training in specific business topics. Some universities allow non-degree students to take individual courses, but you would need to contact Wharton's admissions office to learn what options exist for your situation.

What is the difference between Wharton's MBA and its master's programs?

The MBA is a broad, two-year program covering general business topics with electives. Master's programs like the Master of Science in Finance are typically one to two years and focus deeply on a single field. Choose an MBA if you want broad business training; choose a master's if you want specialized informed in one area.

Does Wharton offer online or part-time MBA options?

Wharton's MBA is full-time only. The University of Pennsylvania does offer other online and part-time business programs through different schools, but the Wharton MBA itself requires full-time, on-campus attendance.

How competitive is admission to Wharton?

Wharton is highly selective at all levels. The undergraduate program typically admits fewer than 5 percent of applicants. The MBA and master's programs are also competitive, though acceptance rates vary by program. You can find current acceptance rates and average test scores on the Wharton website.