Executive Program in Work-Based Learning Leadership
Philosophy and Structure
The University of Pennsylvania developed this program in conjunction with an advisory board, composed of industry leaders, to meet the needs of learning leaders.
The program is offered through a collaboration between two schools within Penn — the business school, Wharton, and the Graduate School of Education (GSE). Both Wharton and GSE are recognized globally as being among the best within their respective fields. By leveraging the expertise of these two schools, Penn is uniquely able to offer a program that meets the profession's needs — in academics, logistics, and prestige.
An Executive Program
The program is executive in nature. This intensive professional learning community meets for two separate weeks each semester, allowing students to continue working while they study. Using a blend of on-site classes, distance learning, and "field"-based projects, the University of Pennsylvania Executive Program in Work-Based Learning Leadership offers the rigor of an Ivy League institution and the flexibility of an executive format.
Multiple Certificates
Each course block earns a stand-alone graduate school-level certificate from Wharton Executive Education. Students may apply for admission to these programs to concentrate on specific areas of study, rather than pursue a degree.
Master's Program
Candidates for a master's degree must successfully complete any three course blocks and write a master's thesis. The master's degree is awarded through the Graduate School of Education.
Doctoral Program
After successfully completing three course blocks, students self-select to apply to the doctoral program. The determination of doctoral candidacy is based on the student's performance in the program rather than standardized test scores. Successful candidates will receive an EdD from the Graduate School of Education. Each doctoral student will work under the supervision of a faculty advisor and a committee including two members of the GSE faculty.
Those who are not invited to matriculate as doctoral students finish their master's degree and can elect to take the extra course blocks for the certificate credential only.
Structure
The program — the only one of its kind among top-tier universities — will use a blended approach, reflecting the realities that individuals face on the job. It will use the students' expertise and experience to inform the curriculum. Doctoral and master's students are expected to ground their research, their master's theses, and their dissertations in the workplace rather than in academia.
First, a student applies to the program and elects to either take specific course blocks or apply to the degree program. In the case of the former, the student simply pays the tuition and matriculates; in the case of the latter, the sequence is as follows:
- Application to the master's degree program
- Take any three out of five course blocks
- Master's thesis* (for those wishing to complete a masters degree)
- Obtain approval for doctoral student status
- Take the remaining three course blocks
- Complete doctoral strand, including proposal and defense
*There is an extra fee associated with the master's degree. Click here for complete information.