Program Details Certificate Descriptions Who Should Attend Benefits Requirements Application Deadlines Fees Contact Us Apply Online

Wharton-ELP: Wharton-English Language Programs Alliance

This program offers top-level business education for working managers at one of the world's leading business schools, coupled with courses in English at the University of Pennsylvania's English Language Programs. Allowing participants  to self select a language proficiency level that utilizes the “Gate-Way” options, international managers learn to function at a high level of competence as will as achieve their professional goals.

The Wharton-ELP Alliance Program, which can be completed in as little as a year, is designed for managers working outside the United States who want to acquire practical business skills while improving their proficiency in English. It is suitable for managers in the early to mid-stages of their careers who need to acquire key business skills to advance their careers and who want to work or study in the U.S. for an extended period.

The program will be especially beneficial to people with a functional expertise such as engineering or technology, who need to gain an understanding of business and company strategy, particularly in a U.S. context.

Wharton courses are held in the evenings and Saturdays in state-of-the-art teaching facilities at Jon M. Huntsman Hall on the University of Pennsylvania campus in Philadelphia. During the spring and fall, classes meet one evening a week and on Saturdays. Summer classes meet two evenings per week and on Saturdays. English courses are held during the day at Fisher-Bennett Hall on Penn's campus.

Alliance Details

Participants who take the Marketing, Finance and Accounting, or Human Resource Management Certificate Programs along with the English requirement can complete the program in a year (two semesters). The Business Essentials Certificate or Entrepreneurship Certificate will take at least three semesters.

Certificate classes are taught by Wharton professors and industry executives appointed by the business school for their subject knowledge, teaching skills, and ability to offer networking opportunities.

In the English Language component, participants take a placement test at the start of the program to determine their level. Based on their English proficiency level, participants will enter the program through either Gateway I, II or III. Students in Gateways II and III will study full-time or part-time in the Intensive English Program, where they can choose from over 20 elective courses, such as Financially Speaking, Issues in Business and Listening and Speaking in Business. At the end of each 2-month session, students are evaluated and those who attain the required standard will either be promoted to the next level or permitted to begin their WPWP coursework.

Note: If your test score is more than two years old, you must retake the test. Wharton accepts only official TOEFL scores sent by the ETS.

The overall program will include eight 1-hour sessions per week on the English language requirement and two evening sessions on a certificate course, each lasting two hours and 40 minutes.

Certificate Descriptions

Participants choose one of five post-baccalaureate certificate programs as well as the English program.

The certificate programs are:

Business Essentials: A six-course program providing a comprehensive introduction to key management skills while examining current management issues. The program covers an introduction to management, financial accounting, corporate finance, human resource management, marketing, and business policy.

Entrepreneurship: A six-course program offering an introduction to the fundamentals of entrepreneurship and management. The program helps individuals who are creating or building new businesses learn the essentials of business and venture initiation. Areas of study include management, accounting, corporate finance, marketing, new product management, and entrepreneurial ventures. Also designed for managers responsible for the development and initiation of new products, this certificate offers workshops through an alliance with the Wharton Small Business Development Center.

Finance and Accounting: A four-course program that includes the concepts and procedures for preparing financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, the recording process, problems of periodic income measures and valuation, and statement presentation and analysis for companies formed as corporations. This course is algebra intensive; prospective participants who need to refresh their skills in this area are encouraged to contact a WPWP representative for assistance before enrolling.

Marketing: A four-course program on marketing fundamentals and their application to managerial decision making. This program discusses the forces that shape a company's marketing structure and the methods of marketing goods and services. Using case studies, the course will also look at the relation of government to marketing, market research, and methods for measuring the efficiency of a marketing operation.

Human Resource Management: A four-course program providing the essential skills for effective management of human capital within today's complex organizations. Focuses on the theory and practice of personnel management and human resource issues in organizations of all types. The course will enable managers to understand the human aspects of their jobs and adapt this knowledge to the efficient use of human resources. It emphasizes overall management responsibilities relating to HR rather than the procedural aspects of personnel management.

Benefits

• Sharing the expertise of world-class faculty and students at one of the world's leading business schools.
• Applying academic knowledge to practical managerial decision making.
• Acquiring insights on management and professional development from colleagues representing a range of industries and professions.
• Generating a strong grounding in English and an understanding of U.S. business culture that enhances workplace communication.
• Attending classes at state-of-the-art learning facilities at the University of Pennsylvania.

Applicants must have:

• Completed their undergraduate degree with a GPA of at least 3.0
• Three or more years of work experience
• Proof of English language proficiency

International Applicants must have a college-level education equivalent to a 4-year American undergraduate or baccalaureate degree (the same as a first university degree) with a GPA of at least 3.0. There are a number of international universities that offer 3-year undergraduate programs. If you received a bachelor’s degree upon completion of one of these undergraduate programs, you are eligible to apply to WPWP.

Qualified applicants must submit:

• Completed application
• $70 application fee
• Official college transcripts
• Two recommendation letters

Wharton Programs for Working Professionals, including the Wharton Business and Law Certificate, offer students a learning experience that encourages public speaking, group discussions, and active class participation. To succeed, students must possess a highly developed proficiency in written and oral English.

In addition to having the appropriate visa, international students whose first language is not English must submit with their application proof of English language proficiency, demonstrated through one of the following:

Note: If your test score is more than two years old, you must retake the test. Wharton accepts only official TOEFL scores sent by the ETS.

TOEFL Waiver: You may request to waive the TOEFL if:

• you have earned an undergraduate or master's degree in an English-speaking country or from an institution in which English is the language of instruction, or
• have completed a U.S. graduate degree program followed by at least three years of work in the U.S.

Applicants may be required to provide evidence in support of the waiver with an iBT Speaking and/or an iBT Writing score of 24 or higher, or one of the above tests with the score level indicated.

Testing: Applicants may have the option to take the SPEAK Test (the University of Pennsylvania version of the TSE) which is offered by the University's English Language Programs office (ELP). The ELP offers on-site testing three times annually: at the end of the spring, fall, and winter semesters. Questions about registration and payment may be directed to the ELP at 215.898.8681.

When submitting transcripts for application, all courses must be verified and translated into English and into N. American standards before submission by an authorized translation service, such as World Education Service (WES) or Education Evaluators International, (EES). You will be required to provide an official paper transcript sent directly from each college or university attended to WES, EES, or other authorized third-party verification agency.

Applicants should apply online using the following link: WPWP application and select the ELP Alliance option.

Supporting materials should be sent to the address listed below.