General Management Program for Senior Executives

Drag for more

Program Experience

Highlights and Key Outcomes

Through the General Management Program you will:

Experience a multi-disciplinary learning journey focused on strategy, innovation and leadership that will position you for greater success
Customize your experience to support your personal career goals and professional interests
Benefit from individual coaching and guidance from Wharton’s team of expert executive coaches
Build a global network of accomplished peers across functions, industries and countries
Earn Wharton alumni status, becoming part of a global alumni network with more than 100,000 members

Dr. Eneida Roldan says Wharton’s GMP has advanced her business acumen.

Getting Started

The General Management Program consists of six open-enrollment programs and is designed to be completed within two years. All programs feature the same faculty who teach in the top-ranked Wharton MBA program. For those choosing an all-campus experience, we can design your schedule to maximize your learning and minimize travel to Wharton’s Philadelphia campus.

Once your application is accepted, you’ll have the flexibility to customize your education by choosing your four core programs from our wide selection of open-enrollment offerings. You may choose one program from each of the following functional business areas:

Finance and Wealth Management
Leadership
Marketing and Analytics
Strategy and Innovation

Your two electives further personalize your experience. You’ll have the ability to carefully choose each program and customize your education to your exact career goals. Click the Eligible Programs tab on this page to see a list of eligible programs.

Throughout your learning journey, you’ll experience highly personalized service from Wharton. From the application process and program selection, to executive coaching and one-on-one feedback, you’ll have world-renowned business experts to support and guide you.

Flexible Learning Journey: Steve Wrightson says he appreciates the flexibility of Wharton’s General Management Program

At the completion of the program, you’ll return to your organization with:

Functional business acumen that will prepare you to lead your organization — and career — toward success
Strategic insight that will strengthen your customer relationships as well as your impact within your company
A new proficiency and understanding of the financial aspects required to successfully lead
A powerful network of peers and industry leaders from a variety of learning communities

Experience & Impact

The General Management Program provides a distinguished academic experience like no other. It’s an exclusive learning journey that allows you to customize your education to your specific knowledge base and continuing career goals.

Four core programs are required, combined with two electives, to allow you to make the experience truly your own. The end results will be powerful professional development, a global peer network, and the pride of having a Wharton education.

At the completion of your program, you will receive a certificate to acknowledge your distinguished accomplishment as well as Wharton alumni status, including:

A Wharton email address
Full access to Wharton Alumni Clubs and Global Alumni Forums

Convince Your Supervisor

Here’s a justification letter you can edit and send to your supervisor to help you make the case for attending this Wharton program.

Due to our application review period, applications submitted after 12:00 p.m. ET on Friday for programs beginning the following Monday may not be processed in time to grant admission. Applicants will be contacted by a member of our Client Relations Team to discuss options for future programs and dates.

Eligible Programs

The General Management Program requires successful completion of six open-enrollment programs. Choose one program from each of the following functional business areas (Finance and Wealth Management, Leadership, Marketing and Analytics, Strategy and Innovation) plus two electives, which can be any GMP-eligible program listed on this page.

View our Program Finder to see a list of upcoming eligible programs.

Here is the complete list of eligible programs from which you can choose:

Additional Live Online Programs Eligible to Fulfill GMP Elective Requirements
Strategies for Accountable AI
Wharton ESG Executive Certificate for Senior Leaders

Executive Coaching

Personalized Leadership Development

A highlight of the General Management Program is the inclusion of executive coaching. Your coaching begins on campus after you attend your first GMP program with an introductory session to review the requirements of coaching. If you choose to take advantage of coaching, you will complete a personality assessment and a 360° tool to collect feedback from your organization. Next, a goal-setting session will help you identify the specific outcomes you want to achieve through GMP. You will then meet with your executive coach to create a leadership development plan that both leverages your existing strengths and identifies opportunities for growth. This leadership development plan will be tailored to your organization’s specific needs, recognizing the most valued leadership skills and traits that are necessary for you to succeed in your current role and beyond.

Transformative Impact: Ernest D. Haynes III talks about the power of executive coaching.

You will receive a maximum of six coaching sessions. As you work with your executive coach over six sessions throughout GMP (held in person, online, or a combination of both), you will make stronger connections between your leadership behaviors and performance. You will also work on active behavioral modifications needed to achieve your desired outcomes and attain greater success. In a final session, you will assess your progress and set goals for future growth and development.

Who Should Attend

The General Management Program is for senior-level executives, general managers, business owners and successful entrepreneurs seeking to advance their careers and become more influential within their organization.

Designed for executives with at least 15 years of leadership experience who also meet the following criteria:

Demonstrated career achievement within chosen profession
Profit and loss responsibilities
Expansion of cross-functional and/or cross-geographical responsibilities

In addition to application approval, the Admissions Committee may also request that applicants submit a letter of recommendation. If requested, this letter must be written by someone who can attest to your professional achievements and provide additional information about your professional goals. If you require company sponsorship to participate in GMP, please obtain approval from your company before applying.

Fluency in English, written and spoken, is required for participation in Wharton Executive Education programs.

Who Should Attend: Academic Director, Jagmahon S. Raju gives an overview of the General Management Program.

Participant Profile

Participants by Industry

General Management Program Participants by Industry

Participants by Job Function

General Management Program participants by job function

Participants by Region

General Management Program participants by region

Plan Your Stay

This program is held at the Steinberg Conference Center located on the University of Pennsylvania campus in Philadelphia. Meals and accommodations are included in the program fees. Learn more about planning your stay at Wharton’s Philadelphia campus.

Faculty

Jagmohan Raju, PhDSee Faculty Bio

Academic Director

Joseph J. Aresty Professor; Executive Director, Wharton Co-Sponsorship of Indian School of Business; Professor of Marketing, The Wharton School

Research Interests: Competitive strategy, pricing, retailing

Testimonials

Working at the forefront of the technology industry, it is natural for me to have life-long learning so as to keep myself abreast of the latest development. In choosing Wharton, I am confident my efforts can be paid off with the best education and Wharton’s General Management Program has exceeded my expectations.

At first, I was disappointed to learn that most courses of GMP would be virtual due to the global pandemic. However, on foreseeing that COVID-19 was not going to be gone soon, together with my urge to learn from the top-notch professors, the decision became easy that I enrolled in GMP in June 2020, completed all LIVE programs by December 2020, and became a Wharton alumnus.

The virtual delivery was highly interactive, stimulating and engaging, in particular the simulation games which made me wide awake even after class at 3:30 a.m. (due to the time zone difference). Applause to the program directors and supporting staff who are amazing in handling all the logistics smoothly behind the scenes.

2020 was challenging and 2021 is still an unknown. Without the epidemic, we all should be busy with business meetings, gatherings, trips as senior executives. This new normal probably is the right time for us to ponder on investing ourselves and be with Wharton."

Simon Au Yeung Chief Operating Officer, Hash Blockchain Limited, Hong Kong

Jan Havel Co-founder, ACTUM Digital in Prague

"Jan Havel, co-founder of ACTUM Digital in Prague, explains how he maximizes his Wharton LIVE learning journey. “The value does not only come from the moments when I'm in the class, but rather from the ideas that just pop up after I leave the class or during the discussions with my peers.”

Josephine Nguyen White House Fellow, Executive Office of the President

Steven Wrightson Director of Operations (Americas), Sotheby's

The General Management Program is not just about the ROI, which is infinite. It is the ‘ROL’ — the return on life, on your career. You come for the learning itself, then come away with many things you can implement. But beyond the professors, you also learn from the set of peers that you meet and build a network with. You just can’t put a value on it."

Amar Pandit CFA, CFP, Founder, Happyness Factory

Kristin Giffin Vice President of Global Operations, Agilent Technologies

My experience completing the General Management Program was nothing short of exceptional. This program targeted and developed specific skills that executives require to thrive across all industries. I believe the curriculum and how the professors apply it to actual scenarios companies go through is what makes Wharton’s faculty among the best in the world. Reflecting on the past two years, I am grateful for not only the education but for the opportunity to meet and get to know my classmates. Everyone knows Wharton has arguably the best professors, staff, facilities, etc. What isn’t in the course description is the benefit from taking courses with executives from some of the largest, most successful companies in the world. Being able to learn from my classmates, share experiences and develop a network of top-level executives has proven to be invaluable. It is bittersweet that this experience has come to an end.”

Richard DeFrancesco Jr. Chief Operating Officer, Beirne Wealth Consulting Services, LLC

I took Business Model Innovation because I wanted to expand my thinking and discover if there was more to innovation beyond a product-centric approach. I’ve been with my company for over 23 years, and in that time, what I learned, I learned by doing on the job. As a manufacturer, our approach at the company has always been very product-centric. I enrolled in the program because I thought I could learn something new and expand my thinking. I most certainly did.

Business Model Innovation helped me see a new way to create and sustain a competitive advantage beyond our products and the demand side of our business. It opened my eyes up to new possibilities.

I felt the program struck a perfect balance between depth and breadth. I learned new frameworks that helped structure my larger thinking, such that I could pursue individual concepts and ideas in greater detail afterwards. In other words, the program functioned as a springboard that encouraged my learning process long after. The entire teaching team was fantastic. I want to especially mention Serguei Netessine and Scott Snyder.

I’m part of Wharton’s General Management Program (GMP) and I can honestly say that every course has been great. Business Model Innovation was really impactful for me and one of my favorites.”

Phil Kim Chief Strategy & Creative Officer, Universal Nutrition

Ernest D. Haynes III VP & General Manager, Sonoco

Mike Barthlow Vice President & General Manager, Cubic Corp.

Maria Finlay Director of Marketing, Incyte

Tamas Hevizi Global Head, Private Equity, SAP

Colin Gant VP, Vessel Refurbishment, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.

I started my business in 2001. We provide quantitative analytics services to buy-side and sell-side firms on Wall Street. As the business started to grow, it became necessary to hone some skills and gain the knowledge to run the business better. For me, the General Management Program from Wharton was a better option over a regular MBA.

I chose GMP from Wharton over Harvard’s or University of Chicago’s comparable programs because it was very similar to the MBA curriculum and taught by the very best professors. The program is also customizable to your preferences. In my case, that was finance. I chose four core programs in operations, strategy, marketing, and finance. For electives, I chose two programs in finance.

Another important fact that resonates for me is that the GMP program is very experiential. For example, in the leadership program, we got to lead different teams and experiment with new leadership models in dynamic and volatile situations, and in one of my finance programs we analyzed and optimized companies’ capital structures.

I plan to complete this program in less than a year. It’s an honor and privilege to become a Wharton alumnus on completion of the program. It goes without saying that GMP from Wharton will not only sharpen my management skills, but also help grow my business."

Sanjay Rajaram President, ImagineSys Inc.

Jovelle Fernandez, MD, PhD Head North America Medical Affairs Governance and Assurance, GlaxoSmithKline

Syriac Joswin SVP and Markets Head, Movate

FAQs

What is the General Management Program?

The General Management Program (GMP) is a flexible approach to obtaining an advanced level of executive education. Intended for executives for whom professional development is a priority, GMP is structured to support career advancement with a curriculum that is rigorous, comprehensive, and highly experiential.

Benefits of GMP include:

Wharton alumni status, including a lifelong Wharton email address
The flexibility to select from a wide variety of open-enrollment programs
The ability to customize your education experience to support your specific career goals
The opportunity to build a global peer network
Executive coaching
A personalized Wharton consultation to guide the design of your program experience

How is Wharton's General Management Program different from general management programs offered elsewhere?

Wharton’s open-enrollment programs are highly experiential and are taught by world-class faculty who offer participants a global perspective in a constantly changing business environment. GMP immerses executives in business knowledge that is timely and relevant, and can be put to immediate use in meeting today’s most pressing business challenges.

The hallmark of Wharton’s GMP is its flexibility. Four core programs are required, combined with two electives, to allow you to make the experience truly your own. The end result will be powerful professional development, a global peer network, and the pride of having a Wharton education.

Will I become a Wharton alumnus/alumna if I complete the program?

Yes, upon successful completion of GMP, you will be granted Wharton alumni status.

You will be joining one of the largest business school alumni organizations in the world. With more than 100,000 members who live and work in more than 130 countries, the Wharton alumni network is a powerful community of which you become a part and to which you have access.

Upon completion, GMP participants will receive a lifelong Wharton email address, and be invited to global alumni forums that showcase thought leadership from around the world. Also, you will have access to resources that facilitate both personal and professional growth through lifelong learning opportunities.

How is GMP different from a MBA?

The flexible nature of GMP is what most distinguishes the program from a traditional MBA degree. GMP consists of six open-enrollment programs that you select to meet your individual professional goals, taken on your own timetable over a two-year period. Please note, however, that the six programs do not qualify for academic credit and cannot be transferred or used as a credit toward a degree.

In a traditional MBA cohort, participants spend up to two years with their same class of peers. Because the GMP experience is customized learning for the individual, you will meet and interact with many individuals from all over the world, allowing you to create your own powerful professional network.

Another way in which the GMP is different from a MBA is the highly experiential nature of the open-enrollment programs at Wharton, which combine a variety of teaching methods. Many of our programs frequently put participants’ knowledge and skills to the test in the classroom through realistic business strategy simulations.

Which categories of programs are eligible?

Wharton open-enrollment programs that run at least 4 days can count toward completing the GMP. Complete one program each in Finance, Leadership, Marketing, and Strategy, and then complete two elective programs. Six open-enrollment programs in total must be successfully completed. Contact us at +1.215.898.1776 or execed@wharton.upenn.edu for more details.

Which Wharton programs are not eligible?

The following programs are not eligible:

Advanced Management Program
Executive Development Program
Wharton Custom Programs

Please contact us at +1.215.898.1776 or execed@wharton.upenn.edu for a personalized consultation.

Do I have to take three programs each year, or can I complete them more quickly?

You may complete the GMP in less than a year. In fact, we have scheduled several of our most popular programs within the same month, which would allow you to complete several programs within a short timeframe.

Whatever program sequence you choose, you may complete your program at a pace that best accommodates your professional development needs. The only requirement is to complete all six programs within a two-year period.

A Wharton Program Consultant can assist you in selecting the sequence of programs that meets your professional goals and fits your work schedule. Please contact us at +1.215.898.1776 or execed@wharton.upenn.edu for a personalized consultation.

Can I take longer than two years to complete GMP?

No. The curriculum is designed to be completed in two years or less, and the timeframe for completion cannot be extended.

If I previously attended and completed a program at Wharton, can I receive credit toward completing the GMP?

If you attended an open-enrollment program within the past 12 months, you may be eligible to receive credit for ONE program toward completing the GMP. Please contact us at +1.215.898.1776 or execed@wharton.upenn.edu for a personalized consultation.

I attended a Wharton Custom Program sponsored by my company. Would the Custom Program count toward the GMP?

No, we regret that we cannot consider custom programs as eligible to count toward the GMP.

What other executive education programs does Wharton have for senior executives?

We have several programs that enable business leaders to harness and exploit the speed of change that’s happening across their industries, markets, economies, and other related aspects, at home and abroad. All are based on real-time business dynamics, economic challenges and opportunities, global trends, and market shifts.

You may want to consider two other senior-level programs:

The Advanced Management Program
A transformative multi-week experience

This selective and intellectually rigorous program is for senior executives who are already successful leaders within their organizations. Specifically, this program provides:

Stretch experiences that go beyond conventional case studies and classroom lectures to build leadership capabilities
Executive coaching, delivered both in teams and individually, to accelerate learning and personal growth
Access to a powerful group of global peers and admittance to Wharton’s alumni network of 99,000+ graduates in more than 130 countries

The Executive Development Program
An immersive-multi-week program

This highly experiential program is for executives who are on the cusp of taking on greater responsibilities within their organization and want to:

Build capabilities for leading cross-border teams across functions and countries
Strengthen their business acumen in core areas such as finance, marketing, management, and strategy
Put their knowledge and skills to the test in a realistic business strategy simulation that incorporates program content, sustainability issues, and teamwork

Is there an application deadline for GMP?

Admissions are done on a rolling basis, so the earlier you submit your application, the better. It is best to apply at least three months in advance of the first program you wish to attend. Upon approval of your application, your first program becomes your entry point into GMP.

Do I need to take the GMAT or any other graduate-school admissions exam?

No, we do not require an admissions examination to attend an executive education program.

I graduated from a university several years ago or already have an MBA. Can I still apply to GMP?

Yes. GMP participants come from different professional and educational backgrounds, but what distinguishes them is a commitment to lifelong learning and professional advancement.

GMP is ideally suited for senior leaders who are preparing for their next challenge within their organizations or beyond, and that means becoming “ambidextrous” in business — seeing all perspectives and being equipped with a new global network and framework to draw upon.

English isn't my native language, and I don't work in an English-language environment. Can I still attend GMP?

All GMP candidates must be fluent in English to complete reading assignments and to actively engage in group discussions and activities. Being able to fully communicate in English with your executive peers and Wharton faculty is an integral part of the experience.

If you have taken the Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC) within the past two years, your score must be 800 or higher.

If you have less than one year’s experience working in an English-speaking environment, or if you are unsure about your current level of English, please contact us immediately at execed@wharton.upenn.edu. We can better advise you then.

What is included in the GMP price? What forms of payment are accepted?

The GMP fee includes tuition for six open-enrollment programs, executive coaching, private accommodations, most meals, and all program materials.

Payment can be made by check, wire transfer, or credit card.

A $20,000 deposit is due within 30 days of acceptance into the program. This confirms your registration to the program. The balance is due within the next 60 days after registration to the program.

Participants must take their first program within one year of acceptance.

I've been accepted to GMP, but I'm unable to attend and wish to cancel my enrollment. What should I do?

If you wish to cancel enrollment in one of your selected GMP courses, we are more than happy to reschedule your attendance for the next program date, or we can work with you to identify a more convenient session. If you wish to withdraw entirely from GMP, please contact Wharton Client Relations at +1.215.898.1776 or execed@wharton.upenn.edu to discuss your specific situation. GMP program cancellations and withdrawals are subject to administrative fees.

Please note these transfer and cancellation policies:

Transfer of Registration:

We will allow participants to transfer between different dates of a specific program with at least 10 days’ notice before the start date.

Requests to cancel or defer participation in GMP must be made in writing and submitted to Wharton Client Relations at execed@wharton.upenn.edu.

I have a question that isn't addressed here. Whom can I contact?

For more information, please contact Wharton Client Relations at +1.215.898.1776 or by email.