Frequently Asked Questions

No. However, Wharton Executive Education strongly encourages all program participants to stay up to date on COVID-19 immunizations based on CDC recommendations for all in-person programming on the University of Pennsylvania campus in Philadelphia and at Wharton | San Francisco. Wharton Executive Education reserves the right to reinstate COVID-19 safety measures such as vaccination requirements and providing proof of a negative PCR test for program entry.

No.

Masks are optional in executive education classrooms, unless otherwise specified by program faculty.

The following options are available if your program has been cancelled due to the coronavirus (COVID-19):

• Option A: Transfer your enrollment to the next running of the same program. There is no need to reapply but you must notify us if you choose this option.
• Option B: Receive a credit, in the amount of the program fee already paid, that may be used toward a different program or toward an upcoming Wharton LIVE program.
• Option C: Request a full refund of program fees already paid. Please note it may take up to 6 to 8 weeks to receive a refund.

All requests must be submitted in writing to Wharton Client Relations by email (execed@wharton.upenn.edu). Please note that we are unable to reimburse you for any travel expenses you may have incurred. Thank you.

Participants may be asked to do a rapid test upon arrival or at different intervals during their stay on campus. This may be done on a case-by-case basis. Please note that Wharton reserves the right to update this guidance and its program participation requirements in response to current events and the broader health guidance and requirements of the University of Pennsylvania.

If you test positive while on campus, you will be required to isolate in your hotel room, per current health guidelines, at no additional cost.

Click on the “Apply Now” button on the program webpage. Admissions are done on a rolling basis, so the earlier you submit your application the better.

It is best to apply at least three to six months in advance of the program date you wish to attend.

No, there is no fee to apply to general open-enrollment programs. The Advanced Management Program requires a $15,000 deposit 60 days prior to the program to reserve your seat. The General Management Program and the Advanced Finance Program each require a $15,000 deposit within 30 days of program acceptance.

Admissions requirements vary by program and the “Who Should Attend” section on each program page will give you a clear idea of who is right for each program. Generally, Wharton Executive Education welcomes mid-level to senior-level executives who have distinguished themselves professionally.

Our Comprehensive Executive Programs require a nomination letter or letter of reference.

Once you submit your application, you will get a response within 5 to 7 business days notifying you of whether or not you have been accepted or if additional information is required.

You can contact Wharton Client Relations at +1.215.898.1776 or execed@wharton.upenn.edu to inquire about the status of your application.

Yes. However, we encourage you to schedule a personalized consultation with a member of our Client Relations Team to discuss your particular situation and help select a program that can best meet your professional goals. A Client Relations team member can be reached at:

+1.800.255.3932 (U.S. or Canada)
 +1.215.898.1776 (worldwide)
 execed@wharton.upenn.edu

Yes. Companies often send more than one executive to an open-enrollment program or programs. If you are interested in attending a Wharton program with your colleagues or would like to discuss sending multiple executives to Wharton, please visit our Group Enrollment page for more information.

Our Wharton LIVE Online Programs are offered online in a synchronous format. The majority of our on-campus Programs for Individuals take place in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania at the Steinberg Conference Center located on the University of Pennsylvania campus. We also offer programs at Wharton San Francisco and the Penn Wharton China Center in Beijing, China.

The majority of our programs are generally less than a week and consist of a mix of classroom lectures, experiential learning, and peer-to-peer learning.

Class size varies but generally is between 25 to 50 participants.

Recommended attire is business casual.

Yes. The Wharton MBA for Executives is offered in San Francisco and Philadelphia. Visit the Wharton EMBA site »

Yes, we do. Please visit our Wharton LIVE and Wharton Online program pages to see a complete list of offerings.

No. Wharton Executive Education programs are not eligible for college credits.

A few of our programs offer CE credits. Please contact Wharton Client Relations at +1.215.898.1776 or execed@wharton.upenn.edu.to find out whether or not the program you are considering is eligible for CE credit.

Yes, if you previously attended a Wharton Executive Education program, please contact Wharton Client Relations at +1.215.898.1776 or execed@wharton.upenn.edu to request a replacement certificate. The cost is as follows:

• $15 for an electronic replacement
• $25 for a paper replacement that will be shipped via UPS or FedEx
• $40 for both an electronic and a paper replacement

Yes. Wharton Executive Education offers Custom Programs for Organizations as well as blended programs that may include both in-class and online learning.

Yes. All Wharton/Penn alumni are eligible to receive a 25% discount to attend certain Wharton Executive Education programs. Also, Wharton MBA and EMBA graduates from the Class of 2010 and subsequent years are eligible to attend one Executive Education open-enrollment program at no charge every seven years under the Lifelong Learning benefit. Contact Wharton Client Relations for more details.

Please contact Client Relations (+1.215.898.1776 or execed@wharton.upenn.edu) for more information.

Yes, but depending on the class content and professor, you may be asked to refrain from using the laptop during certain sessions.

If you are traveling to Wharton from outside the United States, you may need a visa.

Before selecting a program date, please read the new Visa, Passport, and International Travel Information below. This will help you plan time to apply for any updated documents you need to ensure smooth travel during your visit to the United States.

As a result of increased security measures, travel to the United States has changed for many visitors coming from overseas. To help you prepare for your trip to Wharton, please:

• Establish whether the country from which you are traveling participates in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). There are less-restrictive US policies that apply specifically and only to these countries. The US Department of State maintains a complete list of eligible VWP countries and guidelines.
• If you are traveling from a country that is not a member of the VWP, you’ll want to review this information on non-immigrant visas.
• In general, it is best to check with the US Embassy in your own city and/or country to make sure you have all the information and documents you need. This list of all US Embassies can be a starting point for identifying your contact.
• From any point of origin, always begin the process of preparing to come to the US as early as you can; if possible, a six-month lead time is ideal.

If you have any questions at all, please contact Wharton Client Relations at +1.215.898.1776 (phone), +1.215.898.2064 (fax), or execed@wharton.upenn.edu (e-mail).

This will help you plan time to apply for any updated documents you need to ensure smooth travel during your visit to the United States.

As a result of increased security measures, travel to the United States has changed for many visitors coming from overseas. To help you prepare for your trip to Wharton, please:

• Establish whether the country from which you are traveling participates in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). There are less-restrictive US policies that apply specifically and only to these countries. The US Department of State maintains a complete list of eligible VWP countries and guidelines.
• If you are traveling from a country that is not a member of the VWP, you’ll want to review this information on non-immigrant visas.
• In general, it is best to check with the US Embassy in your own city and/or country to make sure you have all the information and documents you need. This list of all US Embassies can be a starting point for identifying your contact.
• From any point of origin, always begin the process of preparing to come to the US as early as you can; if possible, a six-month lead time is ideal.

If you have any questions at all, please contact Wharton Client Relations at +1.215.898.1776 (phone), +1.215.898.2064 (fax), or execed@wharton.upenn.edu (e-mail).

Fees for most programs includes accommodations, meals and program materials such as lecture notes and handouts. Prices are subject to change. If you have any questions about what is included in a specific program, please contact Wharton Client Relations at +1.215.898.1776 (phone), +1.215.898.2064 (fax), or execed@wharton.upenn.edu (email).

Payment is due upon acceptance into the program. You can expect to receive specific information and materials regarding preparation and logistics approximately three weeks before the program start date if your full tuition payment has been received.

For applicants to the Advanced Management Program only:
The Advanced Management Program (AMP) fee includes private accommodations, most meals, and all program materials. If you are accepted into AMP, we will issue your company an invoice.

A $15,000 deposit is required to reserve your place. Payment in full — by check, wire transfer, or credit card — must be received at least 60 days before the program start date. A full refund will be issued if cancellation in writing is received 60 days prior to the start of the program. Otherwise, the $15,000 cancellation fee will apply.

For applicants to the Advanced Finance Program and General Management Program only:
The fee for the Advanced Finance Program (AFP) or the General Management Program (GMP) includes tuition for six open-enrollment programs (up to 30 program days in total), executive coaching, private accommodations, most meals, and all program materials.

• If you are accepted into AFP or GMP, we will issue you an invoice. A $15,000 deposit is due within 30 days of acceptance into the program. This confirms your attendance in the program. The balance is due within 60 days after acceptance to the program. Payment in full — by check, wire transfer, or credit card — must be received before the first program start date.
• If you wish to cancel enrollment in one of your selected 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 AFP or GMP, please contact Wharton Client Relations at +1.215.898.1776 or execed@wharton.upenn.edu to discuss your specific situation.
• Please note these transfer and cancellation policies: We will allow participants to transfer between different dates of a specific program with at least 10 days’ notice before the start date.
• Cancellations received more than 90 days prior to the start of the first program in your learning journey will receive a full refund. Cancellations received less than 90 days prior to the first program’s start date will incur a charge of $15,000. Please note that after you have taken your first program in AFP or GMP, no refunds will be given.
• Requests to cancel or defer participation must be made in writing and submitted to Wharton Client Relations at execed@wharton.upenn.edu.

For applicants to the Executive Development Program only:
For the Executive Development Program (EDP), payment in full — by check, wire transfer, or credit card — must be received at least 60 days before the program start date. A full refund will be issued if cancellation in writing is received 60 days prior to the start of the program.

We accept wire transfers, checks made payable to the “Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania,” and credit cards. Detailed information regarding payment will be included with your invoice. Prices are subject to change without notice.

Cancellations must be received in writing. Cancellations received more than 30 days prior to a program’s start date will incur a charge of 10 percent of the full tuition; cancellations received 30 to 14 days prior to a program’s start date will be charged 50 percent of the full tuition of the program. Cancellations received less than 14 days prior to a program’s start date will be charged 100 percent of the full tuition. If a registrant fails to attend without notification, or if a withdrawal occurs on or after a program start date, full tuition will be forfeited.

If Wharton cancels a program due to low enrollment, registered participants will receive a refund of any tuition paid, or be allowed to move their registration to a future running of the program. Refunds from cancelled programs can also be applied to other open-enrollment programs.

Please note that in all situations, participants are responsible for their travel and Wharton cannot reimburse for any travel expenses that may have been incurred.

Participants who need to transfer to another Wharton Executive Education program can do so within one year of the start date of the original program. Transfer requests received 30 to 14 days prior to a program’s start date will be charged 20 percent of the full tuition of the program. Transfer requests received less than 14 days prior to a program’s start date will be charged 30 percent of the full tuition. The remaining balance can be applied to another Wharton Executive Education program or refunded within one year of the original program date.

Please note that 100 percent of the full tuition will be forfeited if one of the following occurs:

• The registrant does not enroll in another program within one year of the original start date.
• The registrant has not requested a refund within one year of the original start date.
• The registrant transfers more than two times.

More than 30 days notice	30 to 14 days notice	Less than 14 days notice
10%	50%	100%
0%	20%	30%

 

We are currently working closely with Veterans Affairs, but unfortunately cannot accept new applicants wishing to use their Post 9/11 GI Bill® benefits at this time. We are working to resolve this situation and hope to have an update posted as soon as we can resume accepting new applications.

No, we do not offer financial aid.

No, a car is not necessary while you are in residence. Philadelphia has numerous public transportation, taxi, and ridesharing options such as Uber available.

The Steinberg Conference Center is located on the University of Pennsylvania campus in Philadelphia, PA.

The address is:
255 S. 38^th St
Philadelphia, PA 19104

Yes, if you have certain dietary requirements, please notify us in advance. With advance notice, our kitchen can provide vegan, gluten-free, kosher and halal menus. A vegetarian option is available at all meals.

Yes, meals and snacks are provided weekdays. If you are attending a program that goes through the weekend, meals and snack will be provided.

Off-site hotels can accommodate family members, however meals and guest rooms at the Steinberg Conference Center are reserved for participants only.

Wharton | San Francisco
2 Harrison Street, 6th Floor
San Francisco, CA 94105
United States

The Steinberg Conference Center’s hotel rooms are single occupancy. Each room has a private bathroom, free wifi and TV.

Yes, however the cost of early arrival and late departure is not covered in the price of tuition. Pending room availability, you will be able to secure an early arrival or late departure at a price to be communicated to you at the time of your reservation.

Penn Wharton China Center
Unit 15 & 16 Level 31
Yintai Office Tower C
2 Jianguomenwai Avenue
Chaoyang District
Beijing, 100022, China

Wharton Executive Education
The Steinberg Conference Center
255 S. 38^th St
Philadelphia, PA 19104
United States

Wharton | San Francisco
2 Harrison Street, 6th Floor
San Francisco, CA 94105
United States

Penn Wharton China Center
World Financial Center, West Building, 16F
No. 1 East Third Ring Middle Road
Chaoyang District
Beijing, 100020, China

The Front Desk will notify you.

The majority of our participants, even those who are local, choose to live on campus during their program. It enrichens the learning experience and reduces the distraction of commuting to and from class each day.

Yes, there is free wifi. You will be provided the password upon check-in.

A Conference Concierge or our Front Desk staff can assist you with your small print jobs.

The Penn Bookstore is located at 3601Walnut Street in Philadelphia, PA 19104. Its is open the following hours:

Hours

Sunday	10AM–8PM
Monday	8:30AM–9:30PM
Tuesday	8:30AM–9:30PM
Wednesday	8:30AM–9:30PM
Thursday	8:30AM–9:30PM
Friday	8:30AM–9:30PM
Saturday	10AM–9:30PM

You can buy Wharton-logo items at the Penn Bookstore or weekdays from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Wharton kiosk located in the lobby of the Steinberg Conference Center.

Yes. Most facilities provide same-day service.

The Steinberg Conference Center aims to accommodate and support guests with disabilities, so they are able to fully focus on their programming while on property.  To achieve this goal we have the following resources available to guests and participants. Please work with your program team to coordinate access to necessary resources in advance.

Steinberg Conference Center (SCC) – Hospitality Support for guests with disabilities

• ADA compliant guestrooms featuring:
  • Roll-in Showers
  • Lower closet and shelf heights
• ADA compliant guestroom kit available for loan from the Front Desk including:
  • Vibrating Alarm Clock/Receiver that activates in conjunction with a specialty alarm clock.
  • Vibrating door unit that activates in conjunction with a doorbell
• All meeting rooms within the SCC are wheelchair accessible.
• Wheelchairs are available for guest use.
• Service animals may stay on property.
• On-site staff support is available to assist with support throughout a guest’s stay.

Wharton Executive Education – Classroom support for participants with disabilities

• Participants with disabilities should reach out to their program team and they will reach out to the Weingarten Center to coordinate classroom and learning needs on your behalf.
• Advance access to presentations and slide decks for participant review.
• Closed captioning can be activated on Zoom for participants with hearing loss.

Yes. The Steinberg Conference Center has a fully-equipped exercise facility available to all participants, free of charge from 5:30am to midnight.  There are other facilities available on campus for a small fee.

In addition to the walkways throughout the campus of the University of Pennsylvania, there are a number of pedestrian trails designed especially for those who like to get their exercise on the move. Maps are provided for your convenience. Additional information can also be found at https://schuylkillriver.org/schuylkill-river-trail/.

There are several walk-in urgent care facilities located on or close to the University of Pennsylvania campus.  Our front desk or concierge staff can provide more details for you.

There is gym located on the 5^th-floor of the Steinberg Conference Center. It is open from 7 a.m. to midnight.

The University of Pennsylvania requires that all students/participants maintain insurance for medical care, illness, and injury. The University is not responsible for medical expenses incurred while attending a program. Please make sure that any private insurance provides valid coverage in the United States.

Things to do in Philly

Independence National Historical Park

• 6th and Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
• https://www.visitphilly.com/articles/philadelphia/independence-national-historical-park-inhp-sites-in-philadelphia/

Reading Terminal

• 51 N 12th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
• https://readingterminalmarket.org/

The Franklin Institute

• 222 N 20th St, Philadelphia, PA 191030
• https://www.fi.edu/

Philadelphia Museum of Art (Rocky Statute)

• 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway Philadelphia, PA 19130
• https://www.philamuseum.org/

Eastern State Penitentiary

• 2027 Fairmount Avenue Philadelphia PA, 19130
• https://www.easternstate.org/

The Barnes Foundation

• 2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway Philadelphia, PA 19130
• https://www.barnesfoundation.org/

Spruce Street Harbor Park

• 301 S Christopher Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19106
• http://www.delawareriverwaterfront.com/places/spruce-street-harbor-park

Boathouse Row and Kelly Drive

• 1 Boathouse Row, Philadelphia, PA 19130
• https://www.visitphilly.com/things-to-do/attractions/boathouse-row/

South Street Headhouse District

• 200 Pine St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
• http://southstreet.com/things-to-do/hub/

Rittenhouse Square Shopping and Dining

• 210 W Rittenhouse Square. Philadelphia, PA 19103
• https://www.visitphilly.com/things-to-do/attractions/rittenhouse-square-park/

Penn Museum

• 3260 South St, Philadelphia, PA 19104
• https://www.penn.museum/

Yes. VisitPhilly.com