Program Experience

Highlights and Key Outcomes

Through the Advanced Finance Program, you will:

  • Experience a rigorous learning journey focused on finance and investment strategy 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

Experience & Impact

The Advanced Finance Program provides an exclusive, tailored learning journey that allows you to accelerate your learning development in a way that complements your current knowledge base and helps you meet your career goals. You will be taught by the same Wharton faculty who teach in our top-ranked MBA program. Also, the learning environment in many of our finance programs is further enriched by renowned industry leaders and experts who reveal best practices and share highly relevant experiences from the industry front lines.

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

Upon completion of the Advanced Finance Program, you will return to your organization with:

  • Advanced financial acumen that will distinguish you professionally
  • Strategic insight that will strengthen your financial leadership skills as well as enhance your professional value to your company
  • A powerful network of peers and industry leaders from a variety of industries and business disciplines

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.

Executive Coaching

Personalized Leadership Development

A highlight of the Advanced Finance Program is the inclusion of executive coaching. Your coaching begins 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 the Advanced Finance Program. 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.

You will receive a maximum of six coaching sessions. As you work with your executive coach over six sessions throughout the Advanced Finance Program (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 Advanced Finance Program is for executives seeking to advance their careers and accelerate their development in the area of modern finance.

Designed for executives with at least 10 years of professional experience in finance or a finance-related role within their organization who also meet the following criteria:

  • Demonstrated career achievement within their organization
  • Functional and cross-functional responsibilities
  • Wish to significantly deepen their knowledge of finance for greater expertise and professional credibility

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, please obtain approval from your company before applying.

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


Plan your stay in Philadelphia

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


Itay Goldstein

Itay Goldstein, PhDSee Faculty Bio

Joel S. Ehrenkranz Family Professor, Professor of Finance, Professor of Economics; Chairperson, Finance Department, The Wharton School

Research Interests: Corporate finance, financial fragility and crises, financial markets


Robert Holthausen

Robert Holthausen, PhDSee Faculty Bio

The Nomura Securities Co. Professor; Professor of Accounting; Professor of Finance, The Wharton School

Research Interests: Effects of organizational structure on financial performance, management compensation issues, valuation


Michael Roberts

Michael Roberts, PhDSee Faculty Bio

William H. Lawrence Professor; Professor of Finance, The Wharton School

Research Interests: Applied econometrics, corporate investment, capital structure


Bilge Yilmaz

Bilge Yilmaz, PhDSee Faculty Bio

Wharton Private Equity Professor; Professor of Finance; Academic Director, Harris Family Alternative Investments Program, The Wharton School

Research Interests: Corporate finance, alternative investments, game theory, political economy

Testimonials


I encourage everyone who is considering the AFP to think about where they are in their career. If you need new tools to get to next level, or are struggling with decisions or want to make a pivot, Wharton’s AFP is an opportunity to make the changes you are looking for. It’s so easy to go on autopilot in your career, but this acts as a reset. It sparks new interests, introduces you to new people, and recharges your battery."

Suzanne Ley Startup advisor, board member, angel investor


After I completed the Investment Strategies and Portfolio Management program, I decided to fund the Advanced Finance Program on my own. Overall, I’ve been extremely impressed with the caliber of faculty, content, and classmates in both the in-person and virtual program offerings. It’s been well worth my investment, and I’ve developed a broad network of valued peers around the globe.

Allison Viramontes CFO, Mayo Clinic, Arizona


Wharton’s Advanced Finance Program has exceeded my expectations. It’s been an incredible learning experience that will add value to my firm, my clients, and my career.”

Jonathan Marks Principal and Director, Cresa Medical Practice Group


Carly Xiao U.S. Investment Lead, Midea Group

Hear about the dual focus — finance and management — of Wharton’s Advanced Finance Program.


I looked at different programs, but when you talk about finance in my industry, one name stands above the rest: Wharton. The Advanced Finance Program is exactly what I wanted to help turbocharge my existing knowledge and skills. The breadth of programs you can choose from covers all of the topics you need today, and there is a very strong emphasis on practical knowledge rather than theory. It’s well worth the investment.”

William Fink Executive Vice President, Head of US Middle Market Banking, TD Bank

FAQs

What is the Advanced Finance Program?

The Advanced Finance Program (AFP) is a flexible approach to obtaining an advanced level of executive education in finance. Intended for executives for whom professional development is a priority, AFP is structured to support career advancement with a curriculum that is comprehensive in finance.

Benefits of the AFP include:

  • Wharton alumni status, including a lifelong Wharton email address
  • The flexibility to select from eight open-enrollment programs in finance
  • The opportunity to build a global peer network
  • Executive coaching
  • A personalized Wharton consultation to guide the design of your program experience

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

Yes, upon successful completion of the AFP, 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, AFP 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 the Advanced Finance Program different from an MBA?

The program’s flexible nature and the immersion in the subject of finance is what most distinguishes the Advanced Finance Program from a traditional MBA degree, which generally includes courses in marketing, strategy, and leadership. The AFP consists of six open-enrollment finance 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 AFP experience is condensed over six program weeks, you will meet and interact with many individuals from all over the world, allowing you to create your own powerful professional network.

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

You may complete the AFP in less than a year. The only requirement is to complete all six finance 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 AFP?

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 an open-enrollment finance program at Wharton, can I receive credit toward completing the AFP?

If you have attended an open-enrollment finance program within the past 12 months, you may be eligible to receive credit for ONE program toward completing the AFP. 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 AFP?

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

Is there an application deadline for AFP?

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 the AFP.

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 already have an MBA or a masters in finance. Can I still apply to AFP?

Yes. AFP is for senior-level executives and high-potential professionals who wish to accelerate their career development in the area of modern finance. Additionally, executives working in roles where they need to significantly expand their understanding of finance or whose career mobility demands greater financial expertise will benefit.

Ideal participants will have significant career and academic achievement and will currently be on a career progression that has involved consistently increasing levels of responsibility.

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

All AFP 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 price? What forms of payment are accepted?

The AFP 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.

Do you offer financial aid?

No, unfortunately, we don’t. But, if you require company sponsorship to fund your participation in AFP, please obtain approval from your company before applying. We also cannot accept nor facilitate any student loan requests.

I've been accepted to AFP, 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 AFP 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, please contact Wharton Client Relations at +1.215.898.1776 or execed@wharton.upenn.edu to discuss your specific situation. AFP 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 AFP 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.

Date, Location, & Fees

Contact us to schedule a personalized consultation:  +1.215.898.1776  execed@wharton.upenn.edu

Flexible Learning Journey$79,500


Download the program schedule, including session details and format.

Download ScheduleApply Now

Hotel Information

Fees for on-campus programs include accommodations and meals. Prices are subject to change.

Read COVID-19 Safety Policy »

International Travel Information »

Plan Your Stay »


Alumni Status

Upon successful completion of select programs. Learn more »


Contact Us

Schedule a personalized consultation to discuss your professional goals:

 +1.215.898.1776

 execed@wharton.upenn.edu

Still considering your options? View programs within Comprehensive Executive Programs, Finance and Wealth Management or:


 Find a new program

and/or
and/or