Chief Technology Officer Program

The rise of enterprise technology has accelerated, giving businesses a competitive edge as they embrace the latest developments in their quest to leverage organizational change. As technology’s importance increases, so too does that of the chief technology officer (CTO), whose unique combination of technical and institutional knowledge has only become more vital.

Moving forward in today’s disruptive business environment, organizations need to embrace a strategic vision that has technology at its very core. To excel during this uncertainty, CTOs must prepare for a role that goes beyond that of the technology expert to one with a solid understanding of the many diverse functions in their organizations. Wharton Executive Education’s Chief Technology Officer (CTO) Program will help senior technology professionals navigate an unpredictable terrain with confidence and equip them with the knowledge needed to emerge as a leader who can orchestrate technological change for their organization.

Program Highlights

Glean fresh insights from global industry experts with guest lectures throughout the program
Examine real-world business cases and understand how to apply the learnings to your job immediately
Interact with and learn from high-achieving peers from around the globe and build your professional network
Participate in a capstone project that addresses a real-world technology issue your organization might be facing

PROGRAM DETAILS

Duration: 9 months

Location:
Online + On Campus^*

*Includes a two-day immersion on the University of Pennsylvania campus in Philadelphia, USA

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The program fee is US$23,000 and covers teaching fees, all academic material, and access to online coursework. The fee does not include accommodation for the on-campus recognition ceremony and networking event, transport expenses (domestic, international, visa fee, and more), and other expenses not specifically mentioned in the fees.

Program Format

The CTO Program combines an online curriculum of 18 weeks of core modules plus 18 weeks of electives, culminating in two days of invaluable on-campus connection and networking. Choose three out of eight topical electives (six weeks each) to gain relevant skill sets specific to the CTO role.

Three core modules

(Eighteen weeks)

Technology Strategy	Technology Trends
Mastering Innovation: Tools, Techniques, and Execution

Three online electives

(Six weeks each)

Scaling a Business: How to Build a Unicorn	Technology Acceleration Program
Driving Strategic Innovation: Leading Complex Initiatives for Impact	Leading a Technology-Driven Organization
Product Management and Strategy	Executive Presence and Influence: Persuasive Leadership Development
Corporate Governance: Maximize Your Effectiveness in the Boardroom

Two-day on-campus recognition ceremony and networking event

Who Should Attend

Whether you are tasked with developing your company’s strategy for enhancing technological improvements or identifying and implementing new technologies, you will benefit from this comprehensive program. CTOs, aspiring CTOs, and senior executives who aim to lead the technology strategy of a company — as well as VPs of engineering, software architects, or those responsible for evaluating and implementing new systems — will also benefit from this informative learning experience. You will emerge with a firm grasp and clear understanding of frameworks that ensure your organization excels in these evolving times.

A minimum of 10 years of professional work experience and fluency in written and spoken English is required.

Pathway to Wharton Alumni Status

After completing the Chief Technology Officer Program and subsequent open-enrollment programs, subject to further qualification criteria and additional tuition, you have a pathway to apply for Wharton Alumni Status.

Executives who successfully complete the CTO Program have the option of applying to the General Management Program (GMP). The GMP provides a further opportunity to enhance your leadership skills and business acumen with a flexible curriculum. The CTO Program provides one credit towards the six required to complete the GMP and earn alumni status. Learn more about GMP ».

Upon qualifying for Wharton Alumni Status, you will be eligible to receive:

Full access to become a member of 77+ Wharton Alumni Clubs
Invitation to attend future Wharton Global Alumni Forums
A Wharton email address

Please also note that participation in the Chief Technology Officer Program (a) will not result in a degree from, alumni status with, or earned credit at the University of Pennsylvania or the Wharton School (or, to Wharton’s knowledge, any other institution), (b) will not be recorded on a University of Pennsylvania or Wharton transcript; and (c) does not guarantee or suggest that a participant will be admitted to the University of Pennsylvania, the Wharton School, or to any other university or institution.

To learn more, please contact:

+1.567.587.1541
wharton_cto@emeritus.org

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Delivered in collaboration with program partner Emeritus:

Lori Rosenkopf, PhDSee Faculty Bio

Simon and Midge Palley Professor; Professor of Management; Vice Dean of Entrepreneurship, The Wharton School

Gad Allon, PhDSee Faculty Bio

Jeffrey A. Keswin Professor; Professor of Operations, Information and Decisions; Director, Jerome Fisher Program in Management & Technology, The Wharton School

Research Interests: Operations management and operations strategy

David Hsu, PhDSee Faculty Bio

Richard A. Sapp Professor; Professor of Management, The Wharton School

Research Interests: Intellectual property rights, startup innovation, strategies for commercializing technological innovation, venture capital

Witold Henisz, PhDSee Faculty Bio

Vice Dean and Faculty Director, ESG Initiative; Deloitte & Touche Professor of Management in Honor of Russell E. Palmer, former Managing Partner

Research Interests: Political and social risk management; project management; ESG integration; stakeholder engagement

Exequiel Hernandez, PhDSee Faculty Bio

Max and Bernice Garchik Family Presidential Associate Professor of Management, The Wharton School

Research Interests: Immigration, global networks, firm internationalization, innovation, corporate strategy

Rahul Kapoor, PhDSee Faculty Bio

David W. Hauck Professor; Professor of Management, The Wharton School

Research Interests: Innovation, technology management and strategy, industry evolution, firm boundaries, business ecosystems

Harbir Singh, PhDSee Faculty Bio

Mack Professor; Professor of Management; Co-Director, Mack Institute for Innovation Management; Wharton School Faculty Director for the Huntsman Program in International Studies and Business, The Wharton School

Research Interests: Corporate governance, corporate restructuring, management buyouts, strategies for corporate acquisitions

Karl Ulrich, ScDSee Faculty Bio

CIBC Endowed Professor; Professor of Operations, Information and Decisions; Professor of Management; Dean’s Office Advisor on Asia Strategy, The Wharton School

Research Interests: Environmental issues, product design and development, innovation

Kevin Werbach, JDSee Faculty Bio

Liem Sioe Liong/First Pacific Company Professor; Professor and Department Chairperson of Legal Studies & Business Ethics, The Wharton School

Research Interests: Business, legal, and social implications of the internet and communications technologies

Prasanna Tambe, PhDSee Faculty Bio

Associate Professor of Operations, Information and Decisions, The Wharton School

Research Interests: Economics of IT labor, technological change, and labor markets

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