wharton phd admission statistics

• Undergraduate
• Course Information
• Areas of Focus
• Centers + Institutes
• Undergraduate Research
• Technical Reports
• Faculty Talks
• Postdoctoral Fellows
• Graduating Ph.D.s and Postdocs
• Open Faculty Positions
• Outreach Philosophy + Mission
• Meet Our Students
• K-12 Programs
• Diversity + Climate
• Chair’s Letter
• Student Awards
• Visiting CIS
• Make a Gift
• Current Students
• How to Apply
• Admissions Statistics

CIS Graduate Program Admissions Statistics

Statistics by program:.

• Doctoral Program

Fall 2022 PhD admission statistics

• 1,031 applicants to the doctoral program
• 82 candidates admitted
• 32 students matriculated
• Candidates admitted to the doctoral program: Average GPA: 3.78

Fall 2021 PhD admission statistics

• 1,141 applicants to the doctoral program
• 79 candidates admitted
• 45 students matriculated
• Candidates admitted to the doctoral program: Average GPA: 3.8

Fall 2020 PhD admission statistics

• 924 applicants to the doctoral program
• 98 candidates admitted
• 29 students matriculated
• Candidates admitted to the doctoral program: Average GRE: V 167/Q 161/AW 4

Fall 2019 PhD admission statistics

• 826 applicants to the doctoral program
• 86 candidates admitted
• 44 students matriculated
• Candidates admitted to the doctoral program: Average GRE: V 160/Q 167/AW 4

Fall 2018 PhD admission statistics

• 756 applicants to the doctoral program
• 75 candidates admitted
• 26 students matriculated
• Candidates admitted to the doctoral program: Average GRE: V 162/Q 167/AW 4.5

Fall 2017 PhD admission statistics

• 522 applicants to the doctoral program
• 35 students matriculated

Fall 2016 PhD admission statistics

• 424 applicants to the doctoral program
• 91 candidates admitted
• 25 students matriculated
• Candidates admitted to the doctoral program: Average GRE: V 157/Q 167/AW 4

Fall 2015 PhD admission statistics

• 471 applicants to the doctoral program
• 51 candidates admitted
• 16 students matriculated
• Candidates admitted to the doctoral program: Average GRE: V 162/Q 166/AW 4.5

Fall 2014 PhD admission statistics

• 448 applicants to the doctoral program
• 50 candidates admitted
• 14 students matriculated
• Candidates admitted to the doctoral program: Average GRE: V 163/Q 167/AW 4.5

Fall 2013 PhD admission statistics

• 501 applicants to the doctoral program
• 49 candidates admitted
• 15 students matriculated
• Candidates admitted to the doctoral program: Average GRE V 161/Q 166/AW 4

Fall 2012 PhD admission statistics

• 545 applicants to the doctoral program
• 60 candidates admitted
• Candidates admitted to the doctoral program: Average GRE V 610:160/Q 790:164/AW 4.5

Fall 2011 PhD admission statistics

• 526 applicants to the doctoral program
• 65 candidates admitted
• 22 students matriculated
• Candidates admitted to the doctoral program: Average GRE: V 610/Q 790/AW 4.5

Fall 2010 PhD admission statistics

• 465 applicants to the doctoral program
• Candidates admitted to the doctoral program: Average GRE: V 580/Q 790/AW 4.5

Fall 2009 PhD admission statistics

• 478 applicants to the doctoral program
• 48 candidates admitted
• 20 students matriculated
• Candidates admitted to the doctoral program: Average GRE: V 620/Q 780/AW 4.5

Fall 2008 PhD admission statistics

• 470 applicants to the doctoral program
• 58 candidates admitted
• Candidates admitted to the doctoral program: Average GRE: V 620/Q 790/AW 5.0

Fall 2007 PhD admission statistics

• 491 applicants to the doctoral program
• Candidates admitted to the doctoral program: Average GRE: V 620/Q 780/AW 5.0

Fall 2006 PhD admission statistics

• 480 applicants to the doctoral program
• 33 candidates admitted
• 11 students matriculated
• Candidates admitted to the doctoral program: Average GRE: V 610/Q 790/AW 5.0

Fall 2005 PhD admission statistics

• 515 applicants to the doctoral program
• 21 candidates admitted
• 9 students matriculated
• Candidates admitted to the doctoral program: Average GRE: V 620/Q 780/A 760/AW 5.0

Fall 2004 PhD admission statistics

• 683 applicants to the doctoral program
• 45 candidates admitted
• 21 students matriculated
• Candidates admitted to the doctoral program: Average GRE: V 650/Q 780/A 770/AW 5.0

Fall 2003 PhD admission statistics

• 873 applicants to the doctoral program

Fall 2002 PhD admission statistics

• 643 applicants to the doctoral program
• 57 candidates admitted
• 27 students matriculated
• Candidates admitted to the doctoral program: Average GRE: V 600/Q 780/A 760

Fall 2001 PhD admission statistics

• 514 applicants to the doctoral program
• 56 candidates admitted
• Candidates admitted to the doctoral program: Average GRE: V 600/Q 780/A 740

Fall 2000 PhD admission statistics

• 367 applicants to the doctoral program
• 54 candidates admitted
• Candidates admitted to the doctoral program: Average GRE: V 620/Q 780/A 740

CIS/MSE Program

Fall 2022 CIS/MSE admission statistics

•  1974 applicants to the CIS/MSE program
•  172 candidates admitted
•  55 students matriculated
• Candidates admitted to the CIS/MSE program: Average GRE: V 160/Q 168/AW 4.3

Fall 2021 CIS/MSE admission statistics

•  1782 applicants to the CIS/MSE program
•  204 candidates admitted
•  63 students matriculated
• Candidates admitted to the CIS/MSE program: Average GRE: V 160/Q 168/AW 4.2

Fall 2020 CIS/MSE admission statistics

•  1538 applicants to the CIS/MSE program
•  192 candidates admitted
•  61 students matriculated

Fall 2019 CIS/MSE admission statistics

• 1299 applicants to the CIS/MSE program
• 169 candidates admitted
• 58 students matriculated
• Candidates admitted to the CIS/MSE program: Average GRE: V 158/Q 168/AW 4

Fall 2018 CIS/MSE admission statistics

• 1339 applicants to the CIS/MSE program
• 138 candidates admitted
• 46 students matriculated
• Candidates admitted to the CIS/MSE program: Average GRE: V 159/Q 168/AW 4

Fall 2017 CIS/MSE admission statistics

• 1264 applicants to the CIS/MSE program
• 130 candidates admitted
• Candidates admitted to the CIS/MSE program: Average GRE: V 158/Q 167/AW 4

Fall 2016 CIS/MSE admission statistics

• 1021 applicants to the CIS/MSE program
• 131 candidates admitted

Fall 2015 CIS/MSE admission statistics

• 954 applicants to the CIS/MSE program
• 117 candidates admitted
• Candidates admitted to the CIS/MSE program: Average GRE: V 160/Q 167/AW 4

Fall 2014 CIS/MSE admission statistics

• 752 applicants to the CIS/MSE program
• 135 candidates admitted
• 57 students matriculated
• Candidates admitted to the CIS/MSE program: Average GRE: V 158/Q 166/AW 4

Fall 2013 CIS/MSE admissions statistics

• 789 applicants to the CIS/MSE program
• 104 candidates admitted
• 30 students matriculated
• Candidates admitted to the CIS/MSE program: Average GRE: V 158/Q 166/ AW 4

Fall 2012 CIS/MSE admissions statistics

• 760 applicants to the CIS/MSE program
• 133 candidates admitted
• 38 students matriculated
• Candidates admitted to the CIS/MSE program: Average GRE: V 620:161/Q 790:164/ AW 4

Fall 2011 CIS/MSE admissions statistics

• 585 applicants to the CIS/MSE program
• 171 candidates admitted
• 70 students matriculated
• Candidates admitted to the CIS/MSE program: Average GRE: V 590/Q 780/ AW 4

Fall 2010 CIS/MSE admissions statistics

• 410 applicants to the CIS/ MSE program
• 152 candidates admitted
• 50 students matriculated
• Candidates admitted to the CIS/MSE program: Average GRE: V 570/Q 780/ AW 4

Fall 2009 CIS/MSE admissions statistics

• 294 applicants to the CIS/MSE program
• 71 candidates admitted

Fall 2008 CIS/MSE admissions statistics

• 303 applicants to the CIS/MSE program
• 43 students matriculated
• Candidates admitted to the CIS/MSE program: Average GRE: V 580/Q 780/ AW 4

Fall 2007 CIS/MSE admissions statistics

• 302 applicants to the CIS/MSE program
• Candidates admitted to the CIS/MSE program: Average GRE: V 550/Q 780/ AW 4

Fall 2006 CIS/MSE admissions statistics

• 214 applicants to the CIS/MSE program
• 99  candidates admitted
• 34 students matriculated
• Candidates admitted to the CIS/MSE program: Average GRE: V 570/Q 780/ AW 4.5

Fall 2005 CIS/MSE admissions statistics

• 197 applicants to the CIS/MSE program
• 112 candidates admitted
• Candidates admitted to the CIS/MSE program: Average GRE: V 540/Q 770/A 760/ AW 4.5

Fall 2004 CIS/MSE admissions statistics

• 204 applicants to the CIS/MSE program
• 110 candidates admitted
• Candidates admitted to the CIS/MSE program: Average GRE: V 560/Q 770/A 720/ AW 5.0

Fall 2003 CIS/MSE admissions statistics

• 233 applicants to the CIS/MSE program
• 144 candidates admitted
• 51 students matriculated
• Candidates admitted to the CIS/MSE program: Average GRE: V 570/Q 770/A 710/ AW 5.0

Fall 2002 CIS/MSE admissions statistics

• 210 applicants to the CIS/MSE program
• 88 candidates admitted
• Candidates admitted to the CIS/MSE program: Average GRE: V 570/Q 770/A 720

Fall 2001 CIS/MSE admissions statistics

• 155 applicants to the CIS/MSE program
• 87 candidates admitted
• 31 students matriculated
• Candidates admitted to the CIS/MSE program: Average GRE: V 560 /Q 760 /A 700

Fall 2000 CIS/MSE admissions statistics

• 228 applicants to the CIS/MSE program
• 89 candidates admitted
• 40 students matriculated
• Candidates admitted to the CIS/MSE program: Average GRE: V 550 /Q 760 /A 720

MCIT Program

Fall 2022 MCIT admission statistics

• 1225 applicants to the MCIT program
• 118 candidates admitted
• 73 students matriculated
• Candidates admitted to the MCIT program: Average GRE: V 162/Q 168/AW 4.3

Fall 2021 MCIT admission statistics

• 1064 applicants to the MCIT program
• 75 students matriculated

Fall 2020 MCIT admission statistics

• 674 applicants to the MCIT program
• 97 candidates admitted
• 48 students matriculated
• Candidates admitted to the MCIT program: Average GRE: V 160/Q 166/AW 4.2

Fall 2019 MCIT admission statistics

• 552 applicants to the MCIT program
• 78 candidates admitted
• 49 students matriculated
• Candidates admitted to the MCIT program: Average GRE: V 161/Q 166/AW 4

Fall 2018 MCIT admission statistics

• 714 applicants to the MCIT program
• 73 candidates admitted
• Candidates admitted to the MCIT program: Average GRE: V 161/Q 167/AW 4

Fall 2017 MCIT admission statistics

• 619 applicants to the MCIT program
• 69 candidates admitted

Fall 2016 MCIT admission statistics

• 526 applicants to the MCIT program
• Candidates admitted to the MCIT program: Average GRE: V 160/Q 165/AW 4

Fall 2015 MCIT admission statistics

• 445 applicants to the MCIT program
• 68 candidates admitted
• Candidates admitted to the MCIT program: Average GRE: V 160/Q 166/AW 4.5

Fall 2014 MCIT admission statistics

• 331 applicants to the MCIT program
• Candidates admitted to the MCIT program: Average GRE: V 159/Q 165/AW 4

Fall 2013 MCIT admissions statistics

• 292 applicants to the MCIT program
• 59 candidates admitted
• 28 students matriculated
• Candidates admitted to the MCIT program: Average GRE – V 159/Q 165/AW 4

Fall 2012 MCIT admissions statistics

• 214 applicants to the MCIT program
• Candidates admitted to the MCIT program: Average GRE – V 610:160/Q 780:163/AW 4

Fall 2011 MCIT admissions statistics

• 160 applicants to the MCIT program
• 64 candidates admitted
• Candidates admitted to the MCIT program: Average GRE – V 620/Q 770/AW 4

Fall 2010 MCIT admissions statistics

• 107 applicants to the MCIT program
• 42 candidates admitted
• 24 students matriculated
• Candidates admitted to the MCIT program: Average GRE – V 570/Q 740/AW 4.5

Fall 2009 MCIT admissions statistics

• 92 applicants to the MCIT program

Fall 2008 MCIT admissions statistics

• 71 applicants to the MCIT program
• 41 candidates admitted
• Candidates admitted to the MCIT program: Average GRE – V 570/Q 730/AW 4

Fall 2007 MCIT admissions statistics

• Candidates admitted to the MCIT program: Average GRE – V 570/Q 760/AW 4

Fall 2006 MCIT admissions statistics

• 84 applicants to the MCIT program
• 46 candidates admitted
• Candidates admitted to the MCIT program: Average GRE – V 600/Q730/AW 4.5

Fall 2005 MCIT admissions statistics

• 47 applicants to the MCIT program
• 25 candidates admitted
• Candidates admitted to the MCIT program: Average GRE – V 590/Q 730/A 750; AW 4.5

Fall 2004 MCIT admissions statistics

• 73 applicants to the MCIT program
• Candidates admitted to the MCIT program: Average GRE – V 520/Q 730/A 670; AW 4.5

Fall 2003 MCIT admissions statistics

• 97 applicants to the MCIT program
• Candidates admitted to the MCIT program: Average GRE – V 560/Q 740/A 710; AW 5.0

Fall 2002 MCIT admissions statistics

• 104 applicants to the MCIT program
• 72 candidates admitted
• Candidates admitted to the MCIT program: Average GRE – V 560/Q 750/A 700

Fall 2001 MCIT admissions statistics

• 123 applicants to the MCIT program
• 90 candidates admitted
• Candidates admitted to the MCIT program: Average GRE – V 570/Q 770/A 700
• As the methods for computing grade point averages vary greatly depending on the institution, country, etc., it is not possible to provide average GPAs.  Whatever method is used for computing the grade point average, candidates are expected to have a high GPA.
• All candidates are evaluated equally.
• Please note that the GRE scores listed above are averages.

Graduate Program:

• Master of Computer and Information Technology
• MSE in Data Science
• MSE in Embedded Systems (EMBS)
• MSE in Robotics
• MSE in Computer Graphics and Game Technology
• Fellowships + Aid
• New Students
• How to Register
• Transferring from MSE to Ph.D.
• Graduation + Thesis Information
• Academic + Industry Job Postings

Your CIS Contacts:

Redian Furxhiu Graduate Coordinator for on-campus MCIT, CIS/MSE and CGGT programs Office: 308 Levine Phone: 215-898-1668 Email: [email protected]

Staci Kaplan Program Manager for DATS (Data Science MSE) Office: 308 Levine Phone: 215-573-2431 Email: [email protected]

Britton Carnevali Doctoral Program Manager Office: 310 Levine Phone: 215-898-5515 Email: [email protected]

Mariel Celentano Graduate Coordinator for ROBO Office: 459 Levine Phone: 215-573-4907 Email: [email protected]

Liz Wai-Ping Ng Associate Director for Embedded Systems MSE program Office: 313 Levine Phone: 215-898-8543 Email:  [email protected]

Julia Esposito PICS Program Coordinator, SCMP Academic Coordinator Office: 3401 Walnut, 5th Fl. Phone: 215-573-6037 Email: [email protected]

• Skip to Content
• Catalog Home
• Institution Home
• Graduate Catalog /
• The Wharton School /

Statistics and Data Science, PhD

Wharton’s PhD program in Statistics and Data Science provides the foundational education that allows students to engage both cutting-edge theory and applied problems. These include problems from a wide variety of fields within Wharton, such as finance, marketing, and public policy, as well as fields across the rest of the University such as biostatistics within the Medical School and computer science within the Engineering School.

Major areas of departmental research include:

• analysis of observational studies;
• Bayesian inference, bioinformatics;
• decision theory;
• game theory;
• high dimensional inference;
• information theory;
• machine learning;
• model selection;
• nonparametric function estimation; and
• time series analysis.

Students typically have a strong undergraduate background in mathematics. Knowledge of linear algebra and advanced calculus is required, and experience with real analysis is helpful. Although some exposure to undergraduate probability and statistics is expected, skills in mathematics and computer science are more important. Graduates of the department typically take positions in academia, government, financial services, and bio-pharmaceutical industries.

For more information: https://statistics.wharton.upenn.edu/programs/phd/curriculum/

View the University’s Academic Rules for PhD Programs .

The total course units required for graduation is 13.

Electives must include suitable courses numbered 9000 and above, when offered.

The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2023 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.

Sample Plan of Study

Print options.

Print this page.

The PDF will include all information unique to this page.

A PDF of the entire 2023-24 catalog.

A PDF of the 2023-24 Undergraduate catalog.

A PDF of the 2023-24 Graduate catalog.

DEPARTMENT OF STATISTICS AND DATA SCIENCE

• PhD Program

Students with excellent quantitative training and an interest in applications are encouraged to apply for admission to the graduate program in statistics.

Qualifications

• Applicants for this doctoral program should have had courses in linear algebra, advanced calculus, and statistics.
• Candidates must have taken the GRE, although no set minimum is required for application consideration.
• TOEFL minimum score is 90. Lower scores will not be considered.
• Both GRE and TOEFL scores must be received directly from ETS.
• GRE and TOEFL Information

Students wishing to apply for admittance into the Department of Statistics and Data Science PhD program will apply through The Graduate School (TGS) of Northwestern University’s online application system. Please review the TGS Application Requirements for information on the application process, fees, required documents, and to access the online application. S tudents are not required to secure a research advisor prior to joining our  Statistics and Data Science PhD program.

The Department of Statistics and Data Science accepts applications for full time students entering in fall quarter only. Applications are accepted exclusively through the TGS online application system.

The online system opens: September 2023

Application Deadline: Applications (including supporting materials) must be received by January 5, 2024 .

Decisions: Admission decisions are made by April 15 . In general, admission is offered only for fall of each academic year.

Go to TGS application page

• Youth Program
• Wharton Online

PhD Program

Wharton’s highly selective Ph.D. program in Applied Economics offers students many resources not available at other institutions, such as a 1:1 faculty to student ratio and an up-front guarantee of five years of funding with minimal teaching requirements. Combining the faculties of the departments of Real Estate and Business Economics & Public Policy, Wharton’s Applied Economics program leverages the breadth and depth of its faculty to prepare students for careers doing frontier theoretical and empirical research. Students can focus on a variety of areas including Behavioral Economics, Development Economics, Energy and Environmental Economics, Industrial Organization, Market Design, Public Economics, Risk Management, and Urban Economics and Real Estate. Students may also develop an inter-disciplinary focus by taking courses and working with faculty in some of the other departments at Wharton such as Finance, Health Care Management, Management, and Marketing.

All admitted students are granted a fellowship, including tuition, fees, and stipend.  Details about the application process, deadlines and requirements are available here

Program Requirements

Prospective students interested in pursuing a degree in Applied Economics  must apply for admission to the Wharton Doctoral Programs in Applied Economics.

Applicants may, if they wish, indicate a preferred field of study in their application. All applicants must provide valid test scores — the Applied Economics program accepts only the GRE. We do not require a minimum GRE score, however math scores among students admitted in the last few years were all above the 90 th percentile. In making our decision, we look at your GRE scores as well as the rest of your application: grades, coursework, work and research experience, essays, and recommendation.

We recommend at least three courses in mathematics, such as calculus, linear algebra, and real analysis, and at least three courses in statistics/econometrics. We prefer an economics undergraduate degree along with the math requirements noted above or a math/statistics degree with several courses in economics (at least up through intermediate microeconomics and macroeconomics).

Course Information

• Course Descriptions
• Course Schedule
• Doctoral Inside: Resources for Current Phd Students

More Information

• Applied Economics Faculty
• Phd Photo Gallery
• Prospective Students to Phd Program in Applied Economics
• Job Market Placement

• Youth Program
• Wharton Online

PhD Degree Program in Marketing

Marketing is fundamentally concerned with the description and prediction of decision outcomes involving all aspects of the firm that relate to its customers, competitors, distributors, and business regulators. Interest in description and prediction, in turn, is associated with the improvement of marketing decision making.

Marketing is an interdisciplinary field that draws upon theory and methodology from a wide variety of sources, including psychology, sociology, mathematics, statistics, and economics. Recent developments in the field include new methods and theories for understanding buyers’ perceptions and preferences, probabilistic choice models, models for allocating marketing resources,  econometric analysis of large data bases, and micro-economic models for marketing strategy.

The Wharton School’s Marketing Department has had a long tradition in the development of new research methodologies and the successful implementation of new decision models and techniques in the practice of marketing.

Information Sessions about Admissions for 2024

We are happy to announce that we will hold two information sessions about Admissions to the Wharton Marketing PhD Program this fall. One in-person and one virtual. If you are interested in learning more about the program, research in marketing, and the admissions process, please visit here to sign up: 2024 PhD Admissions Information Sessions .

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAM

The program’s specific objectives are:

• To provide an interdisciplinary environment for the generation of creative ideas in marketing;
• To provide sufficient analytic skills for evaluation (and implementation) of these ideas, i.e., critical insight;
• To provide training in the communication of these ideas to others; and
• To encourage a type of cumulative contribution to the marketing field by a process of learning how to learn, i.e., the strategy of scholarly inquiry.

These objectives are implemented by means of a varied program of seminars, joint research projects, and colloquia.

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

The Wharton Doctoral Programs consist of two distinct phases: pre-candidacy and candidacy. In general, during the pre-candidacy phase the student completes

• the required coursework
• preliminary examinations
• any requirements imposed by the student’s specific Department or Program such as additional qualifying examinations and research papers.

Upon satisfying all of these requirements, the student applies in writing to their Department Ph.D. Faculty Coordinator for admission to candidacy. The Coordinator will review the student’s record and make a recommendation to the Vice Dean. Upon approval by the Vice Dean, the student is admitted to candidacy.

The candidacy phase comprises

• preparation and defense of the dissertation proposal
• doctoral dissertation
• final defense of the dissertation

CANDIDACY REQUIREMENTS

The following are the specific requirements for the Marketing Department.

Before admission to candidacy , the student is required to:

• Complete the required 15 credit units of graduate level courses as described in detail in the Coursework section below.
• Take and pass the Marketing Qualifying Examination offered at the end of the first year.
• Complete a faculty-supervised First Year Research Paper due approximately August 25, before the start of the second year.
• Complete a faculty-supervised Second Year Research Pape r due by approximately August 25, before the start of the third year.
• Complete all forms required by the University. Link to forms:  https://doctoral-inside.wharton.upenn.edu/forms/
• The Ph.D. program in marketing is based on the completion of the dissertation as well as a minimum of fifteen graduate level course units.
• These courses assume that the student has a basic knowledge of various business areas, computer programming, calculus, and matrix algebra.
• Of the 15 course units, a maximum of 4 can consist of transfer courses for graduate work at other universities with approval of the Department’s PhD Coordinator.
• In addition, only 2 of the 15 course units can be independent study courses.
• Courses are taken from the following categories:

MAJOR Field Courses - 5.0 CU

The Marketing Department requires that students take five course units (cu) of Ph.D. seminars .

• Students can select the Quantitative Track or the Consumer Behavior Track when choosing which marketing seminars to take, according to their research interests.
• If a required Marketing Seminar is not offered, students may submit a request to the Marketing Department’s Doctoral Committee for a course substitution.
• The required seminars are:

Consumer Behavior Track : 3 credit units as follows

• MKTG 9500 (0.5 cu) and MKTG 9510 (0.5 cu)
• MKTG 9520 (0.5 cu) and MKTG 9530 (0.5 cu)
• MKTG 9540 (0.5 cu)
• MKTG 9560 (0.5 cu)

Quantitative Track: 3 credit units as follows

• MKTG 9540 (0.5 cu) and MKTG 9550 (0.5 cu)
• MKTG 9560 (0.5 cu) and MKTG 9570 (0.5 cu)
• MKTG 9500 (0.5 cu)
• MKTG 9520 (0.5 cu)

Seminars required for all students : 2 credit units

• MKTG 9400 (0.5 cu)
• MKTG 9410 (0.5 cu)
• MKTG 9420 (0.5 cu)
• MKTG 9430 (0.5 cu)

Please see the links on the right for Course descriptions and schedules. Students wishing to take any of these courses need permission from the course instructor before they can register for them. Please see  Program Advising and Registration for details about how to enroll in these courses, and how to set up an Independent Study section (MKTG 9990).

Basic Courses - 3.0 to 4.0 CU

Economics Requirements

• ECON 7100 and ECON 7110 ( Microeconomic Theory I & II) OR
• ECON 6100 (Microeconomic Theory) and ECON 6110 (Game Theory and Applications) OR
• BEPP 9500 (Managerial Economics)

Statistics Requirements

• STAT 5000 and STAT 5010 (or PSYC 6110 and PSYC 6120)
• STAT 5150 and 5160
• STAT 5200 and 5210
• STAT 9700 and 9710
• ECON 7300 and 7310
• SOCI 5351 (Quantitative Methods II) and STAT 5010

*Non-statistics Wharton PhD students may take STAT 9270, 9610 (Statistical Methodology – previously STAT 541), 9620 and STAT 5420  as electives only after fulfilling one of the required course combinations listed above. Students who would like to take these courses are required to ask for an interview with the instructor and receive his/her permission.

Exceptions to these sequences, or the ability to “mix and match” courses from these sequences, is allowed- however, must receive written approval from the current doctoral coordinator of the statistics department program.

Courses in a Related Field - 2.0 to 3.0 cu

Students also complete course units in related fields. A partial list of possible related fields includes:

• Communications Research
• Decision Processes
• Econometrics
• Information Systems
• Operations Research

Electives - 4.0 to 5.0 cu

• Marketing Degree Program
• Joint Doctoral Degree Program in Marketing and Psychology
• FAQ about PhD in Marketing 
• 2024 Information Sessions
• Admissions Information
• Recent PhD Placements
• PhD Student Awards
• PhD Alumni Awards
• PhD Student Directory
• Postdoctoral Researchers Directory
• How the Wharton PhD Program Works
• For Current Students

For more information or to request admission application forms:

APPLY TO WHARTON

• Youth Program
• Wharton Online

What You Need to Apply

Applying for the wharton mba: application & admission requirements, below you will find full details on prerequisites, application fees, essay topics, gre/gmat test scores, references and other details you’ll need to satisfy the wharton mba admission requirements. however, the most detailed instructions are included in the application itself. remember, you must complete the online application to be considered for the mba program. if you’re looking for deadline information and an overview of the application process, please see application timelines and deadlines ., mba application checklist & prerequisite requirements.

A complete application will consist of the following items:

Background Information

Application fee.

• Transcripts (unofficial or official)
• Two Letters of Recommendation
• GMAT or GRE Score
• English Language Test Score

Essay Questions

Transcripts, letters of recommendation, english language test.

• Contact information (e.g., mailing address and phone number)
• Date of birth
• Beginning with your high school, please complete the Education and Transcript section for all of your academic experiences, including your bachelor’s or bachelor’s-equivalent degree, study abroad, summer school, and post-baccalaureate classes. If you have more information than the three forms will allow, please use the Microsoft Excel  Multiple Transcript Template  to record your additional education.
• To ensure the quick processing of your application, we are no longer accepting mailed transcripts at the time of application. Instead, please submit your transcript(s) as a scanned document or use the Transcript Template  found here. Use the upload feature, provided at each school listing, to submit your self-reported transcript(s).
• If admitted, you will be required to provide official transcripts of all previous academic work to verify the information provided in the uploaded documents. If there are discrepancies between the self-reported academic work and official records, your offer of admission will be withdrawn. Offers of admission are not binding until academic records are verified.
• Beginning with your most recent position, please complete the Employment section with your full-time experience, including military and entrepreneurial experiences. You can also include any significant part-time or summer employment since the beginning of college.
• The Employment section allows you to list your four most recent employments; however, all employment experience is important to us. Feel free to use the optional essay to explain any gaps in employment.
• Please note that we will see all of your answer to the Reason for Leaving question, whether or not it is fully visible on your application when you print it using Adobe Acrobat PDF.  This field is fully visible in our review system.
• Family information
• If you have ever been convicted of or plead guilty or no contest to a felony or misdemeanor (excluding minor traffic violations), you must report this information. Failure to disclose this information may result in the withdrawal of any possible offers of admission. Answers will be reviewed by the Wharton MBA Admissions Review Officer. This information will not be provided to the admissions committee as part of the regular academic review process.

The application fee for Wharton’s MBA program is $275 and non-refundable. It can be paid by credit card (Visa, MasterCard, or American Express), with your application.

Essays for the 2023-2024 Application Cycle

The Admissions Committee wants to get to know you on both a professional and personal level. We encourage you to be introspective, candid and succinct. Most importantly, we suggest you be yourself. For additional essay writing resources, see the  essay tips article!

Essay 1 : How do you plan to use the Wharton MBA program to help you achieve your future professional goals? You might consider your past experience, short and long-term goals, and resources available at Wharton. (500 words)

Essay 2 : Taking into consideration your background – personal, professional, and/or academic – how do you plan to make specific, meaningful contributions to the Wharton community? (400 words)

Required Essay for all Reapplicants:  Please use this space to share with the Admissions Committee how you have reflected and grown since your previous application and discuss any relevant updates to your candidacy (e.g., changes in your professional life, additional coursework, and extracurricular/volunteer engagements). (250 words)

Optional Essay: Please use this space to share any additional information about yourself that cannot be found elsewhere in your application and that you would like to share with the Admissions Committee. This space can also be used to address any extenuating circumstances (e.g., unexplained gaps in work experience, choice of recommenders, inconsistent or questionable academic performance, areas of weakness, etc.) that you would like the Admissions Committee to consider. (500 words)

Please note:

• First-time MBA applicants and re-applicants are required to complete essays 1 and 2.

Transcripts of all academic work completed at the baccalaureate/undergraduate level and beyond, whether or not for credit or a degree, are required to apply for the MBA program. When submitting your transcripts, you can do one of the following:

• Upload unofficial transcripts OR
• Self-report grades on our Online Transcript Template

Please note: Official documents are required upon admission and matriculation .

The Letter of Recommendation component of our application will be broken into two sections:

• A selection of positive personality characteristics. Recommenders will be asked to choose two characteristics from a list of ten that best describe the candidate they are recommending.
• Please provide example(s) that illustrate why you believe this candidate will find success in the Wharton MBA classroom. (Word count: 300)
• Please provide example(s) that illustrate why you believe this candidate will find success throughout their career. (Word count: 300)

We require two letters of recommendations from individuals who are well acquainted with your performance in a work setting, preferably from a current or former supervisor.

The title or position of the recommender is not as important as his/her ability to comment knowledgeably and specifically about you. Submit recommendations from people who can speak directly about your aptitudes and capabilities.

We require all recommendations to be submitted electronically. After you have contacted your recommenders, please complete the form on the Recommendations page.

After selecting your recommenders, it is possible that you’ll need to alter this selection. If a recommender has not begun their recommendation, you can delete them and assign another recommender.  Please note that your new recommender will not appear on the recommendation page of your application, however we will see the new listing when you submit your application.

If you or a recommender have questions, please reach out to [email protected] .

All applicants must submit results of either the Graduate Management Admission Test (older version or Focus Edition, both now referred to as GMAT) or the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).

We accept scores from tests taken at a test center or at home/online. All at-home tests are monitored by a human proctor online. Scores may be self-reported; when self-reporting your score(s) in the application please list your highest score first. Should you receive an offer of admission, official scores will then be requested for verification.

The GMAT code for the Wharton MBA Program is G56-97-73.  The GRE code is: 6802.

Results from one of the following tests is required for non-native English speakers with limited exposure to English:

• The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT)
• Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE)
• The International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

All international applicants whose native language (language first learned and spoken at home) is not English, or who did not complete a degree from an institution where English was the language of instruction, are required to take the TOEFL, PTE, or IELTS. If you earned a bachelor’s or master’s degree from an institution at which English is the language of instruction, the test may be waived.

TOEFL –  The code for the Wharton MBA Program is: 2926.

PTE –  Report your scores directly to The Wharton MBA Program

Please upload a one-page resume. We are interested in your functional job skills, breadth and depth of experience, demonstrated leadership and management skills, and your potential for growth. We are more concerned with what you have learned in your positions than we are with the length of time you’ve been in the workplace.

• Only scan the important parts of your document. Do not scan pictures, graphics and unnecessary text.
• Save the scanned object as a .pdf file with the proper 3-letter extension. Please do not attempt to upload a document that is password-protected or that contains macros. This will cause the process to fail.
• Close the .pdf file.
• Check the size of your file. It should not exceed 10 MB.
• Upload your file using the buttons.
• Make sure scanned documents are clearly legible. Illegible documents will not be accepted and will delay the evaluation of your application.

Francis J. & William Polk Carey JD/MBA Program Requirements

The Carey JD/MBA Program is a joint-degree program and therefore shares admissions requirements with the Wharton MBA Program. In addition to the elements of the full-time MBA application, the Carey JD/MBA application includes a Law School section that requests additional information specific to the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School JD program.

Note: You may not apply to the Carey JD/MBA Program and simultaneously apply individually to the Wharton MBA Program and/or the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School JD Program in the same application cycle. Once you have submitted an application for the Carey JD/MBA Program, you cannot switch to the other degree programs or vice versa.

For additional questions about the Carey JD/MBA Program, please contact [email protected]  or visit the Carey JD/MBA Program website .

Application Eligibility Requirements

All applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree to be eligible to enroll in the Juris Doctor (JD) program. Applicants who are admitted to the Carey JD/MBA Program are admitted for the fall semester on a full-time basis only. All applicants must take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) or the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT). The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is not required. If an applicant takes the LSAT, they must also take the GRE or the GMAT. Regardless of test format, all applicants must register with the LSAC’s Credential Assembly Service (CAS) and all test scores must be reported. (See Standardized Tests and LSAC’s Credential Assembly Service (CAS) information below.)

Regular Decision

If you submit and complete an application for Round 1 or Round 2, you will receive a decision according to the Wharton MBA Admissions decision release timeline. Regular Decision applicants who are taking the LSAT should take the LSAT no later than September of the application year for Round 1 and November of the application year for Round 2.

Early Decision (Binding)

The Carey JD/MBA Program’s Early Decision option is designed for applicants who have thoroughly researched their law school options and determined that the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School is their first choice. Our Early Decision program is binding. Applicants who wish to be considered for early decision must commit to matriculate in the Carey JD/MBA Program if admitted. If admitted, you must withdraw your applications from all other law schools and refrain from initiating new applications. You may not submit an early decision application to more than one law school.

Note: Applications must be submitted through Wharton no later than September 6, 2023, for Early Decision Round 1 and no later than January 4, 2024, for Early Decision Round 2. Early Decision applicants who are taking the LSAT should take the LSAT no later than September of the application year for Round 1 consideration and no later than November of the application year for Round 2 consideration.

How to Apply

As an applicant to the Carey JD/MBA Program, you are required to submit your application through Wharton Round 1 or Round 2. Please do not fill out nor submit the Fall 2024 – First Year JD application through the LSAC Electronic Application service. Once you have submitted your application through Wharton, the MBA application process is conducted independently by each school but the evaluation and decision-making are conducted jointly. The Law School will begin processing Carey JD/MBA applications in early October.

You are strongly encouraged to answer the application essay questions in relation to the Carey JD/MBA Program as opposed to only the Wharton MBA Program.

Standardized Tests and LSAC’s Credential Assembly Service (CAS)

All applicants to the Carey JD/MBA Program must take the GRE or the GMAT. We will accept at-home GRE, GMAT, and LSAT scores. The LSAT is not required. If an applicant takes the LSAT, they must also take the GRE or the GMAT. We will accept LSAT results from any exam taken from June 2017 or thereafter for the class entering in fall 2023. GRE or GMAT test dates must align with the Wharton MBA test date requirements for the appropriate application round. If you take a test more than once or take more than one testing format, all scores will be considered and must be reported in the application form. All test scores should be submitted in the JD/MBA application as directed. In addition, you must request GRE and/or GMAT official score reports from ETS and/or GMAC to be sent directly to the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School. The University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School’s school code is 4122 for GRE score reporting and G56-RV-81 for GMAT score reporting. The Law School will not accept test-taker score reports directly from the applicant nor can we accept score reports transferred from Wharton.

Regardless of the testing format you choose to use, each applicant must also register with the LSAC Credential Assembly Service (CAS) and arrange to have all transcripts sent to LSAC from each college or university attended. When the Law School receives your application from Wharton, the Law School will request your CAS report, and LSAC will send it directly to the Law School. Please note that your CAS report will not be released by LSAC until all required transcripts have been received and processed by LSAC. In addition, if you have not or will not take the LSAT, please select the GRE/GMAT only checkbox in the LSAT section of the Test Information section.

The University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School requires that any international transcripts be submitted through the LSAC Credential Assembly Service for applicants who completed any post-secondary work outside the US (including its territories) or Canada. You must use this service for the evaluation of your international transcripts. The one exception to this requirement is if you completed the international work through a study-abroad, consortium, or exchange program sponsored by a US or Canadian institution, and the work is clearly indicated as such on the home campus transcript. This service is included in the Credential Assembly Service registration fee.

Recommendation Forms and Letters

You must submit two recommendation letters through the LSAC Letter of Recommendation Service. If you have obtained two letters of recommendation to be used for the Carey JD/MBA application, these letters can satisfy the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School requirement but you must have your recommenders submit duplicate copies of these two letters to LSAC. Your CAS report will not be released to us until at least two letters of recommendation are on file with LSAC and assigned to the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School. This service is included with your Credential Assembly Service registration. You and your recommender must use the letter of recommendation form available online through the LSAC Letter of Recommendation Service for each letter submitted to LSAC.  Please do not send letters directly to the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School.  Note that we will accept up to four letters of recommendation through LSAC; however, your application is deemed complete with two letters of recommendation.

Carey JD/MBA Interview

Carey JD/MBA interviews are granted by invitation only. If you are invited to interview, you are required to complete the Wharton Team Based Discussion as well as a Carey JD/MBA interview.

Application Status/Questions

The University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School Admissions Office is committed to serving our applicants as efficiently and effectively as we can during the MBA application process. Please be advised that it may take approximately two weeks from the date that we receive the Carey JD/MBA application from Wharton to process and complete the applicant file. We will notify you of the date upon which we receive your application from Wharton and inform you of any missing documents upon receipt of your Credential Assembly Service report. We will also notify you of the date upon which your application is complete.

You can check the status of your application at any time using Application Status, the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School’s online status checker. To access the online status checker, please visit https://www.law.upenn.edu/admissions/jd/ .

For additional Law School application instructions, please visit  https://www.law.upenn.edu/admissions/jd/how-to-apply.php .

Tuition and Financial Aid

For detailed information on Law School tuition and financial aid, please visit https://www.law.upenn.edu/admissions/financing/ .

Wharton/Lauder Institute Joint-Degree Applicants

The Lauder Institute offers a joint-degree MA in International Studies in tandem with the Wharton MBA or JD programs at Penn. The Lauder Institute shares MBA program requirements with the Wharton MBA program, and the application is reviewed in its entirety by both the Lauder and Wharton Admissions committees. Accepted Lauder MBA/MA students are admitted jointly into both programs, not independently into each. Lauder applications are accepted in all 3 application rounds.

In addition to the Wharton MBA application, Lauder requires that you complete a language assessment called the Oral Proficiency Interview(s), one Lauder essay, and answers to supplemental questions regarding international/cross-cultural experience. You will be prompted to submit these items in the online application.

For any questions you have about the Lauder/MBA application process, please contact the Lauder Admissions office at [email protected]

Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI)

An Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) is required of all Lauder applicants and must be scheduled and completed with Language Testing International (LTI). To schedule an OPI, complete and submit LTI’s online application . When scheduling your OPI(s), please be sure to register as a Lauder applicant with LTI. There is no need to forward your scores to the Admissions Committee—Lauder OPI scores are available for the Admissions Committee to review through LTI’s online portal.

The OPI may be completed any time after July 1, 2023 to count for the current admissions cycle, but it must be completed by September 6, 2023 for Round 1 applicants or January 4, 2024 for Round 2 applicants. OPI ratings are valid for a single application cycle, and reapplicants to the Lauder program will need to retake the OPI(s). If you have any questions about scheduling the OPI please contact LTI by phone at +1-914-963-7110 (extension 115 or 127) or by email at [email protected] . Please consult with the Lauder admissions office if you have questions regarding the language requirements for Lauder.

For applicants to one of Lauder’s five Programs of Concentration : An OPI in the proposed language of study is required. The ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines for the OPI range from Novice to Distinguished, and an Advanced rating is the expected level for admission to Lauder.

Educated native speakers of Romance languages* [such as French, Italian, Spanish] will be considered for the Latin America/Portuguese program without prior knowledge of Portuguese. These applicants should test in their native language and are required to submit a Superior-level OPI rating for that language. In addition, educated native speaker applicants who speak some Portuguese should take an OPI in Portuguese even if the expected rating is at or below Advanced.

Educated native speakers in Romance languages* [such as French, Portuguese, Spanish] will be considered for the Europe/Italian program without prior knowledge of Italian. These applicants should test in their native language and are required to submit a Superior-level OPI rating for that language. In addition, educated native speaker applicants who speak some Italian should take an OPI in Italian even if the expected rating is at or below Advanced.

* a person who speaks that particular language as a first language AND whose formal education was delivered in that language through high school.

For applicants to Lauder’s Global program: One OPI in a language other than English is required of all applicants to the Global program. Applicants to the Global Program must test at the Superior level. Applicants may test in their native language provided it is not English.

For applicants to Lauder’s General Track Africa Program  of Concentration:  Candidates applying to the General track Africa Program must demonstrate Superior-level proficiency on the OPI in any language other than English. Applicants may test in their native language provided it is not English.

Lauder Essay

Discuss why you are applying to the Lauder Institute, detailing specific reasons, experiences, and background for choosing your Program of Concentration, as well as your interest in further study in that Program. Applicants to Programs of Concentration involving language study (Africa-French; East and Southeast Asia; Europe; Latin America; South Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa) should also discuss what they hope to gain from advanced language and cultural education, as well as describe how they have learned the language they will study (e.g. undergraduate courses, undergraduate major, etc.). Finally, please describe how you see yourself benefiting from, and contributing to, the Lauder community.   (800 words)

Lauder Interview

Lauder interviews are granted by invitation-only, based upon a full review of your submitted application. Typically, the Lauder interview is conducted remotely or on-campus with a current Lauder student. If you are invited to interview, you are required to complete the Wharton team-based discussion as well as a Lauder interview.

The Lauder Institute is committed to supporting candidates who are admitted to the Lauder Institute. In fact, nearly all of our students receive some kind of financial support for the graduate degree in International Studies. Please visit our website for more information on Lauder fellowships, tuition and financial aid .

Lauder applicants may also apply for the University of Pennsylvania’s Foreign Language and Area Studies (FLAS) Fellowships program .

Interviews for the MBA program are offered by invitation only. If you have been invited to interview, then you will participate in the Wharton MBA Team Based Discussion (TBD). Visit the Interview Process for more details and tips.

Admissions Decisions

After you apply to an MBA program, all decisions are released via Online Application System. Decisions released include:

Admission to the Wharton MBA

We offer clear admission to highly qualified candidates pending confirmation of official academic transcripts and test scores. Admissions are made on an individual basis & all applicants are measured against both the MBA admissions requirements & in the greater context of all applicants.

Conditional Admission

We offer conditional admission to candidates who clearly demonstrate significant potential for success both within the Wharton MBA program and post MBA, but whom we feel need additional preparation before beginning the Wharton MBA program. Conditional admission is typically based on the need for strengthening a candidate’s analytical background or improving English communication skills.

Candidates can expect to remain on the waitlist until the previous round of decisions are released. There is no rank order to the waitlist, and we are unable to offer feedback to candidates while they remain on the list.

The committee welcomes important updates that you believe add significant value, growth, or development to  your application since submission.

International Applicants

Requirements for the MBA program are the same for both international students and U.S. citizens. Recognizing the special challenges that international students face, both Wharton and the University of Pennsylvania provide information and resources to help you navigate the MBA application process, and we assist international students with issues like obtaining a visa and relocating to a new country.

Academic Requirements

The MBA Admissions requirements are as follows: a college-level education equivalent to a four-year American undergraduate or baccalaureate degree (the same as a first university degree). Several universities around the world offer three-year undergraduate programs. If you received a bachelor’s degree upon completion of one of these undergraduate programs, you are eligible to apply to the MBA program. Many candidates from three-year programs have a master’s degree as well, but it is not required.

When applying, list all of the post-secondary educational institutions you have attended, including technical and professional schools. Use the full names of the institutions attended, and provide the titles of all diplomas or degrees earned.

Please submit only official academic records from educational institutions. Official records are defined as original documents issued by the institution that bear both the actual (not photocopied) signature of the registrar and the institutional seal. Records issued only once by institutions should be photocopied and certified as official copies by school officials or legal authorities, such as embassies or public notaries. Please do not send the original copy of an academic record that cannot be replaced.

If you have attended more than one institution, submit official records from each institution, except study-abroad programs that are listed on your official undergraduate transcripts. If academic records and diplomas are not issued in English by the institution, submit both the official record and an authorized English translation.

All translations should be complete and literal renditions of the original record. Records should show the date of enrollment, courses taken, units of credit or time allotted to each subject during each term or year, your marks or ratings in each subject, and, if available, your rank in the total class or group.

The institutional grading scale (or other standards of evaluation, including minimum passing and failing marks and the definitions of grades between them) should appear on official records, or you should provide them as an attachment. For more information on the general MBA Application process, see the ‘ Application Checklist ‘ section above.

English Language Examinations

• Pearson PTE

You may waive an English test if you have earned an undergraduate degree or master’s degree in an English-speaking country or from an institution at which English is the language of instruction. You must provide evidence to support the waiver. If your test score is more than two years old (from the date of the exam to the date of application arrival), you must retake the test.

How to take a test:

• The TOEFL iBT is offered at more than 3,000 authorized TOEFL iBT test centers or from the privacy of your own home and monitored online by a human proctor.
• The PTE is offered at 400+ test centers in 117 countries or at home.
• The IELTS is offered in test centers or at home.

Wharton only accepts official scores for English language tests.

Student Visas

Should an offer of admission be extended and accepted, you are eligible to apply for either an F-1 or J-1 visa. To meet the eligibility requirements for a student visa, you must show proof of equivalent academic documents (diplomas), results from the TOEFL or PTE examination, and financial resources to pursue your course of study. Detailed information regarding the requirements and application process to obtain a student visa is sent to admitted students in the spring.

Interdisciplinary Program Applicants

Interdisciplinary study is central to our curriculum, with a wide array of dual and joint-degree options. In general, a dual-degree requires one  less year than it would take to pursue the two degrees separately. Joint degrees are fully integrated with the Wharton MBA curriculum and use a shared application. We offer two joint-degree programs: The Lauder MBA/MA in International Studies and the Carey JD/MBA .

Two programs combine the Wharton MBA with graduate study at other institutions; others combine a Wharton MBA with University of Pennsylvania biotechnology, design, engineering, law, medicine, nursing, and social work masters degrees.

Applying for Interdisciplinary Programs

You must apply to both Wharton and the second school or program. This means that the appropriate standardized test scores (e.g., LSAT, GRE, or MCAT), a completed application form, your transcript(s), and your letters of recommendation must also be sent to the partner school.

Admission decisions are made independently by each school, and you may pursue a dual-degree program only if admitted to both schools. Unless otherwise indicated, you may apply to both programs simultaneously. However, if you are admitted to both programs and do not want to begin at Wharton, you will need to request a deferral and will be subject to our deferral policy.

If you are already enrolled in a program, you may apply to Wharton in the fall semester following commencement of study in the co-sponsoring school. If you are applying to a three-year program, you may apply in the fall of your second year. If you are enrolled in the MD, DMD, or VMD program, you may apply to Wharton to start during any August up to and including the August following the third year of enrollment in the medical program.

To satisfy the MBA program requirements of the dual-degree program, you must take at least 15 courses at Wharton. Courses taken at Wharton prior to admission and matriculation into the Wharton MBA program may not be applied toward the degree requirements of the MBA.

Applicants to the three-year Carey JD/MBA Program must apply via a shared application. Given the unique nature of the program, applicants may not, after receiving an offer of admission, decide to enroll in one school and not the other (i.e., an applicant may not choose to only attend Wharton and not Penn Law, or vice versa, after a joint decision has been rendered). Applicants are encouraged to apply prior to matriculation in the Law School. However, since the first year of the three-year JD/MBA program takes place at Penn Law, Penn Law students have the option of applying during their 1L year, during Round 1 or Round 2 of the Wharton MBA admissions timeline.

Also, the joint-degree Lauder Program application is reviewed in its entirety by both the Lauder and Wharton Admissions Committees, and you must apply via a shared application. Accepted MBA/MA students are admitted jointly into both programs, not independently into each.

Reapplication

If you applied to a program and were not admitted, we encourage you to reapply for the next academic year. Reapplications make up approximately 10% of our applicant pool in any given year. The most important thing is that you demonstrate through essays, subsequent career growth, and/or academic preparation that you are a stronger candidate. We recommend you review the MBA Prerequisites before re-submitting an application to ensure they have not changed since you last applied.

Reapplication Essays

If you are reapplying, you are required to complete the requisite application essays plus the optional essay. Please use this space to explain how you have reflected on the previous decision on your application and to discuss any updates to your candidacy (e.g., changes in your professional life, additional coursework, and extracurricular/volunteer engagements). You may also use this section to address any applicable extenuating circumstances. (250 words)

Get in Touch with MBA Admissions

• Business Today
• India Today
• India Today Gaming
• Cosmopolitan
• Harper's Bazaar
• Brides Today
• Aajtak Campus

• Magazine Cover Story Editor's Note Deep Dive Interview The Buzz
• BT TV Market Today Easynomics Drive Today BT Explainer
• Market Today Trending Stocks Indices Stocks List Stocks News Share Market News IPO Corner
• Tech Today Unbox Today Authen Tech Tech Deck Tech Shorts
• Money Today Tax Investment Insurance Tools & Calculator
• Mutual Funds
• Industry Banking IT Auto Energy Commodities Pharma Real Estate Telecom
• Visual Stories

INDICES ANALYSIS

Mutual funds.

• Cover Story
• Editor's Note
• Market Today
• Drive Today
• BT Explainer
• Trending Stocks
• Stocks List
• Stocks News
• Share Market News
• Unbox Today
• Authen Tech
• Tech Shorts
• Tools & Calculator
• Commodities
• Real Estate
• BT-TR GCC Listing

‘Had got admission in Wharton Business School’: When a labour union crisis ended Piyush Goyal’s PhD dream

In an exclusive interaction with the lallantop’s saurabh dwivedi on his show ‘jamghat’, goyal reminisced his younger days when he was studying and running a business at the same time.

• Updated Apr 02, 2024, 12:11 PM IST

Union Minister Piyush Goyal has revealed he had got admission for PhD in University of Pennsylvania’s The Wharton School back in 1988 but failed to join the institution because of a labour crisis at a factory he had started.

In an exclusive interaction with The Lallantop’s Saurabh Dwivedi on his show ‘Jamghat’, Goyal reminisced his younger days when he was studying and running a business at the same time. Even though he was interested in Commerce, he had chosen Science in high school.

Related Articles

• 'They left for their own selfishness': Piyush Goyal says startups reverse-flipping must pay tax
• Govt to not tailor policies for individual company or its interests: Piyush Goyal on Tesla entering India

“The year I did CA, I had also done law from Government Law College. I always had interest in business and I wanted to enter the field of finance. In 1979, I did [Class] 10th. When I got good marks in Class X, there was a sway - why’d you do BCom? So, I took admission in Jai Hind College to study Science. I studied Science in the beginning in Class XI.”

Goyal also joined Aggarwal Classes in Mumbai, which was then very popular for entrance examinations. However, a family gathering resulted in Goyal changing the stream in the middle of his high school years and pursuing the subject he was passionate about.

“Halfway through my 11th standard in 1980, my grandmother passed away. So our entire family had gathered and was mourning. My brother had also returned [from the US]. In the 14 days [of mourning], everyone was together. In our conversations, everyone agreed I should pursue my dream. After that I shifted to H.R. College in Commerce. It was very difficult to get admission those days,” he recollected.

Even as Goyal was transitioning from one stream to another, he decided to start a business because his father was retiring.  

“When I was in [Class] 12th, in 1980-81, that’s when I decided to start my own business. My father was about to retire in 1981. I was in class XII and my age was 17, and I decided I will start a business,” he said.

Goyal would explore many industrial avenues before his family and him decided to start a steel forging factory.

“I still remember I went to Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Bhatinda. I went to Gohana in Haryana because I was told that scooter horns were built there. I thought if I should start a scooter horn business. Different things. I studied how bicycle chains were made. Studied various industries. I remember I had gone to Indore. There was Madhya Pradesh Audyogik Vikas Nigam (MPAVN). I travelled across Dhar, Pithampur. There was an industrial development area there. I had studied capsule making plants to make gelatin capsule. Studied real estate. Studied many things and then I started a small factory after my father retired,” he said.

Goyal said his father had put his entire life’s savings into the business.

“It was in our minds where will the earnings come from after our father retired. My father retired on April 1 1981. The superannuation that he received, he commuted his pension which allowed him to receive a substantial sum instead of the pension, which was around Rs 2 lakh then. Gratuity, which was Rs 1.66 lakh. Leave encashment money came. Provident Fund money came. After combining all this, the savings was Rs 14.40 lakh. We started a small-scale business by the end of 1981-82.”

But starting the business was easier said than done.

“NMIDC has an office in Andheri. Jaha tak mera anuman hai, maine 93 times us office ke dhakein khaye to get a plot of 2930 sq metre, less than one acre allotted. They’d say they don’t have a plot. I kept insisting. Finally, we got a plot in Dombivli in a chemical area. We started a small steel forging factory with the Rs 14.40 lakh,” he added.

By 1984, the factory was ready, Goyal had completed BCom and was studying CA and Law. Goyal was interested in continuing his studies while running the business. So he applied for admission in Wharton. Goyal recounted his interaction with a professor from the university over phone.

“I was still interested in studying further. So I took admission in PhD. This is the first time I am sharing this, I had got admission in Wharton Business School in University of Pennsylvania  in 1988. The professor was interviewing me on the phone, landline. There were no mobiles back then. The professor was saying they were surprised I had industrial experience, I had done CA and Law. I explained all of this [his profile] to him. I had stood second in India in CA, I had second in India in law. Before that, I had stood second in BCom in Bombay University.”

“The professor said that keeping all these things mind, for the first time, they were admitting an individual in a PhD program without a Master’s degree or a full-time work experience. I was admitted in the program for Strategy. I was really excited I’d go for PhD the next year.”

But Goyal’s dream was about to hit a roadblock. “Unfortunately, in 1989 there was labour trouble in my factory. There was an aggressive labour union which did not let the factory run. We were barely making ends meet. There was no big profit. It was a small factory. I tried to explain to the union, but I think what they wanted I was not able to understand. I used to talk about the benefit of the workers, but they had other expectations. They were more concerned about the union’s earnings than the benefit of the workers.”

The factory would eventually shut causing a financial crunch. “The factory shut because of the labour trouble. And after it was shut for four-six months, our situation was bad. In the university, there’s a gap year which allows you to defer your admission. When I called the professor, the professor said ‘we had given you admission with a lot of difficulty, it wasn’t easy. You were not fitting that criteria. I wish you’d come but I understand your problem. But I can tell from my experience, people don’t come after a gap year. They get busy.’ I said: ‘I can’t leave my father alone in such difficult circumstances. Also, there is a financial problem, in paying the fees. I might get a scholarship in future but lot of money is needed in initial days too. So, I will not be able to come.’”

“And that’s what happened. I could never go, I could not pursue PhD. I used to feel a little sad about it but now I feel good when my son has done MBA. My daughter is doing MBA from the same Wharton School. I am living my dreams through my children.”

(The interview was conducted in Hindi. The above quotes are a translation. Watch full video)

TOP STORIES

• Advertise with us
• Privacy Policy
• Terms and Conditions
• Press Releases

Copyright©2024 Living Media India Limited. For reprint rights: Syndications Today

Add Business Today to Home Screen

• Youth Program
• Wharton Online

Qualifications

What type of people study for the phd.

Doctoral students come from a variety of backgrounds. Their most important distinguishing features are an eagerness to discover new things and an aptitude for research methods in business.

More than half of the students are international. The number of first-year students in each department’s program is small and select. New students interact with doctoral students in all years and also with students in other Wharton departments. Typically, the number of peers with whom a doctoral student interacts and finds common interests ranges from 15 to 30.

Do most graduates enter the academic field?

The majority of students who enter a Wharton doctoral program assume a faculty position at an academic/research institution upon completing the PhD degree program.

How long does a PhD take?

The required coursework for a PhD takes two years, and defense of a thesis proposal, performance of thesis research, and defense of the final thesis usually take 12 to 18 months at a minimum. It is reasonable to expect to take four to five years to complete the PhD.

Can I do it part time? Is there distance learning? Is there an online program?

The Wharton PhD program is full time during the period of coursework. Most students also pursue their theses full time for 12 to 18 months. There are no PhD-level courses offered through distance or online learning.

Do I need prior work experience or business courses?

No, not necessarily. Application decisions depend primarily on an evaluation of the candidate’s ability to handle complex course material and do original research. While experience is helpful, evidence of strong intellectual ability — as indicated by test scores, course grades, or letters of recommendation — is the most important factor.

Will prior graduate work help? Can I transfer prior graduate work and have it apply to the PhD?

Up to one year of graduate credits may be transferred (maximum of eight credits), but any transfers are usually less than the maximum, because students are required to take the core courses for the doctoral program here at Wharton. Prior work can shorten the time for required coursework a little, but its main advantage will be to provide a better background for dealing with the rigorous core courses.

Application Requirements

What is the deadline for tests.

All tests must be taken no later than December 15th. You may self-report your unofficial scores on the online application in order to meet the deadline. Official scores must also be sent from ETS/GMAC in order to complete your application.

We do not accept late test scores. Please plan in advance to ensure that scores and materials are submitted by the December 15th deadline.

As states on our website, please submit your application by December 15th, 11:59PM EST.

What code should I use to send official scores?

Please use the following codes to send official test scores:

GRE:  2954-5199 or 2954-0000

TOEFL: 2954-02 or 2954-00

GMAT: G56-97-12

If you are unable to find the exact codes for the GRE/TOEFL, as long as you use the Wharton School code (2954), we will be able to confirm your scores.

What tests should I take? Is there a minimum score?

All applicants must take either the GRE or GMAT, depending upon department/program admission requirements. While there is no minimum test score required to apply, good performance on one of the tests can offset lower scores on other portions.

As each department’s requirements on standardized tests vary, please see the Admissions Requirement page for details on test requirements by department.

The average GRE scores for doctoral students entering in fall 2023:

Verbal: 161 Verbal %: 85 Quantitative: 168 Quantitative %: 90 Writing: 4.5 Writing %: 69

The average GMAT scores for doctoral students entering in fall 2022:

Verbal: 40 Verbal %: 86 Quantitative: 42 Quantitative %: 47 Total: 673 Total %: 74 Writing: 5 Writing %: 54

The ETS codes for requesting to have your scores sent to the Doctoral Program are: GRE: 2954-5199 or 2954-0000 GMAT: G56-97-12

We will accept GMAT and GRE scores that are up to 5 years old. If your test scores are more than 5 years old (taken prior to July 2018), you will have to take the test again and submit the new scores. Please see the GRE and GMAT websites for further information on taking those tests.

GRE/GMAT test scores CANNOT be waived. There are no exceptions unless outlined by the department. Failure to provide required application materials will result in your application’s rejection. Please note that certain programs will accept only the GRE.

See  Application Requirements for specific information.

The average GPA of accepted applicants generally falls within the upper tenth percentile.

Is the TOEFL required? Can it be waived if I have lived or studied in an English-speaking country?

Applicants whose native language is not English must take the TOEFL. You may request a TOEFL waiver if you have earned an undergraduate or master’s degree (or will receive the degree by June 2024) in an English-speaking country or from an institution in which English is the language of instruction.

To waive the TOEFL, you must submit your request under the  optional essay  section of the application  and  have it documented that your medium of education was English. Your transcripts may serve as documentation that English was the language of instruction.

TOEFL scores are valid for two years. If your TOEFL test was taken prior to July 2021 you will need to submit new scores.

Ask the Educational Testing Service (ETS) to report your test scores using the following Wharton Doctoral Programs’ ETS codes: · TOEFL: 2954-02 or 2954-00

Please note, we do not accept IELTS scores in place of TOEFL scores.

What is the average TOEFL score? Do you keep scores submitted in prior years?

Generally, the better the test score, the more likely a student will succeed in the program. We do not keep scores submitted in prior years, unless an applicant submitted an application. Applications and all supplemental materials (including test scores) are kept on file for one year after the year of application, and then destroyed.

The average iTOEFL scores for doctoral students entering in fall 2023:

Reading: 29 Listening: 29 Speaking: 25 Writing: 28 Total: 109

The ETS codes for requesting to have your scores sent to the Doctoral Program are: TOEFL: 2954-02 or 2954-00

Can I request an interview when applying?

Interviews are not granted prior to decisions. Accepted candidates are generally invited to visit at Wharton’s expense before they make a decision on whether to attend.

Can the application fee be waived?

Applicants from the following fellowships can waive the $80 application fee: McNair , Fulbright , IDDEAS, Leadership Alliance, and GRE Fee Reduction recipients . ​There are no other exceptions for offering application fee waivers.

Can I pay the application fee by credit card?

You can pay the $80 application fee by credit card when you submit your online application.

Admissions Process

When should i apply.

We will begin accepting applications in September for the following year’s admission period. The deadline for applications and supporting documentation (letters of recommendation, transcripts, and test scores) is December 15.

When and how will I be notified of the committee's decision?

The admissions committee meets in late February and again in early March, and the departmental programs make their final decisions by late March. Admission notification is made by April 15.

You will be notified of departmental decisions via the e-mail address you provide, so be sure to check your email regularly and to notify the Doctoral Office of any changes in your contact information.

Can you provide a paper application — I would rather submit a paper application than the online application?

Unfortunately, we no longer offer a paper application. All applications must be submitted using the online system.

How many applications do you receive each year, and how many do you admit?

The number of completed applications is usually between 800 and 1300. Less than 5% of applicants are offered admission, and usually 30 to 40 students matriculate.

Can I defer admission?

An offer of admission with financial support is made for the upcoming academic year only. Acceptance of the offer may not be deferred. An accepted applicant who must postpone acceptance of an offer of admission may reapply for consideration the following year. The applicant must follow the December 15th deadline to submit their application for review.

Can I request feedback on my application if I am not offered admission?

The admissions committee cannot offer feedback on individual applications.

Can I apply as a transfer student from a PhD program at a different school?

All applicants must complete an application with all required materials by the December 15 deadline regardless of their status at another school.

Can I apply to more than one Wharton PhD program?

No. It is for the benefit of both the applicant and Admissions Committee for an applicant to apply to one program only.

You are welcome to apply to separate schools at Penn (i.e. Arts & Sciences, Med). Please note you will be required to submit separate applications, materials and application fees.

Can I re-apply to a Doctoral Program?

Yes. Candidates who submitted an application to a Wharton Doctoral Program and were not offered admission may re-apply but not for the same academic year, e.g., an applicant who was not admitted for fall 2018 may re-apply for fall 2019. See Reapplication Process for more information.

Which programs are STEM-designated?

STEM-designated programs are denoted on our Programs of Study page .

Online Application

I'm having trouble accessing the online application. what is the problem.

You must have a Login Account to access the Online Application. To get a Login and Password please visit our online application, available in September.

My password will not work. Why?

You may be entering the incorrect password. A common problem is passwords are case sensitive. Be certain you are entering your password with the same capitalizations and lower cases as appear in your confirmation e-mail.

To have your login and password information re-sent to you, click the login link and follow the directions to have the information re-sent to you.

If all else fails, please email the doctoral office for assistance:  [email protected] .

When should I check the system after submitting the application?

You should allow at least three weeks for processing for your online account to truly reflect the status of your application.

Will I receive an e-mail when decisions are made? How will I know when to check the system?

You will receive an e-mail each time your status changes; this includes when we release a decision. Once you receive an e-mail, you need to check your status online. The e-mail only indicates there is a change to your application; it does not indicate what the change is.

Letters of Recommendation

Do you accept letters of recommendation through interfolio.

Yes, please follow the instructions from Interfolio: https://product-help.interfolio.com/en_US/about-dossier-accounts/dossier-quick-start-guide

Assistance for applicants or the Interfolio agent can write to [email protected] .

Financial Aid

What about financial aid are international students eligible.

All admitted Wharton doctoral students receive a fellowship that covers the cost of tuition and health insurance, and provides a stipend. It is expected that a similar level of financial aid may be awarded for up to 5 years. All financial aid awards are contingent upon a student’s satisfactory academic progress.

The number of students accepted in any department is therefore determined by the amount of financial aid available.

Annual Security & Fire Safety Report

Where can i find the annual security & fire safety report for the university of pennsylvania.

To read the Annual Security & Fire Safety Report, click here. 

• Youth Program
• Wharton Online

Master of Arts in Statistics and Data Science, Bridge to a Doctorate

Wharton’s Master of Arts in Statistics and Data Science, Bridge to a Doctorate, is a two-year research master’s (AM) degree program which provides advanced coursework and research experience to students who need additional preparation for admission to a doctoral program.

Bridge Fellows will work with faculty on an individualized curriculum built around their interests and goals.

The two-year intensive master’s program includes financial support (tuition, stipend, and health benefits) and additional benefits such as faculty mentorship for professional development and access to resources to apply to doctoral programs, including GRE test preparation and guidance on doctoral program applications. Bridge Fellows will not be required to teach in this program.

As part of the goal of the Statistics and Data Science Department, this bridge program seeks to prepare students for a doctoral program by providing strong mentorship and a learning environment dedicated to teaching methods of statistical modeling for effective decision making.

Eligibility

The Master of Arts in Statistics and Data Science, Bridge to a Doctorate, is for students who:

• Have a strong academic record in mathematics or statistics but require additional coursework and research experience for admission to a doctoral program.
• Demonstrate a strong interest in research and in earning a PhD.
• Have earned a bachelor’s degree at the time of enrollment.
• Are citizens or permanent residents of the U.S.

And meet one (or more) of the following criteri a:

• Have experienced personal disadvantages or obstacles in access to pre-baccalaureate and undergraduate training which have impeded preparation for graduate school.
• Are a first-generation college graduate from a low-income family.
• Have demonstrated a commitment to activities dedicated to ameliorating the negative effects of complex issues which are of vital concern to society.
• Have participated in rigorous, engaged research (i.e., studies about issues of public interest and societal challenges) which match the content areas of interest to Department faculty—including biostatistics, crime and the justice system, computer science, economics, environmental data science, genomics, health policy, neuroscience, policing, public health, social good, as well as others listed under faculty profiles.

Please find the University of Pennsylvania’s Nondiscrimination Statement  here .

Applications for the 2024-2025 academic year open on January 16, 2024.

Department of Statistics and Data Science

The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania Academic Research Building 265 South 37th Street, 3rd & 4th Floors Philadelphia, PA 19104-1686

Phone: (215) 898-8222

Master's Bridge Program

• Application Instructions
• Curriculum and Mentoring Program
• Statistics Course Descriptions
• Diversity and Inclusion at Penn
• Contact Info and Resources