Inspire transformational change
Rapid transformation, workforce disruption, and rising employee expectations across industries have positioned the chief human resources officer (CHRO) as a central force in shaping enterprise strategy, culture, and growth. As workforce expectations evolve, CHROs are embracing advanced tools and strategic frameworks to lead with precision, influence, and sustained impact.
The Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) Program from Wharton Executive Education empowers senior HR professionals to lead at the intersection of talent, strategy, and enterprise transformation.
Over 9 to 12 months, this multimodular program equips you to:
• Drive organizational and cultural transformation
• Align talent strategy with business goals
• Leverage human and social capital for a competitive advantage
• Lead change effectively
• Advance career development and succession planning
Acquire the strategic frameworks, leadership insights, and global network to serve as a trusted organizational partner and a people-centered leader with lasting influence.
The CHRO Program equips HR executives to align strategic initiatives with organizational goals, leveraging human capital for a competitive edge. The program covers succession planning, workforce management, talent strategies, and innovative approaches to career development, diversity, and hiring. Executives gain tools to navigate challenges, foster innovation, and drive transformative change.
This HR leadership program offers a forward-looking curriculum tailored to reflect the latest industry trends. The program features 18 weeks of core modules, followed by three specialized six-week online electives, allowing executives to tailor their learning journey to deepen their expertise.
Earn a Wharton Executive Education digital certificate upon successful completion of the program. Alumni of the CHRO Program get exclusive access to a wide range of professionals, events, and networking opportunities. Furthermore, you can also benefit from additional tuition assistance upon enrolling in further online programs from Wharton Executive Education.
Note: After successful completion of the program, you will receive your verified digital certificate by email in the name you used when registering for the program. All certificate images are for illustrative purposes only and may be subject to change at the discretion of the Wharton School.
Please also note that participation in the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) 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.
The CHRO Program presents an exceptional opportunity for executives to build a global network of industry leaders. Through meaningful engagement with peers, you can expand your professional connections, gain diverse perspectives, and establish long-term relationships that support ongoing leadership growth.
Build a global network of HR leaders
Join a high-impact community of senior HR professionals from around the world. The CHRO Program facilitates meaningful peer engagement, allowing you to exchange insights, address shared challenges, and form enduring relationships that continue to support your leadership journey beyond the program.
Live, interactive online sessions
Participate in real-time discussions with your global cohort through scheduled live sessions. These interactive forums enhance learning, encourage collaborative problem-solving, and enable consistent peer-to-peer connections throughout the program.
On-campus networking opportunities
Attend an optional two-day on-campus event at the University of Pennsylvania to build deeper connections with peers, engage directly with Wharton faculty, and connect with industry experts. This immersive experience strengthens cross-cohort engagement and expands your professional network for long-term impact.
Join a legacy of leadership
For over 135 years, Wharton has shaped many of the world’s most influential business leaders. By completing the CHRO Program and fulfilling additional criteria, you take the first step toward Wharton alumni status.
Advance through the General Management Program (GMP)
Graduates of the CHRO Program are eligible to apply for Wharton’s General Management Program (GMP) — an advanced and flexible learning journey designed to expand your leadership capabilities and sharpen strategic thinking.
Earn credit toward your alumni pathway
The CHRO Program counts as one credit toward the six required to complete the GMP.
Unlock alumni privileges
Upon completing all six credits and meeting Wharton’s requirements, you may qualify to apply for alumni status and gain access to the global Wharton alumni network.
Alumni benefits
Once you attain Wharton alumni status, you will gain access to:
Membership opportunities with 77+ Wharton alumni clubs worldwide
Invitations to exclusive Wharton Global Alumni Forums
An official Wharton email address
To learn more about the GMP and its requirements, visit the Wharton Executive Education homepage.
In 1881, Joseph Wharton, the American industrialist and entrepreneur, founded the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, marking the establishment of the world’s first collegiate business school. A pioneer in its field, Wharton has long been at the forefront of innovation in business education. The school not only introduced the first MBA program in 1921 but also launched groundbreaking initiatives, including the nation’s first business school research center and, more recently, cutting-edge programs in alternative investments and neuroscience.
As it continues to evolve, Wharton remains committed to shaping future business leaders, fostering transformative ideas, and setting new benchmarks in global business education. Its legacy is one of consistent adaptation to the changing needs of the business world, with an emphasis on equipping students with the skills to lead in an increasingly complex global economy.
The CHRO Program is ideal for:
Chief HR officers or chief people officers who offer counsel to senior leadership or the board of directors
Senior HR leaders across talent, people management, compensation, employee engagement, performance, and operations who are steeped in the complexities of HR functions
Participants are required to have:
A minimum of 10 years of work experience
International exposure (preferred)
Fluency in written and spoken English