Chief Technology Officer (CTO) Program
Orchestrate growth through technology
Tuition Fee Benefit: US$1,500
This benefit is only available to participants who apply on or before June 25, 2025 at 04:59 AM
Manage disruption and drive technological change
In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, organizations face unprecedented challenges in navigating disruptive technology, adapting to emerging trends, and sustaining innovation. The demand for visionary CTOs who can lead this transformation has never been greater.
Wharton Executive Education's CTO Program leverages the expertise of renowned faculty and industry specialists in key areas including innovation management, information technology, strategy, digital transformation, and entrepreneurship. The program is structured around three core phases: technology strategy; trends in technology; and the tools, techniques, and execution. To further refine their expertise, participants can choose from a range of electives that align with their professional growth and aspirations. The program equips current and aspiring CTOs with advanced leadership skills and the practical knowledge needed to shape their organization’s future and stay at the forefront of technological evolution.
Gain an in-depth understanding with a comprehensive approach: core modules, choice of electives, and an executive reflection journal that aligns with the CTO's leadership and technological focus.
Dedicate approximately three to five hours a week toward engaging in program materials, including videos, reading content, case studies, assignments, and live sessions that enhance your leadership in technology.
Experience a blend of flexible online learning and engaging on-campus events, enabling you to connect with peers, faculty, and industry leaders to discuss the latest technology strategies.
Tailor your journey by selecting electives that align with your goals — from leadership and AI to digital transformation and data-driven strategies — ensuring a personalized learning experience.
Apply course concepts to real-world challenges in your organization through reflective activities, and record your insights and actionable strategies in a playbook to guide your leadership journey.
Develop a strategic plan and presentation for implementing cutting-edge technologies and driving innovation in your organization, using the knowledge and tools gained throughout the program.
Insights from the Academic Director
CTO Program: a transformative learning journey
The CTO Program is designed to equip forward-thinking executives with the knowledge and skills to drive organizational innovation and technology leadership. The program combines a structured format with flexibility to ensure maximum learning and business impact.
The curriculum is divided into two main components — a foundational 18-week core module phase followed by three online electives of six weeks each. Participants will have the opportunity to attend an optional on-campus event for experiential learning and networking engagements.
Certificate
Earn a Wharton Executive Education digital certificate upon successful completion of the program. As an alumnus of this transformative program, you 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 electives from Wharton Executive Education.
Note: After successful completion of the program, your verified digital certificate will be emailed to you 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 CTO 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
Establish valuable connections with your peers
Live online interactions
Throughout the program, live online sessions foster real-time engagement with a global cohort, allowing for in-depth discussions that broaden your perspective. These interactive sessions enhance learning and ensure that you remain connected with industry peers worldwide.
Networking
The on-campus event provides a unique platform for networking across cohorts. It offers the opportunity to exchange experiences, build connections, and strengthen relationships with peers, creating a robust network that extends beyond the program.
Pathway to earning Wharton alumni status
For more than 135 years, Wharton has been the place where visionaries, inventors, and trailblazers get their start. After completing the CTO 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 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. More details on the GMP are available at Wharton Executive Education. Upon qualifying for Wharton alumni status, you will be eligible to receive:
Full access to become a member of more than 77 Wharton alumni clubs
Invitation to attend future Wharton global alumni forums
A Wharton email address
About Wharton
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.
Program faculty
Success coach
Who is the program for?
The CTO Program is ideal for:
CTOs, aspiring CTOs, and senior executives with experience in technology management who aim to lead the technology strategy of an organization
VPs of engineering, software architects, or those responsible for evaluating and implementing new systems
Senior technology executives tasked with developing strategy or identifying and implementing new technologies
Participants are required to have:
A minimum of 10 years of work experience
International exposure (preferred)
Fluency in written and spoken English
Past Participant Profiles
The CTO Program attracts individuals who have diverse backgrounds, come from different industries, and bring unique experiences. The inclusive nature of the cohort ensures that you engage with like-minded peers and gain valuable insights to address the challenges faced by your organization.
The CTO Program has 1,500+ past participants till date.
Consulting- Manufacturing
- Engineering & IT
- Financial Services
- Consumer Products / Retail
- Banking & Insurance
- Energy / Utilities
- Health Care / Services
Disclaimer: All product and company names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. Use of product and company names does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by the holders.
The list of companies is only indicative and not exhaustive.
Participant Testimonials
Application Details
FAQs
Early registrations are encouraged
Provide your details and access the program brochure
A learning advisor will connect with you to provide additional information.
When you are ready, you can send in your application for the program.