Chief Technology Officer (CTO) Program
Command the tools, mindset, and strategy of a transformative CTO
- Trusted by 1900+ tech leaders
- Join a high-caliber network
- Attend cutting-edge AI/ML live sessions
- Secure your pathway to Wharton alumni privileges
Build the strategy behind tomorrow's technology with the CTO Program
The Chief Technology Officer (CTO) Program from Wharton Executive Education prepares senior technology leaders and aspiring CTOs to align innovation with strategy and drive enterprise-wide transformation. In today’s fast-changing economy shaped by emerging technologies and artificial intelligence, this 9- to 12-month program led by Wharton faculty combines technology strategy, emerging trends, and execution frameworks with electives, equipping participants with the insight, mindset, and tools to scale innovation and shape the future of their enterprises.
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.
Recognized for impact by 1900+ learners
Built for business relevance
95% of past learners have rated the content of the program as ‘Excellent’ or ‘Very Good’
Focused learning design
93% of past learners have rated the content-applicability of the program as ‘Excellent’ or ‘Very Good’
Expertise you engage with
83% of past learners have rated the faculty live sessions as ‘Excellent’ or ‘Very Good’
Source: Emeritus Learning Survey
Certificate
Earn a Wharton Executive Education digital certificate upon successful completion of the program. As a participant of the Chief Technology Officer 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.
Meet the faculty
Success coach
Who is the CTO Program for?
The Wharton Executive Education CTO Program is designed for senior technology leaders who are ready to expand their influence from technical oversight to enterprise-wide strategy. It is ideal for:
- Current and aspiring CTOs seeking to strengthen their strategic technology leadership capacity and drive business transformation
- Senior technology executives, including VPs of engineering or heads of architecture, responsible for shaping and executing technology strategy
- Senior technology leaders tasked with evaluating, adopting, and scaling emerging innovations to deliver enterprise growth
Participants are required to have:
A minimum of 10 years of work experience
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 1,900+ 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 from the CTO Program
Application details
FAQs
Connect with a Learning Advisor for a 1:1 Session
Our learning advisors have helped senior executives across the world choose the right program for their career goals. Schedule a 1:1 to get a deeper understanding on why the CTO Program is the right fit for you.
Email: wharton_cto@emeritus.org
Phone: +1 567 587 1541 (U.S.) / +44 1313 812895 (U.K.) / +971 80 00321209 (U.A.E.) / +52 55930 20507 (LATAM)
Flexible payment options available.
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.