Chief Technology Officer Program Brochure
Chief Technology Officer Program Brochure
OFFICER PROGRAM
Orchestrate growth through technology
Manage disruption and
drive technological change
To excel during this uncertainty, CTOs must prepare for a role that goes
beyond that of the technology expert to one with a solid understanding of
the many diverse functions in their organizations. At the same time, it is
vital that CTOs champion the benefits of today’s technological advances
to clients, vendors, and partners in clear, jargon-free communication. While
focusing on scalable technology solutions, CTOs also must be cognizant of
their company’s overriding business and technology strategies.
86%
to implement innovative technologies using appropriate
tools and techniques so that they can thrive throughout
your organization. You will also learn how to build and of executives agree their
scale a technology architecture for optimal deployment. organization must train its people
Through interactive sessions, you will learn how to apply to think like technologists.
relevant practices—gaining insights from
world-renowned faculty, knowledgeable practitioners, Source: Technology Vision 2021—Accenture
and accomplished peers. Check-in sessions with a
success coach will customize this learning journey to your
professional needs while the flexible format will allow you
to learn at your own pace and on your own schedule.
Comprehensive
Interactive sessions curriculum
Leverage interactive sessions Immerse in a learning journey of
with faculty, fireside chats 9 to 12 months that includes
with practitioners, and in-depth sessions in the latest
networking sessions with peers. technology tools, trends, and
strategies.
The learning journey of 9 to 12 months includes a combination of self-paced modules and live
interaction. The program concludes with a two-day on-campus graduation and networking
event* at the Wharton Executive Education campus in Philadelphia.
Weekly live virtual Weekly live virtual Monthly live virtual Annual networking
event
1:1 coaching Core faculty discussions Elective faculty discussions Recognition ceremony
*This event will occur annually in Philadelphia upon the completion of every fourth cohort of this program.
Note: Session topics and final list of electives are subject to change. Chief Technology Officer Program 5
Overview of the curriculum: core modules
Knowing how to manage the risks of disruption is critical in today’s technology-driven business
world. As a participant in the CTO Program, you will emerge equipped with the tools to not only
manage risk but also recognize and validate new opportunities for your organization. You will explore
the concepts of blockchain and cryptocurrencies, artificial intelligence (AI), and more—and learn
how these developments are driving growth on a global scale. You will also discuss how to use
strategic processes to improve technology deployment and discover optimal methods for executing
an effective technology vision.
Note: Session topics are subject to change. Chief Technology Officer Program 6
Overview of the curriculum: online electives
As a participant in the CTO Program, you will select three online electives (of six weeks each).
During the elective period, you will dive deeper into how senior leaders can influence the impact of
technology on the bottom line. This exploration will include discussions of real-world case studies
and how to apply what you’ve learned upon returning to your workplace. While issues faced by
CTOs are often similar in scope, insights discussed in these sessions can offer perspectives from
different industries and solutions to universal challenges.
Note: Final list of electives is subject to change. Chief Technology Officer Program 7
Who is it for?
Whether you are tasked with developing
your company’s strategy for enhancing
technological improvements or identifying
and implementing new technologies, you
will benefit from this comprehensive
program. CTOs, aspiring CTOs, and senior
executives who aim to lead the technology
strategy of a company—as well as VPs of
engineering, software architects, or those
responsible for evaluating and implementing
new systems—will also benefit from this
informative learning experience. You will
emerge with a firm grasp and clear
understanding of frameworks that ensure
your organization excels in these evolving
times.
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 Chief Technology Officer (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.
Chief Technology Officer Program 9
Pathway to 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 77+ Wharton alumni clubs
• Invitation to attend future Wharton global alumni forums
• A Wharton email address
Keeping it real
Our pedagogical approach is designed to
bring concepts to life, including:
• Frameworks delivered via video lectures
• Real-world examples delivered through a
combination of video and live online lectures
• Debrief of learnings delivered through a combination
of recorded and live video lectures
Keeping it impactful
The program has been designed to deliver maximum impact throughout the learning journey.
Participants receive access to relevant learning materials in a modular manner. New content is
released weekly and includes a variety of teaching instruments such as:
• Video lectures from Wharton faculty • Reflections
• Discussions • Authentic, real-world activities
• Class materials (e.g., program notes, articles,
case studies, and more)
Our industry-leading learning platform allows participants to create a profile, connect with faculty,
collaborate and network with peers, and interact with academic and industry experts.
Lori Rosenkopf has been appointed as the vice dean of entrepreneurship, responsible for leading the
“Venture Lab,” a resource for Penn students and alumni interested in entrepreneurship and innovation.
She is also the former vice dean and director of the Wharton undergraduate division responsible for
introducing the new Wharton undergraduate curriculum, evaluating alternative curricular and career
pathways, and growing diversity and inclusion initiatives. She received the Hauck Award for
distinguished teaching in the undergraduate program. Rosenkopf’s research examines technological
communities and social networks across several high-tech industries. Her research has been published
in leading journals including Administrative Science Quarterly, Academy of Management Journal, Academy
of Management Review, Management Science, Organization Science, and Strategic Management Journal.
As part of the project, you will develop a reflection journal to relate Phase I, II, and III topics to your
organizational experiences. For each reflection, you will choose six subtopics (one subtopic from
each week) and write a cumulative 350- to 400-word reflection. You will also be presented with a
series of questions that will help you to get started on your reflection. At the end of the program, you
will make a final presentation, which will be a valuable asset when proposing initiatives to decision
makers in your organization.
There are three reflection journal submissions in total—one at the end of each phase:
WEEK 1
Initiate Project 1
Determine a technology
challenge or initiative for
your organization
WEEK 6
6 Reflection Journal Submission 1
Examine the experiences of
implementing technology strategies
to address the challenge or initiative
at an organizational leadership level.
WEEK 12
Reflection Journal Submission 2 12
Examine the experiences of
implementing technology trends
to refine the chosen initiative
or challenge.
18
WEEK 18
Reflection Journal Submission 3
Examine the technology tools,
techniques, and execution
methods necessary to implement
the initiative and reflect upon
the experiences of deploying them.
All reflection journal submissions and the final presentation of the executive reflection are required to complete
this program.
Chief Technology Officer Program 14
Application details
To apply to the program, please access and complete the online application form.
Please also note that participation in the Chief Technology Officer Program (CTO) (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.
About Wharton
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leadership at every level and to make a greater impact in their organization.
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