MBA Strategic Management Major

The Strategic Management major provides students with a deep grounding in the basic logic of competitive advantage, premised on a careful analytical treatment of the distinct qualities and positions of individual firms and an understanding of broader competitive dynamics. This background positions students well for guiding strategy at both established and emerging enterprises, as well as preparing them for positions with consulting firms that work with firms in setting their strategies.


Requirements for The Major

The Strategic Management major requires four credit units beyond the required Wharton core. MGMT classes in the required Wharton core are non-waivable and include MGMT 6100 (Foundations of Teamwork and Leadership, 0.5 cu) as well as your choice of MGMT 6110 (Managing the Established Enterprise) or MGMT 6120 (Managing the Emerging Enterprise) or MGMT 6130 (Managing the Established Enterprise, WEMBA only). All credit units for the major must be taken for a letter grade. Please consult the MBA Course Schedule to confirm courses that are being offered the current academic year.

  • At least three credit units must come from the following:
    • MGMT 7010 – Strategy and Competitive Advantage (0.5 cu)
    • MGMT 7110 – Competitive Strategy and Industrial Structure
    • MGMT 7140 – Value Creation and Value Capture in American Business History
    • MGMT 7170 – Deals: The Economic Structure of Transacting and Contracting
    • MGMT 7210 – Corporate Development: Mergers and Acquisitions
    • MGMT 7230 – Strategy and Environmental Sustainability (0.5 cu)
    • MGMT 7310 – Technology Strategy
    • MGMT 7820 – Strategic Implementation
    • MGMT 8010 – Entrepreneurship (0.5 cu)
    • MGMT 8710 – Advanced Global Strategy (0.5 cu)
  • Not more than one credit unit from the following:
    • LGST 7290/MGMT 7290  – Intellectual Property Strategy for Innovation-Driven Enterprise (cross-listed; 0.5 cu)
    • LGST 8150 – Environmental Law: Management and Policy
    • MGMT 6250 – Corporate Governance (0.5 cu)
    • MGMT 7150  – Political Environment of the Multinational Firm
    • MGMT 7200 – Corporate Diplomacy
    • MGMT 7730 – Managing Organizational Change (0.5 cu)
    • MGMT 8020 –Innovation, Change & Entrepreneurship (0.5 cu)
    • MGMT 8110 – Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (0.5 cu)
    • MGMT 8140 – Search Fund Entrepreneurship
    • MGMT 8320 – Business Model Innovation Strategy
    • MGMT 8920 – ASP–Collaborative Innovation Program
    • MKTG 7770 – Marketing Strategy
    • OIDD 6360 – Scaling Operations: Linking Strategy and Execution
    • Global Modular Courses with significant content in strategic management, at the discretion of the department advisor.

Advisor: Sara Jane McCaffrey (for current Wharton Students only, Prospective students should contact the Admissions office)
Telephone: 215.898.1149

For additional information or to apply, visit the MBA Admissions website.