Social and Governance Factors for Business, MBA

2 Years On Campus Masters Program

University of Pennsylvania

Program Overview

The Social and Governance Factors for Business major at the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School is designed for MBA students who want to understand how businesses influence society, human capital, and the environment while managing social and governance-related risks and opportunities. The major combines business management, finance, corporate governance, business ethics, public policy, and sustainability, preparing students to become responsible business leaders who can integrate social impact and governance principles into business strategies and create long-term, sustainable organisational value.

Curriculum Structure

The MBA is structured around four semesters across two academic years. Students complete Wharton's core business curriculum alongside specialised Social and Governance Factors for Business courses, electives, and opportunities for practical and international learning.

Year 1

During the first year, students establish a foundation in business management, finance, economics, accounting, marketing, and organisational leadership. Core subjects include Fundamentals of Financial Accounting, Corporate Finance, Microeconomics for Managers, Macroeconomics and the Global Economic Environment, Marketing Management, and Foundations of Teamwork and Leadership. Students also explore business responsibility through courses such as Responsibility in Global Management and Business, Social Responsibility, and the Environment, developing an understanding of ethical decision-making and the relationship between business and society.

Year 2

In the second year, students deepen their expertise through the Social and Governance Factors for Business major, completing at least three course units from the Social and Governance course list and up to one course unit from the Environmental course list. Relevant subjects include ESG and Impact Investing, Corporate Governance, Executive Compensation and the Board, Social Entrepreneurship, Law of Corporate Management and Finance, Climate and Financial Markets, and Strategy and Environmental Sustainability. Students can also select electives in areas such as international business, management, finance, and business analytics to develop specialised knowledge and prepare for leadership roles involving corporate responsibility, sustainable investment, governance, and social impact.

Focus Areas

Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles, corporate governance, social responsibility, sustainable business performance, ethical leadership, impact investing, public policy, financial disclosure, shareholder activism, employment law, social entrepreneurship, environmental sustainability, climate finance, responsible artificial intelligence, and business-society relationships.

Learning Outcomes

Understand the relationship between business and society; evaluate social and governance risks and opportunities; analyse the impact of business activities on natural, human, and social capital; develop responsible corporate governance strategies; assess ESG and impact investment opportunities; understand the legal and regulatory environment affecting businesses; apply ethical principles to managerial decisions; evaluate sustainability challenges and their financial implications; develop strategies for social entrepreneurship and positive social impact; and integrate responsible business practices into long-term organisational strategies.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The Social and Governance Factors for Business major is part of the MBA programme offered by the Wharton School. Its curriculum draws on Accounting, Business Economics and Public Policy, Finance, Legal Studies and Business Ethics, Management, Marketing, and Operations, Information and Decisions.

The major is academically supported by these departments and focuses on corporate governance, business ethics, social responsibility, and sustainable business practices. It is not a separate professional certification or independently accredited degree.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Wharton MBA Employment Report – Class of 2025:

Job Offers: 90.5% of graduates seeking employment reported receiving job offers.
Job Acceptances: 87% of graduates seeking employment reported accepting job offers.
Median Annual Salary: USD 185,000 for full-time MBA graduates.
Social Impact Employment: 1.5% of graduates accepted positions in social impact roles.
Sustainability and Environment: Graduates also entered sustainability and environmental roles.
Recruitment Network: Employers hiring Wharton MBA graduates include Amazon, Google, Microsoft, McKinsey & Company, Deloitte, BlackRock, Goldman Sachs, and JPMorgan.

These figures represent the overall Wharton MBA programme, not exclusively graduates of the Social and Governance Factors for Business major.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At the University of Pennsylvania, the MBA in Social and Governance Factors for Business program is designed to equip students with practical skills that are essential for navigating the complexities of modern business environments. Through a blend of theoretical knowledge and hands-on experiences, students engage in real-world projects, collaborate with peers, and utilize cutting-edge resources that enhance their learning journey. The program emphasizes experiential learning, ensuring that you not only understand the concepts but also apply them effectively in various contexts.

Here are some key components of the experiential learning opportunities available in this program:

- Capstone Projects: Work on real-world challenges in collaboration with organizations, allowing you to apply your knowledge to solve pressing social and governance issues.
- Internships: Gain valuable industry experience through internships with leading companies focused on social responsibility and governance practices.
- Field Trips: Participate in visits to organizations and institutions that exemplify best practices in social and governance factors, providing insights into their operations and strategies.
- Collaborative Learning: Engage in group projects that foster teamwork and enhance your ability to work effectively with diverse teams.
- Access to Research Facilities: Utilize state-of-the-art research labs and resources at the Wharton School, including the Wharton Social Impact Initiative, which focuses on innovative solutions for social challenges.
- Digital Tools: Leverage advanced software and analytical tools that are integral to data-driven decision-making in social and governance contexts.
- Networking Opportunities: Connect with industry leaders and alumni through events and workshops, expanding your professional network and gaining insights from experienced practitioners.
- Libraries and Resources: Access extensive library resources, including databases and journals focused on social and governance research, to support your academic and professional pursuits.

These experiential learning opportunities are designed to prepare you for a successful career in business with a strong emphasis on social responsibility and governance.

Embarking on this journey will not only enhance your skills but also position you as a leader in the evolving landscape of business.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The MBA in Social and Governance Factors for Business at the University of Pennsylvania equips graduates with the skills and knowledge to excel in a rapidly evolving business landscape. Alumni often find themselves in influential roles such as Corporate Social Responsibility Manager, Sustainability Consultant, and Governance Analyst. This program not only prepares you for immediate career success but also opens doors to long-term opportunities in various sectors:

- University Services: The Wharton School offers dedicated career services, including personalized coaching, networking events, and access to a vast alumni network that can help you secure internships and job placements.
- Employment Stats and Salary Figures: Graduates from this program have an impressive employment rate, with over 90% securing jobs within three months of graduation. The average starting salary for MBA graduates in this field is around $120,000, reflecting the high demand for expertise in social and governance factors.
- University–Industry Partnerships: The University of Pennsylvania has established partnerships with leading organizations such as Deloitte, PwC, and the World Economic Forum, providing students with unique opportunities for internships, projects, and real-world experience.
- Long-term Accreditation Value: The MBA program is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), ensuring that your degree holds significant value in the global job market.
- Graduation Outcomes: Alumni have gone on to work in top firms and organizations, influencing policies and practices that prioritize social responsibility and governance, demonstrating the program's impact on both individual careers and broader societal change.

Further Academic Progression: After completing your MBA, you may choose to further your studies by pursuing a Ph.D. in Business Administration or a related field, focusing on research in social and governance factors. Alternatively, you could consider specialized certifications in sustainability or corporate governance, enhancing your expertise and marketability in this vital area of business.