Statistics and Data Science, MBA

The Statistics and Data Science major develops the skills and insights required to draw inferences and conclusions from many types of data. A key challenge facing managers is the interpretation of the vast amount of data generated in the world of business today. Modern computing systems now produce large volumes of information whereas previously one could often only rely upon intuition and guesses. Yet this information does not directly answer important business questions. What combination of features is most desirable for consumers? What will sales be next month? How did we do last month? Data analysis and statistics offer a systematic approach that can help provide answers to these questions.

Courses offered by the Statistics and Data Science Department develop the skills and insights required to make effective use of statistical methods. The courses provide the knowledge needed to select and apply techniques and to communicate statistical results. Interpretation in realistic applications offers guiding examples, and theory is used to motivate and compare alternative schemes.

Regardless of topic, all of these courses provide useful skills that augment the substantive managerial abilities of students. Courses also provide exposure to computer software that implements key techniques.

For more information: https://statistics.wharton.upenn.edu/programs/mba/course-requirements/

Curriculum

Curriculum

A minimum of 19 course units is required for graduation.

Major electives taken on a pass/fail basis cannot be counted toward the Statistics and Data Science major.

MBA Core Requirements

¹

Students cannot enroll in both FNCE 6210 and FNCE 6230.

²

STAT 6210 is by placement only.

³

Enrollment in WHCP 6180 requires pre-approval.

The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2025 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.

The Global Experience Concentration facilitates MBA student participation in a study abroad program. Students must complete two full credit units in an approved International Exchange Program at the partner university’s location. In addition, students must take one full credit unit of internationally focused MBA electives to satisfy the concentration requirement.  

Curriculum

Students must complete two full credit units in an approved International Exchange Program at the partner university’s location. Approved International Exchange Programs include:

• Australia – AGSM, Sydney
• Brazil – COPPEAD, Rio de Janeiro
• Chile – Universidad Adolfo Ibanez, Santiago
• China – CEIBS, Shanghai
• China – Peking University, Beijing
• France – HEC/ISA, Paris
• France – INSEAD, Fontainebleau
• Hong Kong – HKUST, Kowloon
• India – ISB, Hyderabad
• Israel – IDC, Herzliya
• Israel – Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv
• Italy – SDA Bocconi, Milan
• Japan – Keio University, Tokyo
• Netherlands – RSM, Rotterdam
• Philippines – AIM, Makati City
• Singapore – INSEAD, Singapore
• Spain – IESE, Barcelona
• Sweden – Stockholm School of Economics, Stockholm
• Thailand – Sasin, Bangkok
• United Kingdom – LBS, London

In addition to two full credit units taken in an approved study-abroad program, students must take one full credit unit of internationally focused MBA electives to satisfy the concentration requirement. The electives should be selected from the list below and cannot be taken on a pass/fail basis.

¹

Global Modular Courses (0.5 CU) offered in a foreign location also count.

Other courses with substantive international content may be counted upon approval of the concentration adviser.

Concentration advisor: Alyssa Swanson