Jerome Fisher Program in Management and Technology

Jerome Fisher Program in Management and Technology. The Jerome Fisher Program in Management and Technology, commonly known as the M&T Program, is a highly selective, integrated dual-degree undergraduate program at the University of Pennsylvania. Founded in 1977 through a gift from alumnus Jerome Fisher, it awards graduates a Bachelor of Science in Economics from The Wharton School and a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from the School of Engineering and Applied Science. The program is designed to educate leaders who can bridge the gap between technology development and business strategy.

History and establishment

The program was established in 1977 following a significant donation by Jerome Fisher, co-founder of the Nine West Group and a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania. Fisher's vision was to create a unique educational experience that would produce graduates capable of leading in technology-driven industries. The inaugural class entered in 1978, operating under the joint oversight of The Wharton School and the School of Engineering and Applied Science. Its creation coincided with a growing recognition in the corporate world, from Silicon Valley to Wall Street, of the need for executives with deep technical knowledge and managerial acumen. The program's founding director was G. Richard Wagoner, who later became CEO of General Motors.

Program structure and curriculum

Students in the program complete a rigorous curriculum that fulfills all core requirements for both degrees simultaneously over four years, typically taking 46 to 50 course units. The integrated coursework includes foundational classes in microeconomics, finance, and marketing from The Wharton School, alongside engineering fundamentals in fields like computer science, mechanical engineering, and bioengineering from SEAS. A cornerstone of the program is the M&T Seminar, a series of lectures featuring leaders from companies like Google, Tesla, and Goldman Sachs. All students complete a senior design project or thesis that synthesizes both disciplines. The program is supported by dedicated advisors and is housed in its own facility, the M&T Program Office in Philadelphia.

Admissions and student profile

Admission to the Jerome Fisher Program is among the most competitive at the University of Pennsylvania, with an acceptance rate typically below 3%. Applicants must apply directly to the program through the Common Application and are evaluated by committees from both The Wharton School and the School of Engineering and Applied Science. The admitted cohort, often around 50-60 students per year, demonstrates exceptional academic achievement, leadership, and a proven interest in both engineering and business. Many incoming students have significant experience in initiatives like the International Science and Engineering Fair or have launched their own startups. The program actively seeks a diverse student body, with participants coming from across the United States and internationally.

Career outcomes and alumni

Graduates of the program are highly recruited by top firms in technology, finance, and consulting. Prominent employers include Microsoft, Apple, JPMorgan Chase, McKinsey & Company, and leading venture capital firms. Many alumni have founded or led major technology companies, such as Elon Musk (Tesla, SpaceX), Sundar Pichai (Alphabet/Google), and David Sacks (former COO of PayPal). The program maintains a powerful and active alumni network that provides mentorship and career support. Alumni often gather at events in major hubs like San Francisco, New York City, and London.

Relationship with the University of Pennsylvania

The program is a signature initiative of the University of Pennsylvania, exemplifying its interdisciplinary ethos. It operates under the joint governance of The Wharton School and the School of Engineering and Applied Science, with deans from both schools serving on its advisory board. Students are fully integrated into the broader university community, participating in activities across Penn's campus, including the Penn Relays, Philomathean Society, and various NCAA athletic teams. The program contributes significantly to Penn's reputation for innovation and entrepreneurship, with many student ventures emerging from resources like the Penn Center for Innovation and the Venture Lab.

Category:University of Pennsylvania