Get the brochure
View the full program syllabus as well as details on faculty, guest speakers and key learner benefits.
Program overview
Level up your career with the world's most
recognized private equity investing program
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Career-focused Private Equity training
Learn to analyze private equity investments, blending investment theory with real world analysis as it is done at the world’s leading private equity investment firms.
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Learn from top faculty and practitioners
You'll learn directly from Wharton School faculty, top PE corporate training instructors and senior executives at some of the world's leading Private Equity firms.
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Gain a globally recognized certificate
At the conclusion of the 8-week program, participants receive a digital certificate from Wharton Online and program graduate access to lifelong career resources.
Who Applies to the Program?
Investment Professionals
Early-career PE and private markets investment professionals seeking to improve their investment expertise.
Investment Bankers
Investment banking analysts and associates seeking PE roles or those that work closely with sponsors.
Sponsors & Search Funds
Independent sponsors and search funds looking to formalize their investment process.
Professional Services
Consultants, lawyers, accountants and other advisors that work with GPs and support transactions.
Family Offices
Family offices and institutions raising their first fund or considering private equity investing.
Private Lenders
Private lenders and credit professionals that work with general partners.
Support Roles in Private Equity
IT, investor relations, custodial accounting and other support services for PE.
Career Switchers
Early to mid career professionals seeking to transition into private markets.
Students
Undergrad and graduate business, finance and accounting students applying for PE internships and full time roles.
Student Profile:
May 2023 Cohort




























































Career Level
Industry Distribution
1 Consulting, IB & PE Support Roles
2 Private Equity & Other Investment Roles
Applicant Employers Include ...
How you'll learn

8-Week Program
Focusing on Private Equity
Gain the skillset of an early- to mid-level Private Equity professional in eight weeks
6-8 Hour Weekly
Time Commitment
A comprehensive certificate program designed to fit into your busy schedule
Self-paced Online
Learning Experience
Complete the program on our online learning platform at your own pace
The Same Training
Used by Top PE Firms
Access the same lessons and methods taught inside the world’s leading PE firms
Learn Directly From
PE Industry Leaders
Hear directly from the best about PE investing and the latest industry trends via our guest speaker series
Tailored Learning Experience Through Program Electives
Customize your experience based on your specific learning objectives
Case Studies That
Capture Perspective
Learn first-hand how top PE firms execute deals, analyze companies and evaluate investment opportunities
Weekly Office Hours
& Dedicated Support
Program faculty and support staff is available every step of the way
PE Certification
Issued from Wharton Online
Upon completion of the program, you will receive a Certificate of Completion from Wharton Online
Program curriculum
Over the course of eight weeks, you will learn the concepts and practical technical methods investment professionals deploy in both evaluating and executing private transactions. Delivered in a weekly self-paced online format, the program culminates in a closing ceremony and the receipt of a Certificate from Wharton Online.
Module 1
Introduction to the Private Equity Asset Class
The foundation for your learning experience is an overview of the private equity asset class and how private equity firms function
- History & Evolution of Private Equity as an Asset Class
- Fund Structure, Management & the General Partner /Limited Partner Relationship
- Private Equity within the Private Market and Alternatives Ecosystem
- Current State of Private Equity in Emerging Markets
Module 2
The PE Investment Framework
Learn the investment approach, value creation strategies, and valuation methods deployed by private equity.
- Common Investment Strategies
- LBO Analysis, Hurdle Rates and Returns
- Leverage as Tool for Value Creation in Private Equity
- Introduction to Valuation Methods: DCF, Comparables, and Multiples Analysis
Module 3
The Private Equity Deal Process
Practical exercises, real life examples and case studies bring the private equity deal process to life. In this module, we explore the practical aspects of the key stages of an investment.
- Anatomy of the Deal Process: Stages, Workstreams & Responsibilities
- The Role of Third Parties & Their Functions
- Deal Docs: NDAs, Teaser/CIMs, IOIs/LOIs, SPA/APA, Credit Agreements
- Key Terms and Points of Negotiation in a Transaction
Module 4
Deal Structure
Explore and contrast common PE deal structures and the competing motivations and perspectives of the buyer and seller. Understand the various tax and financial considerations associated with each structure.
- Deal Structuring: Asset sales/338(h)(10) vs Stock Sales
- M&A Accounting, Purchase Price Allocation and Tax Implications
- Impact of Deal Structure on Seller Proceeds, Cash Flow and Sponsor Returns
- Leveraged Finance and Private Credit
- EBITDA, Working Capital and the Quality of Earnings
Module 5
Private Company Analysis, Valuation & LBO Modeling, Part 1
Using real case studies of both private and public investments, learn how to construct the financial models deployed by PE firms to evaluate investments.
- Private vs. Public Company Analysis
- Valuation Methodologies: DCF, Comparables and Presentation
- Middle Market Transaction Simulation & Case Study
- Defining & Calculating EBITDA
- Financial Modeling Best Practices
- Income Statement and Balance Sheet Projections
Module 6
Private Company Analysis, Valuation & LBO Modeling, Part 2
Through the completion of the middle market transaction simulation & case study, this module walks through a detailed LBO model build and explores the role and limits of the LBO model in the investment decision making process.
- Bottom-Up LBO Model Build
- Operating Model Build & LBO Integration
- Developing Transaction & Model Assumptions
- Using the LBO Model to Inform Investment Recommendations
Module 7
Thinking Like a Private Equity Professional, Part 1
This module begins to explore how private equity professionals think about investment opportunities, in the context of the due diligence process.
- Understanding Industries and TAMs
- Barriers to Entry & Competitive Advantage
- The Data Room Loop: Working with Management Data
- Drivers of Value in an Operating Model
- Business Segmentation & Modeling Common Revenue Builds
Module 8
Thinking Like a Private Equity Professional, Part 2
This module expands on \operating model builds to cover cost structures, expense modeling, and data analysis. The module concludes with a case interview and LBO build to prepare you for the private equity interview process after program completion.
- Cost Structures & Common Expense Build Modeling
- Unit Economics & Operating Leverage
- Modeling Add-Ons and Acquisitions
- The SaaS Model, Recurring Revenue Builds and Cohort Analysis
- PE Case Interview & LBO Model Build
Faculty & speakers
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Dr. Burcu Esmer
Co-Director, Harris Family Alternative Investments Program, Wharton SchoolView Bio -
David Musto
Ronald O. Perelman Professor in Finance, Wharton SchoolView Bio -
Scott Roman
Private Equity Program Director,
Wall Street PrepView Bio
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David Rubenstein
Co-Founder and Co-Chairman of the Board, Carlyle GroupView Bio -
Steven Rattner
Chairman, Willett Advisors; Op-Ed Writer, New York TimesView Bio -
Marc Ganzi
CEO, DigitalBridgeView Bio
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Martin Brand
Head of North America Private Equity, BlackstoneView Bio -
Dina Dwyer
Managing Partner, Eden CapitalView Bio -
Carl Chan
Senior Vice President, Thoma BravoView Bio -
Marc Ganzi
CEO, DigitalBridgeView Bio -
Scott Graves
Co-Head of Private Equity, Ares ManagementView Bio -
Jennifer James
Managing Director, Thoma BravoView Bio -
AJ Jangalapalli
Principal, Thoma BravoView Bio -
David C. Lee
Partner, Gibson DunnView Bio -
Carl Press
Partner, Thoma BravoView Bio -
Steven Rattner
Chairman, Willett Advisors; Op-Ed Writer, New York TimesView Bio -
David Rubenstein
Co-Founder and Co-Chairman of the Board, Carlyle GroupView Bio -
Ali Satvat
Partner, Private Equity, KKRView Bio -
Andrew Schoenthal
Partner, Harvest PartnersView Bio -
Nizar Tarhuni
Senior Director, PitchBookView Bio -
Vanessa Webb
Partner, Oliver WymanView Bio -
Larry Wiesneck
Co-President & Head of Investment Banking, CowenView Bio
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Burcu Esmer
Co-Director, Harris Family Alternative Investments Program, Wharton SchoolView Bio -
Ayodele Ekhator
Senior Instructor, Wall Street PrepView Bio -
Matan Feldman
Founder and CEO, Wall Street PrepView Bio -
Zach Freeman
Senior Instructor, Wall Street PrepView Bio -
Jessica Holton
Senior Instructor, Wall Street PrepView Bio -
Marc Howland
Senior Instructor, Wall Street PrepView Bio -
Adam McGowan
Senior Instructor, Wall Street PrepView Bio -
David Musto
Ronald O. Perelman Professor in Finance, Wharton SchoolView Bio -
Lidia Napier
Senior Instructor, Wall Street PrepView Bio -
Zach Ranen
Senior Instructor, Wall Street PrepView Bio -
Scott Roman
Private Equity Program Director,
Wall Street PrepView Bio -
Christopher Reilly
M&A and FP&A ConsultantView Bio -
Michael Stack
Senior Instructor, Wall Street PrepView Bio -
Alex Stoyanov
Senior Instructor, Wall Street PrepView Bio
Tuition & payment options
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Networking Events & Program Benefits
Successfully completing the Private Equity Certificate Program unlocks access to exclusive events including in person networking events and meet ups, roundtables with the world's top Private Equity recruiters, inclusion in the Alumni Member Database, and fireside chats with the world's leading Private Equity investors.

Peer-to-Peer Networking
Enrollees access a large and highly engaged global network of peers who are committed to give as much as they get and to support one another. Program Alumni reinforce and strengthen connections built throughout the program via in person and virtual meetups, discussion groups and networking events.


Invitation-Only Wharton/Wall Street Prep Group on LinkedIn
Upon completion of the program, Alumni receive an invitation to join the Wharton Online / Wall Street Prep Private Equity Alumni Group on LinkedIn. Through this group, Alumni can directly connect with the entire alumni network, seek advice and access alumni only online events and resources.


Local Connection for
a Global CertificateProgram alumni come from over 43 countries, so while the program is global, connection is often created locally. Alumni gain access to their Local Alumni Slack Channel, designed to facilitate local connection for a global certificate.

Exclusive Recruiting Events
Upon completion of the program, alumni gain exclusive access to intimate, small group roundtables, workshops and events hosted by the world’s top private equity recruiters. Events are curated to accommodate the varied expertise, experience and geographic locations of alumni.
For Employers: Level up your firm’s professional development
Private Equity & Investment Firms
Strengthen your internal talent pipeline
- Accelerate the desk readiness of your investment professionals
- Sponsor non-investment professionals to align technology, operations, and back office roles with investment professionals
- Develop new hires and strengthen your internal talent pipeline
Speak With Us
Professional Services
Better serve your private equity clients
- The world’s leading investment banks, consulting, TAS, accounting and law firms have chosen the Private Equity Certificate Program to develop incoming talent and upskill existing employees to better serve their private equity clients.
Speak With Us
Level Up Your Team: Hire a Program Alumni
Alumni ListingFAQs
What will I learn from taking this program?
The Wharton & Wall Street Prep Private Equity Certificate Program will teach learners how to analyze private equity investments, blending investment theory with real world analysis as it is done at the world's leading private equity investment firms. For a complete curriculum, get the program brochure.
How often are programs offered?
Programs will be offered three times each year. Cohorts will begin in January, May, and September.
How much time will it take to complete this certificate?
The course is designed to run for eight weeks, with a recommended workload of 6-8 hours of lectures, live sessions, and assignments per week.
What languages will the program be offered in?
This program is offered in English only.
How do I register for this program?
You can register for the program at any time through our Enrollment Form.
How much does the program cost?
Program tuition is $4,800. Tuition can be paid in full or in 5 monthly payments.
Do you offer tuition assistance?
Tuition assistance will be available for every cohort. Use our Tuition Assistance form to apply.
What is the program refund policy?
This program is non-refundable.
Who can I contact for additional questions?
If you have any additional questions, please reach out to our enrollment team at enrollment@wharton.wallstreetprep.com.