What is the Harvard Business Review Executive subscription?

CLIMB participants, beginning in September 2026 or later, will receive complimentary subscriptions to Harvard Business Review Executive upon enrollment in Term 4. This yearlong subscription is normally valued at $700 and allows you to extend your learning beyond the CLIMB experience.

What are the live sessions?

Beginning in September 2026, each cohort will experience two live sessions with HBS facilitators: one topical business discussion, and one group leadership coaching session. These will be conducted via Zoom and aren’t required, but offer additional opportunities to connect with peers worldwide and learn directly from experts.

What do I receive by completing CLIMB?

Upon successful completion of the program, participants will receive a Credential of Leadership, Impact, and Management in Business. In addition, participants will also receive a Certificate of Completion for all four long courses (in leadership, strategy, finance, and an additional elective) they complete as part of their CLIMB requirements, as well as Dynamic Teaming and Personal Branding. The credential is available as both a digital and printed document. The certificates will be digital with an option to purchase a printed certificate in addition. Participants will also be able to add a credential verification link to their digital resumes or LinkedIn profiles.

Will I be in the same cohort all year long?

Participants will complete the required courses (two long and three short courses) with their CLIMB cohort. During their elective terms, learners will select their electives from available HBS Online certificate courses. Participants will complete the required courses (two long and three short courses) with their CLIMB cohort. During their elective terms, learners will select their electives from available HBS Online certificate courses.

What will the cohort experience be like?

An essential part of CLIMB is the peer learning experience. Not only will your section be filled with peers at similar points in their careers, but you’ll be put into peer learning teams that you interact with throughout the program. Peer learning teams will rotate once per term so that you can develop meaningful relationships with several professionals throughout the program.

What kind of access will I have to faculty?

Our courses have been developed by some of the most renowned Harvard faculty and guest experts. Although professors and guest experts will not have direct, real-time interactions with learners, you will hear from them via short videos that explain key concepts and guide you through cases, exercises, and other interactive learning elements to create a highly engaging educational experience. In addition, we encourage you to collaborate with your peers to find answers to any questions you may have. We appreciate your understanding that HBS Online faculty and guest experts featured in our courses are not available to communicate with learners directly or participate in learner-organized events. However, you may visit the HBS Online Business Insights Blog and HBS Online Facebook page for information about upcoming conferences and webinars featuring faculty, or join the HBS Online Community to build your network and connect with other business professionals in your area.

What does the application include, and what are the admissions criteria?

The application takes about 15-20 minutes to complete and includes personal information, educational and professional background, and two short answer questions. We expect participants to have some professional experience, commit to a yearlong program, engage with their peers, and answer the application questions thoughtfully. This program does not require a GRE or GMAT score and you must be at least 18 years old to apply. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. You can find the application on the CLIMB course page.

What is the difference between CLIMB and an MBA?

The CLIMB curriculum consists of courses that have been developed by HBS faculty and covers similar topics (leadership, strategy, and finance) to what you’d find in an MBA program. CLIMB was designed to provide both breadth and depth, so you learn essential business topics in addition to having the ability to choose electives in the span of the one-year program. The CLIMB curriculum is not as comprehensive as an MBA program and differs in a few other key dimensions, including price, length, and modality. CLIMB is a lower price point than most full-time MBA programs. CLIMB is approximately one year in duration, online, and asynchronous, whereas most full-time MBA programs are two years and in-person with set schedules. An online program like CLIMB provides flexibility and convenience to take courses and develop business skills within your schedule. Lastly, those who graduate from an MBA program earn an MBA degree whereas CLIMB participants earn the CLIMB credential and four individual certificates of completion for the long courses included in the program.

What’s the difference between the New Leaders and Experienced Leaders paths?

One of the benefits of CLIMB is being able to collaborate and develop a network with peers at similar stages of their careers. To support this, CLIMB is divided into two paths: New Leaders and Experienced Leaders. The New Leaders path is designed for people with zero to three years of managerial experience and two or more years of overall professional experience. The Experienced Leaders path is designed for people four or more years of managerial experience and seven or more years of overall professional experience. If you have fewer years of experience but are still interested in the program, please submit an inquiry to our program advising team.

What kind of time commitment is required to complete CLIMB?

CLIMB consists of four long and three short courses and a capstone project. Required long courses range from six to eight weeks and typically require five to eight hours of work per week. Elective long courses range from three to eight weeks and typically require five to nine hours of work per week. Short courses are two weeks each and typically require five to seven hours of work per week. In total, CLIMB will take approximately a year to complete. The program is asynchronous, so participants can complete the work on their own time while meeting weekly course deadlines. There are no live class sessions with faculty. For exact time estimates per course, please refer to the individual course listings in our course catalog.

What is the format of CLIMB?

CLIMB is a 12-month program consisting of four terms of content (three months each) and a capstone project. During those 12 months, participants complete four long courses (three to eight weeks each) and three short courses (two to three weeks each) in addition to the capstone project and peer learning activities.

How and when do I select my electives?

You’ll select your electives when you enroll and pay for the terms in which you take the electives. If you need help selecting your electives, you can reach out to a Program Advisor who can provide you with more information based on your needs.

How do I pay for CLIMB?

Payments will be made quarterly (four payments of $3,750 throughout the program). There’s no discount for past participants. Scholarships aren’t currently available for CLIMB, but we are working to expand our financial aid offerings to assist a wider range of participants domestically and abroad. For more information and any updates related to financial aid or scholarships, please visit our Payment and Financial Aid page.

Can I use employer reimbursement to pay for CLIMB?

Many employers support their staff in continuing education opportunities by covering the costs of online business courses. To learn more, please visit our Employer Reimbursement page.

What if I need to drop out of the program?

If you can’t continue the program, you can choose not to enroll for the next term of content. Participants can re-join the next time the appropriate term of content is offered (three to nine months later). Participants must complete CLIMB within two years.

What are the learning requirements to earn a Credential of Leadership, Impact, and Management in Business?

To earn a Credential of Leadership, Impact, and Management in Business, learners must successfully complete all four long courses, all three short courses, a capstone project, and peer learning activities. Participants are expected to fully complete all coursework for each program in a thoughtful and timely manner. They must meet each week’s course module deadlines and fully answer the questions posed therein. In addition to module and assignment completion, learners should offer feedback on others’ reflections and contribute to conversations on the course platform. Participants who fail to complete each course’s requirements or the capstone will not receive a Credential of Leadership, Impact, and Management.

How is CLIMB different from other offerings from HBS Online?

CLIMB is a selective cohort-based learning experience and HBS Online’s most comprehensive offering. The program enables new and experienced leaders to ignite their careers with a combination of essential and forward-looking business skills, self-reflection, and membership in a diverse global network of peers. Some professional experience is required for admission into the program, and participants will complete seven courses and a capstone project during the year-long program. Upon successful completion, participants will earn a Credential of Leadership, Impact, and Management in Business. Core Business Essentials is a business fundamentals program that combines Business Analytics, Business Strategy, and Financial Accounting with a multi-part capstone project. There's no experience requirement and, upon successful completion, participants earn a Credential of Core Business Essentials. Learning Tracks enable participants to take three courses within a specific subject area to gain expertise in that topic. Learning Tracks are a deeper dive into a subject area than a single course but less comprehensive than CLIMB, and participants earn a Certificate of Specialization. Courses are HBS Online’s most targeted learning experience for those interested in a specific subject and shortest time frame (three to eight weeks). Participants earn a Certificate of Completion.

Will the long courses I take as part of the CLIMB curriculum count toward Learning Track requirements?

Yes, successfully completed certificate courses will count toward achieving a Certificate of Specialization from a Learning Track.

I’ve already completed a required course in the CLIMB curriculum. Do I have to retake it?

Participants who have already taken a required CLIMB course don’t have to retake the course. We do require past Dynamic Teaming participants to complete Dynamic Teaming Part I up to the end of Module 1 in order to fully experience the Everest simulation and related peer learning team activities. Previous Dynamic Teaming completers will not be required to complete Module 2 or the entirety of Dynamic Teaming II in Term 2. Participants who have previously taken a required course will have access to the content if they’d like to review or redo any of the course. All participants, regardless of whether they’ve previously taken the course, will be expected to participate in team activities during that course. There is no CLIMB discount even if you have previously taken a required course.

I’ve already completed one of the elective finance courses. Can I apply that toward my CLIMB curriculum?

Participants must select a finance elective that they have not already taken. If you’ve already completed all of the finance elective options but would still like to participate in the program, please contact our program advising team.

Credential of Leadership, Impact, and Management in Business (CLIMB)

Refreshed for 2026: Build leadership, strategy, finance, and other critical business skills through a flexible, multi-course credential designed to accelerate your career. This program is for professionals seeking cross-functional leadership development and includes a capstone project and immersive cohort-based learning experience.
Did you already apply and were accepted for January 2027? Complete your enrollment by January 11, 2027.

Time
1 year, 5-9 hours/module
Calendar
Jan 13, 2027 Calendar
Apply by
Dec 31, 2026
Price
$15,000 (four installments of $3,750)
Pay by
Jan 11, 2027

Request Info

Key Concepts

New: Two live sessions! A topical business discussion in Term 2 and group leadership coaching in Term 3
New: Human and Agentic AI Teams, a course on leading teams that include AI agents to improve collaboration and performance
New: A complimentary Harvard Business Review Executive subscription upon enrollment in Term 4
Develop a robust set of vital and forward-looking business skills to grow as a leader
Build expertise in an elective topic of your choosing, like AI or marketing
Engage with a global cohort of like-minded peers and build a network that lasts far beyond the program
Practice effective teamwork and implement strategies of high-performing teams in your workplace
Identify what makes a successful personal brand to establish your own
Access to exclusive CLIMB programming at our annual in-person conference, Connext

Who Will Benefit

New Leaders have zero to three years of managerial experience and two-plus years of total professional experience

I loved every minute of the program, and it was such an eye-opener. The cohort teams were excellent; the content was exciting and kept you wanting to learn more. I would recommend this to any leader wanting to further their skill set or leadership skills.
Suzanne Linton; CLIMB Participant

92%

Developed increased confidence after completing their course

11X

Return on investment, with 24% of HBS Online learners reporting an average $20,466 salary increase

91%

Acquired new skills that were immediately applicable

What You'll Earn

Learn More

**Credential of Leadership, Impact, and Management in Business**
Reach your peak with a comprehensive business credential.
Earn by: completing seven courses and a capstone project

Course Syllabus

7 courses (with capstone), 1 year

Download the New Leaders Course Syllabus (PDF)

Download the Experienced Leaders Course Syllabus (PDF)

Why two paths?

CLIMB is divided into two paths, New Leaders and Experienced Leaders, and the curriculum is tailored to where you are in your career. The required courses deliver the content you need to take your career to the next level, while the electives allow you to focus on areas of your choosing.

Term 1

Orientation

2 Weeks - 5 Hours

In the Introduction, you’ll get acquainted with the content and platform, meet your peer learning teams, and prepare for the upcoming CLIMB coursework.

Terms 1 & 2 Course

Dynamic Teaming

4 Modules - 18-24 Hours

Dynamic Teaming explores the dynamics and leadership of effective teams. You’ll define psychological safety and cover various elements of leading effective teams, including decision-making, navigating change, agile management, and leading teams in a high-stakes and uncertain world.

Highlights

Amy Edmondson, CLIMB Faculty Chair, Novartis Professor of Leadership and Management, Harvard Business School

0:19

Introduction to Dynamic Teaming

Term 1 Course

Leadership Principles

4 Modules - 35-40 Hours

Leadership Principles enables you to thrive as a leader, unleash the capabilities of others, and cultivate high-performing teams. This course leverages self-assessments, 360° feedback from colleagues, and peers’ perspectives to help you build greater self-awareness and enhance the versatility of your leadership style and approach.

Highlights

1:03

Building High-Performing Teams

0:38

Model of team effectiveness - Leadership Principles

Modules

Taking Charge
Leading Your Team
Unleashing Potential in Yourself and Others
Your Network

Featured Exercises

Build a foundation of self-awareness through a 360° assessment (Emotional and Social Competency Inventory)
Explore the internal drivers of your motivations as a leader through the Personal Values Questionnaire self-assessment
Create a diagram of your professional network to visualize, reflect on, and better utilize professional relationships
Reflect on what you’ve learned throughout the course, and consider your personal leadership development plan
Various video uploads to practice what you’ve learned throughout the course

Term 2 Course

Elective (Term 2)

CLIMB features two electives: one finance elective (any course in the Finance & Accounting topic area) and one open elective (any certificate course from the HBS Online portfolio). You’ll complete one of those electives in Term 2 and the other in Term 3.

Term 2 Discussion

Topical Business Discussion (Term 2)

CLIMB features two live sessions for cohorts beginning in September 2026: a topical business discussion in Term 2 and group leadership coaching in Term 3.

Term 3 Course

New Course: Human and Agentic AI Teams

1 Module - 5-6 Hours

Cohorts starting in September 2026 will complete Human and Agentic AI Teams in Term 3. This course replaces Leading in the Digital World in the CLIMB curriculum.

Learn how to build and lead high-performing teams that combine people and AI agents by driving adoption, experimenting with AI-enabled workflows, managing effective collaboration, and designing governance systems that sustain quality and competitive advantage.

Term 3 Course

Elective (Term 3)

Term 3 Discussion

Group Leadership Coaching (Term 3)

CLIMB features two live sessions for cohorts beginning in September 2026: a topical business discussion in Term 2 and group leadership coaching in Term 3.

Term 4 Course

Personal Branding

2 Modules - 10-14 Hours

Personal Branding explores the concept of personal branding, why it’s important, and how to leverage it to enhance your career. You’ll define what a successful personal brand is and explore how to use yours for influence and enable others to be authentic leaders.

Highlights

Jill Avery, Senior Lecturer of Business Administration and C. Roland Christensen Distinguished Management Educator

0:21

Introduction to Personal Branding

Term 4 Course

Business Strategy

6 Modules - 30-35 Hours

Business Strategy equips you with a simplified framework you can immediately apply to create value for customers, employees, and suppliers while maximizing returns and your organization’s competitive edge. You’ll learn how to evaluate trade-offs and align, prioritize, and formulate strategic initiatives for the greatest business impact.

Highlights

0:25

The Value Stick - Business Strategy

0:54

Value Creation at Best Buy - Business Strategy

Harvard Business Review Executive Subscription

Receive a complimentary Harvard Business Review Executive subscription upon enrollment in Term 4. This subscription is valued at $700 and is a new benefit included in Term 4 tuition

Conclusion & Capstone

10 Hours

The CLIMB Activities and Capstone Project takes place throughout the program. You’ll work on tasks that allow you to collaborate with your peers and apply what you are learning in your courses as you progress through the CLIMB curriculum. At the end of the program, your work on this project will culminate with the completion of an action plan to address a goal that is applicable to your own career or organization.

Upcoming Cohorts

Start Date	Apply by	Price	Time	Calendar
Jan 13, 2027 (Experienced Leaders)	Dec 31, 2026	$15,000 (four installments of $3,750)	1 year, 5-9 hours/module	Jan 13, 2027 Calendar
Jan 13, 2027 (New Leaders)	Dec 31, 2026	$15,000 (four installments of $3,750)	1 year, 5-9 hours/module	Jan 13, 2027 Calendar

Prices shown are in USD and do not include applicable international taxes.

Led by World-Renowned HBS Faculty

HBS Online courses are taught by Harvard Business School faculty, bringing the renowned HBS classroom experience directly to you.

Amy C. Edmondson
Novartis Professor of Leadership and Management
Jill J. Avery
Senior Lecturer of Business Administration, C. Roland Christensen Distinguished Management Educator
Joshua D. Margolis
James Dinan and Elizabeth Miller Professor of Business Administration, Unit Head, Organizational Behavior, Chair, Program for Leadership Development
Anthony Mayo
C. Roland Christensen Distinguished Management Educator, Thomas S. Murphy Senior Lecturer of Business Administration
Felix Oberholzer-Gee
Andreas Andresen Professor of Business Administration
Robert Simons
Baker Foundation Professor, Charles M. Williams Professor of Business Administration, Emeritus
Iavor I. Bojinov
Associate Professor of Business Administration
Karim R. Lakhani
Dorothy and Michael Hintze Professor of Business Administration
Raffaella Sadun
Charles Edward Wilson Professor of Business Administration, Senior Associate Dean for HBS Publishing

Experience

Immersive Learning

Develop forward-looking business skills you can use to elevate your career, advance your team, and transform your organization.

Real-World Connections

Immerse yourself in a dynamic, interactive learning experience alongside a global network of peers with live facilitator-led sessions.

Real-World Cases

Apply your learning through a capstone project specific to your role or organization.

Real-World Outcomes

CLIMB FAQs

Free Brochure

Credential of Leadership, Impact, and Management in Business (CLIMB)

Elevate your career. Transform your organization. Learn more about HBS Online’s most comprehensive business program.

Download Brochure

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Bring HBS Online’s flexible, scalable, and high-impact learning experiences to your organization through shared learning and group discounts for teams of five or more.

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Credential of Leadership, Impact, and Management in Business (CLIMB)

Key Concepts

Who Will Benefit

New Leaders

Experienced Leaders

What You'll Earn

Course Syllabus

New Leaders Course Syllabus

Experienced Leaders Course Syllabus

Why two paths?

Orientation

Dynamic Teaming

Modules

Leadership Principles

Modules

Featured Exercises

Elective (Term 2)

Topical Business Discussion (Term 2)

New Course: Human and Agentic AI Teams

Modules

Elective (Term 3)

Group Leadership Coaching (Term 3)

Personal Branding

Modules

Business Strategy

Modules

Featured Exercises

Harvard Business Review Executive Subscription

Conclusion & Capstone

Upcoming Cohorts

Led by World-Renowned HBS Faculty

Experience

Real-World Outcomes

CLIMB FAQs

What is the Harvard Business Review Executive subscription?

What are the live sessions?

What do I receive by completing CLIMB?

Will I be in the same cohort all year long?

What will the cohort experience be like?

What kind of access will I have to faculty?

What does the application include, and what are the admissions criteria?

What is the difference between CLIMB and an MBA?

What’s the difference between the New Leaders and Experienced Leaders paths?

What kind of time commitment is required to complete CLIMB?

What is the format of CLIMB?

How and when do I select my electives?

How do I pay for CLIMB?

Can I use employer reimbursement to pay for CLIMB?

What if I need to drop out of the program?

What are the learning requirements to earn a Credential of Leadership, Impact, and Management in Business?

How is CLIMB different from other offerings from HBS Online?

Will the long courses I take as part of the CLIMB curriculum count toward Learning Track requirements?

I’ve already completed a required course in the CLIMB curriculum. Do I have to retake it?

I’ve already completed one of the elective finance courses. Can I apply that toward my CLIMB curriculum?

How should I list my Credential of Leadership, Impact, and Management in Business on my resume?

Free Brochure

Solutions for Organizations

More Courses for You

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