Credential of Readiness (CORe)
The online Credential of Readiness (CORe) program will prepare you to contribute to business discussions and decision-making, whether you're looking to advance your career, considering graduate school, or exploring new career paths.
Apply NowWhat You'll Learn
Overview
CORe consists of three courses—Business Analytics, Economics for Managers, and Financial Accounting —and a final exam. Immerse yourself in real challenges faced by seasoned leaders across a variety of industries, develop business intuition through interactive learning exercises, and join a global community of peers. As in the business world, you’ll be evaluated on the quality and timeliness of your work and your contributions to the learning community.
Who Will Benefit
College Students and
Recent Graduates
Get ready for the real world. Stand out from the crowd and impress during interviews as you prepare for your next opportunity. You can also earn undergraduate academic credit for CORe in select course starts.
Those Considering
Graduate School
Get ready for your MBA or other graduate program with the online courses that Harvard Business School offers to incoming students to prepare for the MBA classroom.
Mid-Career
Professionals
Add value to your organization and take your career to the next level with a deeper understanding of essential business concepts.
Fit CORe into Your Schedule
- Complete online coursework on your own schedule while meeting weekly deadlines
- Schedule your final exam at a time convenient for you within a two-week window after the program concludes. Following the closures of Pearson VUE test centers due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, HBS Online has enabled virtual delivery of the CORe final exam for participants in the following cohorts: November 2019; January 2020; February 2020; March 2020; May 2020. (Subject to the future availability of in-person testing, additional cohorts may also be asked to complete the CORe final exam online.)
- CORe offers the flexibility of different lengths of study that run throughout the year. Course content and program requirements are identical regardless of the program length. Choose the option that works best for you:
Extended CORe
17 Weeks
- 8-10 hours per week
CORe
10-12 Weeks
- 12-15 hours per week
- Program: 7/21/20 – 11/19/20
- Exam Period: 11/24/20 – 12/8/20
- $2,250
- Program: 9/9/20 – 12/3/20
- Exam Period: 12/9/20 – 12/23/20
- $2,250
- For Credit ($3,760)
- Program: 10/6/20 – 2/18/21
- Exam Period: 2/24/21 – 3/10/21
- $2,250
- Program: 11/24/20 – 3/4/21
- Exam Period: 3/10/21 – 3/24/21
- $2,250
Learn more about what Financial Aid options are available to you.
By enrolling in the CORe program, participants will be ineligible to enroll in Business Analytics, Economics for Managers, or Financial Accounting as individual certificate programs. By enrolling in the Business Analytics, Economics for Managers, or Financial Accounting certificate programs, participants will be ineligible to enroll in the CORe program.
Syllabus
The Credential of Readiness (CORe) is a rigorous online program consisting of three courses—Business Analytics, Economics for Managers, and Financial Accounting—designed to help you achieve fluency in the language of business. You will develop deep-seated problem solving skills and the confidence to contribute to business discussions and decision making.
Learning requirements: In order to earn the Credential of Readiness, participants must do the following:
- Thoughtfully complete all modules by stated deadlines
- Satisfactorily participate in courses through reflections and cold calls, for example
- Demonstrate content mastery through satisfactory completion of module quizzes
- Earn a passing score on the final exam of all three component courses
Final Exam: The CORe final examination is a three-hour, multiple choice, closed book, computer-based assessment that has been created by HBS faculty and is administered by Pearson VUE. The exam is offered to participants after successful completion of the program during defined time periods—generally two-week windows starting one week after the last module deadline.
| Course | Modules | Case Studies | Takeaways |
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| Business Analytics |
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| Economics for Managers |
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| Financial Accounting |
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The HBS Online Advantage
- World-class faculty
- Edge-of-your-seat online learning
- Global peer collaboration and networking
- Real-world case-based learning
Developed by Harvard Business School faculty to bring the dynamism of the HBS classroom online, CORe immerses you in a series of multimedia case studies. You will step into the role of a business leader and learn concepts in the context of real business issues—actively challenging you to think on your feet—while sharing your ideas with fellow learners from around the world. You will walk away from CORe with a new perspective on the world and how businesses work.
Stories from Our Learners
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CORe was much more than a tripod of rigorous courses. The sense of community that developed from all the various social platforms that were unique to Harvard Business School Online that provided me the platform to interact with other students from all over the world in various industries were instrumental in my application and understanding of the concepts.
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CORe goes well beyond the basics, but it isn't overwhelming. The classes are structured in a way that each lesson builds on the lessons before to reinforce everything you've learned. CORe also provides you with real world examples that illustrate the concepts. It's one of the most impressively organized programs I've ever been a part of.
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Not only was I able to expand my network so that I know someone in every major city around the world, but it also helped me land a job at a company that I absolutely love.
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I enjoyed being able to interact with motivated, ambitious students from all over the world. Furthermore, the course content and platform were extremely engaging, combining the best of pedagogy and technology.
Costs & Financial Aid
Everything you need to know about CORe program fees, institutional need-based scholarships, and financing options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to log in at a set time? How does the grading process work? At this point, you probably have a few questions, and we’ve got answers.
Enrollment Eligibility
Our easy online application is free, and no special documentation is required. All applicants must be at least 18 years of age, proficient in English, and committed to learning and engaging with fellow participants throughout the program. We confirm enrollment eligibility within one week of your application.
Enroll today in Harvard Business School Online’s world-class business fundamentals CORe program.
Apply Now