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 and location convenient for you within a two-week window after the program concludes
- 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: 3/31/20 – 7/30/20
- Exam Period: 8/5/20 – 8/19/20
- $2,250
- Applications Closed
- Program: 5/19/20 – 7/30/20
- Exam Period: 8/5/20 – 8/19/20
- $2,250
- For Credit ($3,680)
- Program: 6/23/20 – 9/3/20
- Exam Period: 9/9/20 – 9/23/20
- $2,250
- 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
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.
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.
Admissions
Our easy online application is free. All applicants must be 18 years of age and be proficient in English. Admissions are on a rolling basis with decisions sent within one week.
Enroll today in Harvard Business School Online’s world-class business fundamentals CORe program.
Apply Now