What are the learning requirements in order to successfully complete the course, and how are grades assigned?

Participants in Sustainable Business Strategy are eligible for a Certificate of Completion from Harvard Business School Online. Participants are expected to fully complete all coursework in a thoughtful and timely manner. This means completing each course module and fully answering questions posed therein by the required deadline. This course also features recommended weekly deadlines to help ensure participants proceed through the course at a similar pace and can take full advantage of social learning opportunities. In addition to module and assignment completion, we expect participation in the social learning elements of the course by offering feedback on others’ reflections and contributing to conversations on the platform. Participants who fail to complete the course requirements will not receive a certificate and will not be eligible to retake the course. More detailed information on course requirements will be communicated at the start of the course. No grades are assigned for Sustainable Business Strategy. Participants will either be evaluated as complete or not complete.

What materials will I have access to after completing Sustainable Business Strategy?

You will have access to the materials in every prior module as you progress through the program. Access to course materials and the course platform ends 60 days after the final deadline in the program. At the end of each course module, you will be able to download a PDF summary highlighting key concepts introduced in the course. At the end of the program, you will receive a PDF compilation of all of the module summary documents. We hope the module summary documents will serve as a helpful resource after you finish the course.

How should I list my certificate on my resume?

Harvard Business School Online Certificate in Sustainable Business Strategy [Cohort Start Month and Year] List your certificate on your LinkedIn profile under "Education" with the language from the Credential Verification page: School: Harvard Business School Online Dates Attended: [The year you participated in the program] Degree: Other; Certificate in Sustainable Business Strategy Field of Study: Leave blank Grade: "Complete" Activities and Societies: Leave blank Description: Sustainable Business Strategy is a 3-week, 15-20 hour online certificate program from Harvard Business School. Sustainable Business Strategy provides participants with the knowledge and tools to become a purpose-driven business leader. This course explores different business models that companies use to drive change and explains why purpose driven businesses are in the best position to tackle the world’s biggest problems. Participants learn how to influence management and other key stakeholders on the competitive advantages of being a purpose-driven firm, and how to make a difference by integrating values into strategy without sacrificing profit. The program was developed by leading Harvard Business School faculty and is delivered in an active learning environment based on the HBS signature case-based learning model.

Business in Society

Sustainable Business Strategy

Explore how sustainability can drive innovation, competitive advantage, and long-term growth.

Time
20-30 hrs, 7-9 hrs/module
Calendar
Oct 14, 2026 Weekly calendar
Price
$1,949
Pay by
Oct 12, 2026

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Key Concepts

Understand and analyze the business models that drive change
Communicate the competitive advantages of being purpose-driven to management, leadership, and other key stakeholders
Explore why collective efforts matter and how business can be a catalyst for system-level change in the face of significant global issues, such as climate change and income inequality
Examine the broader environmental, political, and social landscape in which you operate, including the role of government, investors, and customers
Determine what you can do in your career to become a purpose-driven leader

Who Will Benefit

Learn how businesses can effect change, and how you can influence others using a values-driven approach in the for-profit space.

I'm early in my career and looking for a path to becoming a chief sustainability officer or sustainability manager with a company I can align my values with. This course seemed like the perfect opportunity to give me the right tools.
Desirée Kaplan; Writer at Green Matters

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

85%

of learners said taking an HBS Online course bolstered their resume

What You'll Earn

Learn More

**Certificate of Completion**
Boost your resume with a Certificate of Completion from HBS Online
Earn by: completing this course

**Certificate of Specialization**
Prove your mastery of strategy or business in society
Earn by: completing any three courses within either subject area to earn a Certificate of Specialization

Course Syllabus

3 Modules, 20-30 Hours

Download full syllabus (pdf)

Module 1

The Business Case for Action

8 Hours

Understand the business case for change and how to analyze and assess industry disruptions to develop business models that create shared value.

Highlights

Module 2

Driving Change at Scale: Moving Beyond the Firm

8 Hours

Learn what purpose-driven firms are, the "Wheel of Change," and why businesses must act to solve large global issues, such as climate change and income inequality.

Highlights

0:38

Cooperating with External Stakeholders

1:04

KAF Continued: The Business Model

Module 3

Purpose-Driven Systemic Change

8 Hours

Analyze key stakeholders' roles—including investors and the government—understand why "systems thinking" is necessary, and develop a personal plan for how you can drive change.

Highlights

0:32

NG Continued

0:29

Changing the Governance

Upcoming Cohorts

Start Date	Pay by	Price	Time	Calendar
Oct 14, 2026	Oct 12, 2026	$1,949	20-30 hrs, 7-9 hrs/module	Oct 14, 2026 Calendar
Jan 20, 2027	Jan 18, 2027	$1,949	20-30 hrs, 7-9 hrs/module	Jan 20, 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.

Experience

Immersive Learning

Stay active by engaging in a new activity every three to five minutes and participating in simulations.

HBS Online courses allow you to immerse yourself in a
dynamic, interactive learning experience. You’ll engage in a new activity every
three to five minutes and apply your knowledge through polls, quizzes, and
problem-solving exercises designed to accelerate and reinforce your learning.

Real- World Connections

Get social by collaborating with a global community of peers before, during, and after your course. Learners who successfully complete an HBS Online program will be added to the HBS Online Community's Official Networking Group and gain exclusive access to events and other networking opportunities.

See how the HBS Online course platform engages you in social learning. You exchange ideas, offer input, and seek out viewpoints from a community of learners gathered from around the globe. In the process, you learn from each other’s experiences and perspectives, and leave the program with a broader outlook on the world.

Real-World Cases

Immerse yourself in real-world, case-based examples brought to life by industry-leading experts from companies like Walmart, King Arthur Flour, and Unilever.

Our courses allow you to apply your learning through
real-world examples and experience Harvard Business School’s signature case
method. Business leaders will share challenges they’ve faced. As the story
unfolds, you’ll leverage course concepts, vital tools and frameworks, and the
diversity of your peers’ perspectives to analyze the problem and determine a
path forward.

Real-World Connections