Learning Model
Master real-world business skills with our immersive platform and engaged community.
Engage in real-world learning with a global community of peers
Harvard Business School Online offers a unique and highly engaging way to learn vital business concepts. Our online certificate and credential programs are offered via our innovative online platform and are designed to bring the Harvard Business School classroom to you—putting you at the center of the learning experience.
But don’t just take our word for it: In a recent survey of past participants, conducted by City Square Associates, three out of four learners said HBS Online is more impactful than other online business programs.
What sets HBS Online apart? Our learning model is built around three key characteristics: active, case-based, and social.
Active
Our courses are nothing like a typical sit-back-and-listen lecture. You’ll engage in a new activity every three to five minutes—think polls, problem-solving exercises, short essays, and the famed HBS “Cold Call,” where you’re asked at random to succinctly state your position on an issue in a matter of minutes. Each element is designed to keep you interested, involved, and on the edge of your seat.
Case-Based
Lessons are brought to life through real-world cases, putting you in the shoes of business leaders. Hear firsthand the challenges they faced, and wrestle with the same issues and imperfect information. As you discuss and debate solutions with your peers, you'll learn vital business concepts you can apply in your own career.
Social
Engaging with your peers is a big part of what makes HBS Online unique. 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.
Stories from Our Learners
“I had never experienced such an immersive platform online, and could argue that it was more effective at building and solidifying knowledge than some of the in-class courses I took in college.”
Ryan Dumlao, CORe Participant
“Being able to break down real-life scenarios, and look at the management processes within each—what worked and what didn't—provided a unique method of learning, and was incomparable to other course offerings available.”
Monica Higgins, Management Essentials Participant
“My favorite part of the program was interacting with my cohort members. I received valuable shared experiences, feedback, and was able to be a thought partner around strategies and best practices in varying scenarios.”
Raymond Porch, Management Essentials Participant
At HBS Online, you complete coursework on your own time while meeting regular deadlines to ensure you’re progressing through the course in step with your peers and taking full advantage of every networking and social learning opportunity.
This isn’t your typical online business education. Take the next step in your career and experience it for yourself.