Many business schools are adding specialized master’s degrees in business analytics. However, Harvard Business School is taking a different approach. Rather than developing a specialized degree program, Harvard offers a certificate in business analytics. The cost of the program, not including travel and lodging, is around $51,500.
More HBS Certificate in Business Analytics details
HBS created this certificate program together with the Harvard School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS), the Department of Statistics in the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, and outside vendor, 2U, Inc. (the online educational provider that is used by UNC Kenan-Flagler to deliver its remote MBA program).
The nine-month analytics certificate program offers most of its coursework online. It requires 8-10 hours a week to complete, with two two-day immersions on campus. HBS and its collaborators created courses that combine live instruction by faculty and self-paced online studying. Courses cover business analytics and analytical foundations. You can learn more about the rigorous curriculum here.
The structure of the program will likely look like this:
- No more than two courses at a time in each of the three terms
- Seminars offered between semesters
- Weekly live classes
- On-campus immersions that take place between the first and second terms and at the end of the third term for cohort building and advanced topics
- Learning primarily through case studies
Who is this program for?
When the program began in 2018, Karim Lakhani, co-founder of the Harvard Business School Digital Initiative, explained that the program was designed for post-MBA or technical managers who have analytical roles in their organizations or who are expected to move into such roles. According to Lakhani, HBS created this program so that working professionals and executives would be able to build on and expand their skills and networks with exposure to the best ideas, pedagogics, and faculty, without having to take time off from work.
“The uniqueness of this program is that this will really blend the tech and science side with the business side,” Lakhani said. “We see the future of business now as being technology-centric and the best managers, executives, and entrepreneurs will understand both the science and tech side and the business side.”
This is just one of many Harvard programs geared towards business professionals. If you need assistance choosing the best program for you, and then help applying successfully to your target program, Accepted’s consultants are here for you. Our expert advisors have helped thousands of applicants gain admission to top business school programs – Harvard, among them – and are ready to help you to. Explore our one-on-one Graduate Business School Admissions Services and get one step closer to realizing your educational and professional dreams. Learn more here.
Related Resources:
• Too Old for an MBA? Check Out 3 Outstanding MBA and EMBA Alternatives, a podcast episode
• What Does Harvard Business School Want?, a short video
• Harvard Business School MBA Essay Tips & Deadlines