Is Harvard Business School Online Legit?

Harvard University was founded in 1636, long before the internet was ever dreamed of. As time went on, the Ivy League university began to expand its quality education offerings from the classroom to the internet with a variety of online courses.

Even though Harvard's reputation for their on-campus degree programs is unmatched, some learners might wonder about the legitimacy of these online degrees.

Harvard Business School Online is a legit business certificate program and a very viable alternative for learners who want to expand their skill set or supplement a degree.

Is Harvard Business School Online Legit?

The certification courses offered through Harvard Business School Online are as legitimate as the on-campus classes offered by Harvard. All of the courses and certificates are developed by Harvard faculty, including video lectures given by educators at Harvard.

The legitimacy of these programs is widely recognized by publications and students around the world, with The World University Rankings from Times Higher Education ranking the program within the top five universities globally for the last three years.

It is important to note that these certification courses aren't the same as attending Harvard Business School. Despite these certifications being legitimate, they aren't the same as earning a degree. They might be able to supplement your degree and look good to your employer or future employers, but they won't replace a degree in terms of a job application.

What Is Harvard Business School Online?

Harvard Business School Online is a series of self-paced courses and certification programs designed to supplement a business degree or previous experience.

Most of these courses are designed to be completed within five to eight weeks, although some can last up to a year. These courses are self-paced, but there are weekly deadlines related to completing the assigned coursework.

Certificates Available from Harvard Business School Online

There are many certificates and courses offered through HBSO, including:

• Business and Climate Change
• Financial Accounting
• Digital Marketing Strategy
• AI Essentials for Business
• Winning with Digital Platforms
• Sustainable Business Strategy
• Power and Influence for Positive Impact
• Global Business
• Leadership, Ethics, and Corporate Accountability
• Leading with Finance
• Sustainable Investing
• Alternative Investments

How To Enroll in a Harvard Business School Online Program

Enrolling in a Harvard Business School Online course is much different from applying to Harvard Business School. Because these programs exist outside of the main offering of Harvard Business School, the barriers to entry are much lower. Application to HBSO is free and isn't subjected to any race, gender, ethnicity, or any protected class criteria. To enroll in Harvard Business School Online, you will need to:

• fill out an application with some background information
• proof of proficiency in English
• must be at least 18 years of age
• must have an eagerness to learn

What To Expect From Harvard Business School Online Courses

Although the specific requirements will vary from course to course, there are a handful of common features that you can expect with enrollment in a Harvard Business School Online course. All HBSO courses:

• take roughly five to eight weeks, although some take longer based on topic
• are self-paced during the week, but there are strict due dates for assignments and video lectures
• include about five to nine hours of work each week
• include a combination of videos, exercises, and cold calls to promote engagement

FAQs About Harvard Business School Online

Because Harvard Business School Online courses aren't the same as enrolling in a traditional business school, there are many common questions that prospective students have.

Are Harvard Business School Online Programs Completely Online?

Yes, all Harvard Business School Online programs are completely online. In addition to being online, these courses are entirely self-paced. There are no set class times or lecture hours involving live discussion. Even though there aren't classes, there are still weekly deadlines for work and watching videos.

Do Employers Recognize Harvard Business School Online Certificates?

Employers do recognize Harvard Business School Online certifications as opportunities to expand your knowledge base and skill set. However, these certificates are closer to the equivalent of a single class in a degree program as opposed to earning an actual business degree. Employers will view the certificates less favorably if you're trying to use these certifications to substitute an undergraduate degree instead of as a supplement to one.

Is Financial Aid Available for a Harvard Business School Online Program?

There are financial aid options available for certain students based on need. Harvard has tools on their website to help students determine their eligibility. In addition to financial aid, HBSO allows students to split payments between themselves and another person, such as an employer who will be covering part of the cost.

How Long Does It Take To Receive a Harvard Business School Online Certificate?

It will vary from program to program; however, most of the certification courses through Harvard Business School Online take an average of five to eight weeks to complete. Some programs take longer than eight weeks, but most will be done in less than two months.