Is Harvard Business School Online actually part of Harvard University?
I’ve been looking into some online courses for business, and I came across Harvard Business School Online. I’m a little confused though about whether it’s officially part of Harvard University or just a program that uses the name.
I’m thinking about signing up for their CORe business fundamentals course this summer before senior year, so it would be helpful to know if taking and finishing a program there would count as having done something that’s recognized by Harvard itself, or if it’s more like a separate thing.
If anyone’s taken an HBS Online class or knows how it works in terms of being connected to the university, could you explain how it looks on transcripts and whether it’s seen as a real Harvard program by colleges or employers?
I’m thinking about signing up for their CORe business fundamentals course this summer before senior year, so it would be helpful to know if taking and finishing a program there would count as having done something that’s recognized by Harvard itself, or if it’s more like a separate thing.
If anyone’s taken an HBS Online class or knows how it works in terms of being connected to the university, could you explain how it looks on transcripts and whether it’s seen as a real Harvard program by colleges or employers?
3 weeks ago
•
45 views
Luis Nario-Malberg
• 3 weeks ago
Advisor
Harvard Business School Online (HBS Online) is indeed a part of Harvard University. It is run by Harvard Business School, which is one of the graduate schools within Harvard University. Unlike programs that simply license or borrow the Harvard name, HBS Online courses, including CORe (Credential of Readiness), are created and managed by the actual faculty and staff of Harvard Business School.
When you complete the CORe program, you’ll receive a formal certificate from Harvard Business School Online, and you’ll be able to request an official transcript as well. That transcript says it’s issued by Harvard Business School Online, specifies the course(s) you completed, and lists your grade and percentage breakdown. It’s not a transcript from the main undergraduate college or degree programs, but it is an official document from HBS. It won’t make you a Harvard University degree student or alum, but it is absolutely recognized as an authentic Harvard Business School credential.
In terms of how it’s viewed by colleges or employers, CORe is a well-known, fairly rigorous pre-business program. Admissions officers and hiring managers will understand that you completed an online course from Harvard Business School Online. It's a meaningful achievement, especially if you do well. For example, a student who completed HBS Online CORe before their senior year could list it as: "Credential of Readiness (CORe), Harvard Business School Online: Passed with Honors, Summer 2024." This communicates both the Harvard affiliation and your performance.
Just note that completing HBS Online courses doesn’t make you a degree candidate at Harvard, nor does it guarantee any admissions advantage if you apply to Harvard later on. But for demonstrating initiative and academic interest in business, it’s a solid way to stand out.
So, yes—HBS Online is really part of Harvard University and is recognized as such. Your certificate and transcript will reflect the connection with Harvard Business School itself, not a random third party.
When you complete the CORe program, you’ll receive a formal certificate from Harvard Business School Online, and you’ll be able to request an official transcript as well. That transcript says it’s issued by Harvard Business School Online, specifies the course(s) you completed, and lists your grade and percentage breakdown. It’s not a transcript from the main undergraduate college or degree programs, but it is an official document from HBS. It won’t make you a Harvard University degree student or alum, but it is absolutely recognized as an authentic Harvard Business School credential.
In terms of how it’s viewed by colleges or employers, CORe is a well-known, fairly rigorous pre-business program. Admissions officers and hiring managers will understand that you completed an online course from Harvard Business School Online. It's a meaningful achievement, especially if you do well. For example, a student who completed HBS Online CORe before their senior year could list it as: "Credential of Readiness (CORe), Harvard Business School Online: Passed with Honors, Summer 2024." This communicates both the Harvard affiliation and your performance.
Just note that completing HBS Online courses doesn’t make you a degree candidate at Harvard, nor does it guarantee any admissions advantage if you apply to Harvard later on. But for demonstrating initiative and academic interest in business, it’s a solid way to stand out.
So, yes—HBS Online is really part of Harvard University and is recognized as such. Your certificate and transcript will reflect the connection with Harvard Business School itself, not a random third party.
Luis Nario-Malberg
Mooresville, North Carolina
Harvard College, Class of 2018, A.B. in Philosophy
Experience
5 years