Harvard Business School

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Harvard Business School

Overview

Harvard Business School (HBS) is the graduate business school of Harvard University, founded in 1908. Best known for its flagship two-year MBA, HBS is consistently ranked among the world’s leading business schools and offers a range of graduate, doctoral, executive, and online programs.

History and Recognition

  • Founded in 1908; established the first MBA program.
  • Founded its doctoral program and the Harvard Business Review in 1922.
  • Regularly appears near the top of global business school rankings (examples include high placements from U.S. News & World Report and the Financial Times).
  • Harvard Business School Publishing and the Harvard Business Review extend the school’s influence through scholarship and practitioner-focused content.

Academic Programs

  • MBA: Full-time, two-year residential program with case-method teaching.
  • Executive education: Short courses and executive programs for working professionals.
  • Online certificates: Topics include business essentials, strategy, leadership, finance, entrepreneurship, and business in society.
  • Joint degrees: MBA programs combined with other Harvard schools (e.g., Kennedy School, Law School, Medical School, School of Engineering).
  • Doctoral programs (Ph.D.): Concentrations include accounting, business economics (including finance), health policy management, management, marketing, organizational behavior, strategy, and technology & operations management.

Admissions and Selectivity

  • HBS is highly selective. The MBA acceptance rate is roughly 10%; doctoral admissions have historically been more competitive.
  • Typical academic profile: the MBA class of 2024 had an average GPA around 3.70.
  • Successful applicants generally combine strong academics with leadership experience, clear career goals, and strong recommendations.

Cost and Financial Considerations

  • For the 2023–2024 academic year, the estimated cost of attendance for one year of the MBA was about $115,000, of which tuition was roughly $75,000. The MBA program spans two years.
  • Total cost includes tuition, health fees and insurance, course materials, and living expenses.
  • Prospective students should plan for significant investment and explore scholarships, fellowships, employer sponsorship, and loan options.

Alumni and Career Outcomes

  • HBS has a large global alumni network (about 89,000 living alumni across 173 countries as of 2023).
  • Alumni commonly work in finance (venture capital, investment banking, investment management), consulting, general management, marketing, and professional services.
  • Notable alumni include founders, CEOs, public officials, and leaders across sectors (examples: Salman Khan, Meg Whitman, James D. Wolfensohn, Henry Paulson, Sheryl Sandberg, Michael Bloomberg, Mitt Romney, George W. Bush).
  • Graduates frequently secure roles at prestigious firms and command competitive compensation.

Why HBS Is Prominent

  • Strong faculty research and thought leadership.
  • Extensive alumni network and industry connections.
  • Case-method pedagogy and emphasis on leadership development.
  • High visibility through publications and corporate partnerships.

Key Takeaways

  • HBS is one of the world’s top business schools with a flagship two-year MBA, extensive executive and doctoral offerings, and a global alumni network.
  • Admission is highly competitive and costs are substantial, but graduates often access high-impact career opportunities and leadership roles.
  • Prospective students should weigh selective admissions, program fit, and financial implications when considering HBS.

Sources

  • Harvard Business School (program and cost information)
  • Financial Times (business school rankings)
  • U.S. News & World Report (business school rankings and class statistics)