Explore online Executive Education programs from Harvard

Discover Harvard Executive Education programs designed to help experienced professionals deepen their expertise, strengthen their leadership skills, and advance their professional development.

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Key takeaways

  • Explore specialized areas including cybersecurity, CRISPR gene editing, global health, fintech, and higher education teaching.
  • Programs start at about $2,500 and typically take 6-10 weeks, requiring about 6-10 hours weekly.
  • Designed for experienced professionals, programs can deepen subject-matter expertise and support leadership and career development.

Browse Harvard Executive Education programs

Outcomes-based design
An immersive cohort-based learning experience that is designed to optimize learning outcomes and ensure global networking opportunities.
Real-world impact
Courses are tailored to address today’s organizational issues and opportunities so that you can make effective decisions to impact change.
Dedicated support
Success Advisers provide administrative and technical support 24/7 and our tutors, who are subject matter experts, offer academic support.

About Harvard Executive Education programs

Harvard Executive Education programs are designed for mid- to senior-level professionals who want to deepen their expertise and strengthen their leadership skills. These expert-led, cohort-based programs offer focused study in specialized subject areas without requiring learners to complete a full degree program.

What can you learn in a Harvard Executive Education program?

Harvard Executive Education programs offer opportunities to explore specialized subjects across a range of industries. Depending on the program, you may develop knowledge and practical strategies related to emerging technologies, healthcare, finance, or education.

Programs may also help you examine complex challenges and apply new insights. Harvard offers executive education programs designed to address some of today's most important issues and topics, such as:

  • Cybersecurity: Explore cybersecurity risks, strategies, and approaches to protecting organizations.
  • Gene editing: Examine CRISPR technology and its implications for biotechnology and related fields.
  • Healthcare and finance: Build knowledge relevant to evolving healthcare or financial environments.
  • Higher education teaching: Explore strategies for teaching and learning in higher education.

Who are Harvard Executive Education programs for?

Harvard Executive Education programs generally have no formal prerequisites, but learners may be expected to have relevant subject-matter expertise or business leadership experience. Intended audiences vary by program. Examples include:

Cybersecurity
Ideal for
C-suite executives, web security leaders, and information technology professionals
CRISPR
Ideal for
Pharmaceutical product development leaders, biotechnology professionals, and policy/law experts
Global health
Ideal for
Clinicians, public health practitioners, and global health advocates
Fintech
Ideal for
Key business decision-makers, finance professionals, and senior managers
Higher education teaching
Ideal for
Professors, lecturers, and researchers

What can you expect from a Harvard Executive Education program?

Harvard Executive Education programs available through edX provide structured learning experiences informed by faculty and subject-matter experts. Depending on the program, you may participate in instructor-led coursework, cohort-based learning, case studies, exercises, or applied projects that connect concepts to professional challenges.

Some programs also provide opportunities to learn alongside other professionals and receive academic support from subject-matter experts. For example, depending on the program, you might:

  • Apply concepts to real-world organizational or industry challenges.
  • Examine case studies and develop practical solutions.
  • Learn from Harvard faculty and other subject-matter experts.
  • Exchange perspectives with professionals in cohort-based programs.

Why choose Executive Education on edX?

Executive Education programs on edX offer experienced and aspiring leaders short-term, instructor-led learning from leading universities. Programs can help learners build knowledge and practical strategies they can apply in professional settings. Cohort-based programs emphasize practical applications through activities like real-world case studies, simulations, and hands-on exercises.

Depending on the program, you may also benefit from live sessions, collaborative projects, mentor or subject-matter expert support, and opportunities to connect with professionals from around the world.

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Frequently asked questions about Harvard Executive Education

How much do Harvard Executive Education programs cost?

Harvard Executive Education programs start at about $2,500, although costs vary by program. Check the individual program page for current pricing before enrolling.

How long do Harvard Executive Education programs take?

Harvard Executive Education programs typically take 6-8 weeks to complete, with learners generally spending about 6-10 hours per week on coursework. Exact time commitments vary by program.

Do Harvard Executive Education programs have prerequisites?

Harvard Executive Education programs generally do not have formal prerequisites. However, individual programs may be designed for learners with relevant professional knowledge, discipline-specific expertise, or leadership experience. Review the requirements and intended audience to determine if you have the necessary background to succeed.

Are Harvard Executive Education programs online?

Yes, Harvard Executive Education programs featured on edX are offered online. Your learning experience could combine scheduled or instructor-led activities with coursework you complete on your own time. Some programs have structured opportunities to learn alongside other professionals.