Executive education programs from top universities

edX Executive Education connects you with top universities for fully online, instructor-led, cohort-based programs. Build the leadership and business skills your next move demands.

Find your program

What is executive education?

Executive education programs are short, intensive courses for working professionals who want to build leadership skills, earn credentials from world-class universities, and keep growing without pausing their careers.

Unlike a graduate degree, such as a master's in business administration (MBA), edX's online Executive Education programs typically run 6 to 20 weeks and focus on practical, real-world application rather than academic theory.

Why choose an executive education program?

  • Learn from faculty at top universities like Harvard, Oxford, and Yale through instructor-led programs built by the institutions themselves.
  • Apply what you learn from week one through real-world business problems, simulations, and hands-on projects, not just textbook exercises.
  • Build your network with a global cohort of working professionals, industry leaders, and peers facing similar business challenges.
  • Complete your program in 6 to 20 weeks , fully online and cohort-based, fitting around a full-time job.
90%
All-time completion rate across edX Executive Education programs
384K+
Professionals who have completed Executive Education programs with edX
30+
World-ranked universities including Harvard, Oxford, Yale, and LSE

Find your executive education program

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Who are executive education programs for?

Mid-career professionals

Build new skills, expand your expertise, and prepare for greater responsibilities at work.

Managers and team leaders

Strengthen decision-making, communication, and leadership skills to guide teams through growth and change.

Technical and subject-matter experts

Develop business, strategy, and leadership capabilities to transition into broader, more strategic roles.

Senior leaders and executives

Deepen expertise in areas such as AI, innovation, finance, sustainability, and strategic leadership.

Continue advancing your career after you complete your program.

Access the edX Career Engagement Network for resources, events, and job tools that can help you continue to grow and learn long after your program ends.

Start your executive education journey on edX

Explore online executive education from top universities with flexible schedules designed for working professionals. Most programs can be completed in 6-20 weeks and are designed to fit around a full-time career.

Ready to get started? Here are your next steps:

  1. Define where you want to grow as a leader or professional.
  2. Find a program that aligns with your experience and goals.
  3. Enroll and start building new skills.

Frequently asked questions about executive education programs

How is executive education different from an MBA?

An MBA is a full graduate degree with a broad business curriculum. Executive education programs are shorter, skills-focused programs that, on edX, typically run 6 to 20 weeks and fit around a full-time job. These executive learning programs may be a good fit for working professionals who want to build leadership or business skills without committing to a full degree.

How long do executive education programs take?

Most Executive Education programs on edX run 6 to 20 weeks and can be completed around a full-time job. Check each program page for the exact duration and expected weekly time commitment.

How much do executive education programs cost?

Executive Education programs on edX typically range from $495 to $7,813, depending on the university and subject area. Your employer may cover all or part of the cost through professional development or tuition assistance benefits, so check with your HR representative before enrolling.

Can I get a certificate from Harvard or Oxford online?

Yes. Executive Education programs on edX offer a digital certificate from the university or school that delivers the program, including programs from Harvard and Saïd Business School, University of Oxford. Programs are fully online and built around university-developed curricula, so you can earn a recognized credential without attending classes on campus.

What is GetSmarter?

GetSmarter, powered by 2U, is an online learning expert with over 10 years of experience developing premium online short courses in collaboration with the world's leading universities and institutions. We support you in unlocking life-changing learning opportunities through an immersive and high-touch experience.

Powered by 2U means we collaborate with leading universities and institutions, leveraging our people, technology, and resources to empower your education and potential.

What is the Online Campus?

The Online Campus will be your virtual classroom for the duration of your course on GetSmarter. Through its easy-to-use interface, you can access various course content formats, including interactive video lectures, module notes, practice quizzes, presentations, assignment briefs, and/or additional web resources. Each module is released on a weekly basis, giving you the opportunity to study at your own pace and in your own time.

How flexible is the course to accommodate my schedule?

Each week, you will have one or more activity submissions due, and in some of our courses, you may need to attend live online events. All submissions, live session times, and dates will be shared upon the release of each module, allowing you to plan accordingly.

Although we recommend sticking to the weekly deadlines to get the most out of your course, an extension request service is available on the Online Campus for when you need additional time (Terms and Conditions apply). Your Success Adviser is also available to support you with any scheduling challenges.

What kind of support will I get during the course?

Success Advisers are available to support you from start to finish and offer administrative and technical assistance throughout the course. The Facilitation Team, composed of industry experts, provides content support via the Online Campus.