In our part-time business courses and programs, you will develop the expertise to thrive in today’s complex business landscape. Prepare to meet the growing demand for skilled business leaders by engaging with real-world case studies, interactive projects, and collaborative learning experiences that mirror the challenges organizations face today.
Gain the Leadership, Finance, and Managerial Skills to Advance Your Career Path
Challenging Academics Designed for Real-World Impact
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Expert faculty who bridge business theory and practice
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Flexible formats, including online courses and intensive on-campus experiences
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A Harvard credential that positions you to stand out in a competitive job market
Explore Courses & Programs
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Management
Build expertise in essential topics like marketing, business strategy, and economics
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Finance
Gain expertise in topics like managerial accounting, corporate finance, and investments
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Organizational Behavior & Industrial-Organizational Psychology
Build the skills to create collaborative and innovative workplaces
Management
Elevate your career with our master’s degree and graduate certificates in management, designed to equip you with foundational knowledge in the core areas of business. Explore economic theory, international business strategy, corporate responsibility, and operations management.
From banking to nonprofit management to management consulting, our students and alumni thrive in numerous roles, including Account Director, Brand Manager, and Senior R&D Manager.
Featured Business Management Courses
Courses include:
- Project Management
- Influence and Power in Organizations
- Digital Marketing in the Age of AI
- Influence and Power in Organizations
- Marketing Management
Master’s Degree
Management Master’s Degree Program
Expand your leadership skills and position yourself for the next step in your career.
Certificates
Business Communications Graduate Certificate
Learn to deliver clear, concise, and convincing messaging to advance ideas, build consensus, and resolve conflict.
Business Economics Graduate Certificate
Learn how to integrate economic principles and business concepts.
Data Analytics Graduate Certificate
Deepen your analytics knowledge to inform strategic business decisions.
Innovation and Entrepreneurship Graduate Certificate
Develop essential knowledge and skills to innovate and develop new ventures.
Marketing Management and Digital Strategy Graduate Certificate
Gain the tools and techniques you need to engage audiences and inspire action in today’s complex, multichannel landscape.
Nonprofit Management Graduate Certificate
Gain a deeper understanding of the skills and knowledge needed to solve problems.
Project Management Graduate Certificate
Gain the technical and business management skills to initiate, plan, execute, monitor, and close a project.
Project Management Methodologies Microcertificate
2-course microcertificate
Learn the frameworks to successfully guide project development from start to finish. (2 courses)
Strategic Management Graduate Certificate
Help contribute to the big picture at your organization using key business and management principles.
Students from all over the world come to Harvard Extension. In my classes I’ve had CEOs, government officials, entrepreneurs, scientists, medical doctors, PhDs, and people of all stages of their careers in business and the not-for-profit sector. Adult learners are making a deliberate choice to study, and they’re interested in the topic and very willing to do the work. It’s a wonderful group to teach. ”
Margaret Andrews
Founder, The MYLO Center and Managing Director, Higher Ed Associates
Finance
Explore essential topics in finance and build the expertise to lead in a wide variety of sectors and industries. Topics include corporate finance, microeconomics, business valuation, financial accounting, and investment theory, representing professional fields in accounting, banking, financial services, and investment and asset management.
Featured Finance Courses
- Business Analysis and Valuation
- Capital Markets and Investments
- Corporate Finance
- Financial Accounting Principles
- Principles of Finance
Master’s Degree
Finance Master’s Degree Program
Gain specialized knowledge in financial analysis and planning to advance in today’s global economy.
Graduate Certificates
Corporate Finance Graduate Certificate
Gain the knowledge and tools needed for corporate financial analysis and decision-making.
Principles of Finance Graduate Certificate
Learn to use financial information to make business decisions.
Real Estate Investment Graduate Certificate
Develop practical, real-world knowledge and skills for investing in real estate.
Organizational Behavior & Industrial-Organizational Psychology
Explore the dynamics of workplace culture and build skills to boost employee engagement, organizational performance, and workplace well-being.
Through online courses, a master’s degree, or a certificate, you will gain expertise in human resource management, talent development, quantitative and behavioral analysis, and coaching.
You’ll be prepared to excel in roles in corporate efficiency, HR development, and conflict resolution in a variety of corporate, public service, and nonprofit industries.
Featured Courses
- Harnessing Employee Talent: Motivating a Diverse Workforce
- Human Resource Management
- Negotiation and Organizational Conflict Resolution
- Creating and Leading Team Dynamics
- Motivation
Master’s Degree
Industrial-Organizational Psychology Master’s Degree Program
Optimize organizations and empower employees through a social science lens.
Graduate Certificates
Advanced Negotiation and Conflict Resolution Microcertificate (2 courses)
Explore the concepts and theories necessary to lead negotiations in complex environments.
Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging Leadership Graduate Certificate
Lead your organization to a culture of inclusive excellence.
Organizational Behavior Graduate Certificate
Develop a deeper understanding of human behavior in an organizational setting.
Career Outlook: Business Management
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, management jobs are expected to grow faster than the average, with more than two million jobs added annually.
As companies expand and operations become more complex, the need for adept managers who can help businesses operate smoothly is essential. Modern leaders must navigate technological advancements, global markets, and organizational challenges. By developing your problem-solving capacity and your foundational management knowledge, you can prepare to meet the cross-industry demand for innovative leaders, agile managers, and strategic problem solvers.
- 16%: Projected growth for financial managers
- 10%: Growth in management analysts jobs
- 3%: Growth in executive-level positions
Getting Started
Going back to school as an adult student can be overwhelming. These tips will help you navigate your next steps.
Prepare to Register
Learn about when and how to register for your first course.
Explore: Prospective Student Guide
Connect with an Enrollment Coach
If you need support as you consider and choose a program.
Connect for Guidance
As you consider your next step, our enrollment team is here to help.
inquiry@
extension.harvard.edu
(617) 495-4024
Exploring Stackable Pathways in Management
At Harvard Extension School, we offer flexible pathways to fit your schedule, budget, and career goals. You can design the path that works best for you. Start by taking a single course to build knowledge in a semester. Want to continue? Stack your course toward a business certificate — and perhaps ultimately a master’s degree, choosing the courses that best fit your goals. Learn more about stacking certificates & degrees.
Business and Management FAQs
How can I advance as a manager?
Advancing as a manager requires ongoing learning and skill development — both on the job and through educational opportunities. If your goals include more responsibility, building expertise in management topics like strategic planning, leadership, and organizational behavior will likely be beneficial. In your organization, consider seeking out a mentor or coach to help you identify areas for further growth and opportunities to fill skill gaps. In addition, staying current with industry trends and pursuing relevant coursework, certificates, or even business degrees can enhance your credentials and prepare you for higher-level management roles.
How do you improve leadership performance?
Improving leadership performance starts with a commitment to continuous learning and self-awareness. Enroll in leadership development courses to enhance your strategic thinking, communication, and decision-making skills. Consistent reflection and a proactive approach to personal development are key to becoming a more effective leader, so seek feedback from peers and mentors to identify areas for growth. You can also practice active listening and empathy to better understand and motivate your team. Staying informed about industry trends can also help you adapt to new challenges with flexibility and innovation.
What makes the best business leader?
The best business leaders can articulate a compelling vision and inspire their teams to work toward shared goals. Although every leader has unique strengths, the Harvard Business Review identifies eight essential qualities that make leaders successful in a business environment. These characteristics can be developed with time and practice and applied in multiple ways throughout your career.
