Harvard Business School

Harvard University, Harvard Business School History

Harvard University, founded in 1636, is a private, coeducational institution. The 380-acre campus is in Cambridge and Boston. Total undergraduate and graduate enrollment is 20,042. Enrollment figures in the above capsule are approximate.

The Harvard Business School was founded in 1908 and is located in 32 buildings on a 35-acre campus. Courses also are offered at other locations (executive education courses). The basic educational approach is to shape the practice of business by building knowledge, educating leaders, and communicating ideas with the aim of developing leaders who will get things done and become the designers and builders of new and successful enterprises. The case method is the primary form of instruction, focusing on specific functions, processes, and activities through the lens of general management.

Harvard University, Harvard Business School Academics

The Harvard Business School offers the Master of Business Administration (MBA) as well as a doctoral program in business administration, business economics, information technology and management, health policy, and organizational behavior, and a joint degree in law (MBA/JD). Other programs include a concurrent degree program with Harvard University Kennedy School of Government and cross-registration with other Harvard University schools, the Sloan School of Business at MIT, and the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University. Regular programs bring distinguished speakers and visiting professors to campus.

Required courses include:

• Financial Reporting and Control
• Leadership and Organizational Behavior
• Marketing
• Technology and Operations Management
• Business, Government, and the International Economy
• Competition and Strategy
• Finance I and II
• Entrepreneurial Management
• Negotiations
• Social Enterprise

Business students may take relevant nonbusiness courses in other departments. The minimum time permitted to complete the master’s degree program attending full time is 4 terms with no extended break; maximum, 4 terms with an extended break.

In a recent year, there were 203 total full-time graduate business faculty, of whom 97% held a doctorate. Faculty salaries are rated well above average for Category I institutions, based on the AAUP rating system. Average business class size is 80.

Harvard University, Harvard Business School Unique Programs

Library

The Baker Library houses a collection of more than 2.5 million volumes, and subscribes to 6500 periodicals. It is the world’s largest business library. Students have access to databases and networks in the fields of business and allied subject areas. Other opportunities for research consist of the Faculty Research Computing Center, the Harvard Business School Research Centers, the California Research Center (Menlo Park), the Asia Pacific Research Centers (Hong Kong and Tokyo), the Latin American Research Center (Buenos Aires), and the European Research Center (Paris).

Computers

Graduate business students must have their own PCs. The business school has its own computer facilities.

Career and Job Placement

Placement services are extensive, and those available to alumni include services provided through HBS alumni clubs worldwide, the Office of Alumni Career Services, and the Career Resources Center. Placement is available through the HBS Career Services Office.

International Students

International students must take the TOEFL or the IELTS. They also must submit a translation of their transcripts, proof of health consisting of proof of vaccinations, and proof of adequate funds. Financial aid is available for these students and consists of Harvard Business School fellowships and CitiAssist loans. Check with the school for application deadlines.

Calendar

The school operates on a traditional semester basis. Graduate programs are offered during the day only.

Harvard University, Harvard Business School Admissions

A bachelor’s degree is required. Most important admissions factors are management potential, academic accomplishments and ability, and personal qualities and characteristics. A strong mathematics background is not required.

Transfers are not accepted. Minority students are actively recruited by open houses, alumni and student contact, and a summer program for undergraduates.

Students may begin the MBA program in the fall. To apply, students must submit an on-line application form, GMAT scores, 3 letters of recommendation, essays, a resume, work experience and extracurricular activity information. Check with the school for current application fee and deadlines.

Harvard University, Harvard Business School Financial Aid

The GAPSFAS or FAFSA, the school’s own financial statement, and the previous year’s tax return are required. Check with the school for current application deadlines.

Tuition for all students is $39,600 per year. On-campus room and board costs approximately $12,000; personal expenses, $11,000; and other fees, $5240, for an estimated annual total of $67,840. Graduate student housing consists of dormitories available through Harvard Business School and apartments available through Harvard Real Estate. There is a referral service to help procure off-campus housing.

Harvard University, Harvard Business School Students

All of a recent graduate business school class were enrolled full time; all had an average of 4 years of full-time work experience prior to entering graduate school, a factor preferred by the school. Thirty-five percent were women, 24% were minorities, and 32% were foreign nationals. The average age at entrance is 27; ages range from 22 to 39. Students’ undergraduate majors were as follows: 40%, social sciences; 24%, engineering; 20%, business; and 8%, math and science.