HBX Launches Finance Certificate Program
HBX, Harvard Business School‘s online learning initiative, has unveiled a finance certificate program that will enroll its first cohort this fall.
HBX Finance: Leading with Finance is designed for business leaders interested in a more in-depth knowledge of finance and financial professionals looking to advance their careers. Created by Mihir A. Desai, a professor at both HBS and Harvard Law School, the course will take place over 6 weeks.
To be eligible for the certificate program, applicants must have 10 years of work experience and a college degree. Alternatively, they can complete HBX’s Credentials of Readiness (CORe) program, which includes three courses: Business Analytics, Economics for Managers, and Financial Accounting.
The launch of HBX Finance is the latest in a string of announcements as HBS continues to grow their online learning platform.
Earlier this summer, HBX revealed a list of more than two dozen international partner schools they will collaborate with. At the same time, HBX announced that it had passed $1 million in need-based and military scholarships provided since the program’s 2014 debut.
From the beginning, HBX has aimed to redefine the way business students approach virtual learning. In line with this goal, the program has continued to expand quickly. Last year, HBX announced that they would allow students to earn college-level credit through Harvard Extension School.
With the launch of HBX’s new certificate, the initiative expands its finance-related offerings.
HBS Executive Director Patrick Mullane commented that “HBX was launched two years ago with a vision toward expanding the reach of Harvard Business School. Today, we build on that vision by adding Leading with Finance to our catalog. This step is particularly exciting as finance is such an important ingredient in the success and sustainability of any organization.”
As with other HBX courses, HBS intends to imbue HBX Finance with the school’s own flair. In particular, the course will make heavy use of case-method teaching and will foster a collaborative approach.
In designing the course, Desai was attentive to some of the negative stereotypes around finance education.
“Most people out there think finance is inert, formulaic and intimidating,” he said, “but this course is attached to the real world and is designed to be intuitive and accessible.” Besides, he pointed out, “financial literacy is critical for leaders as they grow.”
For those interested in joining HBX Finance’s inaugural class, the application deadline is October 19. To learn more about the program or to apply, see the HBX Website.