Harvard Business School Online is better suited for professionals seeking to enhance their business acumen with a prestigious brand, while General Assembly Immersive Programs are ideal for individuals looking to pivot into tech careers with hands-on training and flexible learning options.
| Attribute | Harvard Business School Online | General Assembly Immersive Programs |
|---|---|---|
| Program Curriculum and Specializations Offered | Offers courses across eight subject areas: Business Essentials, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Finance and Accounting, Leadership and Management, Strategy, Business in Society, Marketing, and Digital Transformation. Programs like CORe combine Business Analytics, Economics for Managers, and Financial Accounting. Learning Tracks enable participants to gain expertise in a specific subject area, with specializations in Leadership and Management, Strategy, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Business in Society, Finance and Accounting, and Marketing. | Offers immersive courses in software engineering, data science, data analytics, UX design, digital marketing, product management, front-end development, and Python programming. The Software Engineering Immersive program covers essential programming languages, front-end and back-end frameworks, and APIs. The UX Design Immersive program teaches a disciplined design process and current design tools. |
| Instructional Format (Online, In-Person, Hybrid) | Delivered through a self-paced online platform. The learning model is active, social, and uses real-world case studies. | Offers programs in online, in-person, and hybrid formats. They have full-time immersive programs, flex immersive (online only), part-time (online or in-person), on-demand (online), and workshops (online or in-person). |
| Faculty Expertise and Industry Experience | Courses are taught by full-time, tenured Harvard Business School professors who also teach in the MBA program. The courses also feature guest business experts. | Instructors are industry experts with real-world experience. The courses are developed with input from employers to ensure the skills taught are relevant and in-demand. |
| Career Services and Job Placement Assistance | Aims to provide a strong return on investment, equipping learners with knowledge, skills, and credentials. Career networking opportunities are available through the alumni community. | Offers career services to help students with job search strategies, personal branding, and application materials. They also provide one-on-one career coaching, resume improvement, and interview skills. Career services may include access to an alumni network. |
| Networking Opportunities and Alumni Community | Has a global network called the HBS Online Community where learners can connect with other business professionals. The community hosts virtual and in-person events. | Has a strong alumni network of over 70,000 global alumni. Alumni work at top companies like Amazon, Facebook, IBM, and Microsoft. Graduates gain access to a global community for networking, knowledge sharing, and career advice. |
| Program Duration and Time Commitment | Program lengths vary. For example, CORe can be taken over 10 weeks (15 hours/week) or 17 weeks (8 hours/week). HBS Online programs typically span 10-12 weeks with weekly deadlines. Full-time online MBA programs take approximately 2 years, while part-time programs average 3 years. | Full-time immersive programs typically last 12 weeks. Flex immersive programs cover the same material as full-time programs but are spread over 24 weeks. Part-time courses usually last 10 weeks. Full-time bootcamps involve classes all day, Monday through Friday. |
| Tuition Costs and Financing Options | Individual courses can cost around $1,600, while programs like CORe cost $2,250. Sustainable Business Strategy, is around $1,000. Financial aid and grants may be available. | Tuition fees range from $750 to $15,950. Offers various financing options, including upfront payment discounts, income share agreements (ISAs), private loans, and monthly installments. They also offer 0% interest payment plans through EdAid in some regions. Scholarships are available for women and underrepresented groups in tech. |
| Admission Requirements and Application Process | CORe, CLIMB, and Credential of Digital Innovation and Strategy programs require an application. Applications ask for personal background information. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, proficient in English, and committed to engaging with other participants. | The application process involves completing an online application and a phone interview. Immersive programs may require a coding challenge and an in-person interview. The admission process can take 3-4 weeks. |
| Accreditation and Recognition | Harvard Business School is recognized as a top business school. Completing a course allows you to add the Harvard Business School name to your resume. | Not accredited by a U.S. Department of Education recognized accrediting body, making their courses ineligible for federal student aid. However, they are licensed to provide practical training in every state. |
| Student Support Services and Resources | Provides student support services through the Harvard Online Support Portal. | Provides student support services and resources, including online tutorials and workshops. They offer a student/instructor ratio to support students and maintain the quality of instruction. |
| Success Rates and Graduate Outcomes | An HBS Online survey found that 91% of learners reported a positive impact on their career, and 42% received a salary increase, averaging $17,000. HBS Online has a completion rate of around 85%. | Has a high job placement rate for graduates who participate in their career services program. Immersive program graduates, on average, recoup the full cost of tuition within one year and double their income within five years. In 2021, General Assembly reported an 82% graduation rate. |
| Flexibility and Accessibility for Working Professionals | Prioritizes flexibility, with self-paced certificate courses. The online format allows participants to balance education with other commitments. | Offers flexible learning options, including full-time, part-time, and flex programs, to accommodate working professionals. |