For those who have been out of formal education for a while, or who come from non-business backgrounds, the transition into an MBA program can be challenging. Even seasoned professionals may feel the need to refresh their knowledge or build new competencies in areas such as finance, quantitative analysis or strategic management.
To address these needs, many leading business schools have developed specialized preparatory courses designed to equip prospective MBA students with the essential skills and knowledge they need.
These courses are particularly valuable for individuals looking to ease back into academic life, strengthen their foundational business acumen, or gain confidence in their ability to handle the rigorous demands of an MBA curriculum.
With the rise of online education, these preparatory programs have become more accessible than ever. Top institutions around the world now offer flexible, online courses that allow students to learn at their own pace, often over the summer or as part of executive education offerings.
These courses typically cover core MBA subjects such as accounting, finance, marketing, leadership and quantitative analysis, providing a well-rounded introduction to the world of business management.
Moreover, these preparatory courses are not just for those who are about to embark on an MBA. They are also beneficial for professionals who want to enhance their business knowledge, gain a competitive edge in their careers, or explore the possibility of pursuing an MBA in the future.
The following is a detailed list of prestigious business schools that offer these kinds of courses— designed to help prospective MBA students build the skills and confidence necessary to excel in their studies and beyond.
Whether you are looking to strengthen your quantitative skills, refresh your understanding of business fundamentals, or get a taste of what an MBA program entails, these courses provide a valuable stepping stone on your educational journey.
Harvard Business School (HBS)
Harvard offers the CORe (Credential of Readiness) program, which provides the essential business skills needed for an MBA. The CORe program includes three courses: Business Analytics, Economics for Managers and Financial Accounting. These courses are delivered entirely online and are ideal for those who want to build a strong foundation in business concepts before entering an MBA program. The flexible format allows participants to learn at their own pace, making it particularly good for individuals who have been out of formal education for a while.
Stanford Graduate School of Business (GSB)
Stanford provides the Stanford Ignite program, which is a part-time certificate course available in an online format, including during the summer. Stanford Ignite is designed to teach participants the fundamentals of business and prepare them for the rigor of an MBA. The program covers topics such as marketing, operations, finance and entrepreneurship, with a strong emphasis on practical application. This program is particularly beneficial for those transitioning to a business career from other fields or those looking to refresh their business knowledge before starting an MBA.
INSEAD Business School
INSEAD runs the Business Foundations Week, an optional training course focusing on key subjects like finance, quantitative methods and accounting. These pre-MBA courses are designed to help prospective MBA students strengthen their understanding of essential business concepts and develop the skills needed to excel in the MBA program.
University of Chicago Booth School of Business
Chicago Booth offers the Startup Summer, which allows incoming MBA students to work with early-stage companies led by alumni from the business school, for several weeks before they begin school in the fall. Also, Chicago Booth runs the three-week Summer Business Scholars Program, which is designed for undergraduates and covers topics such as finance, accounting and economics
London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)
LSE offers the MBA Essentials program, which is an online course designed to provide participants with the core business skills and knowledge needed for an MBA. The course covers key areas such as leadership, strategy, and financial performance, offering a solid introduction to the fundamentals of business management. The online format provides flexibility, allowing participants to learn at their own pace while gaining insights from one of the world’s leading institutions in social sciences and business.
Imperial College Business School
Imperial College offers free MBA taster courses, which are available online and provide a free introduction to key MBA concepts. These taster courses cover topics such as finance, strategy and innovation, giving prospective MBA students a glimpse into the academic experience and content they can expect in a full MBA program. They are designed to help individuals assess their readiness for an MBA and build foundational knowledge in business management.
Jones Graduate School of Business – Rice University
This business school offers the Pre-MBA Quantitative Skills Specialization, which is specifically designed to help prospective MBA students strengthen their quantitative skills, which are crucial for success in an MBA program. The specialization focuses on essential topics such as statistics, data analysis and financial mathematics. The Pre-MBA Quantitative Skills Specialization is delivered entirely online, making it accessible to individuals who need to enhance their mathematical and analytical abilities before starting their MBA journey.
Birmingham Business School - University of Birmingham
Birmingham offers MBA Essentials Short Courses, which are designed to provide an introduction to the core areas of business management. These online courses cover essential topics such as marketing, finance, leadership and strategy, helping prospective MBA students build the foundational knowledge necessary for success in a full MBA program. The online format allows for flexibility and accessibility, making it a convenient option for those looking to refresh or build their business skills at their own pace.
The Carlson School of Management –University of Minnesota
The Carlson School offers the MBA Essentials course, which provides an understanding of key business concepts – such as financial accounting, strategic management, and marketing – that are fundamental to MBA studies. The course is available online, making it accessible to a wide audience, including individuals who have been out of formal education for some time or those looking to refresh their business knowledge before embarking on an MBA.
Adam Smith Business School – University of Glasgow
This school offers the MBA Essentials program to equip participants with the foundational business skills and knowledge required for success in an MBA program. Covering key topics such as leadership, finance and strategic thinking, the MBA Essentials program. The program is delivered entirely online, providing flexibility for participants to study at their own pace while benefiting from the expertise and reputation of the University of Glasgow, one of the oldest and most respected institutions in the world.
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