What Do You Actually Learn in Business School?
A current MBA candidate at Harvard Business School provides an inside look at what you actually learn in business school.
By Emilie W.
Current MBA student with expertise in deferred MBA applications
Posted June 19, 2025
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Table of Contents
As a current MBA student, I am often asked the question, “What do you actually learn?” There are many motivations to pursue an MBA, and each student has different goals and experiences they are looking to achieve during business school. For some, it is enhancing networking opportunities and nurturing entrepreneurial ambitions, or for others, it is gaining a comprehensive understanding of the business landscape. Regardless of the reason, every student spends much of their time in a rich learning environment that will provide them with a business foundation in whatever path they pursue post-graduation.
The Academic Framework
MBA programs worldwide employ diverse teaching methodologies. For instance, while my program at Harvard Business School is known for its case method, many programs combine lectures, case studies, simulations, and group projects. All of these activities are furthering the goals to promote critical thinking, enable dynamic discussions, and derive insights from various experiences. Although the specific courses might differ, most MBA programs share a similar structure of core foundational curriculum with elective coursework. Here's an overview.
For more info on HBS's curriculum, head to: Harvard Business School MBA: Acceptance Rate, Deadlines, Cost, Requirements, & Program Overview
Core Coursework
Most business schools will have a variation of core, required courses that lay the foundation of their business acumen and understanding. Some business schools stack these courses at the front of the MBA journey, while others blend them with elective courses throughout the program. Here is a sample of what this core coursework may look like:
- Accounting: Move beyond basic financial transactions to understand the financial structures of businesses to make strategic decisions
- Finance: Dive into the mechanics of financial management. Understand investment strategies and financial planning at a corporate level
- Strategy: Learn to develop actionable plans that guide companies through challenges and lead to sustainable growth
- Economics: Analyze the forces of demand and supply across global markets, studying the economic factors influencing business decisions
- Marketing: Understand the strategies that connect businesses to consumers, establish brand recognition, and drive sales
- Leadership: Delve into team management and your individual leadership style to understand how to drive change and make a meaningful impact in your organization and community
- Data Science: Utilize data for decision-making and transform raw numbers into actionable business insights
- Operations: Focus on the processes that keep businesses running efficiently and learn to enhance productivity and ensure consistent delivery
Read: Not Every MBA Program is Made Equal–An Overview of the Program Structures of Top Business Schools
Elective Coursework
One of the strengths of an MBA program is its adaptability. Beyond the mandatory subjects, students can tailor their education to align with their interests or career goals. Most programs allow students to choose a number of courses that they are passionate about or that are specific to the career they want to pursue. This could range from deep dives into investment strategies, real estate, business ethics, general management skills, industry-specific courses, or personal development.
Some programs shift these elective courses to the back end of the MBA program, once students have formed a collective foundation in the core coursework. Others allow students to choose many of their courses throughout their time in the program. These courses greatly vary by MBA program, but often there are so many options for truly intriguing, passion-driven learning that everyone can find what they are looking for.
Specializations
Many MBA programs offer avenues for deeper exploration into specific industries or areas of study, such as dual degrees, unique majors, or opportunities to take courses from other graduate schools. These specialized tracks provide in-depth knowledge in particular sectors. Some examples of this could be a JD/MBA from Chicago Booth (any many other programs), Wharton’s Healthcare Management major, or Harvard Business School’s cross-registration program with the MIT Sloan School of Management.
Beyond the Classroom
An MBA experience extends beyond traditional coursework. There are so many opportunities to learn outside of the classroom. Student clubs, internships, innovation labs, and peer interactions further enrich the learning journey and are a critical piece of the MBA experience!
How to Make the Most of Your Learning Experience
As I reflect on my MBA so far and think of the advice many mentors and past students have given me, I keep thinking about three tips that I believe will help every MBA student take full advantage of the learning experience in their program:
- Tip #1: Make the most of every academic and extracurricular opportunity. The value of an MBA is both in its structured curriculum and real-world applications
- Tip #2: Participate actively in discussions and group projects. Collaboration often leads to deeper insights and broader perspectives
- Tip #3: Approach an MBA as not just a degree, but as a comprehensive learning experience. It provides tools and strategies that are applicable in both business scenarios and broader life challenges
In essence, an MBA doesn't just teach you business; it prepares you for life! An MBA offers a comprehensive education in business management while also equipping students with skills and perspectives that are invaluable in diverse professional settings. It's a commitment to individual and professional growth, and will pay dividends throughout your future career and personal life.
Start Your MBA Journey with Guidance from a Harvard Deferred Admit
Emilie W. is an MBA Candidate at Harvard Business School. She was accepted as a deferred applicant her senior year in college, and worked at Oliver Wyman before matriculating. She is passionate about helping you shape the future you want! Book a FREE intro call with Emilie today!
Read these next:
- MBA Requirements: What You Need to Apply (and What Top Programs Really Look For)
- The Truth About Business School Rankings - and What It Means for You
- What is an MBA Degree? An Expert Guide
- The Different Types of MBA Programs—and Which One is Right for You
- T25 MBA Acceptance Rates, GPA, & Test Scores
- The Top 25 MBA Programs—Acceptance Rates, Tuition, and More
FAQs
What do they teach you in a business class?
- Business degree programs are built on a solid curriculum that teach students the basics, such as finance, marketing, management, and economics. It also enables adult learners who want to become business professionals to become more knowledgeable about ethics, international business, and the latest tech trends.
How do you learn about a business?
- Look for local business associations or online communities (like LinkedIn groups) to connect with others. Find a Mentor: Seek out someone experienced in the field who can provide guidance and advice. Internships: Consider internships or entry-level positions to gain hands-on experience.
What skills do you gain from an MBA?
- Interpersonal Skills
- Leadership Skills
- Communication Skills
- Strategic Thinking
- Decision-Making
- Strategic Problem-Solving
- Creativity and Innovation
- Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
What to expect from a business class?
- Business class offers enhanced comfort with spacious seating, gourmet meals, exclusive amenities, priority services, and lounge access. It is designed for a more relaxed and productive travel experience.
How difficult is an MBA?
- Earning an MBA is a challenging experience that you may find rewarding, helping you position yourself to attain new professional and personal heights. Furthermore, different students will find varying aspects of the program to be more difficult than others. What may be easy for one student may be difficult for another.
Written by Emilie
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Hi! It's so nice to meet you! I am currently an MBA student at Harvard Business School, and I am loving it. It is an incredible experience to meet future leaders from around the world, learning from some of the best faculty there is. Prior to b-school, I spent two years in Management Consulting at Oliver Wyman. Being here, reflecting on my career thus far, makes me even more excited for you and your aspirations. I can't wait to help you achieve your goals! A bit about me: I am originally from Salt Lake City, Utah where I attended the University of Utah for my undergrad. I studied quantitative business economics, and decided to pursue a career in consulting. It was in my senior year that I also decided to pursue an MBA. With the help of several mentors, I applied for Harvard Business School's 2+2 program, which meant that I would be accepted to business school while in my undergrad, with the expectation that I would go work full-time for 2 years before matriculating. I remember the day I got my admission letter - it was such a rush of emotion! After college, I moved to the great state of Texas, to work in management consulting firm Oliver Wyman's Dallas office. There I fell in love with my now husband (and with good BBQ). I also learned that I love to work with people! I specialized in my firm's People and Organizational Performance practice, letting me work with companies across the country looking to improve their culture, leadership, and organizational design. It was a lot of fun! And now I'm here at Harvard. I'm loving the MBA program, as well as all of the classic Boston experiences (Red Sox games, cannolis in the historic Italian North End, walking by the Charles River, and so much more). I'm excited to meet all of you, and help you shape the future you want!
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