How to Make An “MBA” Using Free Online Courses from Top 10 Business Schools
An MBA-equivalent education, with coursework from the Penn, MIT, Northwestern, Stanford, Harvard, Yale, Chicago, and more.
Back when massive open online courses (MOOCs) were new, I (Laurie) started a project to complete the equivalent of an MBA, using free courses. Platforms such as Coursera and edX were making headlines, and when I learned that leading universities (including business schools) were distributing online courses for free, I was inspired to construct a business education rather than pay an exorbitant amount for a degree.
I called the project the “No-Pay MBA” and I blogged about it at www.NoPayMBA.com. I finished my business education in 2016, and wrote a book to guide others interested in doing a self-made MBA (Don’t Pay For Your MBA, HarperCollins, 2017).
After I started working for Class Central, I wondered how would I approach this project, given the wealth of new courses and tools that are now available?
When I was doing my No-Pay MBA, there were only a few business MOOCs available, so I basically signed up for all of them.
Fortunately or unfortunately, it would be impossible to do that today. More than 6,000 free business courses from numerous universities around the world are currently listed on Class Central.
Through my studies, I also came to believe that putting together an MBA-level education requires much more than simply ticking through a checklist of course topics. That’s partly because MOOCs differ from on-campus courses in scope, length, and rigor; and partly because creating your own MBA offers a tremendous opportunity to tailor the curriculum to your needs.
My advice: start by learning some foundational business concepts in introductory-level courses, then develop some general business skills, and finally, dive deep in an area of concentration.
Below is a sample course list that follows this advice, drawn entirely from business schools in U.S. News & World Report’s top ten. I cross referenced the U.S. News list with Class Central’s database to find around 90 courses from these top schools:
- University of Pennsylvania (Wharton)
- Northwestern University (Kellogg)
- Stanford University
- University of Chicago (Booth)
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Sloan)
- Dartmouth College (Tuck)
- Harvard University
- New York University (Stern)
- Columbia University
- Yale University
- University of California, Berkeley (Haas)
I used only courses from these schools not because there aren’t great MOOCs from business schools lower down in U.S. News’ ranking (the full course catalog of the University of Illinois’s iMBA, for example), but simply because A) I had to cut down the number of courses somehow, and B) I wanted to demonstrate that the content for a top-tier MBA is there for the taking.
Note: The curriculum below is a pretty solid MBA program. However, it doesn’t include every topic that might be included in an MBA. Some notable gaps: project management, micro- and macroeconomics, and business ethics. It’s also rather light on operations management.
Another Note: While many of these courses do involve fees, all of them can be audited for free, either in full or in part. If you’re new to online learning, take a look at our Beginner’s Guide.
Index
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More Courses
If you don’t find what you need in the lists below, Class Central’s got you covered. Browse our catalog of 250K courses or visit these collections:
- Massive List of MOOC-based Microcredentials
- 8000+ OpenCourseWare Courses from Top Institutions
- 2000 Ivy League Online Courses
- 200+ Free Online Writing Courses to Improve Your Skills
- Massive List of Thousands of Free Certificates and Badges
Foundational Business Concepts (4-5 courses)
The Business Foundations Specialization from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business is a popular starting place for those new to the world of business. The first five courses can be audited for free, but you can only access the Capstone after completing the others (including graded items). Some courses are also available in Spanish and Chinese.
Introduction to Marketing, University of Pennsylvania via Coursera
Introduction to Financial Accounting, University of Pennsylvania via Coursera
Managing Social and Human Capital, University of Pennsylvania via Coursera
Introduction to Corporate Finance, University of Pennsylvania via Coursera
Introduction to Operations Management, University of Pennsylvania via Coursera
Introducción al Marketing, University of Pennsylvania via Coursera
Introducción a la Contabilidad Financiera, University of Pennsylvania via Coursera
Introducción a las Finanzas Corporativas, University of Pennsylvania via Coursera
Introducción a la Gestión de Operaciones, University of Pennsylvania via Coursera
市场营销概论 (中文版), University of Pennsylvania via Coursera
财务会计概论(中文版), University of Pennsylvania via Coursera
企业金融概论(中文版), University of Pennsylvania via Coursera
运营管理概论(中文版), University of Pennsylvania via Coursera
CS50’s Computer Science for Business Professionals, Harvard University via edX
Free Online Courses in Strategic Management and Leadership (4-6 courses)
Quantitative modeling, negotiation, project and people management, decision-making, leadership, and communication are important skills regardless of industry. I recommend taking at least one course that covers each of the aforementioned topics, for a total of between four and six courses.
Strategic Management
Scaling Operations: Linking Strategy and Execution
Northwestern University via Coursera
Equip yourself with concepts and tools to build operations that support competitive strategy and create new market opportunities. Learn to make strategic decisions grounded in operational reality.
★★★★☆ (4 ratings)
Omnichannel Strategy and Management
Dartmouth College via edX
Understand the needs of omnichannel customers and how to make the transition from a traditional retailer to omnichannel from TuckX and the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth.
★★★★☆ (1 rating)
Strategic Management Capstone
Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania via edX
Apply the knowledge you learned from the Introduction to Connected Strategy course in this comprehensive workshop that will help you create new connected strategies for your organization.
★★★★★ (1 rating)
Humanitarian Logistics
Massachusetts Institute of Technology via edX
Learn how humanitarian logistics delivers essential goods and services to save lives, alleviate suffering, and maintain human dignity.
★★★★★ (1 rating)
Business Strategy from Wharton: Competitive Advantage
Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania via edX
Learn how to develop and execute strategies to gain competitive advantage and improve your position in the marketplace.
Developing Breakthrough Innovations with the Three Box Solution
Dartmouth College via edX
An introduction tostrategy and innovation expertVijay Govindarajan’s Three Box framework that has the potential to transform any organization that embraces it.
Introduction to Connected Strategy
Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania via edX
Technology has caused firms to fundamentally change their strategy to connect with their customers in new and different ways. In this course, weexplore the impact of connected strategies as well as business opportunities associated with those strategies.
Executing Breakthrough Innovations with the Three Box Solution
Dartmouth College via edX
Learn how to execute the Three Box framework to help transform your organization and prepare for the future.
Fundamentals of Digital Transformation
Dartmouth College via edX
Master essential digital technologies and strategies to drive innovation, optimize operations, and lead successful business transformations in today’s digital economy.
Business and Impact Planning for Social Enterprises
Massachusetts Institute of Technology via edX
Develop a business plan for social enterprises, focusing on impact opportunity, customer discovery, theory of change, and scaling strategies. Gain insights from case studies and create a pitch video.
Product and Service Creation in the Internet Age
Massachusetts Institute of Technology via edX
Explore internet-age innovation processes, focusing on user-developed innovations and their impact on product development. Learn strategies for leaders to leverage and profit from these innovations.
Simulation for Digital Transformation
Dartmouth College via edX
Master simulation techniques for digital transformation, modeling complex systems to optimize workflows, allocate resources, and make data-driven decisions in uncertain environments using Python and SimPy.
Predictive Analytics
Dartmouth College via edX
Master predictive analytics techniques using Python to transform raw data into actionable insights for business innovation, from regression methods to advanced modeling for real-world problem-solving.
Leadership
Exercising Leadership: Foundational Principles
Harvard University via edX
Mobilize people to tackle tough problems and build the capacity to thrive through the dangers of change
★★★★★ (24 ratings)
Leadership Through Social Influence
Northwestern University via Coursera
Develop leadership skills through persuasive influence strategies. Learn to analyze situations, address challenges, and apply effective tools for attitude change, social influence, and behavior modification.
★★★★★ (3 ratings)
Leadership: Creating Public Value
Harvard University via edX
In Leadership: Creating Public Value, learn how to face and meet today’s challenges and design a public value proposition that is both actionable and value creating.
★★★★★ (2 ratings)
Retail Fundamentals
Dartmouth College via edX
Learn key components of the retail business, including forecasting, inventory management, product assortment planning and pricing from TuckX and the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth.
★★★★☆ (2 ratings)
Management in Engineering: Accounting and Planning
Massachusetts Institute of Technology via edX
Experience what it is like to manage within an engineering enterprise. Develop the business skills you need to take on the variety of challenges facing managers in the field. This course was formerly known as Management in Engineering I.
★★★★★ (1 rating)
Why Smart Executives Fail: Common Mistakes & Warning Signs
Dartmouth College via Coursera
Explore common executive mistakes, warning signs, and strategies to avoid failure. Learn from real-world examples to better manage change and improve decision-making in organizations.
★★★★★ (1 rating)
Connected Leadership
Yale University via Coursera
Maximize your leadership potential through purpose-driven strategies, team empowerment, and systems thinking. Develop practical tools to enhance personal effectiveness and create positive change at all levels.
Leadership Through Design Innovation
Northwestern University via Coursera
Hands-on experience applying human-centered design to real-world challenges. Learn to engage users, frame problems, identify solutions, build prototypes, and bring design innovation into your organization.
Lessons on Wisdom: Personal Leadership for Your Life
Dartmouth College via Coursera
Develop personal leadership skills, embrace change, foster creativity, and gain wisdom for a more fulfilling life through practical insights and self-reflection exercises.
Decision-Making: Blending Art & Science
Dartmouth College via Coursera
Explore neuroscience behind decision-making, overcome biases, and develop conscious strategies for better choices in work and life with Professor Finkelstein’s expert guidance.
Organizational Leadership Capstone
Northwestern University via Coursera
Tackle real-world leadership challenges in a medical device company. Develop strategies for growth, innovation, crisis management, and effective communication while addressing industry changes and internal conflicts.
Superbosses: Managing Talent & Leadership
Dartmouth College via Coursera
Discover strategies to identify, nurture, and retain top talent across industries. Learn from successful leaders to become a superboss and build a thriving organization through effective talent management.
Shaping Work of the Future
Massachusetts Institute of Technology via edX
Explore ways to improve job opportunities and develop a personal plan for lifelong career success.
Control of Manufacturing Processes (SMA 6303)
Massachusetts Institute of Technology via MIT OpenCourseWare
Explore statistical modeling and control in manufacturing, covering experimental design, yield optimization, and various control methods for semiconductor, metal, polymer, and micro-nano processes.
Facilitative Leadership in the Public Sector
Massachusetts Institute of Technology via MIT OpenCourseWare
Master facilitative leadership skills for public sector professionals through a four-part series covering concepts, theories, hypotheticals, microskills, and self-assessment.
Business Strategies for A Better World, University of Pennsylvania via Coursera (Specialization)
Business Strategies for Social Impact, University of Pennsylvania via Coursera
Building High-Performing Teams, University of Pennsylvania via Coursera
Management Fundamentals, University of Pennsylvania via Coursera
Creating a Team Culture of Continuous Learning, University of Pennsylvania via Coursera
The Power of Team Culture, University of Pennsylvania via Coursera
Concentration (8-10 courses)
I advise anyone pursuing self-directed education to develop deep knowledge and skills in an area of concentration. This is where you can reap the real value of a self-directed education. Focus on a discrete area, take courses that are rigorous, and put what you learn into practice in real world scenarios. We’ve listed various possible MBA concentrations that could be constructed from courses offered by the top ten business schools, including individual courses from pre-packaged options such as the MicroMasters in Supply Chain Management from MIT.
Free Online Courses in Operations Management
Supply Chain Fundamentals
Massachusetts Institute of Technology via edX
Learn fundamental concepts for logistics and supply chain management from both analytical and practical perspectives – part of the MITx MicroMasters Credential in Supply Chain Management.
★★★★★ (14 ratings)
Supply Chain Design
Massachusetts Institute of Technology via edX
Learn how to design and optimize the physical, financial, and information flows of a supply chain to enhance business performance – part of the MITx MicroMasters Credential in Supply Chain Management.
★★★★★ (5 ratings)
Supply Chain Dynamics
Massachusetts Institute of Technology via edX
Learn how to manage and harness the dynamics and interactions between firms and entities within a supply chain – part of the MITx Supply Chain Management MicroMasters Credential.
★★★★★ (2 ratings)
Supply Chain Technology and Systems
Massachusetts Institute of Technology via edX
Learn how technology is used in supply chain systems from fundamental concepts to innovative applications – part of the MITx Supply Chain Management MicroMasters Credential.
Sustainable Supply Chain Management
Massachusetts Institute of Technology via edX
Transform your organization’s climate pledges into actionable strategies through better supply chain management. Modeled on our for-credit MIT course, SCM.290x provides the foundation for you to meet stakeholders’ demands for supply chain sustainability.
Free Online Courses in Entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurship is the obvious choice for someone interested in starting a business. Added bonus: if you’re planning on being your own boss you won’t have to defend the value of your self-directed education in a job interview.
How to Start a Startup
Stanford University via Independent
Comprehensive startup guide covering ideation, growth, strategy, fundraising, culture, and operations. Learn from industry leaders to build successful companies.
★★★★★ (16 ratings)
Entrepreneurship in Emerging Economies
Harvard University via edX
Explore how entrepreneurship and innovation tackle complex social problems in emerging economies.
★★★★★ (12 ratings)
Entrepreneurship For All (Part I): The UC Berkeley Startup Guide for students by Silicon Valley Insiders
University of California, Berkeley via edX
This is the Silicon Valley insiders’ guide to entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurs & investors from YouTube, Khan Academy, Rotten Tomatoes, Chegg, Andreessen Horowitz, Bain Capital, etc., join the lecturers to share concepts and experiences along the startup lifecycle.
★★★★★ (7 ratings)
Entrepreneurship For All (Part II): The UC Berkeley Startup Guide for students by Silicon Valley Insiders
University of California, Berkeley via edX
This is the Silicon Valley insiders’ guide to entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurs & investors from YouTube, Khan Academy, Rotten Tomatoes, Chegg, Andreessen Horowitz, Bain Capital, etc., join the lecturers to share concepts and experiences along the startup lifecycle.
★★★★★ (6 ratings)
Becoming an Entrepreneur
Massachusetts Institute of Technology via edX
Learn the business skills and startup mindset needed to embark on your entrepreneurial path from the premier program for aspiring entrepreneurs, MIT Launch.
★★★★★ (5 ratings)
Technology Entrepreneurship: Lab to Market
Harvard University via edX
Explore how entrepreneurs build successful businesses by moving technology from lab to market.
★★★★★ (2 ratings)
Creating Change through Social Entrepreneurship
Yale University via Coursera
Develop social entrepreneurship skills to create real-world change. Research challenges, design solutions, build business models, measure impact, and learn from global changemakers to make a difference.
Girişimcilik 101: Müşterinizi tanıyın
Massachusetts Institute of Technology via edX
Onaylı sertifikaya devam ederek $500 AWS kredisi ve diğer avantajlar içeren AWS Activate üyeliğine hak kazanın.
Kullanıcıdan doğan yenilikçilik: Girişimciliğe Yolculuk
Massachusetts Institute of Technology via edX
Sorununuzu çözün. Çözümünüzü paylaşın. Girişiminizi başlatın. Bu kurstan onaylı sertifika alan öğrenciler AWS Activate’e 1 yıllık üyelik, 500 dolarlık AWS Promosyon Kredisi ve başka hediyeler için hak kazanacak.
Girişimcilik 102: Müşteriniz için ne yapabilirsiniz?
Massachusetts Institute of Technology via edX
Onaylı sertifikaya devam ederek $500 AWS kredisi ve diğer avantajlar içeren AWS Activate üyeliğine hak kazanın.
创业101: 你的客户是谁?
Massachusetts Institute of Technology via edX
如果注册《创业101:谁是你的客户?》的认证证书,并且通过课程考核,将会获得有效期为1年的价值500美金的亚马逊云服务代金券。
스타트업 기업가정신 101: 당신의 고객은 누구입니까?
Massachusetts Institute of Technology via edX
스타트업 기업가정신 101: 당신의 고객은 누구입니까? 이 수업의 Verified certificate를 받은 학생들은 일년 동안 5백달러 어치의 AWS 프로모션 크레딧을 사용할 수 있는 AWS Activate 회원 자격이 주어집니다.
创业102: 你能为客户做什么?
Massachusetts Institute of Technology via edX
如果注册《创业102:你能为客户做什么?》的认证证书,并且通过课程考核,将会获得有效期为1年的价值500美金的亚马逊云服务代金券。
스타트업 기업가정신 102: 당신의 고객을 위해 무엇을 할 수 있습니까?
Massachusetts Institute of Technology via edX
스타트업 기업가정신 102: 당신의 고객을 위해 무엇을 할 수 있습니까? 이 수업의 Verified certificate를 받은 학생들은 일년 동안 5백달러 어치의 AWS 프로모션 크레딧을 사용할 수 있는 AWS Activate 회원 자격이 주어집니다.
Entrepreneurship 1: Developing the Opportunity, University of Pennsylvania via Coursera
Entrepreneurship 2: Launching your Start-Up, University of Pennsylvania via Coursera
Entrepreneurship 3: Growth Strategies, University of Pennsylvania via Coursera
Entrepreneurship 4: Financing and Profitability, University of Pennsylvania via Coursera
Social Impact Strategy: Tools for Entrepreneurs and Innovators, University of Pennsylvania via Coursera
Entrepreneurship in Emerging Economies, Harvard University via edX
Improving Communication Skills, University of Pennsylvania via Coursera
Free Online Courses in Marketing
With plenty of courses and many opportunities to use your skills in the real world, digital strategy makes for an excellent area of concentration. Being a relatively new field, it may also be easier to get a job in this area without a traditional degree.
What is Social?
Northwestern University via Coursera
Explore effective social media strategies for business growth. Learn to leverage digital trends, understand consumer behavior, and build a strong online presence to engage your target audience.
★★★★☆ (12 ratings)
The Importance of Listening
Northwestern University via Coursera
Explore big data analytics in social media to extract valuable insights, enhance content strategy, and prevent crises using cutting-edge tools from industry experts.
★★★★★ (6 ratings)
The Business of Social
Northwestern University via Coursera
Transform social marketing into a measurable, integral part of your business strategy. Learn legal considerations, performance metrics, and management tactics for successful social initiatives.
★★★★★ (5 ratings)
Leadership Through Marketing
Northwestern University via Coursera
Develop strategies to create value for empowered consumers, gain competitive advantage, and enhance leadership skills using data science in the digital age.
★★★★★ (4 ratings)
Content, Advertising & Social IMC
Northwestern University via Coursera
Learn to create engaging content, develop platform-specific advertising, and implement integrated marketing strategies for social media success. Explore content strategy, social IMC, gamification, and performance measurement.
Social Marketing Capstone Project
Northwestern University via Coursera
Develop a comprehensive social marketing strategy integrated with business goals. Create performance funnels, establish KPIs, and craft a budget to drive measurable market share growth and stronger customer relationships.
ما هي وسائل التواصل الاجتماعي؟
Northwestern University via Coursera
تعلم استراتيجيات فعالة للتسويق عبر وسائل التواصل الاجتماعي وكيفية تطبيقها لتنمية أعمالك وبناء علاقات قيمة مع العملاء في العصر الرقمي.
Meios digitais para resultados na saúde
Yale University via Coursera
Treinamento em comunicação digital para profissionais de saúde, abordando estratégias, criação de conteúdo, implementação e avaliação de campanhas online para promover mudanças comportamentais e impacto na saúde.
Les médias numériques pour améliorer les résultats de santé
Yale University via Coursera
Formez-vous à concevoir, mettre en œuvre et évaluer des communications de santé en ligne efficaces, en utilisant les médias sociaux pour influencer les comportements liés à la santé.
Цифровые медиа в сфере здравоохранения
Yale University via Coursera
Подготовка специалистов по коммуникациям в здравоохранении для разработки, внедрения и оценки онлайн-кампаний с использованием социального и поведенческого анализа, стратегий и метрик эффективности.
¿Qué son los medios sociales?
Northwestern University via Coursera
Aprende a potenciar tu estrategia de marketing en redes sociales, fortaleciendo tu identidad profesional y conectando con consumidores valiosos a través de tendencias digitales y análisis de datos.
Medios digitales para resultados sanitarios
Yale University via Coursera
Capacitación en comunicación sanitaria digital: diseño, implementación y evaluación de campañas efectivas en redes sociales para promover conductas saludables.
借助数字媒体实现卫生成果
Yale University via Coursera
培训公共卫生传播专业人员利用社交媒体设计、实施和评估在线公共卫生传播活动。探索最佳实践,制定数字传播策略,设定目标并评估影响,以实现卫生成果。
Free Online Courses in Finance
Financial Markets
Yale University via Coursera
An overview of the ideas, methods, and institutions that permit human society to manage risks and foster enterprise. Emphasis on financially-savvy leadership skills. Description of practices today and analysis of prospects for the future
★★★★☆ (34 ratings)
The Global Financial Crisis
Yale University via Coursera
Former U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Timothy F. Geithner and Professor Andrew Metrick survey the causes, events, policy responses, and aftermath of the recent global financial crisis.
★★★★★ (12 ratings)
Foundations of Modern Finance I
Massachusetts Institute of Technology via edX
A mathematically rigorous framework to understand financial markets delivered with data-driven insights from MIT professors.
★★★★☆ (2 ratings)
Financial Regulation: From the Global Financial Crisis to Fintech and the COVID Pandemic
Massachusetts Institute of Technology via edX
Explore financial regulation’s evolution from the 2008 crisis to fintech and COVID-19. Gain insights on regulatory goals, crisis precursors, risk mitigation tools, and applying principles to technological innovations.
★★★★★ (1 rating)
Mercados financeiros
Yale University via Coursera
Visão abrangente dos mercados financeiros, abordando gestão de riscos, empreendedorismo e liderança. Explora princípios, práticas e perspectivas futuras em títulos, seguros e bancos, visando uso eficaz para uma sociedade melhor.
★★★★★ (1 rating)
Mathematical Methods for Quantitative Finance
Massachusetts Institute of Technology via edX
Learn the mathematical foundations essential for financial engineering and quantitative finance: linear algebra, optimization, probability, stochastic processes, statistics, and applied computational techniques in R.
How Software Ate Finance
Stanford University via Coursera
Software is eating the world, with radical consequences for financial services. This course gives you a foundation for understanding the future of financial services, and provides guidance for creating fintech businesses in the 2020s and beyond.
Foundations of Modern Finance II
Massachusetts Institute of Technology via edX
Learn fundamental principles of modern finance, including valuation models, methods for risk analysis, derivative instruments and investment management.
Adaptive Markets: Financial Market Dynamics and Human Behavior
Massachusetts Institute of Technology via edX
A completely new way of thinking about financial markets, institutions, and innovation that reconciles human behavior with market efficiency using concepts from evolutionary biology, cognitive neuroscience, and artificial intelligence.
Derivatives Markets: Advanced Modeling and Strategies
Massachusetts Institute of Technology via edX
Financial derivatives are ubiquitous in global capital markets. Students will obtain a sophisticated understanding of valuation methods; tools for quantifying, hedging, and speculating on risk; and a basic familiarity with major markets and instruments.
Comprehensive Final Exam in Finance
Massachusetts Institute of Technology via edX
Solidify and demonstrate your knowledge and abilities in finance fundamentals, financial accounting, quantitative finance, and derivatives markets in this comprehensive assessment. This is the final requirement of the MITx MicroMasters Program in Finance.
Mercados financieros
Yale University via Coursera
Una síntesis de las ideas, métodos e instituciones que permiten que la sociedad humana pueda gestionar los riesgos y promover la actividad empresarial.
الأسواق المالية
Yale University via Coursera
نظرة شاملة على الأفكار والمؤسسات المالية، مع التركيز على إدارة المخاطر وتعزيز المشاريع. تغطي أساسيات الأسواق والتأمين والسلوك المالي لتمكين المتعلمين من استخدام هذه القطاعات بفعالية.
Marchés financiers
Yale University via Coursera
Découvrez les fondements des marchés financiers, de la gestion des risques et de l’entrepreneuriat. Apprenez à exploiter efficacement les secteurs des titres, des assurances et des banques pour améliorer la société.
Финансовые рынки
Yale University via Coursera
Изучение идей, методов и институтов финансовых рынков для управления рисками и развития предпринимательства. Акцент на финансовой грамотности, лидерстве и эффективном использовании финансовых инструментов для общественного развития.
Other Miscellaneous
Policy for Science, Technology and Innovation
Massachusetts Institute of Technology via edX
This course will examine the science and technology innovation system, including case studies on energy, computing, advanced manufacturing and health sectors, with an emphasis on public policy and the federal government’s R&D role in that system
★★★★★ (12 ratings)
Organizational Analysis
Stanford University via Coursera
Explore organizational theories and apply them to real-world cases. Analyze structure, behavior, and change in various organizations to develop effective management strategies.
★★★★☆ (10 ratings)
Improving Your Business Through a Culture of Health
Harvard University via edX
Learn how a Culture of Health can transform your business to improve the well-being of your employees and company, while increasing revenue.
★★★★★ (9 ratings)
Careers in Media Technology
Stanford University via Kadenze
Gain insider knowledge of the media technology industry, exploring roles in UX, program management, software engineering, and product management at leading companies.
★★★★★ (3 ratings)
Financial Accounting
Massachusetts Institute of Technology via edX
How do investors, creditors, and other users analyze financial statements to assess corporate performance? Learn financial accounting, how to read financial statements, and how to gather inputs to valuation models.
Socially-Responsible Real Estate Development
Massachusetts Institute of Technology via edX
Explore socially responsible real estate development, including the role of impact assessment and public consultation.
Improving Workplace Climate
University of California, Berkeley via edX
Gain skills to navigate complex group dynamics, communicate effectively, and make equitable decisions across diverse identities, fostering meaningful and sustainable workplace change.
Beyond Diversity: Navigating the DEI landscape in these challenging times
University of California, Berkeley via edX
Gain analytical skills and management tools for inclusive workplaces. Navigate group dynamics, communicate effectively, and make equitable decisions across diverse identities. Develop strategies for sustainable organizational change.
Nuts and Bolts of Business Plans
Massachusetts Institute of Technology via MIT OpenCourseWare
Comprehensive guide to creating and launching a new venture, covering business plans, marketing, financing, and legal aspects. Ideal for aspiring entrepreneurs and competition participants.
Advanced Supply Chain Systems Planning and Network Design
Massachusetts Institute of Technology via edX
Master strategic supply chain design with hands-on tools and real-world applications. Learn to effectively balance cost, service, and sustainability, equipping yourself with the skills needed for impactful decision-making in today’s complex business environment.
Engineering Design and Rapid Prototyping
Massachusetts Institute of Technology via MIT OpenCourseWare
Hands-on product design course using rapid prototyping and computer-aided tools. Students iterate through manual design, fabrication, and validation, followed by software-based optimization of their prototypes.
Health Information Systems to Improve Quality of Care in Resource-Poor Settings
Massachusetts Institute of Technology via MIT OpenCourseWare
Explore innovative health information systems for developing countries, focusing on improving outcomes, strengthening infrastructure, and fostering collaboration. Learn from experts about challenges and solutions in resource-poor settings.
How to Develop Breakthrough Products and Services
Massachusetts Institute of Technology via MIT OpenCourseWare
Explore systematic methods for developing breakthrough innovations, with real-world cases presented by experts to illustrate practical implementation of idea generation techniques.
(Original post by Laurie, revised by Pat.)

Jason
While this is a great option, my question is how do you establish this education on a resume and express it to an employer or potential employer? I wouldn’t want to put that I have an MBA from some schools while if those schools were contacted there would be no evidence of me obtaining an MBA. So how do you verify the education?
Laurie Pickard
Great question! I agree it is a challenge to be overcome with this type of education. My advice is not to put on your resume that you have an MBA, but rather to give the education a unique title, something like “Graduate-level business studies”. Then give a short description of what you did (e.g. Took more than 20 courses as part of a self-directed business education program) and list a few of your more impressive courses below that. For the courses that you list, it would be helpful to actually purchase the certificate, which you can produce as proof of the work you did in those particular classes.
It does require more creativity and marketing savvy than just writing “MBA degree” on your resume, but it also costs a whole lot less!
Haya
Do we get any certificate after we finish no pay MBA
Laurie Pickard
That’s the thing. You can get individual certificates for courses you complete, but not the overall MBA. If that is a deal breaker, then this probably isn’t a great option for you.
Rodrigo Francozi
What a fantastic solution to the world Laurie! I will never forget taking a sports management class that I’ve learned nothing from just to graduate, or to get into a Microeconomics class in Harvard listening to the professor say “Reality will sometimes conflict with some of the theorems we will review”. In a world where time is our most valuable asset, your input and strategy has made it possible to people that now live in third world countries (dollar is 5 to 1) and despite the wage disparity are still able to structure their own MBA. May your life be as blessed as this solutions.
Muvaffak GOZAYDIN
I do .
Go to http://www.worlduniversity.london
Get courses from all wonderful MOOCs .
At the end I provide a MBA in Marketing, MA in Artificial INteligence, MA in Data Science . Sure it is unaccredited . But no problem . You have certificate for every course you took from Harvard, Stanford, MIT etc .
FP
I always think I’m very thorough and meticulous, however, this is the most awesome list I have ever seen.
I have come to realize the needs for me to seek knowledge in these listed areas and almost started a regular MBA. After reading your post I feel so lucky!
No pay MBA it is.
Gareth W
Sounds like a good option for self improvement but given that like graduates, MBA post grads are likely to be attempting to gain a place on an MBA programme… this is not going to be a viable option
Abdullah
This is a huge effort and than to you Pickard. My question is, how long will it take to do this ? Can you give us a ball park ? Thanks again
Laurie Pickard
I think you could probably do a program like this in as little as 18 months, but you would have to be very disciplined. A more reasonable estimate would be 2-3 years of part-time study.
Samuel Gachoki
I once studied so hard online courses but after doing my exam, i was told to $1000 which i dint have so as to receive my certificate. Tell me howuch should i pay as shipment fees. Am in kenya
Saurabh
Well, Samuel you can apply for Financial Aid on Coursera or other platforms, if that is an issue
Fatou Gillen Njie
I am interested in this MBA course how would I be enrolled to enable me take this course
Kunal Bhatia
Hi,
If I understood the article properly, I would like to infer and tell you that it is NOT a professional MBA certification that you would be doing. Rather, its a way of learning everything (Well, most of it !) that an MBA degree would otherwise offer through an On-Campus program.
The difference is, you gain knowledge by doing every subject as an online course and then purchase the certificate as a mark of authenticity. This certificate is only for this particular subject NOT an MBA certificate.
The Idea behind this article is to tell the world that there are options to gain MBA-Level knowledge for a bare minimum cost , with a caveat ! You’ll have all the knowledge but not an Official MBA stamp and NO convocation ceremony! If that is something that works for you… then go ahead !
I hope I have provided some clarity here. Good Luck
Regards
Kunal Bhatia
Warren
Thank you for the wonderfully presented outline of an MBA equivalent at little or no cost, other than a personal investment of time and energy which we should always be willing to invest in order to truly succeed.
medy
how do i enroll in this programme, i like it!
medy
WIll the programme be available after August 2019?
Laurie Pickard
No official “program” to enroll in. This is a sample guide for self-directed study. These courses appear to be here for good, so no need to start at any particular time.
Victoria
Thank you Laurie. Your MBA outline is fantastic!
IDRISSA
Thank you so much Laurie. That’s a great job.
Idrissa from west africa, Cote d’Ivoire
Ecmcomalley
Aside from MBA program Does MOOC offer the same platform on other Post Graduate studies with other Academic discipline or subject of interest? Thank you.
Laurie Pickard
The subjects with the most robust course offerings include business, computer science, and data science. You could easily put together a graduate-level program in any of these subjects.
Noor
Jeannie will you be kind enough to share a similar article for data science as soon as you do it.
Hassan Ali
You know what Laurie? I love and admire you for the amazing work you’ve done for every business student out there. I’m sure even if I can’t get a job, I might surely carry skills for free and from different individual courses provided by the top ranked universities rather than a MBA from a specific university which could be expensive yet be lower in ranks. Thank you so much for putting it all up I’m looking forward to acquire as much knowledge as I can from these courses online that would certainly help me to be skilful and then I’m sure I can even launch my own business if an employer finds me not competitive enough just because I don’t hold a freaking degree!
Ricardo
This is awesome!
Nick
This is a great alternative approach to doing a conventional MBA, and it may not be for everyone. Laurie’s book highlights the pros and cons quite well.
In my opinion, the value of such a MBA is not just the lower cost (which seems to be played up more than it needs to be), but rather the incredible access to high-quality content from some of the most knowledgeable and engaging professors working at top ranked institutions, that I may have the smallest chances of being accepted into.
Jeannie
This looks fantastic!! Thank you, Laurie, for researching and putting together such a helpful list! I’m in the process of changing careers (from 20 years of bodywork to data science) and your list seems like a great place to start. I imagine I can customize my own unique list, doing further research and building in this one.
Cheers!
Mary
Thank you, Miss Pickard.
Taking the time to complete the No-Pay MBA yourself and then posting such a comprehensive path to taking on this kind of initiative is beyond inspiring; it’s notable and pretty awesome!
While a current student in a traditional on-line college, I’m holding on to this information with hopes of completing a NP-MBA one day.
Going forward, I’ll be aligning myself with your articles and posts borrowing the tag-line from the past political campaign: “I’m With Her!”
Outstanding job!!!
Thank you for sharing so generously.
Dr SIBAMAY DASGUPTA
If I have correctly noticed, Harvard is let out in the list. Is there any specific reason?
Laurie Pickard
There actually are a couple of Harvard courses on this list, under the Entrepreneurship concentration. The reason there aren’t more courses from Harvard is that while Harvard does offer some free courses, the business school has primarily released courses through its own paid platform, not as MOOCs.
Helga M.
All I can say is, from someone who actually completed an MBA degree without any concentration, this is a solid, exhaustive list from what’s available in MOOC. Thank you, Laurie, for this. This guide is great for someone who is running a business and does not really care about the title next to the name, but can use the next level learning to support better decision making in moving the business forward.
Kessete Admass
Dear Laurie
warm greetings
I have professional Diploma in Management Development from the open university UK school. I have taken full courses but not reached MBA. The program was within the MBA program. How could I undertake the rest couses not fulfilled to satisfy my masters degree in MBA?
Francis Peter Phiri
Great work Laura, i like what you have said regarding self paced
development, it provides room for a better understanding once one has read a variety of courses, although most employers do not understand this. That’s a great job. My fellow readers lets just join her and benefits will be seen later. The world is changing , you never know the future might demand her courses that she has done, and you will be caught napping once you realize that you never did any of her courses when she is actually giving us this important information.
Pradeep
Work you have done is awesome.
Ggingo Hassan / Kim - From Uganda
Hi ! MS’s Laurie pickard
Thanks for this effort you expand to the generations and let the almighty God be with u in all.
I liked this programme so much and iam ready to do what needed.
My questions is , is it able for some one to come out wit MBA though he/ she stopped on an ordinary level ( O- level) because many countries in the world have different status of education. how have you come out to combine the all levels of education in different countries.
Thanks
Abdourahamane BARRY
Wonderful , This is a great for us .
Alyson Burn
Thank you Lauren for your generosity in sharing this. I’m blown away that this has been made available, and hope that you are reaping the rewards of your studies and efforts!
Reinhard Finke
Dear Laurie, thanks for this great information. Do you know if and which of the Moocs mentioned above include ECTS information in the certificate ? European Universities often offer the possibility to get (or to purchase) a certificate after having successfully accomplished the course. Only few of them include ECTS validity, as for instance this one about aircraft : https://lennuakadeemia.ee/koolitused/mooc
I think that this kind of recognition would be helpful and would add value to the certification.
Edwin Ntaka
Hie, I see you are not covering the Mechanical Engineering field, is this by design or I am missing something. I am in interested in this field.
metarhyme2
Mechanical Engineering is not business, so it would
not appear in a commerce listing like this one.
“Monotsukuri” Making Things in Japan: is the first hit
at EdX searching Mechanical Engineering. There are 86 more.
https://www.edx.org/course?search_query=Mechanical+Engineering
Coursera has 116 in Physical Science and Engineering
https://www.coursera.org/courses?query=Mechanical%20Engineering
Rodrigo Suguimoto
Awesome, Laurie!
Thank you very much for gathering these opportunities together in just one place.
Godsday Idanegbe USIABULU
Laurie, you’ve done more than noble!
Flori
Laurie you are just amazing, Wanted to ask if you can get a list of free courses for an MBA specialization in International Business, Non Profit Management or Strategic Management. Thanks
k kiran kumar
courses like a sea
god bless you all
i try to do one course coming days
u said “No Pay MBA
welcome
Josh
Hello, I’m new to MOOCs, are MOOCs considered and accepted universally by Accredited American Universities and colleges? Do you know if universities will accept MOOC courses as transfer credit for conventional coursework in the course of study? (i.e. Basic mathematics MOOC = Basic Mathematics course offered in conventional college degree program)? Or are MOOCs not accepted by conventional universities and colleges as completed course work?
I’m just wondering if MOOCs are worth the effort or if MOOCs are considered more of “hobby” education which cannot be applied to or will not be considered as formal higher educational study.
Thank you!
Josh
sarosh
in school, it is possible to study in any school, or do home schooling and then appear for a board exam to get certified eg Cambridge or ICSE or baccalaureate etc.
Why not create a national or (international) board of examiners for MBA, who allow anyone who has the online certificates, to take a final MBA.
Lazz Lazz
Laurie,
Thanks alot for this ❤️❤️.
You are the best.
From Kenya with Love,
Lazz.
Paola
Nice job Laurie!
I was thinking about doing an MBA but as I work 40 hours/week I though it would be quite hard to learn so many new things after a working day. I guess this would be quite useful as a pre-learning phase. I guess what I mean is if I would have already some knowledge then the MBA would not be so hard. Does that make sense?
Ameya Gokhale
This is a great compilation… good effort!!
Yet, everyone on this page should remember that MOOCs cannot directly substitute an educational degree. Even the depth in which MOOcs are treated is very different from that of an educational course.
The advantage though is – you study the latest and the greatest techniques (educational courses tend to be sluggish in terms of changing their curricullum.. MOOCs dont have that issue).
If you wish to establish this on a resume, the only way is to provide an appendix of all the MOOCs that you took and add present that extra page when you actually appear for an interview.
Another possibility is to highlight that you yourselves proactively took all these courses.. which establishes your willingness to learn
Hugo Sanina
High value initiative !
In the end of the day is waht you do with it.
If you take the MOOC´S path and really live up t o it, it´s a mather of time until you find the road to sucess.
my belief and results.
Arpit
Thank you, Laurie.
There are a few things that I would like to include in the list.
1. Course on economics (as you mentioned). Other courses use the concept of economics, so something on economics will be useful.
2. Many MBA schools have Organizational Behaviour (OB) in their curriculum. I don’t know if any online course is available. I would have included OB on the list.
3. As far as I know, most MOOC does not use simulations to provide practical knowledge on the subject. So, if possible include simulations to the list. (I know simulations are expensive)
Charles ikechukwu Udeagu
How can you get a certificate of achievement that represents and equal to MBA?
Which institution will give you the MBA?
Are the courses totally free online?
Ozel
Genius! Thank you
Aijaz
Dear Laurie,great stuff from your side, I just wanted to know whether any MOOC courses are available specializing in tax management / policy or any courses relating to taxes ,thanks and regards
Tim Hooker
Great article. Thanks, I personally do not have the time to attend a formal MBA program nor do I have the funds so your approach fits well with me. I have had a boutique web, security, analytics, and corporate intelligence firm since 2007 so having the ability to start and stop a course works perfect.
This online MOOC system is genius. All the time wasted going to a brick building, sitting in lecture classes, buying $300 textbooks is crazy.
Can I take all Concentrations you listed? Entrepreneurship, Digital Strategy, and Finance?
Thank you again for your hard work.
Timothy
Aijaz
Dear Laurie,great stuff from your side, I just wanted to know whether any MOOC courses are available specializing in tax management / policy or any courses relating to taxes ,thanks
kay
Thanks Laurie !!!
i would include these courses:
Basic Economics (micro and macro)
Basic Accounting + GAAP + Financial Statement Analysis
Basic Auditing (understanding of MOVECOP) + GAAS
Business Plans + Financing
Eman
Great list. Thanks a lot!
Ralph Wilkins
Thank you very much for this resource Laurie. I’ve been trying to do this for some time but Coursera tries to tie you into a paid membership scheme & edX often has, ahem… lesser universities’ free courses (yes, I realise the hypocrisy of turning a nose up at non-Ivy League free courses!)
This is a great list of links to fabulous free resources for personal education & I honestly believe that No-pay MBAs (or any quality free courses) will be far more acceptable in the future to employers. Afterall, studying in one’s own time is entirely laudable.
The entrepreneurship courses you link to are gold dust for the new generation of start up founders and anyone wanting to start a business.
Your links take all the work out of finding quality free courses. Thank you.
Prashanth
Probably the best thing I stumbled upon during my lockdown due to the Corona outbreak. Being an entrepreneur in manufacturing, I am looking for the knowledge more than the educational degree itself. So this is gold for someone like me. Although I wonder if “real MBA” students also learn the same content or if they are privy to the real secrets fo the trade, because you know, obviously they pay ?
Nevertheless, for me, some knowledge is better than no knowledge at all. Kudos to the team behind this.
Olyvia
Hey!
Great info, thank you for putting this together!
How much are usually the certificates? I haven’t been able to see any numbers anywhere when I scroll trough/read about courses. Are there any other ways to prove that I’ve completed a course? New to this..
Thank you!
tayo akanbi
laurie, really love this article. thanks
Ait-SSI
Hi Laurie,
I like your idea and I thank you so much for your sharing.
I wish make an MBA with concentration in HR .
Could you please give me à hand to find somme courses from Michigan Unviersity, Toronoto, Berkeley.
Thank u so much
Laurence Yap Tung Siong
Thank you so much of your creative ways to learn the essential of MBA! I love it very much.
Arthur Banshayeko
Dear Laurie,
I appreciate such a creative thinking, thank you. I’d like to ask if you can give me any guide like this to Psychology Courses.
Thank you
Ankit
How are these courses equivalent to no pay MBA as only course audit is free, in the end to get the certificate, the user have to pay .
Chaitanya
Hi, this is very informative. Most of the courses suggested here are provided by coursera.
Can you kindly let us know the alternatives available on EDX, Linkedin Learning or other platforms.
Stephen M
Great work Laurie, thanks a lot!
Wondering if you have any thoughts on a final project and the best way to approach that. Thanks!
Lisa
I am a female living abroad in Asia and I would like to start and complete this MBA program of study for the knowledge I can gain from it. I have no savings. I am sure the effort would be more meaningful if I can find a mentor or volunteer coach who might offer me some guidance for this study path. How do I find a mentor or coach that would be willing to share some of their time and knowledge with me?
H Kabir
You don’t need a mentor to go through this MOOC MBA, just complete all courses (list) in order from Coursera/Edx by downloading these two free software from playstore and start leaning !
Mohmmed
I am sorry; let me say it’s clearly wasting time, Why? the first reading on this idea — Don’t Pay for MBA– or — Free MBA– that is not accurate this is let anyone looking for cheap MBA or free MBA spend on reading nothing on this blog.
Everybody knew how to collect data or how to look for courses, and this only you can do here you just remove (MBA) from this Blog, Site, Article,
After you collect, 36 hours credit and months of time them no MBA certificate! Why
Ok if you like to do that great, do PHD also and with no certificate.
There are two things here and chose:-
1-Real knowledge only (like here in this site) an or;
2-Official credit with real Knowledge (with certificate) commit in business school.
Kindly note that time in your life value more than MBA cost even by loan or financial aid, partial scholarship
Roberto Picado González
Hello,
The courses on finance are not available when I search them, except for one or two.
Will there be other options within Coursera that have similar content?
Manav
Hi Laurie, you surely provided a completely different view of the world. I wanted to ask that how would we be able to select the courses for each stage from the choices given and what should a person look for in the courses ?
Derek
University of the People has a low cost MBA ($300 a course or scholarships for those in need) and you could even take these free Ivy League online courses and transfer the credits for modest admin and assessment fees to accredit your MBA.
Often at a University 60% or 70% of the courses need to be from your main University to achieve their degree. So look into that.
Christian
Hi ! The above approach might sound good as part of CPD.
But can anyone enlighten and assist on info. with regards to the followings:-
1) the strenght of an online MBA degree from the University of the People;
2) Information on colleges or universities offering a 100% online MBA (General track or in
Banking and Finance) and with a full scholarship.