General

Management
Program
Accelerate Your
Leadership Ascent
Play a more strategic role in corporate success. Gain a
multidisciplinary view of strategy, leadership, and the
organization. Drive innovation and change. Capitalize on
technological disruption and digital transformation.
Make a profound impact on your company and your career.

2
OVERVIEW
General Management
Program (GMP)
KEY BENEFITS
This program will empower you with the
leadership skills necessary to identify, frame,
and solve complex business problems; build
cooperation among disciplines; and drive
innovation and organizational change. You will
emerge better prepared to lead holistically,
play a more strategic role in corporate success,
and deliver a lasting impact.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND
The program is designed for executives
who are looking to expand their professional
impact through an end-to-end view of the
enterprise and an in-depth understanding of
business operations. Executives in roles that
cover the scope of general manager, deputy
general manager, senior vice president, or
vice president are ideal candidates.
The General Management Program
(GMP) prepares you to elevate beyond
your functional area of expertise and
expands your leadership horizon by
providing you with a multidisciplinary
view of strategy, leadership, and the
organization.
This program will strengthen and broaden
your business perspective, management
expertise, leadership skills, and professional
network, accelerating your transition to
the next level of leadership.
3
OVERVIEW

A Typical GMP Class Features:

Delivering a Truly Global 140 Accomplished Peers

Experience
40 Countries Represented

At Harvard Business School (HBS), you will collaborate with an exceptional group of executives 18 Industries Represented
who span industries and countries—and engage with our world-renowned faculty who partner
with 10 global research centers and seven regional offices to write new case studies each year Learn More
that are focused on the most pressing issues facing businesses around the world.

4
OVERVIEW

An Impactful,
Purposeful Format
GMP is a highly integrated program that blends full-time,
personalized learning with practical application on the job,
maximizing your learning and return on investment.

Blended Format:
Four modules presented over four months with a mix of full-time, live
online learning—in the HBS Live Online Classroom­—full-time on-campus
learning, and two self-paced modules.

• Module 1
(Virtual, Self-Paced, 5 weeks)

• Module 2
(Virtual, Live Online, 3 weeks)

• Module 3
(Virtual, Self-Paced, 4 weeks)

• Module 4
(HBS Campus, 4 weeks)

5
OVERVIEW

An Action-Oriented
Learning Experience
GMP provides a highly integrated, multidisciplinary view of strategy, leadership, and the
organization. Over the course of four months, you will alternate between full-time, rigorous
modules and part-time, self-paced modules that provide the opportunity to apply new
insights at work. This proven “learn-apply-refine” approach enables you to prepare for
the challenges and opportunities ahead while moving forward in your current role.

Key Topics

1 Finance 6 Marketing Operations

2 Strategy 7 Negotiations

3 Accounting 8 Digital Transformation

4 Innovation 9 Business, Government, and the International Economy

5 Leadership 10 Corporate Responsibility

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THE CURRICULUM

TOPIC 1:

Finance

Apply strategic financial insight to

strengthen your company’s bottom line.
• Enhance your foundational corporate finance
knowledge to expand your influence.

• Develop a comprehensive framework to create

significant value for shareholders.

• Assess financial performance and evaluate key

financial risks and value drivers.

• Learn how to balance profit, growth, and

control in dynamic environments.

• Understand the role of finance in supporting

the functional areas of a firm.

Collaborative Learning Groups

At HBS, you will be placed with a carefully selected group of
peers whose members span industries, countries, and functions.
This diversity of perspectives enriches your learning experience
and expands your global network.

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 THE CURRICULUM

TOPIC 2:

Strategy

Design and evolve your firm’s strategy.

• Identify sources of competitive advantage
and prepare to sustain this advantage in the
face of industry change.

• Find the right balance among growing

through innovation, staying true to your
firm’s core business, and controlling
operational complexity.

• Learn how an organization can remain agile

in a volatile and uncertain world.
Exceptional Group of Global Peers • Evaluate market attractiveness and determine
whether to expand.
GMP provides the time and support you need to build trusting relationships
with a group of peers outside your organization who not only can understand • Examine how team dynamics affect strategic
your challenges, but also can provide objective feedback. Each day, you will decisions, processes, and resource allocation.
gain new insights by:
• Collaborating with executives who span industries, countries, and cultures
• Considering diverse perspectives during case discussions and assignments
• Contributing to small group exercises and projects as part of a team
• Giving and receiving confidential feedback in a safe environment

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THE CURRICULUM

TOPIC 3:

Accounting

Effectively use financial statements to

make strategic decisions.
• Gain an understanding of how balance
sheets, income statements, and cash
flow statements are developed and how
they intersect.

• Unlock critical insights into business

performance using financial statements.

• Assess financial forecasts to inform strategy.

• Learn how to value an investment opportunity.

Distinctive Teaching Methodologies
Pioneered by HBS faculty, the case method delves into the
complex business challenges facing senior executives of leading
companies, nonprofits, and government organizations across the
globe. Immersed in a dynamic exchange of ideas, perspectives,
and counterpoints, you will take on the multifaceted role of chief
decision-maker. In addition to studying cases on your own, in
small groups, and in the larger classroom, you’ll build knowledge
and skills through negotiation exercises and workshops.

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 THE CURRICULUM

TOPIC 4:

Innovation

Lead innovation by building a culture

of experimentation.
• Build and leverage ecosystems to foster
innovation for organizational renewal
and sustained success.

• Elevate innovation as a strategic imperative

across your organization.

• Develop monetization strategies for

new technologies.

• Learn to navigate industry disruption

by disrupting from within.

• Identify appropriate innovation metrics.

Premium Accommodations and Amenities

Modern, well-appointed living arrangements feature private
bedrooms and bathrooms, spacious common areas, dining
facilities, and state-of-the-art technology. We also provide
a range of hotel-style amenities, including housekeeping
and dry cleaning.

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THE CURRICULUM

TOPIC 5:

Leadership

Maximize your leadership impact.

• Hone your authentic leadership style to optimize
its effect on the culture and performance within
your organization.

• Identify the personal traits and habits that

underpin successful strategic leadership.

• Establish or refine your company’s purpose

and build a culture around it.

• Prepare to help your organization capitalize on

technological disruption, digital transformation,
strategic pricing, and other evolving trends.

• Enhance your executive presence by reviewing

your assessment results with your personal
coach, evaluating your leadership abilities, and
identifying areas for improvement.
Global Approach to Business Management
Our programs provide insights into global business practices gained
from our 10 global research centers and seven regional offices
around the world, where the top minds in business, government,
and higher education collaborate on groundbreaking research.

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 THE CURRICULUM

TOPIC 6:

Marketing
Operations

Drive growth via strategic marketing.

• Explore how new digital technologies are
reshaping marketing.

• Identify and leverage your value proposition

and key brand strengths, ensuring that they
are sustainable.

• Analyze key customer, competitor, market,

and industry insights using digital tools to
develop a sound marketing strategy.

• Make decisions on how to deploy capital for

growth via marketing communication and
distribution strategies.

Renowned Faculty
GMP is developed and taught by a multidisciplinary team of
HBS faculty who are widely recognized as skilled educators,
groundbreaking researchers, and award-winning authors.
Engaged with companies across the globe, they draw on
real-world experience to address the complex challenges
facing today’s business leaders.

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THE CURRICULUM

TOPIC 7:

Negotiations

Improve your decision-making skills and

become a more effective negotiator.
• Evaluate deals strategically and financially and
implement a systematic strategic planning
process for negotiations.

• Promote understanding among parties whose

interests and perceptions conflict.

• Handle the complexities arising from

transactions involving multiple parties and
agendas along with evolving time frames.

• Prepare to gain competitive advantage by

solidifying your skills at the bargaining table
through role-play exercises.

Actionable Learning
Our global curriculum is designed to address real-world challenges.
Participants return to their companies with the skills, mindset,
and confidence they need in order to immediately apply what
they’ve learned and deliver impact to the business.

13

Professional and Personal Development
Beyond the daily interactions with professors and peers, a critical
part of the HBS experience is the ability to step back from your
day-to-day routine and reflect on where you’ve been and where
you want to take your career. This introspection is an important
part of the growth process and one of the reasons HBS Executive
Education has been called a life-changing experience.
THE CURRICULUM
TOPIC 8:
Digital
Transformation
Overcome the challenges and capture
the opportunities presented by digital
transformation.
• Lead and manage the digital transformation
process, developing the capabilities needed
to drive digital success.
• Evolve new ways of working that are more
productive in the digital era, and identify how to
align senior leaders and generations who grew
up with widespread digital technology use.
• Instill agility in the corporate culture so your
firm is prepared to take advantage of new
technologies.
• Understand and prepare to address the
challenges businesses face as they transition
to a digital economy.
• Ensure profitability through strategic pricing,
sales, and distribution strategies.
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THE CURRICULUM

TOPIC 9:

Business,
Government,
and the
International
Economy
Prepare your organization to thrive in a
complex, interconnected world.
• Enhance your effectiveness as a leader of
global teams, aligning people around your
company’s values and purpose.

• Develop strategies and operations that

can adapt to dynamic global business
circumstances.

• Examine how organizations both react to

and shape the geopolitical environment.

• Understand the impact of foreign and

domestic policy on your company’s ability
to compete.
Private Fitness and Wellness Offerings
Our extensive fitness center includes state-of-the-art equipment,
a swimming pool, game courts, locker facilities with spa amenities,
and access to our team of personal trainers and nutritionists.

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 THE CURRICULUM

TOPIC 10:

Corporate
Responsibility

Create positive social impact in ways that

also drive business success.
• Understand the complexities of sustainability,
corporate social responsibility, and ethics,
and how they relate to innovation, agility,
and business success.

• Explore opportunities to increase the value and

improve the effectiveness of your corporate
social responsibility initiatives.

• Grow your understanding of environmental, social,

and governance (ESG) factors to adapt to this
demanding and rapidly changing landscape.

• Examine new opportunities for innovation

by transforming social challenges into
Historic and Cultural Hub business opportunities.

HBS is located in the historic Boston-Cambridge area. Harvard

Square is within walking distance, and you’ll find a rich array of
arts, music, sports, dining, shopping, and other recreational
activities easily accessible from campus.

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CALENDAR

A Typical Virtual Week In virtual modules, participants will meet with their learning groups on average 1–2 hours per day.
Participants will be contacted by the program team to select which time slot best fits their schedules.

CLASS GUIDE This sample schedule is representative of past live online modules. Topics, times, and events
Mandatory Attendance Optional Sessions are subject to change. All times listed are Eastern Time (ET).

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

7:45–8:45 AM 7:45–8:45 AM 7:45–8:45 AM 7:45–8:45 AM 7:45–8:45 AM

Learning Group Learning Group Learning Group Learning Group Learning Group
Discussions Discussions Discussions Discussions Discussions

9:00–10:30 AM 9:00–10:30 AM 9:00–10:30 AM 9:00–10:30 AM 9:00–10:30 AM

Joint Zoom Session Joint Zoom Session Joint Zoom Session Joint Zoom Session Joint Zoom Session

10:30–11:00 AM 10:30–11:00 AM 10:30–11:00 AM 10:30–11:00 AM 10:30–11:00 AM

Break Break Break Break Break

Free Time 11:00 AM–12:30 PM* 11:00 AM–12:30 PM* 11:00 AM–12:30 PM* 11:00 AM–12:30 PM* 11:00 AM–12:30 PM* Free Time
Consumer Transparency Corporate Strategy Leading Through Economic Change Finance
Innovation

12:30–1:30 PM 12:30–1:30 PM 12:30–1:30 PM 12:30–1:30 PM 12:30–1:30 PM

Break Break Break Break Break

1:30–3:00 PM* 1:30–3:00 PM* 1:30–3:00 PM* 1:30–3:00 PM* 1:30–3:00 PM*
Performance Competing Through Consumer Communicating Capturing Value from
Management Digital Experimentation Identity Corporate Performance Innovation
and Ethics

* Module 2 participants will be grouped into two sections based on preferred class times for virtual class sessions. Section A will attend class sessions from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM ET, as shown above. Section B will attend class sessions from 6:00 PM to 9:30 PM ET. 17
CALENDAR

A Typical Week on Campus This sample schedule is representative of past on-campus modules.
Topics, times, and events are subject to change.

CLASS GUIDE
Mandatory Attendance Optional Sessions

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

6:00–7:00 AM 6:00–7:00 AM 6:00–7:00 AM

Optional: Yoga Optional: Spin Optional: Spin

6:30–8:30 AM 6:30–8:30 AM 6:30–8:30 AM 6:30–8:30 AM 6:30–8:30 AM 6:30–8:30 AM

Breakfast Breakfast Breakfast Breakfast Breakfast Breakfast

9:00–10:30 AM 9:00–10:30 AM 9:00–10:30 AM 9:00–10:30 AM 9:00–10:30 AM 9:00–10:30 AM

Fostering Consumer Leadership Revolution Wisdom of Communicating
Collaboration Involvement Communication and Reform Finance with Impact

10:30–11:00 AM 10:30–11:00 AM 10:30–11:00 AM 10:30–11:00 AM 10:30–11:00 AM 10:30–11:00 AM

Break Break Break Break Break Break

11:00 AM–12:30 PM 11:00 AM–12:30 PM 11:00 AM–12:30 PM 11:00 AM–12:30 PM 11:00 AM–12:30 PM 11:00 AM–12:30 PM
Performance Globalization Consumer Strategic Digital Managing
Management and Growth Philanthropy Change Transformation Yourself

12:30–1:30 PM 12:30–1:30 PM 12:30–1:30 PM 12:30–1:30 PM 12:30–1:30 PM 12:30–1:30 PM

Lunch Lunch Lunch Lunch Lunch Lunch

1:30–5:00 PM 1:30–2:30 PM 1:30–5:00 PM 1:30–3:00 PM 1:30–3:00 PM

Free Time Strategic Exercise Expert Personal Levers of Organizational
Guest Speaker Lecture HBS Executive Coaching Control Agility

3:00–4:30 PM 3:00–4:30 PM
Negotiation Industry
Exercise Guest Speaker

5:00–6:00 PM 5:00–6:00 PM 5:00–6:00 PM

Dean’s Living Group Peer-to-Peer Strategy
Reception Acceleration Presentations and
Feedback/Living Groups

6:00–8:00 PM 6:00–8:00 PM 6:00–8:00 PM 6:00–8:00 PM 6:00–8:00 PM

Faculty and Networking Dinner Reception Dinner Dinner
Dinner

8:00–10:00 PM 8:00–10:00 PM 8:00–10:00 PM 8:00–10:00 PM 8:00–10:00 PM

Case Preparation/ Case Preparation/ Case Preparation/ Case Preparation/ Case Preparation/ 8:30–11:30 PM
Living Groups Living Groups Living Groups Living Groups Living Groups Group Outing in Boston

18
SPECIAL PROGRAM FEATURES

Change the Way You See the World,

the Opportunities Awaiting You, and Yourself

HBS EXECUTIVE COACHING 360-DEGREE ASSESSMENT

Our distinctive coaching method is designed to accelerate both individual
and team growth. During Modules 2–4 of the program, your learning group will
meet with a professional HBS Executive Coach to help enhance your leadership
journey and team effectiveness. Your coach will help you identify your personal
leadership strengths and gaps through two one-on-one sessions—one
360-degree leadership and personal assessment session at the start of the
program and another session focused on your reentry strategy following
the program. All coaching sessions are strictly confidential.
Through a 360-degree assessment, your HBS Executive Coach will help you
assess your personal leadership strengths and weaknesses and develop an
action plan that you can take back to your company.
HALLMARK HBS CASE METHOD
Pioneered by HBS, the case method engages you in a dynamic and collaborative
process of identifying relevant issues and applying practical business solutions
to your own situation and organization.

PERSONAL STRATEGY STATEMENT, ACTION PLAN, AND CUSTOM BUSINESS CASE

Over the course of GMP, you will work on solving a fundamental challenge
confronting you and your organization. The program personalizes your learning
with multiple projects designed to help you apply your new skills to real-life
“GMP is a strategy and leadership challenges. In the process, you will:
phenomenal,
• Gain greater insight into your • Identify and prepare for potential
once-in-a-lifetime industry and your company’s roadblocks and leadership
learning competitive position challenges that may arise as you
experience. The work to implement your strategy
• Improve your ability to clearly
quality of the communicate issues to peers and • Build a network of GMP peer
garner their input advisors who can apply their unique
faculty is second knowledge and background to
to none.” • Learn how to drive change your challenge
and innovation by aligning the
Mark Koehn appropriate resources and activities
Program Manager,
Anadarko Petroleum,
U.S. 19
ALUMNI STATUS AND LIFELONG LEARNING

Welcome to One of When you complete GMP, you will become a member of the HBS
the World’s Most Powerful alumni network and gain exclusive access to an array of resources
and tools that facilitate lifelong learning, growth, and success.
Business Networks
THE HBS ALUMNI NETWORK HBS PUBLISHING ALUMNI PLUS PROGRAM
Tap into a vast global community of more than 85,000 MBA and Executive Receive a 20% discount on regularly priced items, including HBS Press books,
Education alumni in 160 countries. Harvard Business Review article reprints, and cases (subscriptions not included).

HBS EMAIL ADDRESS BAKER LIBRARY/BLOOMBERG CENTER SERVICES

Your lifelong HBS email address helps you stay connected to HBS and
fellow alumni.
HBS ALUMNI CLUBS AND ASSOCIATIONS
Connect with members of more than 100 alumni clubs, shared interest
groups, and affiliates worldwide at business, learning, social, and community
service events.
Access a comprehensive online collection of curated business research
resources, available to you from anywhere in the world. The resources have
been chosen specifically for HBS alumni to support your professional
development, business development, career planning, and business research.
PROGRAMS DISCOUNT
As an alumnus, you will be eligible for a 30% discount on future HBS Executive
Education programs that you attend.

“The GMP network has been a very valuable part

of the experience for me. The social aspect of those
connections is great, but we also learn a lot about
what’s happening in each other’s industries, and we
can ask each other for help too.”
Louisa Gregory
Chief of Staff, Colt Technology Services, U.K.
20
HBS EXECUTIVE EDUCATION
A Learning Experience
Unlike Any Other
Every year, executives from around the world turn to HBS Executive Education to
propel their careers, ignite their passions, and reach their most ambitious goals.
Here, you will be fully immersed in a unique
living-and-learning experience with other top
executives from leading companies around
the world.
Led by our world-renowned faculty, our
global curriculum is designed to give you the
knowledge and skills you need to overcome
real-world business challenges and lead with
greater purpose by questioning assumptions,
disrupting usual ways of doing business, and
introducing unexpected ways of thinking.
During the day, you’ll take part in dynamic
lectures, case discussions, and exercises.
In the evening, you’ll continue the conversation
with your fellow participants in our unique
on-campus living groups, over meals, during
off-campus outings, and in other social settings.
“GMP was mind-blowing—really
Beyond the daily interactions with professors
and peers, another critical part of the HBS
life-changing. It transformed the
experience is the ability to step back from your way I see myself, other people,
day-to-day routine and reflect on where you’ve
been and where you want to take your career.
and the world. It does a great job
at building self-confidence.”
It’s a unique and holistic approach to
professional and personal development Corli Witthuhn
that many of our alumni and participants Vice Rector, Research, University of the
have called a life-changing experience. Free State Bloemfontein, South Africa
21
HBS EXECUTIVE EDUCATION

“I know that I only have one chance to change the way this particular group of people will
think, feel, and act, so I put my heart and my soul into it.”
GMP Faculty Stefan H. Thomke
Faculty Chair, GMP, Technology and Operations Management Unit

22
HBS EXECUTIVE EDUCATION Rohit Deshpandé
Marketing Unit
“If you want answers, ask Professor Google.
GMP Faculty
At GMP you learn what are the right questions
to ask. Of your team and of yourself.”
Rafael M. Di Tella
Business, Government and the International Economy Unit
“In GMP, we try to better understand the role of
macroeconomic and political forces shaping the
business environment—a key determinant of firm
performance.”
Linda A. Hill
Organizational Behavior Unit
“Facilitating a productive discussion is invigorating.
I have to think quickly, pull together everything that
was said, and identify key lessons and questions.
And I always learn something myself.”
Leslie K. John
Negotiation, Organizations, and Markets Unit
“Gathering consumer data creates marketing
opportunities for firms, but surrendering this
information can be perilous for consumers. In
GMP, we focus on finding the right balance.”
Tarun Khanna
Strategy Unit
“Strategy combines the science and art of crafting
ensembles of actions to create competitive advantage.
In GMP, we rely on the cumulative experience of the
participants to practice how to craft strategy.”
E. Scott Mayfield
Finance Unit
“My goal is to make finance accessible to all
business leaders. By incorporating the core ideas
of finance into everyday decision-making, leaders
sharpen their strategic focus and increase the
probability of success.”
V.G. Narayanan
Accounting and Management Unit
“In GMP, you’ll experience firsthand how to read
financial statements that measure, analyze, drive,
and evaluate performance, while also understanding
the role that accounting plays in disclosure and
corporate governance.”
V. Kasturi Rangan
Marketing Unit
“Marketing’s role is to create value for ‘customers’
and in that process create value for a firm’s
‘shareholders and investors.’ In GMP, we will extend
marketing’s principles to create value for ‘society.’”
Eugene F. Soltes
Accounting and Management Unit
“Every day business leaders are required to make
choices with significant consequences. In GMP,
participants gain an appreciation of the tremendous
amount of discretion they have as managers, which—
when used appropriately—is a powerful tool.”
Gunnar Trumbull
Business, Government and the International Economy Unit
“In GMP, we explore the economic and political
forces, both the risks and the opportunities that
accompany economic integration and shape
globalization.”
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Learn More
 DATES AND PROGRAM FEES
AUG–NOV 2024 Session JAN–APR 2025 Session
Program Fee: $80,000 Program Fee: $80,000

Module 1: 05 AUG–07 SEP 2024 (Virtual, Self-Paced) Module 1: 06 JAN–08 FEB 2025 (Virtual, Self-Paced)
Module 2: 08–27 SEP 2024 (Virtual, Live Online) Module 2: 09–28 FEB 2025 (Virtual, Live Online)
Module 3: 28 SEP–26 OCT 2024 (Virtual, Self-Paced) Module 3: 01–29 MAR 2025 (Virtual, Self-Paced)
Module 4: 27 OCT–22 NOV 2024 (HBS Campus) Module 4: 30 MAR–25 APR 2025 (HBS Campus)

COMPREHENSIVE LEADERSHIP PROGRAMS

Specially tailored programs for executives at key transition points in their careers.
• Advanced Management Program • Program for Leadership Development
• General Management Program • Owner/President Management

EXPLORE OUR TOPIC-FOCUSED PROGRAMS

Offering 50+ intensive programs that explore specific topics in depth.
• Board Governance • Finance • Innovation • Negotiation & Decision-Making
• Digital Transformation • General Management • Leadership • Social Enterprise & Nonprofits
• Family Business • Health Care • Marketing & Sales • Strategy

TALK WITH A PROGRAM ADVISOR

For a personalized consultation, contact a member
of our Program Advising Team.
www.exed.hbs.edu/gmp
Email: executive_education@hbs.edu
Phone: 800.427.5577
(Outside the United States, call: 617.495.6555)

In accordance with Harvard University policy, Harvard Business School does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, sex or sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age, national or ethnic origin,
political beliefs, veteran status, or disability in admission to, access to, treatment in, or employment in its programs and activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination
policies: Ms. Liza Nascembeni, Harvard Business School, Soldiers Field, Boston, MA 02163-9986 US
Program content, dates, schedule, fees, technology platforms, and faculty are subject to change. ©2024 by the President and Fellows of Harvard College. All rights reserved.