Curriculum/Faculty

Written Application

Create an HBS account and start an application here.

  • This HBS account will be the single source of communication and repository for materials throughout the application process.
  • Indicate your interest in the MS/MBA by checking the appropriate box on the application.
  • Submit all materials required for both the MBA and Master of Science applications.

 

Required for MBA: application form, resume, official transcript(s), essay, official standardized test scores, two recommendations, acceptance of policies, and application fee. More details here. 

Required for Master of Science: all materials required for the MBA application, plus one supplemental essay. All materials submitted for the MBA application will be shared with SEAS for use in review of the Master of Science application.

 

The Interview

After your written application has been submitted and reviewed, you may be invited to interview.

MS/MBA applicants who are invited to interview must submit one additional recommendation for the Master of Science portion of the application. The recommender form will be made available to you with instructions via email at the time you are invited to interview. The recommender should speak to your technical capabilities and experience.

The interview is a positive indicator of interest, but is not a guarantee of admission; it serves as one element among many that are considered as we complete a final review of your candidacy. All interviews are conducted by invitation only, at the discretion of the Admissions Board. If invited, however, you must participate in order to complete the application process.

Interviews may be scheduled on campus, in domestic or international hub cities, or via Skype. Neither the timing of your interview invitation nor its format, whether in-person or via Skype, implies anything about the status of your application or affects your candidacy.

Interviews are 30 minutes and are conducted by an MBA Admissions Board member who has reviewed your application. Your interview will be tailored to you and is designed for us to learn more about you in the context of a conversation.

Post-Interview Reflection

Within 24 hours of the interview, candidates are required to submit a written reflection through our online application system. Detailed instructions will be provided to those applicants who are invited to the interview process.

Decision Notification

HBS and the Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences will release admissions decisions in mid-December (for those who applied September 5, 2018) and March (for those who apply Jan 4, 2019).

You may be:

  • Admitted to the MS/MBA program
  • Admitted to the MBA program only
  • Denied by the MBA and Master of Science programs
  • Note: It is not possible to be admitted to the Master of Science program only

Special Note to College Senior Applicants

  • College seniors may apply for deferred admission for the MS/MBA via the 2+2 program.
  • Information about designated deadlines for college seniors is available here. College seniors may apply only in the HBS April 2+2 deadline. Applications will be considered and decisions rendered as described in the decision notification tab.
  • 2+2 admission to the MS/MBA is a deferred admission contingent upon at least two years, and a maximum of four years, of work experience before matriculation.