Program for Leadership Development

Executives sit and discuss case study.

Accelerating the careers of high-potential leaders. Unlock the full potential of your organization by increasing your influence and effectiveness as an emerging executive.

  • Dates

    Dec 3, 2024 – Jun 27, 2025

  • Status

    Accepting Applications

  • Format

    Blended

  • Location

    Virtual and HBS Campus

  • Fee

    $56,000

The program fee covers tuition, program materials, accommodations, and most meals.

Download Brochure

Innovative companies know that long-term success requires a pipeline of visionary leaders who can build and maintain a competitive edge. Elevating your career starts with having the know-how and confidence to be part of that change.

The Program for Leadership Development deepens your knowledge of core business operations and broadens your understanding of today's global marketplace. You'll expand your hard and soft skills and refine your leadership style to deliver impactful results.

Key Program Features

Key Topics

  • Bring a global perspective to your business strategies  

  • Build a strong foundation in accounting, finance, and quantitative methods 

  • Use marketing to cultivate growth 

  • Understand the cross-functional challenges and ethical responsibilities of corporate leaders 

  • Learn how to lead organizational change and inspire high-performing teams 

  • Strengthen your day-to-day leadership skills 

  • Capitalize on digital transformation

Program Format

  • 4
    modules
  • 4
    weeks on the HBS campus
  • 6
    months of part-time self-paced learning

The PLD curriculum is tailored to rapidly accelerate the development of emerging business leaders. Delivered via four intensive modules that take place over the course of six months, the compressed format is designed to offer immersive learning while accommodating the demands of your busy schedule.

Module Details

Module 1Dec 3, 2024 – Mar 1, 2025Part-TimeVirtual, Self-Paced
Module 2Mar 2 – 14, 2025Full-TimeHBS Campus
Module 3Mar 15 – Jun 14, 2025Part-TimeVirtual, Self-Paced
Module 4Jun 15 – 27, 2025Full-TimeHBS Campus

Module 1: Part-Time, Virtual (Self-Paced)

Topic: Foundational skill building. Participants should set aside 10–12 hours per week for case preparation and to complete self-directed assignments.

Module 2: Full-Time, HBS Campus

Topic: Developing a cross-functional business approach.

Module 3: Part-Time, Virtual (Self-Paced)

Topic: Strategy formulation and implementation. Participants should set aside 10–12 hours per week for case preparation and to complete self-directed assignments.

Module 4: Full-Time, HBS Campus

Topic: Leading change.

Virtual modules feature work on Harvard Business School Online—a powerful digital platform that captures the dynamism of the HBS classroom, connects you to a global network of peers, and provides exclusive access to a wealth of interactive learning tools.

The two on-campus modules require a total of four weeks away. After completing the four modules, you will have the opportunity to attain HBS Executive Program Alumni status* via PLD Module 5, an optional capstone session.

*You also can attain alumni status by earning 10 PLD Alumni Points through completion of qualifying HBS Executive Education programs. View all qualifying programs.

Who Should Attend

PLD is designed for executives preparing for career growth who want to expand their hard and soft skills and refine their personal leadership style to deliver results for their organization. Ideal candidates include: 

  • Specialists and star contributors who have been identified as outstanding prospects for bigger leadership roles and responsibilities

  • High potential talent in roles that cover the scope of senior manager, manager, senior director, or director

Global Perspective

Two female and two male executives sit and smile around a table filled with notes.
5%
Africa
14%
Asia Pacific
15%
Europe
6%
Latin America
15%
Middle East
45%
North America

Top Industries Represented

  • 18%

    Financial

  • 15%

    High Technology

  • 10%

    Professional Services

  • 7%

    Nonprofit Services

  • 6%

    Health Care

  • 5%

    Utilities/Telecommunications

  • 5%

    Manufacturing

  • 5%

    Raw Materials / Energy

  • 4%

    Education

  • 4%

    Real Estate / Construction

Experience

Years Worked

  • 12%

    Less than 10 years

  • 40%

    10-14 years

  • 28%

    15-19 years

  • 13%

    20-24 years

  • 4%

    25-29 years

  • 1%

    30-34 years

  • 1%

    35-39 years

  • 1%

    40 or more

Companies That Have Participated

  • Apple

  • Google

  • IBM

  • Intel

  • Investec

  • Merck

  • Microsoft

  • Naval Special Warfare

  • Nokia

  • Ralph Lauren

  • U.S. Steel

Teaching Team

All our executive education programs are developed and taught by a team of widely recognized HBS faculty. Many are skilled educators, groundbreaking researchers, and award-winning authors. Through their board memberships, consulting, and field-based research, they address the complex challenges facing business leaders across the globe.

Faculty Chair

Faculty

The HBS Experience

This is a blended program that alternates in-person and virtual elements. Immersive modules take place on our storied campus where you’ll live and learn at the heart of Boston’s vibrant business, academic, and technology hubs. Virtual modules provide the opportunity to learn from anywhere in the world to provide flexibility for busy leaders.

At HBS, every detail is carefully calibrated to drive your success. Thoughtfully designed virtual learning experiences. Living arrangements and classrooms that spark connection. Unrivalled academic resources. And rejuvenating fitness, dining, and cultural amenities.

View of Executive Education area of HBS campus

The dedicated Executive Education area of campus features multiple classroom buildings and three residence halls around a quad

Residence hall bedroom and bathroom, with woman looking out a window

Our well-appointed residence halls feature private bedrooms, living group lounges, and courtyards to fuel vibrant discussions

Admissions

We admit applicants on a rolling, space-available basis, so you are encouraged to submit your application as soon as possible.

The selective admissions process is based on professional achievement, organizational responsibility, and the admissions criteria for each program as described in Who Should Attend. There are no formal educational requirements for HBS Executive Education programs.

Learn more about the admissions process and requirements.

Program content, dates, schedule, fees, technology platforms, and faculty are subject to change. 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.