Chandigarh University signs agreement with Harvard University for online MBA programme

New Delhi: Chandigarh University has become the first Indian university to start a collaborative online Master of Business Administration (MBA) programme with Harvard University by signing an agreement. Under the collaboration, Chandigarh University students will be taught by Harvard University’s Business School for a semester under this online MBA programme. Besides course material and other educational materials, Harvard University will also provide the faculty for teaching during the semester.

Chandigarh University’s Chancellor, Satnam Singh Sandhu, signed the agreement with Kristen Maynard, Managing Director of Business Operations and Strategic Alliances, Harvard Business School (HBS) Online at Harvard University.

The Collaboration Is In Line With NEP

This agreement is in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision to transform the education landscape in India through collaborations with foreign universities under the New Education Policy which aims to facilitate knowledge exchange, promote academic innovation, and elevate the standard of education across diverse fields.

Patrick Mullane, Executive Director, Harvard Business School (HBS) Online and Executive Education stated that the collaborative Online MBA between Harvard University and Chandigarh University will provide students with valuable opportunities to acquire skills for leading their businesses in India and the world.

“The MoU between HBS Online and Chandigarh University is significant for many reasons as it enables to fulfil the goal of expanding our network of Business School collaborations globally through online education, enabling the dissemination of best practices in business management. It is an opportunity for the two institutions to together provide high-quality business education, which helps develop great leaders in the world. And if there is shortage of anything in the world today, it is the great leaders,” he said.

Kristen Maynard, Managing Director of Business Operations and Strategic Alliances, HBS Online added, “Students of Chandigarh University will be taking the same course which all of the Harvard University students take. Before they (Chandigarh University students) start their course of study here, we will be providing them with foundations of business that their further study at Chandigarh University can build on and help them further their business career. As part of the course, we try to bring a global perspective to the topics that they are looking at. So as they are thinking about financial accounting or business analytics, they are not only thinking about the concepts but how they apply to situations across the world in real businesses with real executives who are making decisions. So I think that global perspective is something that your (Chandigarh University) students will very much enjoy and benefit from it”.

Better Placements Worldwide

Asked if credit transfer between Chandigarh University and Harvard University will help CU them in better placements worldwide and if their business sense will be at par with students studying at Harvard University, Maynard said, “Students studying at Chandigarh University will absolutely benefit from this course of study that they will be able to talk about their credentials which they have received from Harvard Business School in their job applications and in their understanding of business and applications of business concepts. As we have seen our own students benefit in the US from the credentials and the skills they have learned. So anticipate that students of Chandigarh University will have same benefit”.

“This unique partnership, between Chandigarh University and Harvard University brings together the expertise, resources, and perspectives of two renowned institutions to offer a transformative online MBA program. Through a blend of cutting-edge curriculum, renowned faculty, and global networking opportunities, this collaboration will empower aspiring business leaders with the skills and insights needed to thrive in today’s dynamic world. Together, we are committed to delivering a world-class educational experience that prepares our graduates to lead with integrity, innovation, and impact in the ever-evolving business landscape,” Sandhu said.

Expressing excitement about the partnership between Chandigarh University and HSB Online, Managing Director of Content Production HBS Online, Marie Clark said, “This unique collaboration will offer world-class online courses curated by HBS faculty and providing top-tier learning experiences to students, leading to their career acceleration. The data of the past participants has shown that students accelerated in their promotional trajectory and pay increases, compared to those who have taken courses from other online platforms or institutions. Students will take courses from HBS faculty and connect to a global community of online participants and exclusive networking opportunities worldwide that other platforms and institutes do not have access to.”

“HBS Online is globally recognized for its academic excellence by top global firms such as Starbucks, PwC, and innovative startups worldwide, and has strong connections with industry giants like Google, Microsoft, and Uber. The students can immediately apply their learning and skills to various industries. The most unique feature of these courses lies in our collaboration not only with faculty but also with cases across the world – featuring real-world protagonists including those from India – highlights cutting-edge technology and industry leadership, guiding global progress in 10 years ahead,” Clark added.