In addition to the online learning components of the program, you will attend two in-person immersions hosted on campus at Harvard Business School in Boston. During these in-person experiences, you will meet face-to-face with your classmates, network with faculty and industry leaders, and participate in hands-on guided learning exercises.

While immersions typically take place on campus as large in-person gatherings, ongoing COVID-19 restrictions may require us to make modifications to the events (including hosting a virtual event) if there are government and/or university restrictions on travel and gatherings.

Jump To: Community Values and Student Expectations | Immersion Schedule | Readings and Resources | Planning Your Travel and Lodging | Guest Policy | Immersion Deferral Policy

The on-campus immersions represent a unique opportunity to meet and interact with faculty and classmates face-to-face. Please remember that all HBAP students are expected to abide by the Community Values of Harvard Business School:

Our values are a set of guiding principles for all that we do, wherever we are, and with everyone we meet. As students of the Harvard Business Analytics Program, you are part of the Harvard community and the expectation is that all students, whether or not they are on campus, will behave in a mature and responsible manner.

The 2.5-day immersions typically begin with a half-day that includes registration and a welcome reception for networking followed by two full days of programming with five to seven academic sessions with faculty, peer learning sessions, and group breakfasts and lunches. The immersion also includes the Certificate Conferral Ceremony and Reception to celebrate students who are completing the program and receiving their certificates. The specific schedule and session content for an immersion are not finalized until a few weeks before the immersion.

You will receive access to the Immersion Courses on the Digital Campus two weeks before the immersion begins, where you can access the final schedule for immersion programming and activities, including the required pre-reading and brief assignments. You will also receive a notebook with printed copies of all the readings upon your arrival. We recommend that you complete the reading and assignments in advance of traveling to campus, since the schedule is full and there will be limited time for preparation once you arrive.

You will receive details regarding your immersion the week following the Add/Drop deadline of that term, including a high-level schedule, a link to reserve your hotel room, and a brief survey to collect information (emergency contact, dietary restrictions, etc.). A block of rooms will be reserved at the Doubletree Hotel Boston-Cambridge (400 Soldiers Field Road, Boston, MA 02134) or another local hotel at a special group rate. While you may stay at another location or commute, we strongly encourage you to stay at the reserved hotel, as this will be the location of several program events and the shuttle to and from HBS campus.

For students in their first immersion, we ask that any guests or family members do not attend the program social events or any classroom activities. Students returning for their second immersion are invited to bring up to three guests to the Certificate Conferral Ceremony and Reception. Other meals and social events are intended for students only to continue academic discussions and network. If a student chooses to travel with family, the program provides a list of recommended activities for guests to explore while students attend academic events.

You are eligible to defer your immersion to a future term, but must inform your SSA in writing or email studentsupport@analytics.hbs.edu before the deadline, which is one month prior to the scheduled immersion.

You may defer your immersion multiple times, but must adhere to these limitations: (1) you cannot register for Data Driven Marketing without completing Immersion 1 in a previous term; and (2) you must complete your certificate program within 24 months from the start date, including any periods of leave of absence or immersion deferral.