The Best MBA Prep Courses

Completing an MBA prep course can help you decide whether to pursue an MBA degree and even increase your chances of business school admission. These courses may help refresh your knowledge or introduce business concepts if you have a bachelor's degree in a non-business field. Discover some of the top MBA prep courses in this list.

The Top MBA Prep Courses

Discover some of the best MBA prep courses below. The following list includes MBA prep courses (listed alphabetically) that we believe could benefit students. We analyzed features like pricing, course length, course content, and instructional delivery options.

DISCLAIMER: The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute professional financial advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only. Readers of this website should contact a professional advisor before making decisions about financial issues.

Accounting Fundamentals

This course from the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) is part of the Business Fundamentals series and covers the basics of accounting. Students learn to analyze financial statements, keep records, and determine the financial strength of an organization.

The program offers self-paced modules with expert instruction, and lessons relevant to real-world business problems. Course topics include the accounting process cycle, transaction analysis, and statement of cash flow. Take this as a stand-alone course, or bundle it with other GMAC MBA prep courses.

Data Analysis Essentials

In this edX course from Imperial College London, participants learn to collect, describe, and analyze data sets. The self-paced program takes about six weeks to complete and requires 4-6 hours of work per week.

The free audit option from edX allows access to materials, while a paid verified track (approximately $100-$200) includes graded exams and a certificate. Lesson topics include data-based decision-making, presenting and summarizing data, and modeling for decision-making.

Finance Fundamentals

One of several MBA prep courses offered by GMAC in its Business Fundamentals series, finance fundamentals covers financial analysis, debt management, and managerial finance. The self-paced program includes on-demand classes available 24/7 on desktop or mobile devices.

Students learn about financial math and terminology, basic calculations, and the relationship between interest rates and risk. The curriculum includes lessons inspired by real-world business situations. To save money, students can bundle this with other MBA prep courses from GMAC.

Math for MBA and GMAT Prep

Coursera, in partnership with Emory University, has a fully online, self-paced course that covers the basic math skills needed to take the GMAT or enroll in an MBA program. The beginner-friendly class lasts about 10-15 hours.

Lessons focus on general statistics, statistical analysis, and using built-in formulas in Excel. Other topics include data visualizations, an algebra refresher, regression analysis, and an introduction to calculus. Students who successfully finish the course get a shareable certificate of completion.

MBA Prep Fellowship

The MBA Prep Fellowship from Management Leadership for Tomorrow features a personalized curriculum for underrepresented professionals. Students get access to mock interview practice sessions, networking opportunities with classmates, seminars, and one-on-one help.

Course applicants typically need a bachelor's degree and several years of work experience. Designed to help students get into the best business schools, the course boasts strong placement rates into top MBA programs through intensive coaching and professional development.

PreMBA Essentials for Professionals

The preMBA essentials for professionals course from edX covers core business fundamentals, including accounting, finance, math, and data analysis essentials. The self-paced program takes 6 months to complete.

Instructors are business experts from Imperial College London. Students develop analytical skills presenting and interpreting data, as well as an understanding of quantitative concepts in business. The full program bundle typically costs around $300-$600.

Statistics Fundamentals

Students can take GMAC's statistics fundamentals on its own or bundle it with other MBA prep courses. The class explores descriptive statistics, randomization, sampling, and probability theory. Experts teach self-paced, on-demand lessons relevant to the GMAT Focus Data Insights section.

The program covers how to use Excel and the basic language and math of statistics. Other topics include normal distributions, experimental design, and data distributions.

Wharton Business Foundations Specialization

The Wharton Business School offers a business foundations specialization, a series of business classes that build core skills in finance, marketing, accounting, and operations. Topics include human resources, change management, financial statements, and customer satisfaction.

The fully online, flexible program takes about 2 months to complete at the suggested pace of 10 hours per week. Students complete a capstone project that synthesizes their skills and knowledge gained during the class. Graduates receive a shareable certificate of completion.

Paying for MBA Prep Courses

Students can find many free or affordable ways to complete MBA prep courses. MBA prep courses that charge tuition may offer various financing options, including subscription models and installment plans, to make programs more accessible.

Another option for free and low-cost MBA prep courses is enrolling in a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC). Many respected universities and business schools offer free MBA prep courses through MOOCs that include subjects like accounting, finance, and business fundamentals.

Common Questions About MBA Prep Courses

How should I start preparing for an MBA?

Enrolling in one or more MBA prep courses can bring you up to speed with the core business fundamentals. You can enroll in continuing education or undergraduate business courses, or find a free online class in statistics or accounting.

Is getting an MBA difficult for average students?

Earning an MBA can be challenging, especially the quantitative coursework, but most students can succeed if they put in the necessary time and work to build their foundational skills.

What should I know before applying to an MBA program?

Before applying to an MBA program, become familiar with business basics, including the fundamentals of accounting, marketing, and finance. Many programs recommend completing prerequisites or bootcamps in these areas before matriculation.

Reviewed by:

Krystal Covington, MBA

Krystal Covington, MBA, is a business growth strategist with 15 years of experience in marketing and public relations. Her company, Go Lead Consulting, provides clients foundational tools to build new client and customer relationships.

Covington founded Women of Denver, a former professional community for women leaders. Her work helps women increase their business acumen, sharpen leadership skills and connect with other high-achieving women. Covington received her MBA from Western Governors University in 2012.

Page last reviewed December 19, 2025

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