So, you’re thinking about getting an MBA. Sounds like a solid plan, doesn’t it? After all, an MBA is the golden ticket to the business world. Never mind taking two years off from work or dealing with that annoying student loan you’ll be paying off for the next 15 years (if you’re lucky). The career upgrade makes it all worthwhile—right?
Well… maybe. While business school might be the right move for some, it’s not for everyone. Let’s say you don’t have much work experience yet, you’re already in a field you love, or you need a full-time job to support yourself (or others). Taking a break from work while stacking debt onto your growing career might not be the smartest move.
Luckily, an expensive degree isn’t the only way to learn business. If you’re not looking for a total career switch, aren’t sure what’s next, or just can’t justify dropping $100K+ on tuition, you can still sharpen your business skills without a formal MBA. That’s exactly what I did.
A few years back, I was a Peace Corps volunteer with a fresh career in international development. I’d found the right industry, but the best jobs required expertise in economics, finance, or business—which I didn’t have. Instead of risking the career progress I’d just made, I decided to teach myself on a budget. I took advantage of universities putting their classes online, free for anyone with internet access.
I compared top MBA programs with courses from online learning platforms and mapped out a plan that mirrored a traditional business degree. (I even started a website to track my journey—I called it the No-Pay MBA.)
These online classes—often called MOOCs—have become super popular, and many are still free. Though some students pay for certificates to prove they completed the coursework.
Before I even finished all my classes, I got a promotion at work and started a side gig helping people get the most out of a debt-free business education.
So instead of spending money you might not have, why not spend a few months learning the basics and figuring out if business school is really for you? Just taking a few courses can remind you what being a student feels like. Plus, by staying employed, you can apply what you learn right away—maybe even take on more responsibility at work. And if you still decide you need that degree later? Go for it!
Here are six subjects I recommend to kickstart your business education, along with classes for each. Note: You can watch lectures and learn for free, but most platforms charge for certificates. Some, like Coursera, also charge for quizzes and assignments.
Project Management
No matter your field, project management skills help when leading new initiatives or teams. Nail those projects and impress your bosses.
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- Marketing
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- Human Resources
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Project management courses to try:
- Introduction to Project Management, University of Adelaide
- Project Management Principles and Practices Specialization, University of California, Irvine
Marketing
Learn how customers think, how products are positioned, and how brands carve out their niche.
Marketing courses to try:
3. Introduction to Marketing, University of Pennsylvania
4. Marketing in a Digital World, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Finance
If you pick just one business subject, make it finance. MBAs build their expertise on financial logic—these classes teach you to read balance sheets, understand cash flow, and confidently use terms like ROI, NPV, and IRR.
Finance courses to try:
5. Essentials of Corporate Finance Specialization, University of Melbourne
6. Introduction to Finance and Accounting Specialization, University of Pennsylvania
Negotiation
Whether you’re buying a car, discussing salary, or representing your company, negotiation skills are key. Learn the pros’ strategies.
Negotiation courses to try:
7. Successful Negotiation: Essential Strategies and Skills, University of Michigan
8. Introduction to Negotiation: A Strategic Playbook, Yale
Entrepreneurship
Even if you’re not starting a business, learning how to generate and test ideas is invaluable. Silicon Valley entrepreneur Steve Blank’s course is a great starting point.
Free entrepreneurship classes to try:
9. How to Build a Startup, The Lean LaunchPad
10. Entrepreneurship 101: Who is your customer?, MIT
Strategy
Strategy ties together finance, marketing, and entrepreneurship. Learn how to analyze competition, market forces, and opportunities.
Free strategy classes to try:
11. Foundations of Business Strategy, University of Virginia
12. Competitive Strategy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
I’m not saying don’t get an MBA—for some, it’s 100% worth it. But if you’re unsure, start with these free classes. You might find you just need a skills boost, not a full degree—saving you time and money.