DOCTOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
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Overview

DURATION

2 Years

LANGUAGE

English

LOCATION

Online

ANNUAL INTAKE

Year Round Enrollment

EARNED

120 ECTS

TUITION FEES

30.000€

The DBA at the Swiss School of Management is a 2-year course. Extension years are often the exception, not the rule. The program has three phases: Coursework, Research lab, and Doctoral thesis. During those phases, students are guided and coached by their mentor and supervisor.

Start of Program
Enrollment is open throughout the year. Intakes are posted on the website or via email. Individual academic undertakings, such as a portfolio of expertise, intensive courses, tutorials, and coaching services, are at your own pace.
Learning Structure
The program of studies is aligned to international standards of Higher Education and fulfills the criteria of the process of Harmonization of Higher Education in Europe. It consists of 5 taught Research Method modules, which are delivered in two blocks. The Doctoral Thesis demonstrating independent empirical research is evidence of the candidate’s ability and capability to undertake applied, defensible, empirical research on the highest level of academic studies.
Mode of Delivery & Study

The DBA program operates on a part-time and practice-oriented study model. For information on the mode of delivery, kindly reach out to your nearest Swiss School of Management Learning Center. Our program integrates on-site study, web-based learning, blended learning, and distance learning, integrated into a work-based study plan. You will receive methodological coaching or supervision from our faculty and teaching staff to support your progress.

Assessment

Each module is evaluated based on a single assignment, comprising an essay that encompasses all the Intended Learning Outcomes of the module. Students must construct a critical review incorporating relevant portions of the existing literature obtained from peer-reviewed research publications.

The DBA Program structure complies with the international standards of Postgraduate Education, ensuring alignment with the Bologna Process, which aims to harmonize higher education in Europe.

The program has two stages. The first stage entails the completion of five Research Methods modules, which is a prerequisite for advancing to the second stage that centers around the thesis.

To earn the DBA degree, students must accumulate 120 ECTS credits.

This includes a total of 30 ECTS credits obtained by completing the five Research Methods modules, where each module carries 6 ECTS credits. The remaining 90 ECTS credits are earned through the Doctoral thesis.

The Research Methods modules are delivered interactively, drawing on current knowledge and research in the field. These modules involve lectures and/or seminars, requiring students’ active participation. In addition, a distance learning option to accommodate different learning preferences.

The collection and analysis of data, in conjunction with the production of an independent empirical Doctoral Thesis, provide compelling evidence of the candidate’s capability to engage in rigorous and defensible research at the highest academic level.

The DBA program is recognized for its relevance, richness, and academic validity, as it adopts the highest standards of Higher Education. Moreover, the program incorporates superior professional standards. The learning objectives and module contents adhere closely to the Six Principles of the United Nations’ PRME Framework, enhancing the program’s alignment with global sustainability and responsible management education.

Dissertation and Viva Voce Defense

DBA candidates are requested to submit a Doctoral dissertation that fulfills the criteria of independent research following acknowledged standards of empirical research. The dissertation consists of 50,000 words (+/-10%). The DBA candidates will defend their papers through a summarizing presentation.

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