01
Contribution to knowledge
Contribute to the body of knowledge in a specific management or business discipline.
Executive, 03 of 03 programs
DBA
Doctor of
Business
Administration.
The most rewarding level of higher education. A practitioner doctorate that shapes the way you lead, and the way your industry thinks.
Degree
Doctor of Business Administration
Duration
3, 5 years, flexible
Format
Blended & online
Language
English
Dissertation
50,000 words, viva voce
Intakes
Rolling admissions
Overview
A research
degree for
practitioners.
SSM's Doctor of Business Administration is a blended and online doctoral program. There are no admissions deadlines; candidates progress flexibly while being supported by a dedicated supervisor and a mentor.
The program is delivered with renowned academics from SSM and partner universities. The dissertation, 50,000 words, addresses applied management, business or economy research and is defended live in a viva voce before an academic jury. DBA graduates are first-choice candidates for top-management positions and advisory roles.
Practitioner doctorate
A professional research degree, ideal for top-management positions in industry, administration and academia.
Personal supervisor
Each candidate is supported by a dedicated supervisor and a mentor, with access to digital libraries and live events.
Applied research
Dissertation topics are grounded in your own work environment, on management, business or economy.
International Expert Group
DBA candidates join SSM's International Expert Group, a network of senior researchers and practitioners.
Viva voce defense
A live defense of the 50,000-word dissertation, demonstrating internationally acknowledged doctoral standards.
Doctor of Business Administration
Awarded by the Swiss School of Management, a recognized title for senior leadership and academic careers.
ISLOs
Five doctoral
outcomes.
SSM's five Intended Student Learning Outcomes set the bar for every doctoral candidate.
02
Critical analysis
Analyze existing theories and draw conclusions grounded in primary and secondary data.
03
Integration of perspectives
Integrate divergent or contradictory perspectives, schools and ideas in a coherent framework.
04
Thesis defense
Present and defend an applied research thesis before an academic jury at the viva voce.
05
Advanced competence
Demonstrate advanced knowledge and competence in a field of study of practical, real-world relevance.
Eligibility
Who can apply.
SSM welcomes senior managers, entrepreneurs and consultants who want to convert their experience into rigorous research.
Entry criteria
- 01
A Master's degree or equivalent (60 ECTS postgraduate studies).
- 02
A research proposal aligned with management, business or economy.
- 03
Senior professional experience is highly valued but not strictly required.
- 04
Documents in languages other than English, Italian, German, Spanish or French require a sworn translation.
English language requirements
TOEFL PBT60
TOEFL iBT71
IELTS6.5
PTE Academic50
Duolingo English Test100
Michigan MET55
Michigan ECCE650 / LP
Michigan ECPE650 / LP
Program structure
From method to
viva voce.
Research methods, seminars, conference participation and a three-part dissertation leading to the live viva voce defense.
REM 710Introduction to Academic Research10 ECTS
RQT 725Quantitative Methods & Techniques10 ECTS
RQL 725Qualitative Methods & Techniques10 ECTS
RTL 730Guide to Doctoral Dissertation Writing10 ECTS
RPR 750Advanced Experimental Research Design10 ECTS
RSM 770Seminar, The Fundamentals of APA Citation3 ECTS
RSM 780Seminar, How to Publish Scholarly Work3 ECTS
RSM 790Seminar, Collaboration: The Future of Research3 ECTS
RSM 740Seminar, Doctorate Degree Holders, A Closer Look3 ECTS
RTH 800Research Proposal, Part I, Submissions 1, 310 ECTS
RTH 810Dissertation Writing, Part II, Chapters 4, 620 ECTS
RTH 820Viva Voce Defense10 ECTS
RIC 820International Conference Participation4 ECTS
RIC 830International Conference Participation4 ECTS
RIC 860International Conference, Academic Colloquium10 ECTS
Tuition & Fees
The doctoral
investment.
Total program fees for the SSM DBA, payable across the duration of your studies.
DBA, 3, 5 years
Blended & online learning
€ 22,500
- Application fee€ 150
- Enrollment fee€ 4,500
- Yearly tuition (x3)€ 6,000
- Viva voce examinationIncluded
Fees may vary for candidates enrolling through SSM Cairo, UAE or GCC. Contact the in-residence program directors for tailored arrangements.
Alumni voice
“The DBA program has allowed me to look at the business world differently. It made me a better leader, gave me a lot more lateral thinking, and probably made me a better businessman as well, in terms of taking smarter business decisions.”
Trefor Murphy, DBA 2021, CEO Cooper Fitch
Apply
Start your
research journey.
Rolling admissions, no deadlines. Submit your full application online, or download the brochure to explore the program in detail.
The full application lets you share your research interests and be reviewed by the doctoral committee.