Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
Program Overview
Global DBA
Overview
The objective of this professional doctorate in business administration is to provide participants with the opportunity to make significant contributions to both theory and practice in the field and to develop professional practice at the highest level. It is a practical and research-based doctoral program in business and industry which is designed for mid-career executives who have already completed the MBA (or equivalent qualification) and are looking to further enhance their practical and theoretical knowledge in the field.
Tuition Fees
Global DBA: 11.000 EUR
Admissions
- MBA (or equivalent qualification) from a recognized higher education institution.
- A Master’s degree in management (or associated discipline) with a minimum of 2 years professional work experience.
- A Master’s degree in a field other than management (or related discipline) but with a minimum of 5 years professional work experience.
- Grade transcripts
- Your CV or resume
- ID or passport copy
- One photo
Applications to the doctoral program will be reviewed by members of the Doctorate Admissions Committee who will make recommendations and decisions (accept/reject) regarding offers of admission to the DBA program. Upon receipt of the documents, a formal interview with the DBA Academic Director may be scheduled with some candidates.
Curriculum
YEAR 1
- Research Methodology I
- Research Methodology II
- Publishing Your Paper (seminar)
- Writing Research Proposal (seminar)
- Research Proposal (seminar)
YEAR 2
- Software Citation Tools (seminar)
- Thesis
MANDATORY COURSES
- Sustainability
- AI for Managers
- Strategic Corporate Culture
- Digital Business Acceleration
- Corporate Security and Business Intelligence
- Innovation and Change Management
- Financial Management
- Business English
- Business IT
- Data Visualization and Storytelling with Data
The student chooses 2 out of above list in line with the preference with following options:
- after the course, the student prepares Final Project/assignment which is graded, and is awarded with additional ECTS points
- after the course, the student does not prepare Final Project/assignment in which case no ECTS points shall be awarded
DBA Specializations
The Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) program offers a variety of specializations to cater to diverse professional interests:
- Artificial Intelligence: Doctorate DBA in Artificial Intelligence
- Supply Chain Management: Doctorate DBA in Supply Chain Management
- Human Resource Management: Doctorate DBA in Human Resource Management
- Emerging Technologies: Doctorate DBA in Emerging Technologies
- Healthcare Management: Doctorate DBA in Healthcare Management
- Leadership: Doctorate DBA in Leadership
- Business and Data Analytics: Doctorate DBA in Business and Data Analytics
- Marketing: Doctorate DBA in Marketing
- Finance: Doctorate DBA in Finance
- International Business: Doctorate DBA in International Business
Each specialization is designed to provide in-depth knowledge and research opportunities in its respective field, enabling professionals to advance their expertise and contribute significantly to their areas of interest.
Teaching Method
This program is delivered entirely online.
You also have the opportunity to increase your learning by attending our webinars.
Our interactive, supportive teaching model is designed for busy professionals and is delivered through our best-in-class learning management system.
Materials
All reading materials for this course will be made accessible to you through the SSBM Online Learning Portal. Notes for each module are often downloadable, and you are able to save your current learning status and continue whenever you like.
Diploma
Upon successful completion of the DBA program you will be awarded with a DBA / Doctor of Business Administration diploma delivered by SSBM Geneva.
You have the possibility to select a specialization.
FAQ
TOP Frequently Asked Questions by Students
- When does the program start, and when is the next intake? Our programs are fully online, self-paced, and delivered in a pre-recorded format, so you can apply and start at any time throughout the year.
- What payment plans are available, and can I pay in installments? We offer flexible payment options, including bank transfers, credit card payments, and Flywire. Additionally, you can pay in installments, with the number of payments tailored to your needs. If further flexibility is required, we can arrange additional installments. The payment schedule is entirely customizable based on your preferences.
- How many hours per week do I need to dedicate to complete the program on time? As the program is fully online and self-paced, the time commitment depends on your personal schedule. We recommend dedicating approximately 4 hours per week to complete the program within the envisioned timeframe.
- What accreditations does the program hold, and will it be internationally recognized? SSBM Geneva is accredited by ACBSP and certified by EduQua. We are registered in Geneva, Switzerland, providing superior Swiss education. For details on our accreditation and membership, please visit this link. If you want to check the national recognition in your residing company, we recommend checking the acceptance of the degree with your local NARIC office.
- Are there networking and career opportunities for online students? Yes, online students can engage in networking through our dedicated online platform “SSBM Connect” and attend weekly webinars hosted by professors and industry professionals. For additional career support, we offer more extensive services, such as company visits and internships, to our on-campus students.
- Can I extend the duration of my studies? While the program is designed to be completed within a certain time, you can extend it to accommodate your schedule. If you exceed the contractual program duration, extension fees will apply:
- Up to 3 months: 30% of the full tuition
- Up to 6 months: 50% of the full tuition
- Up to 12 months: 100% of the full tuition
- What do the exams look like? Exams typically include case studies, projects, and open-ended questions. If a student does not pass an exam, they may retake it up to three more times. After the fourth attempt, re-enrollment in the course is required, which will incur additional fees.
- Are scholarships or discounts available? We offer scholarships and discounts during specific campaigns, which are announced on our website and newsletter. Scholarships generally cover 50% to 100% of tuition fees and are awarded based on academic achievements, motivation, English proficiency, and professional experience. You can also apply for an admissions fee discount by submitting a motivational essay to . Our admissions team will review your application based on various factors, such as your academic achievements and career goals.
- How can I apply? You can apply online through this link. Once your application is submitted, our admissions team will review your documents, including your degree, transcript, CV, ID, and other relevant materials. If you meet the requirements, we will provide you with the next steps, which include signing a student contract, receiving an admission letter, making payments, and accessing our student information system and portal.
- Is coming to Geneva required during online studies? No, coming to Geneva is not mandatory during your online studies. However, students will be invited to attend the graduation ceremony, which will take place in Geneva. This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate your achievements in person, but participation is entirely optional.
Program Outline
Online Global DBA
Degree Overview
The Online Global DBA
is a professional doctorate in business administration designed for mid-career executives who have already completed an MBA (or equivalent qualification) and are looking to further enhance their practical and theoretical knowledge in the field.
Objectives:
- To provide participants with the opportunity to make significant contributions to both theory and practice in the field of business administration.
- To develop professional practice at the highest level.
- To equip graduates with advanced theoretical knowledge, practical application skills, and the ability to address complex challenges in today's dynamic business environment.
- To foster the development of critical skills and strategic mindsets necessary for driving organizational innovation, fostering sustainable growth, and making meaningful contributions to the field of business administration.
Program Description:
- Offered entirely online, with flexible study structure to accommodate busy professionals.
- Requires a dissertation research project that emphasizes applied research to solve real-world problems.
- Features a distinguished program faculty who provide milestones and support throughout the DBA journey.
- Enables graduates to obtain the highest-level postgraduate qualification in business and management without interrupting their careers.
- Offers the opportunity to attend campus-based seminars in Geneva.
Outline
Year 1:
Research Methodology I, Research Methodology II, Publishing Your Paper (seminar), Writing Research Proposal (seminar), Research Proposal (seminar).
Year 2:
Software Citation Tools (seminar), Thesis.
Additional Courses:
Students can choose 2 elective courses from the following list:
- Sustainability
- AI for Managers
- Strategic Corporate Culture
- Digital Business Acceleration
- Corporate Security and Business Intelligence
- Innovation and Change Management
- Financial Management
- Business English
- Business IT
- Data Visualization and Storytelling with Data
Structure:
- The program is delivered entirely online through a best-in-class learning management system.
- Students have the opportunity to attend webinars and engage with faculty and peers.
- The curriculum is designed to be flexible and accommodate the demanding lifestyle of executives and professionals.
Modules:
- Research Methodology I & II: Develop advanced research skills and knowledge in quantitative and qualitative methodologies.
- Publishing Your Paper: Learn how to prepare and publish research papers in academic journals.
- Writing Research Proposal: Develop a comprehensive research proposal for your dissertation.
- Research Proposal: Present your research proposal to a panel of experts.
- Software Citation Tools: Learn how to use software tools for accurate citation management.
- Thesis: Conduct original research and write a doctoral thesis under the guidance of a supervisor.
- Elective Courses: Choose from a variety of topics relevant to global business and management challenges.
Variety of Possible Topics:
- General management
- HR topics
- Business topics
- Supply chain
- Finance
- Many others
Assessment
Assessment methods may include:
- Written assignments
- Case studies
- Presentations
- Participation in online discussions
- Dissertation defense
Assessment criteria may focus on:
- Depth of knowledge and understanding
- Critical thinking and analysis
- Research skills
- Communication skills
- Originality and innovation
Teaching
Teaching methods:
- Online lectures and tutorials
- Interactive webinars
- Asynchronous discussion forums
- Individual supervision for the dissertation
Faculty:
- Experienced PhD mentors and researchers from prestigious universities around the world.
- Guest speakers from industry and academia.
Unique approaches:
- Personalized learning experience tailored to individual needs and interests.
- Access to a global network of peers, alumni, and faculty.
- Opportunity to participate in cutting-edge research projects.
Careers
Potential career paths for DBA graduates include:
- Senior management positions in business and industry
- Consulting roles
- Academia
- Research and development
- Entrepreneurship
Career opportunities may be found in:
- Multinational corporations
- Government agencies
- Non-profit organizations
- Consulting firms
- Educational institutions
Career outcomes may include:
- Increased earning potential
- Career advancement
- Enhanced leadership skills
- Greater impact on the business world
Other
- Over 130 different countries and cultures are represented in the program.
- The program is accredited by ACBSP (Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs).
- Graduates receive a DBA degree from SSBM Geneva.
- Various scholarship opportunities are available.
- The program offers a strong focus on networking and collaboration with peers from diverse industries.
Tuition Fees Global DBA: 11.000 EUR We offer various scholarship opportunities.
- This price includes all online program related costs. Additional costs may apply in some situations.