DBA in Strategy, Project Leadership and PMO Management
The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in Strategy, Project Leadership and PMO Management at SBS Swiss Business School is an integrated work-and-research doctoral program designed for management practitioners and professionals who aim to make a meaningful contribution to strategic leadership, project excellence, and organizational performance.
A Top-Ranked Global DBA Program for Ambitious Leaders.
The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in Strategy, Project Leadership and PMO Management at SBS Swiss Business School is an integrated work-and-research doctoral program designed for management practitioners and professionals who aim to make a meaningful contribution to strategic leadership, project excellence, and organizational performance.
This hybrid, part-time DBA is delivered at the SBS Zurich Campus and is ideal for experienced managers seeking advanced research capabilities and deeper expertise in strategic planning, project leadership, and enterprise-level project management.
The program begins with an intensive in-person coursework phase, taught through weekend workshops every three months, and leads to the Swiss State-Accredited Master of Science in Applied Business Research (MABR).
After completing the coursework phase, candidates enter a remotely supervised research phase, conducting applied research projects that produce publishable, practice-oriented studies focused on organizational strategy, project execution, and high-impact PMO practices.
The DBA can be completed in a minimum of three years through a flexible structure designed for working professionals. Upon successfully completing both phases, candidates are awarded the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) degree with a specialization in Strategy, Project Leadership, and PMO Management.
Join us at SBS Swiss Business School and elevate your career today!
LIMITED SEATS AVAILABLE!
Learn More About Our DBA – Join the Upcoming Webinar or Book a Personalized Appointment:
Note
The DBA program is a part-time study and does not qualify for a student permit in Canton Zurich.
APPROACH
PROGRAM DETAILS
The SBS Swiss Business School Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in Strategy, Project Leadership and PMO Management can be completed in a minimum of three years, following a structured progression from the Coursework Phase to the supervised Research Phase.
Coursework Phase (Phase 1 – 50%)
The first phase consists of intensive in-person workshops and seminars, taught through weekend sessions every three months at the SBS Zurich Campus. Courses are delivered in a classroom-based, immersive workshop format and are assessed through written assignments.
To advance to the Research Phase, candidates must successfully complete a set of assessed Research Proposals. Once approved, students progress to independent, supervised research work.
Coursework Modules
- Management Research Perspectives
- Information Technologies for Business Research
- Advanced Statistics and Data Analysis
- Critique Analysis of Research
- Eleven Schools of Project Management
- Mega Projects and Complexity
- Research Methods in Business & Management
This phase lays the academic and methodological foundation required for high-level applied research.
Upon successfully completing Phase 1, students are awarded the Swiss State-Accredited Master of Science in Applied Business Research (MABR).
Research Phase (Years 2–3 – 50%)
During the Research Phase, candidates undertake independent, supervised research projects, each resulting in a publishable-quality research paper. These projects allow students to specialize within a broad organizational and management context, addressing real-world challenges related to leadership, change, strategy, and process improvement.
The program culminates in the submission of a doctoral dissertation, which is externally examined by independent experts to ensure academic rigor and international credibility.
Upon successfully completing both phases, candidates are awarded the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) degree with specialization in Strategy, Project Leadership and PMO Management.
| Classes starting |
September |
|---|---|
| Duration |
3 years |
| Format / Location | Hybrid / SBS Zurich Campus |
Explore the SBS Swiss Business School Academic Calendar for the DBA, featuring key dates, term schedules, exams, and thesis deadlines for students.
Specialization: Strategy, Project, Program, Portfolio Leadership, and PMOs
Mode of Study: Hybrid, part-time, 3-Year
SBS Credits: 180 | EQF Level: 8
Admissions Requirements:
- Successful completion of a Master’s degree related to Project Management
- 10 years of professional work experience, out of which min. five years of experience at the executive /managerial level
- English Proficiency for non-native speakers
- Successful completion of the admissions interview
- Minimum age required: 30 years
Required documentation for a successful Doctor of Business Administration Application
- Copy of MBA degree/transcript or related Master’s degree related to Project Management
- Complete CV and work certificates indicating professional experiences and responsibilities
- 10 years of professional work experience, out of which min. five years of experience at the executive /managerial level
- 1000-word outline of proposed research topic/idea
- English proficiency unless previous education was conducted in English
- TOEFL IBT 90, IELTS 6.5, Duolingo or equivalent
- Front-facing photograph, high quality in jpg/png/gif format
- Copy of passport or ID
Note: The DBA program is a part-time study and does not qualify for a student permit in Canton Zurich.
Tuition fees at SBS Swiss Business School may be paid in full or through installments, following the payment plan outlined below.
We offer a 5% tuition fee reduction on full payment at the start of the program.
| Application fee (one-time non-refundable) | CHF 150.- |
| Administration fee (one-time non-refundable fee) | CHF 5'000.- |
| Semester 1 | CHF 10’000.- |
| Semester 2 | CHF 10’000.- |
| Semester 3 | CHF 10’000.- |
| Semester 4 | CHF 5’000.- |
| Semester 5 | CHF 5’000.- |
Total Fee | CHF 45’150.- |
All fees include material and VAT, amounts are stated in the local currency of Swiss Francs (CHF).
SBS Swiss Business School is institutionally recognized in Switzerland and operates under a rigorous quality assurance framework that meets national and international higher education standards. We are committed to academic excellence, transparency, and continuous improvement in business education.
Our business and management programs are accredited by leading international accreditation bodies, ensuring that our curriculum, faculty expertise, and learning outcomes meet globally recognized standards of quality.
SBS Swiss Business School is a Swiss University of Applied Sciences Institute, accredited under the Swiss Federal Act (HEdA).
Important Notice for DBA Applicants
Please note that the DBA program is not part of the Swiss Federal Act (HEdA). For consumer protection and full clarity, we recommend that applicants review the regulations and recognition policies of their home country.
However, our DBA programs are internationally accredited by the following professional accreditation bodies:
- British Accreditation Council
- Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
- International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE)
Learn more about our accreditation bodies
Quality and transparency are at the heart of SBS Swiss Business School. As a leading institution for business education, we are committed to exceeding international standards in higher education and demonstrating our positive impact on students, employers, and society.
SBS Swiss Business School and its programs are regularly evaluated by independent ranking organizations and international publications. We take pride in our consistent recognition for academic excellence, innovation, and global relevance.
Our programs have earned prestigious rankings and awards worldwide, underscoring our commitment to Swiss-quality education that empowers the next generation of business leaders.
Discover how SBS continues to stand out in the global business education landscape.
Discover the SBS Swiss Business School Annual Program Report, featuring insights on class profiles, international diversity, specializations, graduate employment, salaries, and career outcomes.
The report covers age range, regional background, salary data, placement rates, time to employment, and employment sectors - showing how SBS graduates succeed worldwide.
TESTIMONIALS
Voices of success
My time in the DBA program at SBS was about continuous intellectual development and critical thinking skills, which prepared me for a successful career in academia.
Sujit Mishra
DBA Strategy, Project Leadership and PMOs
Through classes, discussions, and presentations we learned about each other’s cultures and formed strong friendships.
Sara Al Maraghi
DBA Strategy, Project Leadership and PMOs
I chose the DBA program at SBS Swiss Business School because of its enrolment standards, flexible program, and the intense focus on the PMO (Project Management Office).
Lolwa AL Naemi
DBA Strategy, Project Leadership and PMOs
My goal was always to continue my learning journey along with my career progression
Ayesha Al Mansoori
DBA Strategy, Project Leadership and PMOs
The DBA had been an opportunity to reflect on my own current management practices, and explore current developments in research and leadership thinking.
Aisha Alnuaimi
DBA Strategy, Project Leadership and PMOs
Admissions
Take the next step in your career
We don’t just give students an education and experiences that set them up for success in a career. We help them succeed in their career to discover a field they’re passionate about!
