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.
See Where the SBS DBA Can Take You
Explore salary insights, professional experience, international diversity, and the industries and leadership roles represented within the SBS DBA community.
Discover the backgrounds of experienced professionals pursuing their DBA at SBS Swiss Business School. View the DBA Class Profile 2024–2025
Experience the DBA Through Maru’s Story
Hear Maru Wegener share her student experience at SBS Swiss Business School and discover her personal perspective on pursuing a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA).
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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)
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
- Critical 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 (Phase 2)
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 B2 or equivalent
- Front-facing photograph, high quality in jpg/png/gif format
- Copy of passport or ID
Application Deadline:
For applicants from non-EU/non-Schengen countries, the application deadline for each annual DBA intake is August 15. The program begins in mid-September each year.
Late applications may be considered on an exceptional basis; however, admission is not guaranteed. We strongly encourage applicants to apply early to allow sufficient time for application processing and visa arrangements and to increase their chances of securing a place in the program.
Notes
The DBA program is offered on a part-time basis and does not qualify students for a student residence permit in the Canton of Zurich.
Please note that scholarships are not available for the DBA program.
At SBS Swiss Business School, we believe that high-quality education should be accessible and affordable, while maintaining high academic standards and offering flexible learning options.
Tuition fees may be paid in full or through installments, according to the program's payment schedule.
We offer a 5% reduction on tuition fees when paid in full 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.- |
Notes:
- The total program fee of CHF 45’150 includes CHF 40’000 in tuition fees, a one-time, non-refundable administration fee of CHF 5’000, and a non-refundable application fee of CHF 150.
- All fees include required teaching materials and applicable VAT. All amounts are stated in Swiss francs (CHF).
- Scholarships are not available for the DBA program.
Equal Tuition Fees for All Students
At SBS Swiss Business School, we believe in equal opportunities. Our tuition fees are the same for local and international students, providing equal access to our international learning environment.
SBS Swiss Business School, located in Kloten-Zurich, Switzerland, is institutionally accredited under the Swiss Higher Education Act (HEdA) by the Swiss Accreditation Council as a university of applied sciences institute (2021–2028).
SBS is also accredited by the British Accreditation Council (BAC) as an independent higher education institution in Switzerland.
The SBS Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program holds specialized international program accreditations from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) and the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE), both recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
Important Information About the DBA
Coursework Phase: Master of Science in Applied Business Research (MABR)
Students who successfully complete the coursework phase of the DBA program are awarded the Master of Science in Applied Business Research (MABR) by SBS Swiss Business School.
The DBA is a professional doctoral program and is not covered by SBS's institutional accreditation under the Swiss Higher Education Act (HEdA).
The following institutional and program accreditations are relevant to the SBS DBA programs:
- British Accreditation Council (BAC)
- Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
- International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE)
Applicants are encouraged to verify the recognition and acceptance of their intended DBA qualification in the country where they plan to use it, including any applicable professional or academic requirements.
These accreditations reflect SBS's commitment to academic quality, internationally recognized standards, and continuous improvement.
SBS Swiss Business School has earned international recognition for its commitment to high-quality, globally oriented business education.
Several SBS programs have been recognized through international rankings and listings published by organizations such as QS and CEO Magazine.
Our rankings, ratings, and recognitions include:
- Joint #4 Globally – Executive MBA, CEO Magazine Global MBA Rankings 2026
- #5 Globally – Online MBA, CEO Magazine Global MBA Rankings 2026
- Premier DBA Provider – CEO Magazine Global DBA Listing 2026
- #29 in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) – Online MBA, QS Online MBA Rankings 2026
- QS 5-Star Rating for Online Learning, recognizing SBS's online learning provision
These achievements reflect SBS's international recognition and ongoing commitment to practical, internationally oriented business education.
Explore our latest rankings and awards to learn more about SBS Swiss Business School's international recognition.
Discover the professional backgrounds and international diversity of students enrolled in the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program at SBS Swiss Business School.
Explore our DBA Class Profile for insights into student demographics, international representation, professional experience, employment sectors, job titles, and salary information.
TESTIMONIALS
Student & Alumni Voices
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
TESTIMONIALS
Faculty Voices
The DBA equips senior leaders to conduct applied research and address complex business challenges. It develops the ability to generate knowledge within organizations, improving decision-making, performance, and leadership impact in a changing global environment.
Prof. Dr. Bert Wolfs
Academic Dean & DBA Program Manager
I enjoy visiting SBS in Zurich and working with diverse faculty and students worldwide. The DBA program fosters global collaboration and develops leaders who address major societal challenges through applied doctoral education.
Dr Barry A. Vann
Adjunct Faculty
SBS DBA students are top-notch, enthusiastic, and highly determined. I enjoy teaching the Mega Project Workshop and value the rigorous yet flexible academic environment, which fosters meaningful engagement and strong practical application.
Dr. Lavagno Ika
Adjunct Faculty
I teach in the DBA program, where we combine applied learning with strong academic foundations. Students develop skills to solve real business problems while also contributing to academic knowledge and research.
Prof. Dr. Günther Singer
Adjunct Faculty
Admissions
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