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Postgraduate Program

Doctor of Business Administration in Strategy, Project Leadership, and PMO Management

EARN A DBA WITH TWO ACCREDITED DEGREES

This hybrid, dual-accredited, part-time DBA program is offered by SBS Swiss Business School, Zurich Campus, in collaboration with SBS Swiss Business School, Malta Campus, which is accredited by the Malta Further & Higher Education Authority and awards a state-accredited DBA aligned with the European Qualifications Framework (EQF).

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Format:
Hybrid
Language:
English
Duration:
3 years
Location:
Phase I: SBS Zurich Campus / Phase II: SBS Malta Campus

WHAT MAKES OUR DBA IN STRATEGY, PROJECT LEADERSHIP AND PMO MANAGEMENT UNIQUE?

At SBS Swiss Business School, our DBA in Strategy, Project Leadership, and PMO Management is designed for ambitious professionals who aim to excel at the executive level in both project and business leadership. 

The program strengthens strategic thinking, leadership capability, and execution excellence - empowering you to drive transformative change and elevate business performance in today’s rapidly evolving marketplace. This specialization also provides a focused academic pathway for candidates seeking deeper expertise in organizational strategy, strategic execution, project leadership, and effective PMO management.

This hybrid, dual-accredited, part-time DBA program is offered by SBS Swiss Business School, Zurich Campus, in collaboration with SBS Swiss Business School, Malta Campus, which is accredited by the Malta Further & Higher Education Authority and awards a state-accredited DBA aligned with the European Qualifications Framework.

Students complete the DBA degree through the SBS Malta Campus, benefiting from Swiss-quality academic rigor while receiving a state-recognized qualification within the European higher education system.

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.

EARN A DBA WITH TWO ACCREDITED DEGREES

DBA Program Structure

PHASE I

COURSEWORK PHASE (First Accredited Degree)

The learning journey begins with an intensive, in-person coursework phase of 18 months, delivered through weekend workshops every three months at SBS Swiss Business School, Zurich Campus

This phase concludes with the Swiss State-Accredited Master of Science in Applied Business Research (MABR), ensuring a strong foundation in applied research, analytical methods, and evidence-based management.

Upon successful completion of Phase I, candidates may progress to Phase II and choose between two academically recognized pathways to earn their Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) degree.

PHASE II

RESEARCH PHASE (2nd Accredited Degree)

DBA from SBS Swiss Business School, Malta Campus

Candidates will earn a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) degree accredited by Malta Further and Higher Education Authority (MFHEA) and formally recognized at MQF Level 8.
This accreditation is particularly attractive for individuals seeking a state-accredited European doctoral degree, aligned with the European Qualifications Framework (EQF).

Because Malta is part of the European Higher Education Area (EHEA), this accretitation ensures broad recognition across Europe and in regions that value European academic standards, enhancing worldwide professional mobility.

The DBA degree is awarded upon the successful completion of a minimum 18-month remote research program, with a maximum duration of six years to complete all requirements.

SBS DBA AT A GLANCE:

HYBRID, DUAL-ACCREDITED, PART-TIME DBA PROGRAM

Fully in English

3-YEAR COMPLETION PERIOD

Coursework Phase (18 Months) 

Research Phase (18 Months)

DESIGNED FOR EXPERIENCED LEADERS:

Tailored for professionals aiming to drive organizational and industry impact.

COMPREHENSIVE, RESEARCH-DRIVEN CURRICULUM:

Advanced coursework in business theory, research methodologies, and data analysis, culminating in an original doctoral dissertation.

FLEXIBLE HYBRID LEARNING:

Blends in-person weekend sessions with online modules in the first year, followed by remote research in subsequent years, offering flexibility for busy professionals.

ACCELERATED COMPLETION:

Complete the DBA in a minimum of three years with flexible options for balancing work and study.

TWO ACCREDITATIONS WITH GLOBAL RECOGNITION:

Complete the DBA at SBS Swiss Business School, Malta Campus - fully accredited by the Malta Further and Higher Education Authority (MQF Level 8) - and earn a second prestigious degree with global recognition.

PROGRAM DETAILS

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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 (18 months)

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 (18 months)

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
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Explore the SBS Swiss Business School Academic Calendar for the DBA, featuring key dates, term schedules, exams, and thesis deadlines for students.

 

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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 for both DBA program Paths (same Fee):

We offer a 5% discount 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).

Front

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:

Learn more about our accreditation bodies

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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.

 

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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

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The research on the project management office (PMO) provided tremendous exposure to cutting-edge research in my learning curve.

Sujit Mishra

Sujit Mishra

DBA Strategy, Project Leadership and PMOs
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hrough classes, discussions, and presentations we learned about each other’s cultures and formed strong friendships.

Sara Al Maraghi

DBA Strategy, Project Leadership and PMOs
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The international and varied perspectives presented in class made an enriching learning experience.

Lolwa AL Naemi

DBA Strategy, Project Leadership and PMOs
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My goal was always to continue my learning journey along with my career progression.

Ayesha Al Mansoori

Ayesha Al Mansoori

DBA Strategy, Project Leadership and PMOs
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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

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