PhD and DBA at Swiss School of Management
What are the differences and when which?
Swiss School of Management offers doctoral candidates two focused pathways towards a doctoral degree: a doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA). Both degrees are on the highest academic level (level 8 by the EQF framework), but there is a significant difference between the nature of the programs. Using this table, one gets a clear overview of the similarities and differences between a PhD and a DBA.
| Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) | Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) | |
|---|---|---|
| Candidate profile | Researchers, academics, managers | Managers, entrepreneurs, business owners |
| Entry requirements | Master’s degree | Master’s degree and 5 years of work experience in a leading position |
| Orientation of research | Theoretical | Practical/applied |
| Type of research | Fundamental or applied | Applied |
| Type of research topic | Society, public policies or business and economics | Business and economics with a strong link to the day job |
| Duration of program | 3 years (six semesters) | 2 years (four semesters) |
| Extension years | No limit | On exceptional cases |
| Price of program | 5,000 EURO per semester | 30,000 EURO |
| Partial scholarship | Yes, upon request. With special terms and conditions | No |
| Payment plans | Payments per semester | Lump sum payment with a 5% discount or installments per semester |
| Coursework | Required (4 modules), no exams | Required (4 modules), no exams |
| Support | Supervisor, mentor and digital content | Supervisor, mentor and digital content |
| Travel to campus | No, but optional | No, but optional |
| Type of study | Work + study + workshops/events | Work + study + workshops/events |
| Indicated intensity | 16-20 hours a week (approximately) | 16-40 hours a week (approximately) |
| Titel after graduation | PhD or Dr. (doctor) | DBA or Dr. (doctor) |
| Thesis size | 120-150 pages | 100-120 pages |
| Oral defense | Yes | Yes |
| Typical motivations | Career in academics and industry | Personal challenge, business career |