Doctorate program

DBA / Doctorate (Online)

Start date

Anytime

Language

English or French

Duration

24 months

Tuition Fees

9.000 EUR

Location

Online
DBA

Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)

The objective of the DBA in Business Administration is to provide participants with the opportunity to make a significant contribution to both theory and practice in the field while developing professional expertise at the highest level.

This is a practical, research-based doctoral program in business and industry, designed for mid-career executives who have already completed an MBA (or an equivalent qualification) and seek to deepen their practical and theoretical knowledge in the field.

This pathway requires students to submit a dissertation (thesis) and defend it at the end of their DBA program.

The DBA program allows you to earn the highest postgraduate degree in business and management without interrupting your career.

Regarding doctoral thesis supervision, it is important to note that the DBA thesis supervisor typically reviews the scientific work prepared by the student, provides guidance, and ensures that quality standards are met.

The thesis supervisor is an individual with the academic qualifications and professional experience required in the chosen research field. They have in-depth knowledge of the subject area in which the student is conducting research.

The supervisor’s role is to guide the DBA student from the beginning of the research through to the oral presentation and final defense of the completed dissertation (DBA viva).

The total duration to complete the DBA program is two (2) academic years or less, depending on the student’s motivation and readiness to submit the thesis.

The DBA thesis track offers a rigorous online or blended learning and research plan in an international environment. All DBA students have the opportunity to attend on-campus seminars organized in Paris.

This program is designed for professionals and senior executives, providing them with a practical foundation in higher business education, research, and its applications, through a flexible and research-driven curriculum.

The DBA doctoral program includes a thesis research project that focuses on applied research, helping you address real-world challenges within your organization. Our distinguished faculty will support you throughout your DBA journey, providing key milestones to keep you on track.

About the program

ABOUT

The objective of this Professional DBA in Business Administration is to provide participants with the opportunity to make a significant contribution to both theory and practice in the field while developing professional expertise at the highest level.

This is a practical, research-based doctoral program focused on applied business and industry research, designed for mid-career professionals.

The DBA program is offered in French or English, grants 120 ECTS credits, and is structured around core courses and seminars.

Our mentors come from some of the world’s most prestigious universities.

STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT KEY METRICS

Student achievement key metrics can be found HERE

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.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

This program will enable you to contribute to applied science in the various fields of management and business administration.

DBA program will equip you with advanced knowledge and skills in business strategy, decision-making, leadership, and research. You will be prepared to take on senior leadership roles, pursue
academic careers, or contribute to consulting, research, and policy-making in the business
field.

The DBA degree is highly respected and recognized internationally as a prestigious qualification for business professionals seeking to advance their careers and make significant contributions to the business community.

The overall objective of the DBA program is to become an expert in a certain area of a management field as a wider discipline and to strengthen your leadership skills by exploring a specific research field.

PROGRAM PREREQUISITES

– Basic research skills are advisable.

CURRICULUM

The program curriculum is the following one*:

YEAR 1
Research Methodology I (mandatory)
Research Methodology II (mandatory)
Research Proposal (mandatory)

YEAR 2
Publishing your paper
Strategies for Business Development
Software Citation Tools
Leadership, Ethics and CSR
Thesis Supervision
Thesis Defense

Optional:
– The program includes an exclusive Immersion Program in Paris, which is optional and subject to an additional fee

* final list of available courses is subject to change

STUDY PROGRAM OUTLINE

To access the detailed study program outline, please click on this LINK.

TEACHING METHOD

This program is delivered entirely online but with an option to attend seminars in Paris.

All modules can be completed in your own time and at your own pace.

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 PSM 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.
  • We provide access to S-Connect– an online platform to socialize / exchange / engage and communicate with current students, alumni, professors and industry partners
  • Access to e-Library and EBSCO (the largest provider of research databases, e-journals, magazine subscriptions, eBooks and discovery services)

DEGREE

Upon successful completion of the DBA you will be awarded with Doctor of Business Administration degree from Paris School of Management (PSM Paris).

FINANCE

 

Tuition fee

DBA: 9.000 EUR*

It is possible to pay tuition fees in several installments. We offer various scholarship opportunities. We encourage you to carefully review which one may apply to your situation.

* This price includes all costs related to the program. Additional fees may apply under certain conditions.

FAQ

TOP Frequently Asked Questions by Students

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. What accreditations does the program hold, and will it be internationally recognized?
    Paris School of Management (PSM) is registered as a private higher education institution in France, holding an official status from the Ministry of National Education as a Private Technical Higher Education Institution. To verify PSM Paris status with the Ministry of National Education you can go HERE  and type in the search “Paris School of Management“.
  5. Are there networking and career opportunities for online students?
    Yes, online students can engage in networking through our dedicated online platform “S-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.
  6. 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
  7. 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.
  8. 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 admissions@psm-paris.fr. Our admissions team will review your application based on various factors, such as your academic achievements and career goals.
  9. 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.
  10. Is coming to Paris required during online studies?
    No, coming to Paris is not mandatory during your online studies. However, students will be invited to attend the graduation ceremony, which will take place in Paris. This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate your achievements in person, but participation is entirely optional.

Learn. Lead. Transform.

You’re ambitious, driven, and ready to accelerate your career to the next level. You want a hands-on, practice-driven program that empowers you to make a positive impact. You aim to lead with confidence, authenticity, and purpose, gaining skills that are directly applicable to real-world challenges. And you’re looking to join a connected global community that will expand your perspectives and open new opportunities.

At PSM Paris, we are committed to helping you achieve your goals. Our future-oriented curriculum combines rigorous academic knowledge with practical learning experiences, cutting-edge e-learning, and international exposure. You’ll go beyond functional business knowledge to build the transversal skills needed to navigate and thrive in today’s fast-changing world.

During this program you’ll tackle real business challenges, engage in collaborative projects, benefit from personal advisory support, and expand your global awareness through unique immersion experiences. Along the way, you’ll develop highly sought-after skills such as critical thinking, effective problem-solving, and confident decision-making.

When you graduate, you’ll be positioned to lead with impact. Guided by integrity and driven by purpose, you’ll be ready to inspire teams and organizations to shape the future of business.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

120 ECTS credits

The program awards 120 ECTS credits upon completion.

1 DBA Mentor

Receive personalized support from a senior DBA mentor throughout your learning journey.

24 months

The program is designed to be completed in 24 months.

PSM pluses

You will benefit from the many pluses that the PSM program offers.

1 Personal Advisor

Each student is supported by 1 personal advisor throughout the program.

S-Connect

Through S-Connect, participants gain access to a global network of peers, faculty, and industry professionals.

Top-notch e-learning platform

Top-notch e-learning platform for modern learners

Immersion Program in Paris

The program includes an exclusive Immersion Program in Paris, which is optional and subject to an additional fee

Unique Opportunity

The Online DBA offers a unique opportunity for senior professionals to advance their academic and managerial expertise without interrupting their careers. Its flexible online format allows participants to balance demanding work schedules with rigorous doctoral-level study, making it ideal for executives and entrepreneurs.

What Our Students Say?

  • KATARINA LASIC, Executive MBA
    Finance Director, Novo Nordisk

    “I completed the Executive MBA program and it has been quite an experience. I have enjoyed myself and my expectations have been exceeded”.

     

  • ALEX E. ASAMPONG, Executive DBA
    Lecturer Utrecht University, Netherlands

    “I completed the Executive MBA program and it has been quite an experience. I have enjoyed myself and my expectations have been exceeded”.

     

  • DAVID ANNAN, DBA
    Author and Lecturer

    “It was a great experience and I want to thank entire school for an amazing support during my thesis. I’m also proud to be part of DBA mentors after I finished my DBA journey”.

     

  • ELISA SIMEONI, MBA
    Talent Manager, i-surance

    “School offers high level education with experienced professors and effective learning. This is a great opportunity to boost my career and invest in quality education”

     

  • ASER MATTER, MBA
    Director, Jaz Hotel Group

    “The greatest benefit of the program was much more than the “piece of paper”…Thanks to the school  for the MBA program, I know that I have all of the tools to be a successful and ethical leader.”

     

  • APOSTOL GEORGIEV, Bachelor
    Risk consultant at Wells Fargo

    “Studying has been extremely impactful for the way I look at business organizations. There are so many things I’ve learned…”

     

  • ROHINI GHAVARI, DBA
    Student

    “I’m very happy with the support of my mentor. It is really amazing and I’m enjoying my journey.”

     

  • ABRAHAM G MELGAR, MBA
    Country Sales Manager

    “All the programs ahave been wonderful and the teachers were extremely helpful. In my specific case, the course that helped me pay for the entire MBA degree and set the the foundation for my financial well-being in life is the finance course”

     

  • ADINA GRECU, Executive MBA
    Head of Digital & Online Marketing

    “It is a great experience and I truly appreciate this chance that I have received, to study in one of the top 10 European Business Schools offering online MBAs”.

     

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PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Frequently asked questions.

Why DBA?

Our DBA program will enable you to be able to provide novel, innovative, and creative solutions to complex business problems and opportunities as well as thought leadership for organizational change.

Key benefits

– Researcher education in management studies (theoretical and methodological competence)
– Competence to design and implement a sizable research project with a practical orientation
– A collegial network with professors and other researchers and the DBA candidates
– Competence in presenting papers in international seminars and conferences
– Writing and defending an academic doctoral thesis and research papers/articles
– Possibility to realize a sizable research/development project for an organization

Variety of possible topics

Any topic can be considered that deals with management, finance, HR or any other related themes such as:

• General management
• HR topics
• Business topics
• Supply chain
• Finance
• etc.

Competitive advantage

The DBA program will broaden your professional horizons enabling you to climb further up the corporate ladder.

Flexibility

The DBA program was designed to fit the demanding lifestyle of executives and professionals.

Degree

Upon successful completion of the DBA program you will be awarded with a DBA / Doctor of Business Administration degree delivered by Paris School of Management (PSM Paris).

Redefine Your Impact. Transform the Way You Lead.


This program isn’t just about earning a degree—it’s about reshaping your thinking, challenging conventional approaches, and developing the mindset of a global leader. You’ll explore critical business challenges, apply research to real-world contexts, and emerge with the confidence and expertise to drive meaningful change in your organization and beyond.

Empowering Leaders for Tomorrow’s Challenges

Empower your leadership, enhance your strategic insight, and master the tools to manage organizations in a fast-changing world.