The objective of this Executive Doctor of Business Administration (Executive DBA) is to empower senior professionals to make a high-impact contribution to both business practice and applied research, while enhancing their strategic and leadership capabilities at the highest academic level.
This advanced, practice-oriented doctoral program is specifically designed for experienced executives, entrepreneurs, and senior managers who have already completed an MBA (or an equivalent qualification) and now aim to further elevate their expertise through rigorous research and practical application in real-world business settings.
The Executive DBA pathway culminates with the submission of a dissertation (thesis), which must be defended before a panel, demonstrating the candidate’s ability to generate actionable insights and contribute meaningfully to executive practice and knowledge.
In the context of the Executive DBA program, the thesis supervisor plays a critical role in supporting the candidate’s research journey. The supervisor is responsible for reviewing the scientific work produced by the student, providing expert guidance throughout the research process, and ensuring that academic and professional quality standards are consistently met.
Supervisors are selected based on their strong academic credentials and substantial professional experience in the candidate’s chosen field of research. Their deep subject-matter expertise enables them to effectively mentor Executive DBA candidates as they develop impactful, practice-oriented research.
The supervisor accompanies the candidate from the initial research proposal through to the oral presentation and final defense of the dissertation (DBA viva).
The Executive DBA program is designed to be completed within a maximum of two (2) academic years, although highly motivated and prepared candidates may complete it in a shorter timeframe.
The Executive DBA program enables experienced professionals to earn the highest academic degree in business and management—without interrupting their careers.
This flexible and research-driven program offers a thesis track delivered fully online or in a blended format, designed to accommodate demanding executive schedules. Set in a dynamic international environment, the program includes the opportunity to attend on-campus seminars in Paris, fostering networking and engagement with peers and faculty.
Tailored for senior executives and seasoned professionals, the Executive DBA provides a practical and academically rigorous foundation in advanced business education, applied research, and strategic problem-solving.
A core component of the program is the thesis research project, focused on addressing real-world challenges within the candidate’s organization or industry. With guidance from our distinguished faculty, candidates follow a structured roadmap with clearly defined milestones, ensuring steady progress toward a successful dissertation and defense.
The Executive DBA in Business Administration is designed to enable participants to make a meaningful and original contribution to both theory and practice, while developing advanced professional expertise in their chosen field.
This applied, research-oriented doctoral program is tailored for mid-career professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of business through real-world, evidence-based research.
The program is delivered in French or English, awards 120 ECTS credits, and combines core academic courses with interactive research seminars, providing a structured yet flexible pathway toward completing the doctoral thesis.
Participants benefit from personalized guidance by mentors affiliated with some of the world’s most prestigious universities, ensuring both academic excellence and practical relevance throughout the DBA journey.
Student achievement key metrics can be found HERE
– 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.
This program will enable you to contribute to applied science in the various fields of management and business administration.
Executive 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 Executive 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 Executive 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.
– Basic research skills are advisable.
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
Additional Executive Courses**
+ 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
** The student has the option either to audit these courses only (in which case no ECTS points are awarded) or to submit final projects for the courses (ECTS points are awarded).
To access the detailed study program outline, please click on this LINK.
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.
Upon successful completion of the Executive DBA you will be awarded with Executive Doctor of Business Administration degree from Paris School of Management (PSM Paris).
Executive DBA: 11.000 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.
TOP Frequently Asked Questions by Students
You’re an accomplished professional — ambitious, experienced, and ready to make a lasting contribution to the world of business and leadership. You seek a transformative program that goes beyond traditional management education, one that challenges your thinking and empowers you to generate new knowledge and solutions for complex business realities.
At PSM Paris, our Executive DBA is designed for leaders who want to combine academic excellence with strategic impact. Our future-oriented curriculum blends rigorous doctoral research with applied practice, enabling you to connect theory with real-world business challenges. Through innovative learning formats, international exposure, and personalized supervision, you’ll refine your ability to lead with vision, evidence, and purpose.
Throughout the program, you’ll engage in advanced research projects, collaborate with a global network of peers and faculty, and produce actionable insights that create tangible value for organizations and society. You’ll sharpen your analytical and critical thinking, elevate your strategic perspective, and develop the intellectual confidence to influence boardrooms and shape business agendas.
Upon completion, you’ll emerge not only as a senior executive but as a thought leader — capable of driving innovation, guiding transformation, and contributing meaningfully to the global dialogue on management and leadership. At PSM Paris, your Executive DBA journey is more than an academic achievement — it’s a platform to redefine your impact and leave a lasting legacy.
The Executive DBA at PSM Paris offers an exceptional opportunity for senior professionals to advance both their academic and strategic leadership capabilities — without putting their careers on hold. Designed with flexibility in mind, the program enables executives, entrepreneurs, and decision-makers to integrate doctoral-level study seamlessly into their professional lives.
Through an innovative blended learning format, participants can pursue rigorous research and real-world application while maintaining their global business responsibilities. This unique structure empowers you to deepen your expertise, generate impactful insights, and strengthen your position as a transformative leader in your field.
“I completed the Executive MBA program and it has been quite an experience. I have enjoyed myself and my expectations have been exceeded”.
“I completed the Executive MBA program and it has been quite an experience. I have enjoyed myself and my expectations have been exceeded”.
“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”.
“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”
“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.”
“Studying has been extremely impactful for the way I look at business organizations. There are so many things I’ve learned…”
“I’m very happy with the support of my mentor. It is really amazing and I’m enjoying my journey.”
“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”
“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”.
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.
Empower your leadership, enhance your strategic insight, and master the tools to manage organizations in a fast-changing world.
