The Executive Dual DBA in International Business is a joint, double degree program delivered by the Paris School of Management and SSBM Geneva, Switzerland .
SSBM Geneva is accredited by ACBSP and BAC.
This unique double degree DBA program is designed for experienced professionals who wish to advance their knowledge, skills, and expertise in business leadership, research, and management.
The objective of this professional doctorate in business administration is to provide participants with the opportunity to make significant contributions to both theory and practice in the field and to develop professional practice at the highest level.
In the Executive Dual DBA in International Business, the doctoral thesis supervisor plays a central role in guiding participants through their advanced research journey. The supervisor ensures that the candidate’s work meets the highest academic and professional standards, while providing strategic and methodological guidance throughout the process.
Supervisors are distinguished academics or senior professionals with significant expertise in international business and management. Their deep understanding of global business practices and research methodologies enables them to mentor candidates effectively, ensuring that each dissertation contributes both to academic scholarship and to real-world business transformation.
From defining the research topic and developing the proposal to the final oral defense (DBA viva), supervisors accompany candidates at every step, fostering critical thinking, analytical rigor, and strategic insight.
The Executive Dual DBA is typically completed within two (2) academic years or less, depending on the candidate’s level of engagement, research progress, and readiness to submit the final thesis. The program’s structure is designed to accommodate the demanding schedules of senior executives while maintaining the depth and quality expected of doctoral-level research.
As far as supervision of thesis research is concerned it is to be noted that the DBA thesis supervisor generally looks at the scientific work being prepared by the student, supervises it, and is committed to ensuring that quality standards of the work are being met. The supervisor is a person with the requisite academic qualification and experience in the chosen field of the thesis research. The supervisor has expert knowledge of the field in which the student is carrying out his/her research. The supervisor’s task is to guide the DBA student from commencement of the research through the oral presentation and defense of the completed research work (DBA viva).
Total duration for completing the DBA program is two (2) academic years or less which depends on the student’s motivation to deliver the thesis.
The Executive Dual DBA in International Business is designed to empower experienced professionals to make meaningful contributions to both management theory and global business practice. This professional doctorate provides an opportunity to advance strategic insight, research capability, and leadership excellence at the highest level.
The program combines academic rigor with practical relevance, focusing on research that addresses complex challenges faced by contemporary organizations. It is specifically structured for mid- to senior-level executives who seek to integrate advanced academic thinking with real-world impact in business and industry.
Our distinguished mentors come from some of the world’s most prestigious universities and business schools. They bring deep academic expertise, global perspectives, and practical experience, ensuring that each participant receives exceptional guidance throughout their doctoral journey.
Student achievement key metrics can be found HERE
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.
– Basic research skills are advisable.
YEAR 1
Research Methodology I (mandatory)
Research Methodology II (mandatory)
Research Proposal (mandatory)
Advanced Research Methods (optional course)
YEAR 2
Publishing your paper
Strategies for Business Development
Software Citation Tools
Leadership, Ethics and CSR
Thesis Supervision
Thesis Defense
+ Optional:
– Immersion Program in Geneva or Paris (The immersion program fee is waived**)
– Executive 3-Day Leadership Experience in Paris or Geneva
– Additional 4 Elective Executive Courses (Foundations of Agentic AI, International Business Management, Applied Artificial Intelligence in Business and Applied AI in Emerging Technologies: 24 ECTS)
* final list of available courses is subject to change
** See more details on the immersion program here
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 Geneva or 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 Dual DBA in International Business you will be awarded with 2 DBA / Doctor of Business Administration diploma:
– 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.
Tuition Fees: 18.000 EUR*
We offer various scholarship opportunities. We invite you to carefully check which one can apply to you.
* This price includes all online program related costs.
TOP Frequently Asked Questions by Students
You’re an accomplished professional, ready to elevate your expertise and leadership impact to a global scale. You seek a doctoral journey that blends academic depth with real-world application — a program that challenges your thinking, sharpens your strategic insight, and empowers you to create meaningful change in international business.
At the Executive Dual DBA in International Business, offered jointly by SSBM Geneva and PSM Paris, we are dedicated to helping you achieve your highest professional and academic ambitions. Our dual-degree program combines Swiss academic precision with French intellectual excellence, offering a unique blend of rigorous research, executive relevance, and international exposure.
Throughout this transformative experience, you will conduct applied research on real business challenges, engage in high-level peer collaboration, and benefit from personalized mentorship by distinguished international faculty. You’ll refine critical executive skills — such as strategic foresight, analytical reasoning, and evidence-based decision-making — while broadening your global leadership perspective.
When you graduate, you’ll hold two prestigious doctoral degrees and be equipped to lead with authority, vision, and purpose. You will not only advance your career — you will shape the future of global business through innovation, integrity, and impact.
The program was designed for business professionals and top executives with the objective to provide them with a practical grounding in premium business and research education and its applications by offering a flexible and rigorous research-based curriculum.
The DBA doctorate program features a thesis research project that emphasizes applied research to help you solve a real-world problem within your organization. Our distinguished program faculty will accompany you throughout the DBA journey by providing milestones to help you stay on track.
“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.
