Sharpen your judgement
Evaluate evidence, challenge assumptions and make better-informed strategic decisions.
Monarch Business School · Applied doctoral study
Doctor of Business Administration
Turn professional experience into evidence-based leadership and meaningful organisational impact.
For two decades, Monarch has pioneered “study while you work” doctoral education—helping working professionals pursue advanced scholarship alongside their careers.
24 or 48 monthsStandard or extended pathway
Remote & flexibleStudy alongside professional life
Monthly entryRolling admissions · starts on the 1st
Faculty mentorshipGuidance through research milestones
Program Facts
The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) at Monarch Switzerland is a fully online, part-time doctoral programme offered through Monarch Business School, with a standard duration of 24 months. Designed for experienced managers and professionals, it enables doctoral study alongside a career without the need to relocate.
- Institution
- Monarch Switzerland
- Department
- Monarch Business School
- Award
- Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
- Study Mode
- Fully Online
- Standard Duration
- 24 Months
- Study Format
- Part-Time
- Designed For
- Experienced Managers and Professionals
- Residency
- No Relocation Required
- Language
- English
- Institution Location
- Switzerland
This doctoral program may be completed fully online, including the doctoral defence. No relocation is required. Candidates may select an in-person doctoral defence when offered by Monarch.
An extended-duration pathway is available. Completion depends on research progress and fulfilment of the programme’s academic requirements.
Experience meets inquiry
Research grounded in the work you do.
The Monarch DBA connects rigorous inquiry with the realities of management. Develop a research question rooted in your organisation, profession or sector, then translate your findings into practical recommendations.
Built on two decades of experience serving working professionals, the programme combines independent study with faculty mentorship. There is no mandatory relocation or residency; optional workshops in Switzerland offer opportunities for research support and academic exchange.
Lead responsible change
Bring ethical judgement, stakeholder awareness and disciplined analysis to complex organisational challenges.
Contribute to practice
Develop an applied doctoral manuscript that connects research insight with actionable managerial recommendations.
Your doctoral journey
A clear pathway from question to contribution.
Progress through defined milestones, supported by faculty guidance and academic review. The Monarch Standard Research Method (MSRM) provides an established framework to employ with faculty guidance, rather than developing a research method from scratch—saving time and energy for the inquiry itself.
MONARCH STANDARD RESEARCH METHOD
Explore the MSRM →
A clearer path through doctoral research.
See how the MSRM provides an established, faculty-guided framework—so you can focus your time and energy on the inquiry itself.
- 01 · PREPARE
Build the foundations
Develop research methods and academic writing through Research Skills I and II.
- 02 · FRAME
Shape your proposal
Develop your research proposal during the programme, in conjunction with faculty. Together, refine your managerial question and the approach to investigating it.
- 03 · INVESTIGATE
Conduct fieldwork
Gather and analyse evidence within your professional or sectoral context using the Monarch Standard Research Method.
- 04 · SYNTHESISE
Develop your manuscript
Connect findings with applied frameworks and recommendations for practice.
- 05 · PRESENT
Share your contribution
Present your completed research and its implications before the Review Committee.
Recognition & progression
One journey. Connected opportunities.
Build your identity as a practitioner–scholar while developing a substantial contribution to management practice.
A master's award in passing
Successful completion of the DBA also confers the MA in Business Research under Monarch’s Master-in-Passing framework.
Explore the Master-in-Passing framework →
Considering a dual doctorate?
A separate PhD-first pathway may lead to an applied doctoral award following academic review. It is distinct from the DBA’s master's award in passing.
Explore dual doctoral pathways →Who this programme is for
For experienced professionals ready to investigate what matters.
The DBA is designed for accomplished professionals who want to examine a significant challenge in their organisation, profession or sector—and turn rigorous inquiry into informed action.
Managers leading complexity
Senior managers, directors and executives responsible for strategy, transformation, performance or organisational development.
Professionals shaping practice
Entrepreneurs, consultants and advisers seeking an evidence-based way to investigate recurring challenges and strengthen professional practice.
Leaders creating public value
Experienced professionals in government, education, healthcare, NGOs and related fields working to improve institutions and communities.
Doctoral experience in practice
Research shaped by experienced professionals.
Meet Monarch graduates whose doctoral work connects rigorous inquiry with leadership, organisations and public value across diverse professional settings.
“Her research examined how leadership culture shapes innovation in multinational technology organisations, translating lived executive experience into a practical framework for change.”
Admissions and support
A supported route into doctoral study.
Admission considers your academic preparation, professional experience, research motivation and fit with the programme. Where needed, a tailored bridging route can strengthen the foundations for doctoral study.
Ask about your eligibility →Entry requirements
Applicants normally hold a recognised bachelor’s degree. A master’s degree can strengthen an application but is not mandatory. Professional background, research motivation and supervisory fit are considered in the academic review.
Coming from a different discipline?
Applicants without a business or management background may be assigned a tailored bridging programme of up to five MBA-level courses. Requirements are confirmed individually and completed alongside the DBA, normally within the first 24 months, without an additional course fee.
When do I develop my research proposal?
Your research proposal is developed during the programme in conjunction with faculty. You will refine your research question, scope and methodology through this guided process.
When can I begin?
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, with programme starts on the first day of each month, subject to admission.
Can I study while working?
Yes. For two decades, Monarch has provided doctoral study for working professionals, developing a time-tested approach to studying while you work. Study from anywhere, anytime—24/7—with an asynchronous format that fits around your schedule. Distance-based study, faculty mentoring and the Monarch Standard Research Method provide a structured pathway alongside your professional responsibilities. Optional workshops offer additional support, with no mandatory residency requirement.
Planning your study
Flexible study. Clear tuition.
Choose a standard 24-month or extended 48-month pathway to suit your professional commitments. Explore tuition fees, payment arrangements and continuation conditions before applying.
Your experience. Your next contribution.
What challenge will your doctoral research address?
Talk with our Admissions Office about your background, research interests and the DBA pathway that fits your ambitions.