Be recognised for your expertise
Develop a distinctive area of knowledge and a doctoral qualification that reflects your achievement.
Monarch Business School · Applied doctoral study
Doctor of Business Administration
You’ve earned your experience.Now earn your doctorate.
Build the authority, credibility and professional distinction you want for your next chapter. Whether you aspire to lead at a higher level, establish yourself as a trusted adviser or achieve the personal milestone of becoming a doctor, your ambition deserves a next step.
At Monarch Business School Switzerland, pursue your DBA alongside your career—with individual faculty guidance and a doctoral project grounded in your professional expertise.
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.
Your experience. Your ambition.
Your expertise deserves a next chapter.
You have built experience, expertise and professional responsibilities. Now take them further—whether your ambition is greater leadership responsibility, a stronger advisory practice or deeper expertise in your field. Your DBA project gives you the opportunity to explore a challenge that matters to your organisation, profession or sector.
Your professional experience provides the foundation; program study, applied research and faculty guidance help you develop fresh insight and a contribution to practice. Study from your home country without relocating. Optional workshops in Switzerland offer opportunities to exchange ideas and connect with fellow professionals.
Bring greater authority to your professional voice
Strengthen the insight and confidence you bring to leadership, consulting and business conversations.
Achieve something personally significant
Turn a long-held ambition into a doctoral achievement and a contribution you can be proud of.
Your doctoral journey
A clear pathway from question to contribution.
You do not need to arrive with a finished research proposal. Once you choose a professional doctorate the faculty will guide you in developing your research proposal. Progress through clear milestones using the Monarch Standard Research Method (MSRM), an established framework that helps you focus your time and energy on your project.
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 on your professional achievements as you develop a 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 the professional you aspire to become.
You may be ready for greater leadership responsibility, a more distinctive consulting practice or the personal achievement of earning a doctorate. Bring that ambition—and the experience you have earned—to a DBA that connects your professional goals with a meaningful contribution.
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.
Our DBA community
Professional experience. Individual achievements.
Meet DBA and dual PhD / DBA students and graduates who bring their experience and ambitions into doctoral study.
Dr. Richmond Ezenwa Okafor
Graduate · DBA in Entrepreneurship
Dr. Richmond Ezenwa Okafor entered the DBA as a portfolio entrepreneur with more than twenty-five years of leadership across Nigeria’s technology, industrial and consumer sectors. His research examined digital…
Dr. Scott Farrell
Graduate · DBA
Dr. Scott Farrell completed the DBA while serving as Group Chief Financial Officer for B. Braun Companies Southern Africa. Drawing on extensive leadership across finance, operations and healthcare markets in nine…
Dr. Allison Ayodeji Aliu
Graduate · Dual PhD / DBA
Dr. Allison Ayodeji Aliu brought nearly two decades of senior commercial leadership in the Nigerian and international petroleum sectors to his doctoral inquiry. His research examined the strategic choices facing…
Afoke Igwe
Candidate · Dual PhD / DBA
Afoke brings a background in environmental management to her doctoral study. She holds an M.Sc. in Geography and Environmental Management from the University of Port Harcourt.
Read profile →
Amanda Tagliaferri
Candidate · DBA
Amanda is pursuing a DBA in Organizational Neuroscience. She holds a Bachelor of Business and a graduate certificate in Women in Leadership from Cornell University.
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Amma Benneh-Amponsah
Candidate · DBA
Amma Benneh-Amponsah is a DBA candidate. She holds an MBA in International Business from Coventry University and an Honours B.Sc. in Administration from the University of Ghana.
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Andrew Kilama
Candidate · DBA
Andrew Kilama is a DBA candidate. He holds an MBA from Oxford Brookes University and a Bachelor of Commerce with Honours in Accounting from Makerere University.
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Arinaitwe Rwakajara
DBA
Mr. Arinaitwe Rwakajara is a Doctor of Business Administration Candidate. He holds a MBA from Monarch Business School and a Bachelor of Arts in Social Science from Makerere University in Uganda. He also holds a Diploma…
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Arthur Johnson
Dual PhD / DBA
Prof. Arthur Johnson is a PhD / DBA Combined program Candidate. He holds a B.Sc. in Criminal Justice from A.M.E. Zion University College, a Bachelor of Public Administration and Bachelor of Laws from the University of…
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Dr. Ashish Thomas
Graduate · Dual PhD / DBA
Dr. Ashish Thomas is a dual PhD / DBA graduate. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Mumbai and a Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership & Management.
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Carrel Kalaba
DBA
Mr. Carrel Kalaba is a Doctor of Business Administration in Business Research Candidate. He holds a Bachelor of Business Science in Marketing and Management from Monash University South Africa. He also holds a…
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Confidence Chauke
DBA
Ms. Confidence Chauke is a Doctor of Business Administration Candidate. She holds a Master in Business Administration from Edinburgh Napier University. She also holds a Bachelor and Master in Pharmacy from the…
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Cordell Riley
DBA
Mr. Cordell Riley is a Doctor of Business Administration Candidate. He holds a M.Sc. in Tourism Marketing from the University of Surrey as well as a B.Sc. in Hotel & Restaurant Management from the University of New…
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Dr. Dorothy Nseka
Graduate · DBA
Dr. Dorothy Nseka is a DBA graduate. She holds an M.Sc. in Finance & Accounting and a Diploma in Business Studies from Makerere University in Kampala. She is also a Certified Public Accountant of Kenya.
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Emmanuel Mac Deh
DBA
Mr. Emmanuel Mac Deh is a Doctor of Business Administration Candidate, He holds a Master in Finance from the University of Strathclyde in the UK, and a Bachelor of Science in Administration from the University of…
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Francis Toromade
Dual PhD / DBA
Mr. Francis Toromade is a Dual PhD / DBA Combined Program Candidate. He holds an MBA from Lagos State University in Nigeria and a Master in Agribusiness Management from Rome Business School. He also holds a HND in…
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George Ayella
Dual PhD / DBA
Mr. George Ayella is a Dual PhD / DBA Program Candidate. He holds an M.Sc. in Corporate Financial Management from the University of Law De Broc Business School, UK. He also holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting…
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Gertrude Kazarwa
DBA
Ms. Gertrude Kazarwa is a Doctor of Business Administration Candidate. She holds a Master of Business Administration from the Maastrict School of Management in The Netherlands. She also holds a Bachelor Degree in…
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Godfrey Chima
Dual PhD / DBA
Mr. Godfrey Chimakpam Otuekere is a Dual PhD / DBA Combined Program Candidate. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy and MBA from the University of Lagos. He also hold a Diploma in Analytical and Industrial…
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Hans Alagoa
DBA
Mr. Hans Ebire Alagoa is a Doctor of Business Administration Candidate. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Marquette University in the USA. He is a registered engineer and Member of the American…
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Itumeleng Mataila
DBA
Ms. Itumeleng Dorah Matlaila is Doctor of Business Administration Candidate. She holds a Master of Arts in Leadership & Management from the Logos University, USA, an Honours Bachelor of Commerce from the University of…
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Joseph Kofi Mensah
Dual PhD / DBA
Mr. Joseph Kofi Mensah is a Dual PhD / DBA Combined program candidate. He holds a Master of Science in International Accounting & Finance from Buckingham New University, UK and a Bachelor of Arts in Business Studies in…
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Joseph Nkandu
Dual PhD / DBA
Mr. Joseph Nkandu is a Dual PhD / DBA Combined Program Candidate. He holds an MBA in Social Entrepreneurship and Management from the ALTIS Postgraduate School of Business and Society at the Universita Cattolica Del…
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Joyce Opuko-Duodu
Dual PhD / DBA
Mrs. Joyce Opuko-Duodu is a PhD/DBA Combined Program Candidate. She holds an EMBA from the University of Ghana and a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of the Cape Coast. She also holds a Chartered…
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Loma Powrie
DBA
Ms. Loma Powrie is a Doctor of Business Administration Candidate. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of South Africa and a Master of Science in Strategic Business Management from Manchester…
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MacCharles Tomakleo
DBA
Mr. MacCharles Yaw Tamakloe is a Doctor of Business Administration Candidate. He holds an Executive MBA from KUNST in Ghana and a Bachelor of Business Administration from Valley View University in Ghana…
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Dr. Majid Al Tunisi
Graduate · DBA
Dr. Majid Al Tunisi is a DBA graduate in Finance. He holds a Master in Finance and Investment from the London School of Business and Finance.
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Maria Kassova Kambembua Muadilu
Dual PhD / DBA
Ms. Maria Kassova Kambembua Muadilu is a Dual PhD / DBA Combined program Candidate. She holds a Master of Arts in Business Administration in Accounting from Grand Canyon University, USA and a Bachelor of Economics from…
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Dr. Marlene Gonzalez
Graduate · Dual PhD / DBA
Dr. Marlene Gonzalez is a dual PhD / DBA graduate. She holds an MBA from IESA Business School in Venezuela and a BA in Holistic Nutrition from Clayton College USA.
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Mashudubele Sedula Mamabolo
Dual PhD / DBA
Mr. Maashudubele Sedula Mamabolo is a Dual PhD / DBA Combined Program Candidate. He holds a Masters in International Diplomacy and Policy from Straffordshire University in the UK. He also holds a BA in Political…
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Mimi Popa
Dual PhD / DBA
Ms. Mimi Marinela Popa is a Dual PhD / DBA Combined Program Candidate. She holds a MBA from Northhampton University, UK and a M.Sc. in Business Management from Manchester Metropolitan University. She also holds a…
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Murray Bingham
DBA
Murray Bingham is a Doctor of Business Administration Candidate. He holds a M.Sc. in Coaching Psychology and Bachelor of Engineering from the University of Sydney and Bachelor of Theology from the Australian College of…
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Nicolas Ofori
Dual PhD / DBA
Mr. Nicholas Ofori is a Dual PhD / DBA Combined Program Candidate. He holds a Master of Business Administration from The Paris Graduate School of Management and a Master of Public Sector Management from the Ghana…
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Sifiso Myeni
Dual PhD / DBA
Mr. Sifiso Myeni is a Dual PhD / DBA Combined program Candidate. He holds a Master degree in Sustainable Agriculture from the Free State University, SA and a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from Zululand University…
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Dr. Tim Wigham
Graduate · DBA
Dr. Tim Wigham is a DBA graduate. He holds an MBA from the Graduate School of Business, Cape Town. His professional background includes performance leadership at EXCEED in Aberdeen, Scotland.
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Vincent Ntalami
Dual PhD / DBA
Mr. Vincent Ntalami is a Dual PhD / DBA Combined program candidate in Economics. He has over 20 years experience in Financial and Capital markets, Financial Modeling, managing Pension, Provident, Balance Sheet and…
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Vivian Liu
Dual PhD / DBA
Ms. Vivian Liu is a Dual PhD DBA Combined Program candidate. She holds a Bachelor in International Business Administration from ShangQiu Normal University, China. She has also completed the Essential Management Skills…
Read profile →Admissions and support
Your next step begins with a conversation.
Tell us about your experience, previous study and what you want to achieve. Admissions will help you explore your fit with the DBA and explain any preparation you may need, including a tailored bridging route where appropriate.
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.
Your experience brought you this far.
Your ambition can take you further.
Picture your next chapter: deeper expertise, a stronger professional voice and the pride of earning your doctorate. Speak with our Admissions team about your ambitions and take the first step toward your DBA.