EIMT Online Doctorate in Business Administration

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About the Programme

Mastery Through Original Research

At EIMT, the DBA programme is designed for experienced professionals who want to achieve an even higher level of mastery in business and management putting theory directly into practice in real organizational settings.

Delivered by highly qualified faculty who blend cutting-edge academic knowledge with practical experience, the programme allows candidates to understand current research directions and apply them to real industry challenges.

This three-year doctorate enables future leaders to develop innovative solutions for modern business problems through advanced management techniques, rigorous research methodology, and a live practitioner-based dissertation.

1:1
Personal Thesis Supervisor
50%
Average Salary Hike
180
ECTS European Credits
3
Years to Completion
Programme Structure

Three Phases. One Doctorate.

The DBA unfolds across three progressive phases each building on the previous designed so working professionals can complete within 3 years.

1
Coursework & Topic Selection
Semester 1
Live virtual weekend classes covering research methods, quantitative and qualitative techniques. You'll finalise your research topic and receive your personal supervisor. Multiple seminars and group presentations during this phase.
2
Research Lab & Data
Semesters 2 & 3
Data collection and analysis alongside your mentor. Submit synopsis and monthly progress reports every six months. Guidance sessions, self-paced eLearning, and multiple seminars and presentations.
3
Doctoral Thesis & Defense
Semesters 3–6
Full thesis write-up, committee reviews, revisions, viva voce oral defense, and the final award of the Swiss DBA degree. Every scholar is supported by a dedicated supervisor throughout.
Programme Highlights

12 Reasons to Choose EIMT DBA

Engineered for working professionals every element balances academic rigour with real-world flexibility.

01

Live Virtual Sessions

Weekend live classes in Semester 1 deep faculty engagement without disrupting your weekday career.

02

Project-Based Learning

Practitioner dissertation on a live organizational project start from day one of the programme.

03

Same Degree as On-Campus

Online graduates receive the identical Swiss-awarded DBA degree as on-campus students.

04

World-Class Pedagogy

Curriculum co-developed by accomplished academicians and senior industry experts globally.

05

36-Month Completion

Designed to be completed in 3 years. Extension years are generally not granted.

06

Built for Executives

Fully flexible online structure professionals never need to pause their careers to enrol.

07

No GMAT / GRE

No entrance exams required. GMAT/GRE only relevant for scholarship consideration.

08

International Networking

Connect globally via the EIMT Connect platform with peers from across industries and countries.

09

Industry-Expert Faculty

Highly qualified professors who bring real-world executive experience alongside academic depth.

10

Unique Curriculum

Each semester has a clear theme coherent, connected, and progressively built for research mastery.

11

Live Dissertation

Written on a real, live organizational project applied research with immediate relevance.

12

1:1 Mentorship

Every student receives a dedicated personal supervisor, allocated at the end of Semester 1.

Goals & Eligibility

Programme Objectives & Admission Requirements

What You'll Achieve by Graduation

EIMT's DBA develops the full spectrum of doctoral-level business competencies from empirical research to global strategic management.

Communicate effectively in the global management field
Apply and synthesise knowledge across disciplines
Lead in multicultural organisational environments
Make ethical, compassionate executive decisions
Develop and communicate empirical scholarly research
Become an effective strategic global manager
  • Master's degree and/or significant professional work experience
  • Detailed resume or CV including publications if applicable
  • Thesis Project Note of at least 500 words in .doc format
  • At least two letters of recommendation demonstrating research ability
  • Proof of English language proficiency no IELTS required
  • Copy of passport or government-issued identification
  • Academic transcripts from previous degree programmes
  • Statement of purpose outlining doctoral goals and research interests
  • Recent passport-size photograph for student records
DBA Admission Process A DBA candidate is required to demonstrate the ability to conduct original investigations; test, apply, and examine their own ideas as well as others; and understand the relationship between their research theme and a wider field of knowledge.
  • Submit a completed application with all required documentation
  • Admission team evaluates academic readiness and research intent
  • Shortlisted candidates receive an offer for enrolment
  • Registration confirmed upon receipt of downpayment
  • Submission of a preliminary research topic or area of interest
  • Verification of academic qualifications and professional experience
  • Guidance session with the admissions advisor if required
  • Access to the online learning portal after enrolment confirmation
  • Academic level required: Master's degree in Business, Management, or a related field
  • Significant professional experience may be considered in lieu of a full Master's
  • English proficiency required no IELTS exam needed, internal assessment accepted
  • No GMAT or GRE required optional only for scholarship consideration
  • Applicants should demonstrate the ability to undertake independent doctoral research
  • Prior exposure to research methods is advantageous but not mandatory
  • Candidates are expected to contribute original knowledge to professional practice
  • Academic and professional achievements may strengthen scholarship consideration
  • Transfer of up to 9 doctoral credits from prior doctoral-level study permitted
Why Choose EIMT

Distinct Advantages

EIMT has designed the DBA to remove every obstacle between a driven executive and the world's highest business credential without compromising on academic standards.

Unique Curriculum

Relevant and focused with opportunity to develop an individualised research project tailored to your industry.

Application Knowledge

Academic theories are applied directly to real industry practice throughout every phase of the programme.

Industry-Experienced Faculty

Credentialled professors who combine decades of corporate experience with deep academic expertise.

Sequential Build

Every course is designed to scaffold on the previous progressive, coherent, and thesis-focused.

Fully Online

Zero residency or campus requirement. Study entirely online with full professional flexibility.

Speed to Completion

Designed for 3-year completion. Dissertation work begins in Semester 1 no wasted time.

Practitioner Dissertation

Written on a live organizational project real impact from the very start of the programme.

Transfer Credits

Transfer up to 9 doctoral credits from prior doctoral-level coursework into the programme.

No GMAT / GRE

No entrance examination required for admission GMAT/GRE optional for scholarship only.

Curriculum

180 ECTS Doctoral Roadmap

Structured across three phases and six semesters. Scholars are expected to complete within 3 years. Extension years are generally not granted.

Year 1 Coursework, Selection & Data Foundation

Semesters 1 & 2. Live virtual weekend classes, research methods, and finalisation of your research topic. Your personal supervisor is allocated at the end of Semester 1.

CodeModuleECTSSemester
DBA804Developing Research Capability10Sem 1
DBA805Advanced Research Design and Methodologies20Sem 1
DBA704Strategic Human Resource Management10Sem 1
DBA720Strategic Financial Management10Sem 2
DBA735Strategic Marketing10Sem 2
Year 2 Research Lab, Data Collection & Analysis

Semesters 3 & 4. Focused data collection and analysis, synopsis submissions, monthly progress reports, and structured guidance sessions with your research supervisor.

CodeModuleECTSSemester
DBA801Managing Strategic Change10Sem 3
DBA802Project Development, Planning and Management10Sem 3
DBA803Developing Strategic Management and Leadership Potential10Sem 3
DBA713Supply Chain and Operations Management10Sem 4
DBA734Entrepreneurship and Innovation10Sem 4
DBA736Globalisation and Corporate Governance10Sem 4
Year 3 Doctoral Thesis, Defense & Award

Semesters 5 & 6. Full thesis write-up, committee reviews, revisions, and viva voce oral defense. The Swiss DBA degree is awarded upon successful completion.

CodeModuleECTSSemester
DBA806Research and Dissertation Original contribution to business knowledge, supervised research, thesis write-up, and final oral defense.60Sem 5 & 6
FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about the EIMT DBA programme before you apply. Still have questions?

Yes. You may reapply by completing an entirely new online application. Your previous application will not influence the new evaluation in any way.
Candidates must complete a dissertation that contributes new insights to the field of business practice. The process involves proposing, researching, and writing significant original research, followed by a formal oral defense (viva voce).
Online students have access to new student orientation, a help desk for technical issues, a student services coordinator, financial aid advisers, and a dedicated personal supervisor for the full duration of the programme.
Yes. Most DBA programmes require a Master's degree, but not necessarily an MBA. Students with an MBA enter with strong preparation for the training required at doctoral level.
No. Students are not required to take the GMAT or GRE for admission. However, scores from these exams may be considered for scholarship eligibility.
After successful enrolment, you are required to finalise your research topic within 6 months. Your personal supervisor will assist you through this decision from the start of Semester 1.
Yes. Every graduate receives their certificate by email. EIMT can also dispatch a physical paper certificate by postal mail upon request at no additional cost.
You may request a refund any time before cohort commencement via email. Refunds are processed after a deduction of USD 150 in processing charges. No refund requests will be accepted or processed once the cohort has commenced.
Yes. The programme offers peer collaboration and discussion via the EIMT Connect platform, where students from around the world can engage throughout the programme.
Both are doctoral degrees, but they serve different purposes. A PhD is typically academic and theoretical; a DBA is applied and practitioner-oriented, making it the natural choice for senior executives who want a terminal credential while remaining in industry.

Begin Your Doctoral Journey with EIMT

Applications for the June 2026 cohort close on 4 June 2026. Admission is selective and seats are limited. Apply today to secure your place.