SSBM Geneva Executive DBA Review (2025): Fees, Faculty, and Research Journey
In today’s business environment, leadership is changing. The roles of Director, VP, CXO, and Strategic Advisor demand high-level thinking, research-driven decision making, and the ability to transform organizations, not just manage them. Experience alone is no longer enough — organizations want leaders who demonstrate depth, clarity, and influence.
This shift has led experienced professionals to consider Executive Doctorate programs — especially the Executive DBA offered by the Swiss School of Business and Management (SSBM) Geneva.
The SSBM Geneva Executive DBA has become a popular choice among professionals from India, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa due to its Swiss academic positioning, flexible online format, and executive-focused research approach.
This review will help you understand:
- What the SSBM Executive DBA really is
- Who it is designed for
- Curriculum & research journey
- Faculty and learning environment
- Fees and payment flexibility
- Leadership and career outcomes
- Whether it is worth it for your career stage
About SSBM Geneva
SSBM Geneva is a Swiss private business school offering business, leadership, and executive education programs. Its academic philosophy focuses on practical, industry-aligned learning, designed for working professionals.
The school follows Swiss education quality norms and offers programs online, on campus in Geneva, and in hybrid formats. The Executive DBA program reflects Switzerland’s emphasis on applied research, organizational problem-solving, and leadership maturity rather than purely academic theory.
| Location | Focus | Learning Format | Ideal Audience | Goal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Geneva, Switzerland (Global online cohort) | Business management & leadership research | 100% Online (Flexible for working professionals) | Senior professionals, consultants, entrepreneurs | Develop strategic leaders who can influence, advise, and transform organizations |
What is the SSBM Executive DBA?
The Executive DBA (Doctor of Business Administration) at SSBM Geneva is a professional doctorate focused on strategic leadership, organizational transformation, and applied research. It is not academic-theory-heavy, unlike a PhD.
It is designed for leaders with at least 8–12 years of professional experience who want to:
- Lead at the strategic / organizational level
- Strengthen their executive identity
- Build a profile as a consultant, advisor, or thought leader
- Gain the Doctor (Dr.) title without leaving work
- Conduct research that applies directly to their industry
In simple terms:
It helps you move from managing operations to leading strategy.
Who Should Consider This Program?
The SSBM Executive DBA is particularly suited for:
| Profile | Why It Fits |
|---|---|
| Senior Managers / Directors | Helps transition into VP / CXO roles |
| Entrepreneurs & Founders | Enhances business strategy & investor credibility |
| Consultants / Coaches | Strengthens authority and increases billing power |
| Functional Heads (HR, Finance, Operations, Marketing) | Enables strategic cross-functional thinking |
| Professionals Seeking Academic Roles | Opens doors to Visiting Faculty / Professor of Practice opportunities |
Not Ideal For:
- Early-career professionals (<5 years experience)
- Individuals seeking quick promotions without role change
- Those uninterested in reflective writing or research
Program Format & Duration
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Mode | Fully Online with structured mentorship |
| Duration | 2 to 3 years (self-paced flexibility) |
| Learning Style | Video lectures, faculty seminars, research guidance |
| Dissertation Requirement | Yes (based on real business problem) |
| Expected Weekly Time | 6–10 hours alongside full-time work |
Fees & Payment Flexibility
| Region-Based Tuition Range | Approx. Fee (INR) | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Global Fee | ₹9,50,000 – ₹12,50,000 | 2–3 Years |
| Indian / South Asia Pricing (Common Market Pricing) | ₹9,89,000+ | 2–3 Years |
Key Financial Advantages
- Program is significantly more affordable compared to US/UK executive doctorate programs
- Installment / EMI options available
- Employer reimbursement possible under leadership development budgets
If affordability is a key decision factor, SSBM offers balanced value for a Swiss business school doctorate.
Curriculum & Research Journey
The learning experience is structured to gradually develop leadership maturity and research capability:
Phase 1 — Foundational Leadership & Research Skills
- Advanced Management Theory
- Organizational Leadership and Culture
- Introduction to Applied Doctoral Research
- Research Design & Data Collection Techniques
Phase 2 — Strategic Core Modules
- Strategic Decision Making
- Global Business Governance
- Leading Change & Transformation
- Innovation and Business Model Strategy
Phase 3 — Specialization & Applied Dissertation
- Choose a research focus area aligned with your industry
- Work with a research mentor to build your thesis
- Conduct real organizational or market-based investigation
- Defend your dissertation, demonstrating practical impact
Research Output
Your dissertation is not academic theory — it is strategic problem-solving grounded in your industry context.
Examples of dissertation themes:
- Designing a scalable leadership model for hyper-growth organizations
- Improving cross-border strategic collaboration in global teams
- Framework for AI-augmented decision-making in management
- Culture transformation strategy in hybrid workforce environments
Rushford DBA Program Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Program Name | Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) |
| Mode | 100% Online |
| Duration | 36 Months (can be extended if required) |
| Pace | Flexible, self-paced + guided mentorship |
| Difficulty Level | Advanced Executive |
| Recognition | EduQua (Swiss Government Quality Certification) |
The online format includes:
- Recorded lectures
- Live sessions with faculty
- Case study–based learning
- 1:1 research supervision for the dissertation
Faculty & Mentorship
| Faculty Type | Contribution |
|---|---|
| Academic Scholars | Guide research methodology and analysis |
| Industry Practitioners | Mentor leadership application and strategy execution |
| Global Guest Experts | Deliver workshops and executive seminars |
This mix of academic rigor and industry insight ensures the DBA remains practical, not purely theoretical.
Mentorship Model
- Students are assigned dedicated research supervisors
- 1:1 support throughout the dissertation phase
- Structured feedback loops to ensure clarity and progress
This significantly reduces overwhelm and ensures steady, guided advancement.
Accreditation & Recognition
SSBM Geneva holds several forms of quality and academic recognition used in European and international business education frameworks.
For corporate leadership, consulting, board roles, and visiting faculty roles, the degree is well recognized and respected.
Important Clarification
If someone’s goal is full-time government faculty recruitment under UGC norms in India, they may require a PhD rather than DBA.
But for industry leadership, consulting, independent advisory, executive coaching, and Professor of Practice roles, the Executive DBA is extremely well positioned
Leadership & Career Outcomes
| Corporate Leadership Path | |
|---|---|
| Role Progression | Examples |
| Mid-Senior → Director | Strategy Lead, Business Unit Head |
| Director → VP / C-Suite | COO, CSO, CHRO, CBO |
| Senior Advisor → Board Presence | Independent Director, Governance Consultant |
Consulting & Advisory
- Leadership Consulting
- Strategy & Transformation Advisory
- Organizational Change Consulting
- Corporate Coaching & Learning Leadership
Note: Consultant billing power increases significantly with research-backed expertise and the “Dr.” title.
Academic & Thought Leadership
- Professor of Practice / Visiting Faculty roles at business schools
- Industry keynote speaker opportunities
- Publishing and authorship pathways
Strengths & Considerations (Balanced View)
| Strengths | Considerations |
|---|---|
| Swiss academic identity with global cohort | Requires consistent effort & writing commitment |
| Flexible program for working professionals | Self-paced format demands discipline |
| Strong research mentorship system | Those uninterested in reflective research may struggle |
| Recognizable doctorate title enhancing authority | Not intended for government academic track |
The SSBM Executive DBA is best for experienced leaders who want to elevate their strategic identity, develop thought leadership, and influence organizations at a higher level.
Is the SSBM Executive DBA Worth It?
Yes — if your goals include:
- Becoming a strategic leader, not just a manager
- Transitioning into VP / CXO / Board-level influence
- Building a consulting or advisory practice
- Becoming Professor of Practice / Visiting Faculty
- Enhancing your professional credibility with the Dr. title
No — if your goals are only:
- Quick salary increase without role shift
- Avoiding reflective research or executive writing
Conclusion
The SSBM Geneva Executive DBA is a strong choice for senior professionals who are ready to move from operational leadership to strategic influence.
Its Swiss academic positioning, flexible online format, experienced faculty, and applied dissertation model make it particularly valuable for:
- Directors evolving to VP/CXO roles
- Consultants scaling credibility and pricing power
- Entrepreneurs shaping strategic growth
- Leaders shaping organization transformation
If your next step is about impact, authority, and influence, this program aligns with that journey.
Need Help Deciding if This Program Fits Your Profile?
We guide you based on:
✅ Your experience & future leadership path
✅ Whether DBA aligns with your goals
✅ Which specialization fits your industry
✅ How to finance and plan the research timeline
Book a Free 1:1 Career Path Consultation with RiseUpp
No obligation. Just clarity and strategic guidance.
Meet the Author
Hari Rastogi
I hope you found this blog insightful! I’m Hari Rastogi, an IIM Trichy alumnus and the Co-founder & CEO of RiseUpp—a platform dedicated to helping students and professionals find the best online courses to achieve their career goals. Sharing knowledge and empowering others is my passion.
Connect with me on LinkedIn or follow the RiseUpp blog page for more blogs like this one. Let’s RiseUpp together!
