Doctorate
DBA

Doctor of Business Administration

in Financial Management

Campus:
Online
Duration:
36
Months
Credits:
180 ECTS
Fees:
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Awarded By:
Rushford Business School, Switzerland
Program Overview

The Rushford DBA in Financial Management is a 180 ECTS credits doctoral program designed to equip business students, managers, practitioners, and leaders with high-level knowledge, research, and analytical skills so that they can apply these personal and professional attributes to solve the most complex business problems. In contrast to programs at the master level, the DBA program focuses on the application of theory to real-world business challenges. Students are expected to go through a transformative learning process that enhances their research skills, so they view business situations differently with an emphasis on applying research methods and finding solutions that lead to organizational efficiency, growth, and long-term sustainability.

This is a flexible though rigorous program that can be completed 100% online. Students define the pace at which they complete the program. Based on the pathway that the student chooses (Coursework vs Research), the duration of the program will vary significantly. Most students are expected to achieve the qualification within 3 years of joining the program. However, the research pathway can lead to the qualification in less than 3 years.

The Rushford DBA in Financial Management program focuses on applied research so that executives, managers, and practitioners can start applying what they learn in the program in their organizations in real-time. We focus on ensuring that our students develop a very high level of expertise in all areas of financial management. The coursework will also focus on the enhancement of research skills, writing skills, presentation skills, critical and analytical thinking skills, and change management skills.

Upon completing the program, students should be able to:

  • Apply research methodologies to study the business situations and address business challenges
  • Conduct primary and secondary research to understand business challenges
  • Apply deep understanding of relevant business and financial theory and practices to predict outcomes
  • Develop a high level of command over business communications
  • Articulate complex ideas, strategies, plans, and tactics in a clear and effective manner
  • Develop a high level of proficiency in creating meaningful reports that use data collection, data cleaning, data interpretation, and engaging reporting with the use of data visualization
  • Engage in academic and professional research activities that may lead to publications in peer-review journals
  • Develop high-level proficiency in applying robust research methodologies, study design, and study conduct in producing a thesis at the end of the program as part of the requirement for the conferring of the doctorate qualification

The Rushford DBA program can be completed either through a coursework-based pathway or a research-based pathway. More information is available on these pathways in the curriculum section of this program page.

Rushford offers Recognition of Prior Experience (RPE) and thus a formal master’s degree is not mandatory for entering this program. However, a prior bachelor’s degree is mandatory for entry into this program.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Award:

All doctoral candidates are eligible to apply for the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) award instead of the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) award. Only one title can be awarded to the doctoral candidate. This selection is required to be confirmed before or immediately after all the requirements for graduation are completed. Those students who had received an exemption for any prior academic qualification through the Recognition of Prior Experience (RPE) are only eligible to receive the DBA award.

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Program Information
Program Curriculum

DBA in Financial Management

Students can complete the DBA program through two different pathways.

Mixed Mode 

The DBA in Financial Management mixed-mode pathway focuses on coursework completion and gaining a high level of knowledge and applied research skills before moving to the dissertation phase of the program. This pathway is particularly suited to graduates, junior to mid-level managers with less than 5 years of experience in business and management.

Research Mode

This DBA in Financial Management through research pathway is well suited for candidates who have significant management and business experience, usually over 5 years. A doctoral mentor will be assigned early in the program to work with the student towards the preparation of the dissertation.

Master’s or an equivalent recognized academic title in Business and Management
Master’s or an equivalent recognized academic title in any discipline with over 5 years of managerial and/or business experience
Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent recognized academic title in any discipline with over 8 years of managerial and/or business experience

English Language Proficiency:

Our programs are conducted in English language. As such, you must demonstrate intermediate-level proficiency in English language by submitting a Medium of Instruction (MoI) Letter from your previous college or university, that states that the medium of instruction for your degree was English.

If the above letter is not available then you can submit one of the following test score results:

IELTS Overall: 5.5
TOEFL (iBT: 58+; PBT: 490+; CBT: 167+)
TOEIC Overall: 555+
PTE Overall: 50+
Duolingo Overall: 90+

English Proficiency Waivers: 

The English proficiency test is not required for the following candidates:
– Native English Speakers, OR;
– Applicants having completed their schooling in English (i.e. High School Diploma or IB), OR;
– Applicants having completed their undergraduate or graduate studies in English, OR;
– 2 years of work experience in an organization where English is the primary language of communication.

Please select your nationality below to see the fees applicable to you:

This calculation assumes that the student completes the program in 3 years. However, if the student completes the program earlier, the entire remaining fees will be payable at the time time of completing the program. For students who take more than 3 years to complete the program, the fees payable will be as per the agreed instalment plan offered.

The Rushford DBA in Financial Management is a fantastic opportunity for students and professionals to compete for high-level roles in a variety of organizations.

A DBA qualification certainly helps students and professionals to demonstrate the commitment and expertise to assume such roles. After completing this program, the student either accelerate their growth in their current organizations or transform their career to move to new business and industry domains as well as into the area of teaching at universities or business schools. This program provides the critical training and research skills required by aspiring managers and executives to handle challenging business situations and thus demonstrate the capability to assume roles with the highest level of responsibility and accountability.

At Rushford, we work with each student to understand their professional goals and aspirations and offer the right mix of mentorship, guidance, and skill-building that increases their chances to achieve their goals. Our mentorship program as well as the availability of a myriad of tools and resources help students to gain confidence in facing real-world business challenges as well as apply a high level of research and analytical thinking to solve business problems.

To apply for this program kindly follow the application process as described in the following link:

Online Campus Application Process

More Information

Career Support

All students at Rushford Business School are provided career support in the form of resume development, interview preparation, job search guidance etc.

Application Tracking

Kindly submit your application using our online application portal. You will be able to track the various stages of your application.

We focus on your development!

Real World Simulations

Various courses are accompanied by simulations in which you are given a situation that you must resolve based on what you learnt in the program and your experience. There are usually no right or wrong answers in simulations. They are to make you understand how a situation may unfold in the real world and prepare you to make the right decisions.

Personality Assessment

As an incoming student at Rushford you will undergo a personality assessment using a validated tool for MBTI® (Myers-Briggs Type Indicator) to help you unlock the potential of personal growth. It is a groundbreaking framework that empowers you to hone your skills, identify strengths and differences, and lay the groundwork for an enriching journey of self improvement.

Networking Events

We understand the importance of networking in building a successful career. That's why we offer a range of networking events to help our students connect with industry professionals and build the relationships that can lead to new opportunities.

People & Tech Skills

Both people and technology skills are essential for success in today's world. We have entered in a new era of business and management wherein the paradigm of interaction between people and machines is changing and evolving at a rapid pace. What was relevant 5 years ago is not as relevant today. At Rushford, we offer you an ungraded skillset of both people skills and technology skills so that you can better appreciate how to operate in this new paradigm and be prepared for the landscape change that is inevitable in the coming years.