
Sustainability Management School
DBA in Sustainability ManagementDURATION
3 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Request application deadline
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2025
TUITION FEES
CHF 40,000 *
STUDY FORMAT
Distance Learning, On-Campus
* tuition fee for three years
Key Summary
Introduction
Redefining Global Leadership Through Sustainability and Responsible Management
The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in Sustainability Management at the Sustainability Management School (SUMAS) is a premier doctoral program designed for experienced professionals and executives who seek to lead transformative change in organizations worldwide. Grounded in sustainability studies, management, and international business administration, this advanced program challenges candidates to rethink the role of leadership in a rapidly evolving global economy.
As sustainability becomes a strategic priority across industries, there is a growing need for senior leaders who can bridge business performance with long-term environmental and social impact. The DBA in Sustainability Management equips candidates with the theoretical frameworks, applied research skills, and strategic mindset necessary to influence corporate governance, public policy, and entrepreneurial ventures on a global scale.
A Rigorous Doctoral Program with Practical Business Impact
Unlike traditional academic doctorates, the SUMAS DBA is designed to solve real-world business challenges through applied research. Candidates will deepen their understanding of management theory, sustainability practices, and international business frameworks, all while conducting original research that directly informs their leadership practice.
The curriculum addresses complex issues such as climate strategy, circular economy models, ESG reporting, stakeholder engagement, and sustainable innovation—core competencies in sustainability management. These are integrated with critical topics from business administration and global management, enabling candidates to apply sustainability thinking within dynamic, international business environments.
Real-World Relevance Through Case Studies and Executive Collaboration
Throughout the program, students engage in case studies with real companies, analyzing current sustainability strategies and working directly on projects that reflect the challenges faced by today's industry leaders. These experiences foster deeper insight into how leading organizations implement responsible practices and navigate competing priorities at the executive level.
Doctoral candidates also benefit from access to a global network of faculty, peers, and industry experts—enhancing their research through interdisciplinary dialogue and professional mentorship.
Shaping Policy, Strategy, and Purpose-Driven Business
Graduates of this program will not only contribute new knowledge to the field of sustainability, but also drive change from within their organizations and industries. Whether influencing public policy, leading strategic transformation in multinational corporations, or launching impactful ventures, SUMAS DBA alumni are equipped to lead with purpose.
The DBA in Sustainability Management is ideal for senior professionals, executives, consultants, or academics who are committed to advancing sustainable development through the lens of management, international business administration, and sustainability studies. It offers the highest level of academic achievement with a strong emphasis on applied leadership, innovation, and global impact.
Gallery
Admissions
Curriculum
Academic Year 1
Module LS: Leadership & Sustainability
- Responsible Leadership, Change & Systems Thinking
- How to Create a Winning Culture in Multinational Companies
- Sustainable Innovation and Turning Sustainable Development (SD) into a Competitive Advantage
- Responsible Management Practices & Corporate Social Responsibility
Module RM: Research Methodology
- Philosophy of Science: Philosophical Bases of the Doctoral Thesis
- Practical Research Tools
- Research Design
- Embedding Sustainability Research for DBA
Academic Year 2
Module R1: Choosing Own Methodological Tools
- Financial Evaluation of Sustainability-related Projects
- Methods of Data Collection
- Quantitative Research Methods
- Qualitative Research Methods
Module R2: Final Phase of Research
- Big Data Analysis with Excel
- Data Elaboration and Interpretation
- Analysis and Interpretation of Qualitative Data
Academic Year 3
Module 5: Final Revision of Doctoral Dissertation with Careful Guidance of the Supervisor
- Revision of Literature Review. Drawing Conclusions and Action Plan for Further Applications
- Task – Drafting Doctoral Thesis
Module 6: Public Defence: Viva Voce Oral Examination
- Final Approval of Doctoral Thesis Due 3 Months Post Viva Voce Oral Examinations
- Task – Public Defense: Viva Voce Oral Examination
Program Tuition Fee
Scholarships and Funding
Kindly note that scholarships or financial aid are not offered for our DBA programs.