Don't just lead. Lead with knowledge.
The Executive DBA – Where ambition meets expertise. Where leadership takes flight.
In broad terms, a DBA should be oriented towards grounding practice in theory, as opposed to a PhD that aims to advance theory. Research, articles, dissertations are usually written for a scientific, academic or specialist audience. Both are backwards-looking by nature and by design. The DBA at École des Ponts Business School is a bit different.”
Alon Rozen, Dean, Ponts Business School
EXECUTIVE DOCTORATE
OF BUSINESS
ADMINISTRATION
École des Ponts' Executive Doctor of Business Administration (E-DBA) program is meticulously crafted for experienced executives seeking a professional doctoral degree beyond an MBA. Balancing academic rigor with flexibility, the program accommodates the busy lives of working professionals globally. It uniquely integrates contemporary business practices with academic theory, helping participants define their Subject-Matter Expertise for career advancement. The learner-centric approach allows freedom in choosing research focus, project format, and supervisor, with the flexibility to adapt focus during the program. Backed by a decade of experience, École des Ponts ensures timely completion and high-quality outcomes, inviting candidates to embark on a transformative academic journey that respects their professional paths and cultivates expertise in the dynamic business landscape.
The Executive DBA in A Nutshell
Important dates
Program Start: 3 November 2025
FInal application deadline: 27 October 2025
Apply Early. Early Bird discounts may be applicable - please check with the team.
**brochure with more information
For busy professionals
4 years of part-time study, research and a unique support system to accompany you.
A Professional degree
For experienced professionals (minimum 10 years of experience with a recognized or developing expertise) who wish to study beyond an (Executive) MBA, or other advanced professional degree (Master's-level minimum).
Freedom
Get the freedom to choose your subject matter, the format of your work and your pace.
After Year 1, you work with your supervisor(s) at your own pace.
Philippe Zwahlen, Founder and CEO
Swiss International Medical Center SA
“For some years, I had been considering pursuing a PhD but felt that as an entrepreneur i could not become an academic researcher. To this end, E-DBA is an ideal fit for me. When I chose École des Ponts Business School, I had a good feeling about the program, the entire team and the professors. I could not be more right. I am very grateful to everyone who has helped bring our cohort together, making sure to blend matching personalities with a broad range of international diversity, culture and knowledge.”
APPLICATION PROCESS
DOCTORAL JOURNEY
Phase 1
Doctoral Student
Year 1
Four residential sessions of one
week each with foundational research methods, literature review, Learning Labs, definition of Doctoral Project.
Phase 2
Doctoral Candidate
Years 2-4
Doctoral Project Proposal submission, supervisor attribution, doctoral research and thesis.
Phase 3
Doctoral Graduate
Year 3
Viva Voce (doctoral defense) and graduation ceremony.
