The DBA and PhD Program

Both the DBA and PhD degree are characterized by depth through dissertation research as well as breadth through comprehensive assessments in the various business functions. Since both doctoral degrees have many common elements and follow the same standards of performance and rigor of research, it is difficult to distinguish the requirements of the DBA from those of the PhD.

DBA

The DBA degree permits participants to master concepts and research skills directly relevant to management. A prominent distinctive feature of the DBA research is that it tends towards an applied-research orientation and, as such, it draws more on practical business administration issues and the problems of industry. The DBA stresses interdisciplinary understanding and application of the knowledge, which is most relevant for managing in a global perspective.

PhD

The PhD program is conducted as an MSM-University joint doctoral program. Among the collaborating partners are Dutch Universities, including the Open University of the Netherlands as well as The universities of Twente, Wageningen, and Maastricht. The PhD degree is conferred in recognition of high attachment of learning, by the respective university. Research in this case is more theoretical and recognized as different in purpose. Professors of the Maastricht School of Management and the cooperating university jointly supervise participants.

All doctoral participants fulfill the requirements of the same curriculum of the first year's course work, which will lead to the MPhil degree. After the research proposal seminar has been successfully completed, the examination committee decides on further studies, either with the PhD or the DBA track.