The most frequently asked questions are answered below. Should you wish to be contacted by a Representative of SMC you have the following options:

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When was SMC founded?

The organization was founded in 1985. In 2002 SMC became a degree granting institution of higher education and since then operates as a private business school. Check out SMC’s History and Milestones here.

2. Is SMC a University?

SMC is a private business school, degrees are conferred via our partner(s).

3. What is the ranking of SMC?

Given the huge number of online education offerings, SMC ranks amongst the top online business schools. Furthermore other renowned media and opinion leaders like Newsweek, have rated SMC being one of the leading, most innovative, and most international Universities in the world.

4. What is the SMC study methodology?

The program is entirely online, delivered via a state-of-the-art learning system, embedding a Research Center of over two million publications. The asynchronous learning format permits you to advance at your own pace, supporting your professional and personal commitments. Learning occurs through our interactive platform, giving you access to online textbooks for each subject, accompanied by exercises, projects, and assignments. You directly collaborate with your Professors who facilitate your courses and assist you in all related matters. The faculty has been carefully selected and consists of some of the best profiles in each respective field set forth by the curriculum. Assigned cases and research materials are well aligned with your professional interests and background. The content combines theoretical aspects with practical application supported by case studies, movies, and interactive presentations.

5. What is the difference between a DBA (professional Doctorate) and Ph.D. (Research Doctorate)?

For the most part the two designations are equivalent and are viewed that way in academic circles. The Ph.D. designation specifically addresses doctoral dissertations that have a large research component whereas Professional Doctoral dissertations are not specifically tied to research. Both degrees require an original contribution to the existing literature. DBA is a professional doctorate and emphasize is on an applied research model rather than purely academic as in the Doctor of Philosophy format.

6. How much time does it take to finish the program?

The Master and Doctoral degrees take the student approximately 3 years of study on average. Shorter durations are possible with the appropriate effort and time investment. The time required varies as per the study habits of each individual student.

7. How much time do I need to give to my studies?

The real answer to this question is as much as it takes. However, it is the opinion of the student council directors that each student should schedule at least 10-15 hours per week.

8. How does the distance learning methodology differ from on campus programs?

The content of the courses is exactly the same; it is only the delivery method which is different. Moreover, the deliverables required of the student remain the same. The delivery method at the SMC enables students to be located anywhere and to change locations throughout the duration of the program. On campus programs force the student to be located at the same place for the duration of studies.

9. What motivates students to study at SMC?

In general, the professional lives of SMC distance learning students require a flexible program. Most students appreciate the opportunity to complete a doctoral or masters program without leaving the business world. SMC allows students to apply what they learn in the program at their work and apply what they learn in the workplace in their course of studies.

Also, students are motivated to study at SMC because of the high level of service, the provision of content efficiency and the discretion of the learning environment. A multicultural student body, with over 90 different nationalities, a wide socio-economical stratification and the high potential that can originate through the implicit networking among students and alumni.

10. How important is it to be able to communicate effectively in English?

Proficiency in English is required for admittance to the programs offered solely by Swiss Management Center. This should not be underestimated. All assignments, exams and the dissertation must be written in English. If you do not have a strong command of the English language, then you may wish to follow a course to improve your skills before registering on one of the programs.

Applicants to Graduate or Doctoral studies whose mother tongue is not English and who have not completed an undergraduate degree or graduate degree from a recognized institution where English is the language of instruction should demonstrate competency in oral and written English.

11. Does the diploma mention Distance Learning?

The diploma does not make any reference to distance and/or online learning.