The following FAQ section answers various questions from potential and existing students. It is placed here for reference purposes by the SMC student council directors. The information contained herein is subject to change though every effort is made to keep the information current it is the readers responsibility to satisfy themselves as to their inquiries.
1. When did the SMC begin?
Swiss Management Center was founded in 1985 as a professional seminar offering center. In 2002 the Center became a degree granting institution of higher learning.
2. How many students attend the SMC?
As of October 2007 there are over 870 students registered at the SMC.
3. Is the SMC accredited?
Swiss Management Center is accredited by the European Council for Business Education and the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs www.acbsp.org. ACBSP is an accreditation body in the United States, recognized by the Council of Higher Education Accreditation, CHEA www.chea.org. Furthermore, SMC is a member of the Academic Council of the United Nations Systems and Swiss Federation for Adult Learning (SVEB).
4. Are the degrees recognized?
ACBSP accredited degrees are recognized within learning institutions, colleges, and universities on an international scale. An accredited degree is however not a guarantee for enrollment and acceptance at other univesities or businesses. Students are also advised to check with their local authorites on the recognition of the program and degree.
5. What is the 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.
6. What is the difference between a Doctor and Ph.D.?
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 wheras Doctoral dissertations are not specifically tied to research. Both degrees require an original contribution to the exisiting literature. Also, both degrees allow the holder of the degree to use the Doctor title. DBA is a professional doctorate and emphasizes is on an applied research model rather than purely academic as in the Doctor of Philosophy format.
7. How much time does it take to finish the degree?
The Master degrees should take the student approximately 2 years of study. The Doctoral degrees should take the student approximately 4 years of study. The time required varies as per the study habits of each individual student. That is, if you are able to study on a full-time basis you should be able to progress faster through the material and hence graduate quicker.
8. 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 20 hours per week each and every week of study time to be a success in the programs.
9. 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.
10. 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 50 different nationalities, a wide socio-economical stratification and the high potential that can originate through the implicit networking among students and alumni.
11. 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.
The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) exam is the standard amongst universities world wide and is the basis that the prospective student should use to identify his level of english proficiency. The TOEFL test measures the ability of non-native speakers of English as it is spoken, written and heard in academic settings. It is an internationally accepted measure of academic English proficiency. The test may be completed online at the main TOEFL website at http://www.toefl.eu. Practice tests are also available.
The minimum TOEFL score deemed appropriate by the Student Council for study at SMC is 600 for the paper-based test, 250 for the computer-based test, or 100 for the Internet-based test.
