The OLD Basel MBA

An innovative curriculum that’s flexible and customizable.

12

Career-Focused Courses

Crafted with insights from professionals, alumni, and academia, The Basel MBA curriculum ensures you’re primed to thrive in the dynamic business world. You’ll take a total of 12 transformative courses: 3 Core Business Foundations, 6 Advanced Functional Modules, 2 Specialized Electives, and a Comprehensive Capstone. With up to 25% of the curriculum customizable, you hold the reins to shape your education in line with your ambitions.

Before You Begin - Optional Bootcamp Courses

Our Bootcamp classes are optional, ungraded workshops designed to give students without a business background (or those who just want a refresher) a strong foundation in the fundamental concepts and tools of business. These intensive, hands-on classes cover topics such as accounting, management, information systems, and economics. By the end of the Bootcamp, students will have the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the core MBA curriculum and beyond. The Bootcamp is also an opportunity for students to build relationships with their peers and develop a support network as they embark on their MBA journey.
The Accounting Fundamentals Bootcamp is intended for students who do not have a background in accounting, or who may need a little refresher. This intensive weekend seminar covers a range of topics, including financial statements, balance sheets, income statements, cash flow statements, and the accounting cycle. By the end of the workshop, students will have a solid understanding of the basic principles of accounting and be well-prepared for more advanced financial coursework.
Our Mathematics Bootcamp emphasizes the practical application of mathematical concepts in real-world business situations. Through practical applications of mathematical models, students learn how to analyze and solve business problems, as well as make informed decisions using mathematical tools. The Mathematics Bootcamp is ideal for students who do not have a strong background in mathematics, or who wish to refresh their mathematics knowledge. By the end of the bootcamp, students will be better prepared for the quantitative aspects of the MBA program.
Our Computer Applications Bootcamp is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the software applications commonly used in business settings, including Office 365 applications such as Excel, Word, and PowerPoint, as well collaboration tools such as Microsoft Teams and SharePoint. The Computer Applications for Business Bootcamp is ideal for students who do not have a strong background in technology, but who recognize the importance of developing such skills and want to be well-prepared to succeed in the core MBA curriculum and beyond.

Business Foundations (3 Courses)

Our MBA program includes three business foundation courses that provide a comprehensive introduction to key business concepts and tools.

The first course, “Economics for Managers,” introduces students to microeconomic theory and its applications to business decision-making. Students will learn also how to analyze global markets and make strategic decisions in the face of uncertainty.

The second course, “Financial Analysis and Decision Making,” covers the principles of financial statements, investment management, capital budgeting, and the financial impact of business decisions. Students will learn how to read, interpret, and use this financial information to make informed business decisions.

The third course, “Applied Statistics and Research Methods,” focuses on statistical and quantitative analysis as tools for business decision-making. Students will learn how to effectively collect and use data to make informed decisions, as well as how to communicate their findings effectively to others.

Advanced Functional Areas (6 Courses)

Our Advanced Business Courses build upon the knowledge and skills developed in the Business Foundations courses, providing students with the opportunity to explore specific areas of interest in greater depth. These courses cover a wide range of topics, including leadership, marketing, strategy, operations, and entrepreneurship.

The course covers a range of topics, including leadership theory, team dynamics, conflict resolution, communication, and change management. Students will learn about the latest research and best practices in leadership and organizational development, and will have the opportunity to develop their own leadership skills through a range of experiential learning activities.

The course covers a range of topics, including consumer behavior, market research, branding, advertising, and digital marketing. Students will learn how to develop effective marketing strategies, create compelling marketing messages, and leverage the latest marketing technologies to reach and engage target audiences. The course also emphasizes the importance of ethical marketing practices and the role of marketing in driving positive social change.

The course covers a range of topics, including project planning, scheduling, budgeting, risk management, and team leadership. Students will learn how to develop and execute project plans, manage project scope and stakeholders, identify and manage project risks, and communicate effectively with project teams and other stakeholders. The course also covers project management tools and software, including Gantt charts, critical path analysis, and project management software.

The course covers a range of topics, including international trade theory, trade policy, foreign direct investment, and the role of institutions in the global economy. Students will learn how to analyze the benefits and costs of international trade, as well as the political and economic factors that shape trade policies around the world. They will also gain an understanding of the role of multinational corporations in the global economy, and the challenges and opportunities associated with managing businesses in a global context.

The course covers database management, system development, network infrastructure, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies. Students will learn how to develop and implement information systems strategies that align with business objectives, identify and mitigate cyber threats, and evaluate emerging technologies. The course also covers the legal and ethical considerations associated with managing information systems, as well as the importance of effective communication and collaboration between IT professionals and other stakeholders in the organization.

The course covers a range of topics, including competitive advantage, industry analysis, resource allocation, and strategic implementation. Students will learn how to analyze competitive environments, develop effective business strategies, and make informed decisions about resource allocation and implementation. The course also emphasizes the importance of ethical considerations in strategic decision-making, and the role of innovation and entrepreneurship in developing successful strategies.

Select an Area of Specialization (2 Courses)

By selecting a specialization, you can tailor your education to your specific career goals and interests, position yourself for success in a specific industry or career path, and gain a competitive edge in the job market.  

The Basel MBA program offers a wide range of specializations including areas such as Business Intelligence, Pharmaceutical Management, International Business, and more.  

You can also work with your academic advisor to develop a customized specialization which is relevant to your individual needs. 

International
Business

Gain a global perspective on business operations and strategy, mastering skills needed to navigate the complexities of multinational companies:

Cross-Cultural Management
Global Marketing
Alliances and Negotiations
Global Finance

Pharmaceutical
Management

Master the world of pharmaceuticals, learning strategic decision-making skills to drive success in this dynamic industry:

The Healthcare Environment
Market Access
Communicating Value in the Healthcare Industry
Healthcare Data & Analytics

Business
Intelligence

Understand the power of data in business decision-making. Learn to analyze, interpret, and use data to drive strategic initiatives:

Big Data Analytics
Business Intelligence
Healthcare Data & Analytics
Models for Marketing Strategy

Transformational
Marketing

Discover innovative marketing strategies and techniques to create value, inspire change, and drive customer engagement:

Consumer Behavior
Global Marketing
Digital Marketing
Pricing Strategy

Financial
Analysis

Develop the ability to evaluate financial performance, forecast future trends, and make strategic financial decisions:

Investments and Portfolio Theory
Fixed Income and Risk Management
Global Finance

Organizational
Systems & Change

Learn to lead transformation within organizations, focusing on change management strategies, organizational behavior, and system thinking:

Organizational Behavior
Leading Organizational Change
Cross-Cultural Management

Healthcare
Management

The specialization in Healthcare Management begins in Fall 2025. Applications will be accepted starting in November 2024.

Customized
Specialization

Working with your advisor, you can develop your own specialization. Previous areas have included entrepreneurship, sustainability, and family enterprise management.

Select a Capstone Option (1 Course)

As you near the end of the MBA program, you will have the opportunity to select a Capstone Option that allows you to apply your knowledge and skills in a real-world context. There are three capstone options available: Internship, Business Case, or Free Elective.

Each Capstone Option provides students with a unique opportunity to gain valuable experience, knowledge, and connections that will help them achieve their career goals.

Internship

Students who choose the Internship option will work with their academic advisor to secure an internship at a company or organization that aligns with their career goals. They will then spend from one semester to one year working on a specific project or set of projects, gaining hands-on experience and building their professional network.

Business Case

Students who choose the Business Case option will work on a real-world business case and provide solutions to the sponsoring organization. They will work collaboratively on a team, conducting research and analysis, and presenting their findings and recommendations to the organization’s leadership.

Free Elective

Students who choose the Free Elective option will have the opportunity to design and pursue an independent study that aligns with their personal or professional interests. This might include any elective course, conducting original research, or pursuing a creative or innovative project.

Tell us a little about yourself and we’ll help with the rest. Our convenient online application tool only takes 10 minutes to complete.

After you submit your application, an admissions representative will contact you and will help you to complete the process.

Once you’ve completed your application and connected with an admissions representative, you’re ready to create your schedule.

FORM

Are you ready to take the next step toward your future career?