Master of International Business Administration (MIBA) with Specialization in Finance

The Master of International Business Administration (MIBA) program at the American University in Switzerland ensures that our students are fully prepared to lead and manage in today’s competitive and changing global marketplace. We focus on integrating traditional business knowledge with practical decision-making, problem-solving, creativity, and strategic thinking while engaging in real-world projects. We create a practical learning and research environment that emphasizes collaboration and active engagement with industry leaders.

The curriculum links cutting-edge business theory to practical research and applications as students are guided to solve real-world challenges. This environment emphasizes collaboration and team building alongside the healthy competition. At AUS, top-tier internationally diverse classmates come together, share professional experiences, and form synergistic groups where mutual commitment and joint accountability lead to highly effective teams.

Each course integrates at least two experiential learning activities such as:

• Simulations
• Presentations – individual and/or group
• Case studies
• Projects – individual and/or group

Beyond the depth and breadth of knowledge gained in the classroom, the life-long connections developed while attending AUS will be of immeasurable value. To this end, we require and actively support internship placement, on-site company visits, and executive mentoring. With our vast network of contacts at nearby, world-renowned corporate headquarters, students are sure to find opportunities tailored to meet their specific needs. Whether the student’s aspiration is to manage a leading company, have their own business, or work for a family-run business, AUS provides the tools to follow the desired career path. AUS graduate students are expected to produce quality and practical business research summarized in their Master's Capstone submission. AUS awards prizes to the best Thesis.

The Leadership & Change Specialization provides students with a comprehensive organizational perspective, combined with real-world applications. Exposure to individual and group theories and practice will prepare graduates to become well-rounded business professionals. Competencies covered will include ethical decision-making, interdependence, inclusion, global perspective, technology with courses focused on individual leadership, behavior and change dynamics, systems thinking, negotiations, and conflict resolution.

When a MIBA student successfully completes the DDP, the student will graduate, in their chosen specialty, with a Master of International Business Administration (MIBA) from AUS and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from TU. MIBA students will also receive a Professional Certificate from TU in their chosen specialty.

Dual Degree Structure

In order to receive dual degrees, students must successfully complete the required AUS and TU courses. The curricula are mixtures of AUS and TU courses designed to provide students with the maximum exposure to the necessary knowledge and skills for the future workplace, emphasizing critical thinking, problem-solving, research technologies, and multimodal communication methods.

The TU programs are all online with videos, discussion rooms, readings, and other assignments. For the most part, the students will be in the same class as TU students, thus enabling interaction. Students will take both AUS and TU courses to complete their required coursework. Courses will be taught on campus and remotely, with the possibility of student exchanges to either university.

• Duration: 2 years
• Entry Dates: September / January / April
• Study Mode: Full-time
• Credits: 90 CH | 120 ECTS

A standard course of study to complete a MIBA program over two years requires the completion of fifteen AUS core courses, two AUS elective courses, ten TU core courses, and four TU specialization courses. In addition, nine credit hours are required for Capstone work which starts during the last academic term and can be completed up to six months after graduation. The MIBA Capstone work can be either a thesis in the form of a research proposal, where the validity of one or more hypotheses is investigated or in the form of a business plan.

The conferring of a MIBA degree from AUS follows only after completing all the following requirements:

• Academic credit requirements - a minimum of 90 CH | 120 ECTS.
• Academic performance requirements - a cumulative GPA of 3.0.
• Capstone: Thesis in the form of a research proposal, where the validity of one or more hypotheses is investigated, or in the form of a business plan.
• Attendance and residency requirements.

MIBA students have other credit-earning opportunities, when available, through internships and by working with professors on research initiatives and program activities surrounding their specialization.

Courses

• International Financial Management
• Financial Markets and Institutions
• Investment Analysis
• Emerging Markets Finance

• The successful MIBA participant will be able to analyze and evaluate (beyond the level of understanding) the performance of a business in the functional areas of general management (accounting, economics, finance, and marketing).
• The successful MIBA participant will be able to analyze and evaluate decision alternatives using theories, tools, and techniques (such as a cash flow statement, market segmentation, and sustainable competitive advantage) applied to the internal and external analysis of a business or industry situation and are able to support and defend their recommendations.
• The successful MIBA participant will be able to create and present advanced oral and written business presentations (such as a research proposal or a business plan) in a supported and scholarly fashion.
• The successful MIBA participant will set an example to other students by conducting their affairs in a businesslike manner (such as respect for their appearance, timeliness, and preparation) and possess the ability to work cooperatively in mixed teams on diverse projects towards a common goal.
• The successful MIBA participant will be able to develop life-long learning skills that will support them to continue their studies in a self-directed and autonomous manner.

Specialization in Finance allows you to progress into the following careers:

• Asset Management
• Equity Research
• Investment Banking
• Risk Management
• Corporate Finance