AGSB's 20 Years

Programs of Study


A primary objective of American schools in Europe is to maintain the identity of the North American educational system in the European social and cultural environment. Known for its broad contour, the U.S. education system offers academic excellence, quality assurance, flexibility, emphasis on student success, and global acceptability.

Post-secondary education represents the onset of university studies within the American system. A Bachelor's degree is the highest degree program you can enter with a high school diploma. Studies leading to a Bachelor's degree are defined as undergraduate studies.

The following level is referred to as graduate studies or Masters program. One must earn, or be on the verge of earning, a Bachelor's degree before applying for admission to her/his choice of a Master degree program. The flexibility of the American model for higher education enables an individual to change the focus of studies when entering the graduate studies level. For example, completion of undergraduate studies in Engineering, IT, Biology, Humanities, or Fine Arts does not preclude the graduate from pursuing an MBA degree.

For students outside of the U.S., information about the academic infrastructure of a scholastic year, semester duration, credit hours, and grading practices can be obtained by contacting the Academic Unit of AGSB. Generally speaking, within the American system, the normal pattern is to take a full load equalling four to five courses (BSBA five courses and MBA four courses), worth three credit hours each, per semester. Students spend about two hours of study time for each hour spent in class. The quality of the student's achievement is measured by letter grades of A (originality and excellence), B (shows responsibility; above average work), C (average performance), D (work of minimal competence), F (failure). Pluses and minuses are also incorporated within the grading system.

In a Swiss cultural context, the advantages of a U.S.-based study are further enhanced. American degrees are recognized and sought after by employers world-wide. The combination of Swiss Quality with American Style and System, leads to self-growth, independent thinking and cross-cultural communication skills.


Our Faculty of Business offers the following programs: