
Find your open program


Digital marketing

Data science & management

Digital strategy


Social networks

Growth marketing

Digital transformation

What is a CAS, DAS, or MAS?
They are not just simple certificates, they are genuine university degrees, awarded by the University of Lausanne (UNIL) within the framework of open programs.
They are recognized in Switzerland and internationally through the ECTS credit system and certify a high level of professional expertise.
To better understand the difference between these three program formats, explore our comparative guide: CAS, DAS, MAS: what are the differences?
What is an ECTS credit?
ECTS credits (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) allow our CAS, DAS, and MAS programs to be recognized across Europe and beyond. This system ensures the portability and international academic value of your learning journey, whether for career advancement or further studies.
One ECTS credit corresponds to 25 to 30 hours of work for participants. This workload includes:
- Attending classes
- Preparing for courses and readings
- Individual and group assignments
- Possible internships
- Exam preparation
- Writing the dissertation or final project
This standardized system guarantees a transparent assessment of learning effort, facilitating the recognition of completed programs across all institutions participating in the Bologna Process.
Why invest in an open program when you already have experience?
Because in a fast-changing world, experience alone is no longer enough, it must evolve with you. Markets are transforming, managerial expectations are shifting, and technologies are redrawing the rules of the game.
To stay ahead, you need to learn differently and continuously.
An open program enables you to:
- Update your expertise in line with new business realities
- Anticipate changes in your sector before they become urgent
- Gain strategic skills that strengthen your value and impact
You have the experience. Now give it a head start.
Why choose HEC Lausanne?
Because you are not just looking for a program, but a true accelerator of professional transformation.
Joining HEC Lausanne Executive Education means choosing:
An academic institution of reference, anchored within a major public university
A rigorous and pragmatic learning experience, grounded in cutting-edge research and directly applicable to your challenges
A strong commitment to responsible leadership, matching today’s economic, social, and environmental challenges
A vibrant, international campus, shared with EPFL and at the heart of a unique innovation ecosystem
An active network of alumni, experts, and partners that supports you well beyond the program
You invest your time, your energy, and your ambitions and we bring you excellence, relevance, and perspective.
How to choose the right open program?
It all depends on your ambitions, your personal and professional goals, your sector, and the stage of your career.
To guide you, our catalog page allows you to filter programs by domain (leadership, digital marketing, finance, data, etc.), by degree type (CAS or DAS), and by language. Each program sheet details the key elements: duration, dates, registration, content, objectives, target audience, and faculty.
We also offer:
- Regular information sessions
- A personalized consultation to support your decision-making
And to go further, explore our complete guide to choosing the right program: How to choose your open program?
Are CAS and DAS compatible with a job and personal life?
Absolutely. Our programs are specifically designed for active professionals like you, with already demanding schedules.
At HEC Lausanne Executive Education, we know that most of our participants balance professional responsibilities, personal commitments, and development ambitions. That’s why our formats are designed to fit your reality:
- CAS consist of about 15 days of classes spread over 4 to 6 months
- DAS involve about 30 days of training spread over 10 to 12 months
This modular approach allows you to spread the workload, integrating the program into both your professional and personal life without having to sacrifice one for the other.
What is the difference between open programs and custom programs?
Open programs are offered through a structured catalog of programs (CAS, DAS, short courses) and are accessible to anyone who meets the admission criteria. They bring together professionals from diverse sectors around shared themes, with a schedule and content defined in advance.
Custom programs, on the other hand, are entirely designed for a specific organization (company, public administration, NGO, etc.). Objectives, content, format, pace, case studies, language, everything is tailored to the strategic and operational needs of the team concerned. They can take place on-site, online, or on our campus, with simultaneous translation available if required.
Learn more on our dedicated page: custom programs.
What makes an open program at HEC Lausanne truly different?
Because it goes far beyond a simple transfer of skills.
Our programs offer an immersive experience, built around three pillars:
- Academic excellence, grounded in research and leading international practices
- Real-world relevance, with case studies, simulations, and projects directly tied to your challenges
- Strategic networking, with high-level peers from diverse sectors
You develop both hard skills (analysis, finance, data, etc.) and soft skills essential to driving change: strategic vision, leadership, agility, and innovation.
And the results? Our alumni report a tangible impact on their decisions, careers, and organizational performance. It’s a high-return, long-lasting investment.