Betriebswirtschaftslehre, Business Administration (grundständig)

The study program takes place at universities, universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschule), or vocational academies (Berufsakademie). Learning locations at the higher education institution or vocational academy include lecture halls, seminar and exercise rooms, language labs, and libraries. At home, students engage in activities such as preparing for and reviewing lectures, completing assignments, and potentially participating in online courses.

This is an undergraduate study program (grundständiges Studium). Study options are available at universities, universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschule), or vocational academies (Berufsakademie). Graduates receive a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree. The standard duration of study is 3-4 years. The undergraduate program in Business Administration provides fundamental scientific and practical knowledge in the planning, organization, calculation, and implementation of entrepreneurial decisions. This field of study can sometimes be combined with other subjects. Business Administration is also available as a dual study program (duales Studium), a teaching degree program, or a distance learning program. Possible undergraduate degree programs include Business Administration (small and medium-sized enterprises), Business Administration (Human Resource Management and Leadership), Business Administration, Digital Business Administration, Digital Transformation in Business and Society, and Sustainable Business Administration (Digital Business/Personnel Management/Business Psychology).

The standard duration of study is 6-8 semesters. The average actual duration of study is 8 semesters. Source: Federal Statistical Office, Statistical Report - Statistics of Examinations at German Higher Education Institutions - Examination Year 2024.

Study costs include enrollment and administration fees, as well as semester contributions (e.g., for the student union, the constituted student body, semester ticket). Where applicable, tuition fees may apply for 'long-term students,' for a second degree, or after exhausting a fixed study credit. Expenses for learning materials and study needs, such as specialized literature and excursions, are also incurred. Contributions for student health insurance are typically required when exceeding the age limit of 25 years or certain income thresholds. Information on funding opportunities can be found at the German Student Union (Deutsches Studierendenwerk) and the Federal Education Assistance Act (Bundesausbildungsförderungsgesetz - BAföG).

Dual study programs (Duale Studiengänge) combine a university degree (Studium) with vocational training (Berufsausbildung) or practical phases in a company. In the undergraduate field of Business Administration, there are programs that integrate vocational training (ausbildungsintegrierend) and programs that integrate practical experience (praxisintegrierend). For example, the program may include the recognized vocational training occupation of Industrial Clerk (Industriekaufmann/frau). Further information and a search for dual study programs can be found on the AusbildungPlus portal.

Compulsory modules include, for example, foreign trade, business statistics, accounting and balance sheets, fundamentals of economics, cost and performance accounting, marketing, human resource management, project management and work, process management and enterprise software, corporate management, and corporate and business ethics. Elective modules may include applied online marketing, fundamentals of programming, individual labor law, and intercultural management (Australia/Asia - South Africa). Practical study content, depending on the university, may involve internships, practical modules, or practical semesters (e.g., in commercial enterprises, possibly abroad).

You should be prepared for the following conditions and requirements: Attend lectures and seminars at the university during the semester, and possibly participate in online courses from home. Prepare for and review lectures, research in libraries, prepare presentations, and complete assignments (even during semester breaks). Plan your studies independently within the given structure, adhere to deadlines and study periods, and complete study and examination requirements on time (self-discipline and organizational talent are required). For career preparation, you may complete internships (e.g., in business companies) and prepare for your career entry.

Students can complete parts of their studies abroad. For example, there is an international undergraduate program in Business Administration in France, offered by the University of Bamberg and ESC Clermont Business School. Graduates receive a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) from the University of Bamberg and a Bachelor International Management (B.A.) from ESC Clermont. More information is available from the University of Bamberg regarding their double bachelor's degree in Business Administration.

The following subjects can be alternatives to Business Administration (undergraduate): Management and Corporate Leadership, Corporate Management (undergraduate), Management Consulting (undergraduate), Commercial Business Administration (undergraduate), Industrial Business Administration (undergraduate), Crafts Management (undergraduate), Logistics, Supply Chain Management (undergraduate), Economics (undergraduate), Construction Business Administration, Construction Management (undergraduate), Transport Business Administration (undergraduate), Insurance Business Administration (undergraduate). Commonalities include acquiring business knowledge and planning, organizing, calculating, and implementing entrepreneurial decisions.

In-depth knowledge in the following school subjects are good prerequisites for successful studies: Economics/Law (e.g., to facilitate access to business administration study content), Mathematics (e.g., statistics, financial economics, and cost and performance accounting), English (e.g., English as a business language), Computer Science (e.g., data structures, algorithms, or programming languages).

Additional and key qualifications facilitate a successful career entry. The following topics are relevant, for example: startup management, communication, and teamwork skills. Elective modules like Intercultural Management can also provide additional qualifications. Internships, for example in business companies, specifically prepare for professional life. Offers for acquiring additional and key qualifications can be found at the Career Centers of universities (see contact details of the respective university) or through the university search of Hochschulkompass for universities in Germany.

The undergraduate program in Business Administration provides fundamental scientific and practical knowledge in the planning, organization, calculation, and implementation of entrepreneurial decisions. It leads to a first university degree. The subject can partly be combined with other subjects. Business Administration is also available as a dual study program, a teaching degree program, or a distance learning program.

Various Bachelor's degree programs are available, such as Business Administration (small and medium-sized enterprises) (Bachelor), Business Administration (sustainability and resource efficiency) (Bachelor), Business Administration (Human Resource Management and Leadership) (Bachelor), Business and Digitalization (Bachelor), Business Administration (Bachelor), Business Analytics (Bachelor), Digital Business Management (Bachelor), Digital Business Administration (Bachelor), Digital Transformation in Business and Society (Bachelor), Sustainable Business Administration (Digital Business/Personnel Management/Economic Psychology) (Bachelor).

The field of study Business Administration can be combined with various subjects depending on the university, for example, Educational Sciences (undergraduate), Engineering (undergraduate), Sustainability Management (undergraduate), Economics (undergraduate), Business Informatics (undergraduate), Business Psychology (undergraduate), or Business Law (undergraduate).

For Bachelor graduates in Business Administration, various fields of activity are available in the private sector, such as business organization, planning, purchasing, procurement, or human resources.

In the late 19th century, commercial colleges were founded in Leipzig, Aachen, and Vienna, leading to the development of Business Administration, focusing on the principles of economic corporate management. By the mid-20th century, study programs became more specialized, concentrating on individual functional areas or types of businesses. In 1999, the Bologna Process began, reforming the European higher education landscape with goals such as creating a unified European higher education area, harmonizing study programs and degrees (introducing Bachelor's and Master's degrees), and improving the mobility of students and lecturers.

Depending on the study program, degrees such as Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) can be obtained.

If a student drops out of their studies, vocational training (Ausbildung) such as a State-certified Commercial Assistant for Business Administration in the Office and Secretarial field can be an alternative. Common aspects in these areas include business administration, controlling, and accounting. In the field of Management and Corporate Leadership, options like Business Administrator (dual-qualification Ausbildung) for Foreign Trade, Business Administrator (dual-qualification Ausbildung) for Textiles, or Business Administrator (dual-qualification Ausbildung) for General Business Administration are available. Common aspects here include business administration, management, and corporate leadership. Searching by professional fields may reveal further alternatives. For more information on prospects after dropping out of studies, refer to 'Studienabbruch - und dann?' and 'studienwahl.de'.

During Studium (higher education studies), no remuneration is typically received. However, compensation can be agreed upon for practical phases, for example, during an internship in a company. Remuneration during a dual Studium (dual study program) varies depending on the training model and the company.

Specialization is possible depending on the university and study program. For example, in areas such as Procurement and Logistics Management, Corporate Tax Affairs, Financial Management, Marketing, Human Resources Management, Accounting, and Controlling.

Legal regulations for Studium are determined at the federal level by the Higher Education Framework Act (HRG) and inter-state structural guidelines. At the state level, Higher Education Acts, Accreditation Regulations, and Qualification Regulations apply. At the university level, the University Statutes and Study and Examination Regulations are in effect.

For Studium at universities and equivalent higher education institutions, the general or, if applicable, subject-specific Hochschulreife (university entrance qualification) is required. For Fachhochschulen (universities of applied sciences) and Berufsakademien (professional academies), at least the Fachhochschulreife (university of applied sciences entrance qualification) or a certificate recognized as equivalent by the competent authority of the respective Bundesland (federal state) is required. Information on Studium without a school-based higher education entrance qualification for professionally qualified individuals can be found in the regulations of each Bundesland. Depending on the university, an internal selection process may take place. For dual Studium programs, an Ausbildung (vocational training), internship, or employment contract with a suitable company (so-called practical partner) is usually a prerequisite. Proof of English language skills or a pre-study internship may be required.

Bachelor graduates in Business Administration can continue their studies in an advanced subject, such as Business Administration, Corporate Management, Management, or International Economics, thereby expanding their career opportunities. Advanced study subjects include Business Administration, Business Administration (advanced); Commercial Business Administration (advanced); Industrial Business Administration (advanced); International Economics (advanced); Management Consulting (advanced); Corporate Management, Management (advanced); Administrative Management, Public Management (advanced); Economics (advanced); Industrial Engineering (advanced); Business Education (advanced); Economic Sciences (advanced).