Betriebswirtschaftslehre, Business Administration (weiterführend)

The study program takes place at universities and universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschulen). Learning locations at the university include lecture halls, seminar and practice rooms, language labs, and libraries. At home, students prepare for and follow up on courses, complete assignments, and potentially participate in online courses.

The standard duration of study is 2-4 semesters.

Study costs include enrollment and administration fees, as well as semester contributions (e.g., for the student union, student body, semester ticket), and potentially tuition fees. Fees may apply for 'long-term students,' those pursuing a second degree, or after exhausting a set 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 of 25 or certain income limits. For information on funding opportunities, consult the German National Association for Student Affairs (Deutsches Studierendenwerk) and the Federal Education Assistance Act (Bundesausbildungsförderungsgesetz - BAföG).

Dual study programs (Duale Studiengänge) combine academic study with professional activity or practical phases in a company. In the advanced study field of Business Administration, there are both career-integrating and practice-integrating dual study programs. Further information and a search for dual study programs can be found on the AusbildungPlus portal.

Compulsory modules include, for example: Accounting and Controlling, Asset Management, Behavioral Finance, Business Theory, Balance Sheet Analysis and Policy, Business Intelligence and Data Mining, Corporate Entrepreneurship, Introduction to the Theory of the Firm, Empirical Management Research, Research Methods in Business Informatics, Methods of Empirical Economic Research, Securities and Portfolio Management. Elective modules may include: Corporate Governance, Digital Service Systems, Quantitative Risk Management. Practical study content, depending on the university, may include internships, practical modules, or practical semesters (e.g., in service companies, possibly abroad).

Students should be prepared for the following conditions and requirements: Lectures and seminars are attended in the lecture halls and seminar rooms of the university during the semester; participation in online courses from home may also be required. For part-time students (Berufsbegleitendes Studium), professional activity takes place during the day on weekdays, with university attendance in the evenings or on weekends. Independent work involves preparing for and following up on courses, researching in libraries, preparing presentations, and completing assignments (also during lecture-free periods). Deepening skills in scientific work is essential. Organizing and planning one's studies independently, adhering to given study periods, and timely completion of study and examination requirements (requiring self-discipline and organizational talent) are crucial. Career preparation may involve completing internships (e.g., in service companies) and preparing for entry into the profession.

Students can complete parts of their studies abroad. For example, they can participate in an international master's program such as the "ESCP Europe Executive MBA" offered in various countries. This program is available at ESCP Europe campuses in Paris, London, Berlin, Madrid, and Turin, leading to a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree. For more information, please refer to the Executive MBA program.

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

Universities typically require the following undergraduate degrees: Business Administration (undergraduate), Commercial Business Administration (undergraduate), Industrial Business Administration (undergraduate), Construction Business Administration, Construction Management (undergraduate), Transport Business Administration (undergraduate), Insurance Business Administration (undergraduate).

Additional and key qualifications facilitate a successful career start. Topics such as foreign languages, project management, and team and conflict training are examples. Elective modules like Quantitative Risk Management can also provide additional qualifications. Internships, for example, in service companies, specifically prepare students for professional life. Opportunities to acquire additional and key qualifications can be found at the Career Centers of universities (see contact details of the respective university).

This advanced study program deepens knowledge from undergraduate studies and, if applicable, professional experience. Students usually specialize in specific topics, such as Marketing or International Management. The program leads to a second university degree. Business Administration is also available as a dual study program. Teacher training, part-time, or distance learning programs are also offered.

Examples: Business Administration (Master), Business Administration/Business Economics (Master), Business Administration (Master), Business Development / Product Management and Start-up Management (Master), Digital Transformation (Master), Sustainable Mobilities (Master).

Master's graduates in Business Administration have various career opportunities in the private sector, such as business organization, planning, purchasing, procurement, or human resources. Those aiming for an academic career usually need to pursue a doctorate. A doctorate may also facilitate access to higher professional positions in the private sector and research.

In the late 19th century, commercial colleges were founded in Leipzig, Aachen, and Vienna. Business Administration developed by focusing on the principles of economic corporate management. By the mid-20th century, study programs diversified, focusing on individual functional areas or types of businesses. In 1999, the Bologna Process began, reforming the European higher education landscape with goals including creating a unified European higher education area, harmonizing study programs and degrees (introducing Bachelor's and Master's programs), and improving student and faculty mobility.

Degrees vary depending on the study program: Master of Arts (M.A.), Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Business Research (MBR), Master of Science (M.Sc.).

No remuneration is received during studies. Compensation may be agreed upon for practical phases, for example, during an internship in a company. The Master's thesis may be written as part of an activity in a company. Remuneration during this time usually aligns with that of an internship. Remuneration during a dual study program varies depending on the company.

At the federal level, the Higher Education Framework Act (HRG) as amended on 19.01.1999 (BGBl. I p. 18), last amended by Article 1 of the Act of 15.11.2019 (BGBl. I p. 1622), applies. Also, joint structural guidelines of the Länder (federal states) according to § 9 paragraph 2 HRG for the accreditation of Bachelor's and Master's degree programs (resolution of the KMK of 10.10.2003 as amended on 04.02.2010) and the Qualifications Framework for German Higher Education Degrees (developed in cooperation with the German Rectors' Conference, the Conference of Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs, and in coordination with the Federal Ministry of Education and Research, and adopted by the Conference of Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs on 16.02.2017) are in place. At the state level, higher education laws in conjunction with administrative regulations, e.g., on the accreditation of study programs, apply. Qualification or higher education entrance regulations are also relevant. At the university level, the university's statutes and the study and examination regulations for the degree programs in the respective field of study are applicable.

A first professionally qualifying university degree is required for the study; usually, an undergraduate degree in Business Administration is a prerequisite. For continuing education programs, at least 1 year of professional experience is required. Depending on the university, an internal selection process takes place. Selection criteria include, for example, performance in the first professionally qualifying degree. For dual study programs, an internship or employment contract with a suitable company (so-called practical partner) is usually required. English language skills may need to be demonstrated. A pre-study internship may need to be proven.