Business Administration at WHU

A Comprehensive Guide about Business Administration

• What is business administration?
• Goal of business administration
• General business administration vs. specialized business administration
• Content of business administration at WHU
• What do you need to successfully study business administration?
• Duration of a business administration degree
• What degree is granted in business administration at WHU?
• Benefits of studying business administration
• What is the salary of a business administration graduate?
• Tips for aspiring business administration students

What is business administration?

Business administration is a sub-discipline of economics. It analyzes corporate governance and management processes and translates them into economically sound recommendations.

When studying business administration, you explore economic resource management, investments, and company scalability questions. Moreover, you'll learn how companies function, how markets operate, and how they control economic processes. From financial management to marketing and human resources, business administration encompasses various topics and concepts crucial for successful organizational management.

Goal of business administration

Business administration aims to enable economically efficient actions within a company. Specifically, the objectives depend on the structure of the company or institution you're working for. Additionally, your position within the organization determines your specific tasks.

The objectives can be derived from business administration's theoretical and practical components. The theory deals with analyzing economic actions in the entrepreneurial context. The practice applies this knowledge to decision-making and action levels, allowing complex relationships to be incorporated into a comprehensive strategy and efficiently realized.

General business administration vs. specialized business administration

General business administration

General business administration deals with the planning, organization, and financing or accounting of companies. At WHU, these basics are taught in so-called core courses so that in addition to the basics in economics, you will also acquire knowledge of marketing and sales, finance and external accounting, production and logistics, and other subject areas. In addition, you can broaden your perspective, for example, by dealing with topics such as sustainability, risk management, or ethics.

Specialized business administration

Specialized business administration usually entails a deeper examination of specific sub-areas within business administration. While a general business administration degree covers many topics, students can specialize in particular areas throughout their studies, aligning with their interests and career goals. Learn about the specific focus areas in the Content of Business Administration section.

Content of business administration at WHU

The content of the business administration program can vary depending on personal emphasis. However, specific topics are mandatory within the curriculum. At WHU, you'll gain in-depth knowledge in:

• Marketing and Sales: This includes developing marketing strategies, product development, pricing, sales, advertising, and market research.
• Finance: This area deals with the acquisition and utilization of financial resources, financing investments, creating financial plans, and analyzing financial data.
• Production: This involves planning, controlling, and optimizing production processes and resources to ensure efficient manufacturing of goods or provision of services.
• Logistics: It focuses on planning, controlling, and optimizing material and goods flows, as well as associated information flows within companies, aiming to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the supply chain.
• Economics: Economics examines the economic behavior of entire economies, including supply and demand, labor market, monetary policy, international trade relations, and economic growth.
• Management: This encompasses planning, organizing, leading, and controlling companies, as well as strategic alignment and decision-making at the management level.
• International Management: This involves the challenges and opportunities arising from global business activities, including international markets, cultural differences, and legal frameworks.

Possible Specializations in:

• Business Law:  Business law encompasses the legal regulations affecting the economic activities of companies and individuals. This includes contract law, corporate law, labor law, commercial law, tax law, and competition law.
• Sports Management:  Sports management involves the planning, organizing, and executing events of all kinds, from conferences and trade fairs to cultural and sports events. It includes budgeting, marketing, logistics, personnel, and risk management.
• Event Management:  Event management refers to the planning, organizing, and executing events of all kinds, from conferences and trade fairs to cultural and sports events. It includes budgeting, marketing, logistics, personnel, and risk management.

What do you need to successfully study business administration?

To complete the business administration program, you need the following:

• A university entrance qualification (e.g., IB or A-Levels)
• Proof of English proficiency
• A basic understanding of mathematical calculations and economic issues
• 6 weeks of practical experience

You can find more detailed information on this on our page Business studies requirements.

Is business administration difficult to study?

Studying business administration requires a strong interest in the field, as this fosters the motivation to engage with complex and challenging topics. Willingness to perform is crucial for maintaining discipline in continuous learning and coping with exams and other performance assessments. It is only easy to succeed in an academic environment with the willingness to invest time and effort. Depending on personal strengths and interests, students may find certain areas of study more accessible or more appealing.

Duration of a business administration degree

The standard period of study for a bachelor's degree in business administration in full-time mode at most universities in Germany is 6 to 8 semesters. Some universities offer part-time study programs, extending the total duration. At WHU, you'll earn a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration within the standard six semesters. The three-year program includes two internships, with at least one completed abroad.

What degree is granted in business administration at WHU?

The business administration program at WHU concludes with a Bachelor in International Business Administration for Management. The official designation is Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.). Additionally, WHU offers a Bachelor in Business Psychology.

After your studies, you'll benefit from our Career Center and international network and aim to enter the workforce. If you opt for further studies, WHU offers five different Master Programs and a Part-Time Master in Management.

Benefits of Studying Business Administration

Excellent career opportunities & valuable contacts

Why study business administration? Simply put, it opens up numerous opportunities in the business world. From finance to marketing and management, you'll learn everything you need to succeed in the corporate world. With a degree in business administration, you're well-equipped to launch your career in management consulting, finance, marketing, or even entrepreneurship. Moreover, during your business administration studies, you'll build connections with classmates, lecturers, and industry experts, who will become part of your professional network, potentially opening doors for you in the future.

Promising career perspectives

Typical professions in the field of business administration include:

Key Account Manager: Responsible for nurturing and developing key customer relationships. They act as the central point of contact for these critical clients and coordinate all activities to understand and meet their needs. The goal is to build and maintain long-term profitable business relationships.

Sales Control or Accounting Manager: Responsible for organizing and optimizing sales processes or financial processes within a company. They analyze data, create reports, and develop strategies to boost sales or improve economic performance. They aim to increase the company's efficiency and profitability.

Management Consultant: They assist companies in improving their performance by providing expertise, analysis, and recommendations in various areas such as strategy, organization, process optimization, and technology. They work closely with management to identify challenges, develop solutions, and successfully implement changes.

Controller: Monitor and analyze a company's financial performance by collecting data, creating reports, and managing budgets. They identify trends, risks, opportunities, and recommendations for improving the financial situation. Their goal is to ensure the financial stability and profitability of the company.

Supply Chain Manager: Planning, controlling, and optimizing all processes along a company's supply chain. This includes sourcing raw materials, manufacturing goods, storing and transporting goods, and distributing them to customers. They aim to ensure an efficient and smooth supply chain while minimizing costs.

Marketing Manager: Responsible for developing and implementing marketing strategies to successfully market a company's products or services. They conduct market analyses, build marketing campaigns, monitor the competition, and coordinate all marketing activities. They aim to increase brand awareness, attract customers, and boost sales.

Entry into the profession is typically at a junior or trainee level, allowing you to expand and deepen your knowledge. Alternatively, after completing a bachelor's in business administration, you may pursue a master in business administration.

Tips for aspiring business administration students

If you choose to pursue a business administration degree, here are some tips that can help you get started:

• Research the various degree programs and universities early to find the one that suits you best.

• Take advantage of the opportunity to interact with current students and benefit from their experiences. Feel free to use the chat function on our Bachelor in International Business Administration program page.

• During your studies, learning the theoretical foundations and gaining practical experience – whether through internships, student projects or study abroad programs is essential.

Conclusion:

A bachelor's degree in business administration is your springboard to a career full of opportunities. The business administration course at WHU stands out for its excellent teaching, strong network, and unique learning environment. Start shaping your future today with a bachelor's degree in business administration at WHU and position yourself at the forefront of the business world.

What degree do you receive in business administration?

The business administration course at WHU concludes with a bachelor’s degree in international business administration. The official designation is Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.). WHU also offers a Bachelor in Business Psychology which combines organizational psychology with a solid understanding of management.

Suppose you have completed your studies and want to start your career immediately. In that case, WHU’s dedicated Career Center and international network will benefit you and support you on your professional journey. If you decide to do a postgraduate degree, you can qualify for senior management by completing one of WHU’s five master’s programs.