WHU

Master of Science: Contents and requirements –
A sure path to success.

Today, there are endless opportunities to expand our knowledge continuously and to hone our skills. A master's degree is one of the ways to do just that, but why should you pursue a master's degree when a bachelor's degree already offers many opportunities, and what does a master's degree mean for your career?
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Advantages of a Master's degree

A master's degree is an in-depth course of study which builds on a previously completed undergraduate degree (usually a bachelor's degree). A master's program can be used to expand and deepen your knowledge and expertise in your current field or open the door to new fields of interest.

The Bologna Process restructured the education structure of European higher education institutions, which included introducing the master's degree. A master's degree, such as a Master of Science (MSc) or a Master of Arts (MA), enables graduates to take up a wide range of management-level activities and is, in particular, a prerequisite for doctoral studies in Germany.

Fields usually offered as a Master of Science (MSc) are economics, natural sciences, or mathematical and technical disciplines. Master of Science programs typically consist of four semesters but can be shorter or longer depending on the duration of the previously completed bachelor's degree. A master's degree can be completed full-time or as part-time. WHU in particular offers both full-time Master of Science Programs, and a Part-Time Master in Management (MA).

What is a Master of Science (Abbreviation MS.c)?

As one of seven consecutive master's degrees, the academic title Master of Science (abbreviation M.Sc.) is usually awarded in the fields of computer science, mathematics or natural sciences. Depending on the content structure of the program, it is also awarded in the fields of business and engineering. The standard time for Master of Science programs can vary between one and two years. Typically, four semesters are completed for a Master's degree, although corresponding regulations must be observed in detail for the total standard period of study for the Master's degree. Depending on the university or college, a Master of Science degree can be completed full-time or part-time. A dual master's degree in particular is becoming increasingly attractive.

Which Master of Science programs are offered by WHU?

WHU currently offers five Master of Science degree programs and one Master of Arts in our Part-Time Master in Management. They all offer numerous exciting career prospects. Here is a brief overview of our Master of Science Programs:

Master in Management: Our Master in Management offers a flexible curriculum and the breadth and depth of knowledge across general management. The core electives provide the essential tools and foundation for a thorough understanding of management, while the concentrations present an opportunity to dive deeper into a specific field. We offer concentrations in the following areas: Accounting and Finance, Data Analytics, Economics, Marketing and Sales, Strategy and Leadership, and Supply Chain Management. This program offers recent bachelor's graduates from business or economics majors a versatile opportunity to embark on a successful professional life.

Master in Business Analytics: The Master in Business Analytics aims to combine leadership expertise with strategic data approaches to bridge the gap between analytics and management. With a curriculum that offers the chance to choose different "pathways" or focus, such as in marketing, entrepreneurship, or supply chain management, the Master in Business Analytics combines WHU's entrepreneurial approach with technical knowledge to build leaders that can effectively translate analytics and lead teams.

Master in International Business: Our Master in International Business offers a comprehensive general management curriculum with a significant global perspective. Ideal for non-business majors with a business minor interested in a gear change towards the business world, the program offers a broad range of courses in management. Some of the courses offered in the program include Negotiations in International Business, Managing the Global Supply Chain, Psychology of Leadership, and Modern Tools and Applications of Data Science.

Master in Entrepreneurship: Our Master in Entrepreneurship is Germany's first international and specialized Master of Science Program in the fields of entrepreneurship and innovation. WHU's inspiring entrepreneurial spirit is highlighted especially in this program, which welcomes students from a diverse range of academic backgrounds with some experience in the field of entrepreneurship. During the program, you will have numerous opportunities to develop and test your business ideas or build an entrepreneurial mindset to creatively take on new challenges in any business environment in which you may find yourself. Through modules such as Building and Scaling Successful Companies, Venture Capital Finance, Web Mining, and Corporate Entrepreneurship, you can become a founder, a corporate transformer, a consultant or venture capitalist, or a technology expert.

Master in Finance: Our Master in Finance offers a rigorous specialized curriculum in financial management, which provides the fundamental skills and knowledge of financial markets and a deeper understanding of theories surrounding modern finance. Open to students from business-related fields, or STEM with first-hand experience in finance-related areas, the Master in Finance is ideal for students with a solid analytical and quantitative background interested in lucrative careers in finance. Through the three Core Modules such as Capital Market Theory, Financial Econometrics, and International Financial Reporting and an extensive portfolio of electives to choose from, the Master in Finance highly customizable to your academic and career interests.

Double Degree: WHU's Master of Science Programs include a semester abroad at one of our 200 partner universities worldwide. For those who are willing to take on the extra challenge, WHU offers Double Degree Programs with 15 different partner universities. After two semesters at WHU and two more at our partner university, students have the opportunity to earn a full second degree (either an MBA or a Master of Science) in addition to a Master of Science from WHU.

What is the difference between Master of Science and Master of Engineering?

Both academic titles are conferred after successfully completing a graduate study program. The main difference between a Master of Science and a Master of Engineering is the field of study. Master of Science degrees are awarded primarily to graduates of natural sciences or economics. Master of Engineering degrees are awarded to graduates of engineering programs with a more technical orientation.

What are the requirements for WHU's Master of Science Programs?

Our Master of Science programs have different admission requirements depending on the program. Many of our students have completed a Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Arts in business-related fields, but generally we require a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. Those who are in their last year or semester of university are also welcome to apply.

In addition, our Master in Management, Master in Business Analytics, Master in International Business, and Master in Finance require GMAT, GRE, or TM-BASE as an indication of strong quantitative skills. In contrast, our Master in Entrepreneurship requires a Pitch Deck.

As all our Master of Science Programs are taught in English, we also require proof of English proficiency through TOEFL iBT, or IELTS exam. We also require a minimum of 12 weeks of relevant practical experience, with no more than two years of postgraduate work experience for our Master in Management and Master in International Business, and no more than four years for our Master in Entrepreneurship, Master in Business Analytics, and Master in Finance.

What kind of salary can I expect with a Master of Science?

The salary and earning potential for a completed Master of Science depends largely on the industry in which you work. The average starting salary for typical Master of Science jobs for WHU graduates is 65,100 euros (MSc 2018-2022). This does not include graduates who go on to do a doctorate after their Master's degree or founders who do not receive a salary in the traditional sense. You can find a breakdown by different fields of activity in our Career Entry Report. In many sectors, a bonus is added to the fixed salary, and sometimes options on company shares.

What kinds of jobs can you get with a Master of Science degree?

With a Master of Science degree, you will quickly gain a foothold in the business world, whether in the industrial or service sector, the financial sector, at a start-up or in the field of professional services. After a certain amount of time in entry-level positions, for example as a trainee or analyst, you can quickly and confidently climb the career ladder and fill management positions.

Of course, the path to founding a company is also open to you, allowing you to steer the fortunes of your own venture from the very beginning.

If you are interested in a more advanced academic career, these Master programs will allow you to pursue a doctorate.

What are my career options with a Master of Science degree? 

As you can see, a master degree is an important and promising course of study. It opens doors to a variety of great career possibilities in later working life. The Master of Science programs provide in-depth methodological knowledge, with which you are optimally equipped to tackle complex strategic tasks and quantitatively demanding activities, for example, in management consulting or in the strategy of international corporations. You will acquire the necessary toolkit to shape future-oriented economic developments in a wide range of industries and functional areas.The possibilities are virtually unlimited. Whether you want to use your Master's degree to manage marketing campaigns, drive sustainability initiatives, or implement controlling agendas, the choice is entirely up to you!

Our university's own Career Center ​​​​​​​will be happy to advise you if you have any questions about career topics!

TO THE WHU MASTER PROGRAMS
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