Business administration

The practice-oriented Bachelor's degree program provides general business administration knowledge and allows for moderate specialization.

In the first half of the program (semesters 1 to 4), students acquire a solid foundation in business administration and related fields such as law and computer science. During the specialization phase, beginning in the 4th semester, students choose either two focus areas, each consisting of four modules, or one focus area and four elective modules. Eight specializations allow students to prepare specifically for particular career fields or industries: Controlling, Digital Business, Financial Services, International Management, Marketing, SMEs, Human Resources, Tax Consulting, and Auditing are available.

The Bachelor's degree program in Business Administration is an internationally recognized course of study. A significant proportion of students complete a semester at a partner university abroad or undertake a practical semester abroad.

During the 6th/7th semester, students complete a 20-week practical phase in a company. The bachelor's thesis must be written to conclude the studies.

The following is a list of courses. The numbers indicate for each semester how many hours per week or how many credit points are allocated to the respective subject.

For students without or without sufficient prior knowledge, bridging courses in accounting, IT applications and mathematics are offered.

During the specialization phase, starting in the fourth semester, students choose either two focus areas with four modules each, or one focus area and four elective modules. Ten study focus areas allow students to prepare specifically for particular career fields or industries.

*SK = Key competencies such as teamwork, communication and self-organization - developed through coaching in small groups

The detailed study program can be found in the module handbook.

Kajal, Safari, 24 years old, 5th semester

What is your main area of ​​study and how did you come to choose it?

I am studying with a focus on Human Resources and SMEs. In the module "Human Resources and Organization," I had the opportunity to experience Professor Weller and Professor Hoeren live during a lecture. The teaching methods of both professors further stimulated my interest in the subject matter and ultimately led me to choose this specialization.

What do you like best?

What I particularly like about the focus on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) is the way knowledge is conveyed. It's always a kind of exchange and open discussion, where you're constantly encouraged to think further, question certain things, and form your own opinion. There are no "right" or "wrong" answers, only opinions open for discussion.

What are the particular challenges in this area of ​​focus?

I wouldn't speak of challenges, but rather of unique characteristics. The unique aspect of focusing on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) is that there's no pre-defined template that dictates how everything proceeds. The design of individual events is largely determined by the prevailing interaction.

Have you been able to apply some of these insights in practice?

Yes! I have already been able to draw on the suggestions I received from the lectures several times during job interviews.

What advice would you give to students?

Participate in discussions, because this way you can get much more out of the lecture than "just" your grades.

Patrick Wirth, 28 years old, 7th semester

What is your main area of ​​study and how did you come to choose it?

I studied, among other things, "International Management" and have already completed my studies. I came across this specialization through my own research, and my positive impression was confirmed during the general interview about the university's specializations.

What do you like best?

I particularly appreciate the interaction between students and professors. The small group sizes encourage participation and greatly enhance learning. Both the theoretical component and the practical application through case studies and student presentations provide a solid, practice-oriented understanding of international management. A major advantage of this specialization is the mandatory semester abroad, which can have a very positive impact on one's personal life and studies.

What are the particular challenges in this area of ​​focus?

One potential challenge I see is that the course is taught in English, and due to the subject matter, the vocabulary learned so far may not be sufficient. However, since this is absolutely essential for international management, it's a challenge that should definitely be accepted.

Have you been able to apply some of these insights in practice?

Yes, I was already able to do that. In the lectures, we were shown many useful tools for various topics, and I was already able to use some of them for research purposes.

What advice would you give to students?

I would advise students to actively participate in lectures regularly. Active participation enhances the learning experience for everyone involved, and the lecturers also receive direct feedback. Furthermore, this greatly facilitates studying in the run-up to exams. Of course, one shouldn't start studying too late, as learning and demonstrating subject-specific knowledge in English is somewhat more challenging than in one's native language.

Jessica Riss, 23 years old, graduated in 2021

What does your professional activity have to do with your previous focus?

As a working student, I manage the entire marketing department at my current company, GCT in Bad Homburg. I'm responsible for their online presence, including designing and implementing the Webseite and its SEO. My marketing focus has provided me with the fundamental knowledge I need for my professional life. In particular, the design of advertising campaigns was taught to me with great precision during my studies.

Looking back: What did you like best about the focus area?

I particularly enjoyed the practical projects. They allowed me to directly apply what I had learned. I also appreciated that several modules were offered in English. Since many companies operate internationally these days, I believe strong, professional English skills are essential. I found the analysis of advertising videos and posters in Ms. Staubach's modules especially interesting and informative. It helped me develop a feel for effective advertising messages and apply that knowledge in my own work.

What advice would you give to students?

In my opinion, you have to be passionate about marketing. While the material is considerably more extensive compared to other specializations, memorization comes more easily. Combined with practical projects, you learn a great deal for upcoming exams – and in a different way.

Controlling supports a company's management in planning, managing, and monitoring processes in the operational and financial areas. It essentially addresses two key questions:

1. How can management be supported in its decision-making process?

2. How can management be supported in controlling the implementation process and the people involved?

To answer these questions, controlling draws on a wide range of information from both internal accounting and investment and financing calculations. The controlling specialization provides students with a broad, practical, and theoretically sound knowledge of how to design and coordinate controlling instruments in business practice, ensuring that the decisions and actions of all company stakeholders are optimally aligned with the long-term increase of company value, taking into account all existing uncertainties.

>> Further information on the focus

Study objective

Students gain an overview of key technologies, systems, applications, and concepts in information technology (IT), as well as a comprehensive understanding of their economic applications and the associated impact on organizations, processes, and skills. In particular, they are familiar with the principles and mechanisms of the digital economy. This enables them to provide practical support to companies along the entire chain, from data acquisition and information derivation to knowledge generation, business exploitation, and the design and implementation of innovative business models. Their broad and interdisciplinary skill set qualifies them for a position at the interface between business and technology or a typical cross-functional role spanning multiple business units.

Main areas of application

Graduates have diverse career prospects as specialists, particularly as managers, and can also pursue their own entrepreneurial ventures. Fields of employment include "classic" IT roles such as business analyst, consultant, data, service, or project manager, as well as IT manager or CIO. Graduates also have access to a wide range of opportunities in the digital economy, for example, as shop managers in e-commerce, customer success managers for platform operators or service providers, project managers in the field of digitization or digital transformation, CDOs, or as founders of startups.

>> Further information on the focus

The structure of the study focus on financial services, the individual subjects and events were developed by scientists from the Department of Economics in cooperation with representatives from banks, insurance companies and other financial service companies and tailored to the needs of practice.

The aim of this specialization is to provide integrated training in the various areas of management of financial services companies, as well as in financial and capital market-related issues. It is therefore a "cross-cutting specialization" in which various functions of general business administration are taught and applied, each specifically tailored to the characteristics of the financial services industry, along with specific financial techniques and methods.

>>Further information on the focus

In the International Management specialization, students explore the framework and opportunities of international business activities. They learn how to structure various functions within a company in an international context. Examples of topics covered in the practical knowledge transfer include:

1. Drivers and effects of globalization

2. Political and cultural differences between countries

3. Ethical issues, sustainability and social responsibility

4. Trade, investment and currency fluctuations

5. Strategies for maintaining competitiveness

The lecture is primarily supplemented by innovative teaching formats such as video analysis, the use of web-based tools, case studies and practical presentations by stakeholders from the business world.

The courses in this specialization are taught in English. The specialization includes a two-semester study abroad period.

>> Further information on the focus

Students understand marketing across industries as a holistic management process. They acquire the expertise to analyze markets, examine purchasing decision processes, develop marketing strategies, plan the use of marketing instruments, and monitor their achievement of objectives. Empirical work within the framework of applied market research plays a significant role in this process. Through seminars and case studies, they develop personal skills such as teamwork, representing their own positions, and presenting concepts.

>> Further information on the focus

The local economic region is characterized by a strong presence of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). With a focus on SMEs and entrepreneurship, training is offered that meets the specific requirements of qualified employees in SMEs. Accordingly, the key individual objectives are..

• Training of generalists through a cross-functional curriculum
• Imparting knowledge in areas that are of particular importance for the overall success of medium-sized companies
• Creating the foundations for flexible use, including use with changing functions
• Laying the foundation for the skills to start one's own business or take over a company.

>> Further information on the focus

 Students acquire the specialist knowledge and skills for a holistic view and application of human resource management. They are familiar with important design and management tools in human resource management, such as modern compensation and performance appraisal systems, as well as procedures for employee selection and development. Furthermore, they are familiar with their specific application requirements. Students gain practical basic knowledge of labor law issues necessary for handling daily tasks in the human resources field. They understand the handling and operation of integrated, standard business application software.

Assessments are typically completed through a presentation or a written exam. The program is modular in structure, and all modules can also be taken as Elective .

In the area of ​​personnel, we offer:

• Practice-oriented learning using case studies and current examples
• Exercises and group work
• Practical presentations by experts from human resources management, personnel development, recruitment, etc.

>> Further information on the focus

Taxation, accounting, and auditing are integral parts of economic life. Like individuals, companies are subject to taxation and make decisions taking tax implications into account. Audited financial statements provide reliable information about the financial health of suppliers, customers, borrowers, subsidiaries, and employers.

The core curriculum of this specialization begins with the determination of taxable profit and business income for sole proprietorships, partnerships, and corporations. Building upon this foundation, the curriculum then covers the content required for the final examination. Current topics within the constantly evolving legal landscape and the independent preparation of a seminar paper as part of the thesis round out the core modules. These modules are thus consistently aligned with the demands of practical application and the professional examinations for tax advisors and/or auditors, and are taught by experts with extensive practical experience.

>> Further information on the focus

Graduates in business administration have an enormous range of career opportunities. Job prospects exist in large, often internationally operating companies, as well as, and especially, in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Entry into the workforce can be based on one's own interest in different industries or in various departments within a company.

degree

Bachelor (B.Sc.)

Standard period of study

7 semesters

Accreditation

ZEvA Hannover

Study options

Full-time studies

Main language of instruction

German

Study location, site

Giessen

Cost

Semester fee

Admission mode

The course is open admission. You only need to enroll within the respective deadline and meet the enrollment requirements to secure a place.

Start of studies

Winter and summer semesters

Bridge courses

Before the start of lectures, THM one-week bridging courses in subjects including mathematics, physics, programming, and chemistry. First-year students can use these courses to refresh their prior knowledge and fill any gaps.

Enrollment period

June 1st to September 20th (winter semester)
December 1st to March 20th (summer semester)

Application period for international students

Applications are accepted via uni-assist from April 1st to July 15th (winter semester) and from October 1st to January 15th (summer semester)
Further information for international applicants is available from the International Office.

matriculation

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