Program Overview

Introduction to the Bachelor's Program in Business and Social Sciences

The Bachelor's program in Business and Social Sciences at WU (Vienna University of Economics and Business) is one of the most popular studies in Austria, with approximately 4,000 applicants each year. To better prepare graduates for the challenges of our time and the needs of the labor market, as well as to increase the program's attractiveness, a comprehensive reform of the study program has been undertaken. Starting from the upcoming winter semester 2023/24, new students can expect a study program with a stronger focus on self-chosen specializations, more internationalization, and an intensified emphasis on responsibility and digitization themes.

Program Structure and Content

The Bachelor's program in Business and Social Sciences lasts six semesters and offers a broad economic education with numerous elective and combination options. For future students, the program shows increased attractiveness, new focal points, and more individualization possibilities. WU Rector Edeltraud Hanappi-Egger states, "In the new study plan, we have, on the one hand, reflected the new requirements of society and the labor market through focal point settings, and on the other hand, also improved the transitions in the study program and created clearer structures."

Key Features of the Program

• Stronger Focus on Specializations: Students will choose a specialization from five study branches - Business Administration, International Business Administration, Economics, Business Informatics, and the new branch, Business - Environment - Politics. The new branch focuses on the role of business in connection with major societal challenges such as global inequality, poverty, or climate change.
• Increased Internationalization: Besides the classical semester abroad, future options will also include short programs and internationalization opportunities from home.
• Emphasis on Responsibility and Digitization: The program will have a strengthened focus on responsibility, internationalization, and digitization themes. This includes facilitating opportunities for students to gather international experiences and providing necessary IT basics and applications in the economic context, such as Big Data or programming skills.

Goals and Outcomes

The goal of the reform is to prepare graduates even better for the challenges of our time and to make them highly sought-after employees. The broad basic education in combination with specializations prepares graduates ideally for the demands of our time and makes them highly sought-after employees.

Conclusion

The Bachelor's program in Business and Social Sciences at WU has undergone a significant reform to enhance its attractiveness and better prepare students for the modern labor market. With its stronger focus on individual specializations, increased internationalization, and emphasis on responsibility and digitization, the program aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in a rapidly changing world.