Business Administration Business Analytics and Operations Research (BAOR)
Degree
Master of Science
Semester fee
71
Euro
Start of the program
Winter and summer semester
Standard length of the program
4
Semester
Place of study
Ingolstadt
Part-time studies possible
No
The degree program in "Business Analytics and Operations Research" offers a career-oriented education in the application of quantitative methods based on current case studies from the practical field. Our degree program provides comprehensive methodological foundations on which further subject-related knowledge is successively built. The Master's program offers sufficient flexibility in the selection of courses, the semester abroad and the choice of internships. This gives students the opportunity to tailor their studies to their individual needs.
The program in detail
Contents
In the BA&OR Master’s degree program, students acquire 120 ECTS credits. Of these, 90 ECTS credits are earned by attending required or required elective modules of 5 or 10 ECTS credits each. 30 ECTS credits are awarded for the Master’s thesis.
Structure
Required modules
The 6 required modules in the program impart interdisciplinary basics. The required area includes the following modules:
- Decision Science
- Operations Research
- Service Analytics
- Business Forecasting
- Stochastic Models
- Ethics
Required elective modules
Student must obtain a total of 35 ECTS credits in the required elective area. The courses can either have a methodological character or provide students with the possibility to apply learned methods in a specific field. A selection of the available methodology courses is divided into the areas "Business Analytics" or "Operations Research". Courses from the specialist areas are subdivided into the specializations "Supply Chain Management", "Finance", "Digitalisation and Information Systems" and "Marketing".
Elective modules
Students have to complete a total of 25 ECTS credits in elective modules. They can choose freely from the entire range of modules of the specialization BA&OR, or from the module offer of all other specializations (FACT, MARKT, International Business administration) of the Master’s program in Business Administration. Upon request, students also have the possibility to integrate further modules (that they have completed abroad or modules from the entire range offered at the KU) into their degree program. The elective area also gives students the possibility to approach a subject in business administration, economics, business languages or law in-depth or to dedicate themselves to general scientific questions.
Master’s thesis
The Master's thesis (30 ECTS credits) has to be completed at a Chair that regularly offers courses in a special field of study in the specialization "Business Analytics & Operations Research". Students also have the possibility to write their Master’s thesis at a Chair that is not involved in their specialization. In this case, however, the prerequisite is that they write their thesis in collaboration with a BA&OR Chair.
We explicitly encourage that students write their Master's thesis in cooperation with companies.
Documents about the course of studies for all Master BWL
Module Catalogue
Module Catalogue
Module Catalogue for the Master's Program in Business Administration for the Summer Semester 2024
Module Catalogue for the Master's Program in Business Administration for the Winter Semester 2023/2024
Module Catalogue for the Master's Program in Business Administration for the Summer Semester 2023
Module Catalogue for the Master's Program in Business Administration for the Winter Semester 2022/2023
Module Catalogue for the Master's Program in Business Administration for the Winter Semester 2021/2022
All module descriptions can also be accessed directly via KU.Campus. Please choose the navigation points "Information portal --> Degree programs". Enter your degree program and the relevant semester in the search mask. In the list of results, the module handbook will appear in the upper right-hand corner for downloading as a pdf or Word file.
The module descriptions published in KU.Campus are legally binding.
Degree program description
Degree program description for the Master's Program in Business Administration
Mandatory Electives
Mandatory Electives in the Master’s program Business Administration M.Sc., SoSe 2024
Mandatory Electives in the Master’s program Business Administration M.Sc., SoSe 2023 and WiSe 2023/34
Methods
Nowadays, being able to solve numerous business management problems not only requires identifying of the cause of the problem and developing a proposal for a solution, but increasingly also the implementation in an existing or new business management application system.
Business Analytics
Statistics and quantitative methods form the basis for decision models in business administration. Statistical methods can be used to analyze, model, forecast and evaluate quantifiable processes and performance of a company. Accordingly, the range of specific applications in corporate functional areas such as logistics, marketing, controlling and human resources is broad.
Operations Research
In the track "Operations Research", students learn how to develop and apply quantitative models and methods to support decision-making in companies. Typical approaches of Operations Research are optimization and simulation. Here, an abstract model is created for a section of reality, with the help of which analyses can be carried out in order to create a sound basis for decisions.
Subject area
The discipline’s subject area approaches specific business management problems without explicitly explaining the methodological basics. You can focus on a single or on several areas of business administration. We offer "Supply Chain Management", "Finance", "Digitalisation and Information Systems" and "Marketing".
Supply Chain Management
In order to support decision-making in SCM, we use so-called advanced planning systems that contain different quantitative methods of business administration. In the SCM specialization, students learn about these quantitative methods and how they can be used to solve the respective problems.
Finance
The Finance specialization primarily focuses on financial models for the description and corresponding methods for the solution of problems that typically occur in practice in banks or financial service providers.
Digitalisation and Information Systems
In the field of Digitalisation and Information Systems, you will learn theoretical basics of algorithms and data structures as well as databases, which are the underlying basis of every information system and thus of every form of automated management of business information.
Marketing
The Marketing specialization is mainly concerned with classical customer and value-oriented problems in marketing. Here, the focus is always on model-based and quantitative analysis of the determinants of buying behavior.
The program in awards and rankings for WFI
The degree programs offered by the Ingolstadt School of Management (WFI) regularly score top positions in popular university rankings.
- Top positions in Trendence Graduate Baromenter 2017
- CHE Ranking: WFI was awarded top ranking in categories “teaching offer”, “completion of programs within reasonable time period” and “students overall”
- Top rankings in 'Logistik Masters' 2016, 2017
Rankings and assessments
KU students and alumni have voted for their University to be Germany's most popular university in the 2024 ranking of the online portal StudyCheck. This is the third time in a row, as KU was also voted the most popular university in 2021 and 2022. The ranking was based on over 78,000 evaluations for more than 500 higher education institutions and universities. 97 percent of students questioned for the ranking would recommend studying at the KU to others.
"There is no better praise for a university than almost 100 percent of students and alumni agreeing: I can only recommend studying at the KU! That is why we are very pleased with the ranking’s outcome, because it expresses the high level of satisfaction of our students," says KU President Prof. Dr. Gabriele Gien.
Studying abroad
Our students are at home in Ingolstadt and in the world: Multilingual degree programs and a unique network of more than 90 partner universities worldwide make the WFI a global campus with an international study atmosphere. It is with great enthusiasm that the vast majority of our students (approx. 90%) spend one or even several semesters at one of our renowned international partner universities. Irrespective of where you would like to spend your semester abroad: North America or Asia, Australia, South America or Europe – we have the perfect program for you. We promote and supplement the study abroad with a required business language, English-language courses and additional offers from international guest lecturers.
Experience reports from semesters abroad programs at the Ingolstadt School of Management
Semester abroad in Bolzano, South Tyrol, Italy
Rolf Kleylein-Feuerstein
Where did you stay: Free University of Bozen-Bolzano, South Tyrol, Italy
Would you recommend a stay in Bolzano to other students:
Definitely yes! If you are looking for a very modern, trilingual university, in one of the most beautiful places in Europe, Bolzano is just the right place. And please don't let the proximity to Germany scare you off. The mentality there is completely different, as are the climatic conditions. Sometimes you can't believe that it's "only" four hours by car to Ingolstadt.
Stay abroad in Portugal
Anja Mutter
Where did you stay: in Portugal at Universidade do Porto
Tell us about your daily university life there:
A usual day at university there started with a relaxed breakfast with my roommates in our shared flat or at the Douro river. Afterwards I went to the lectures at university; I spent my free time between the courses with my friends on the university meadow or in a cafe. After I finished my tasks for the group work alone or together with the group in the library, I went to the gym, which is right next to the university. In the evening, I cooked and ate with my roommates and afterwards I spent the night in small bars or clubs.
Stay abroad in Angers, France
Maurice Stoerk
Where did you stay: I spent my semester abroad in Angers, at the ESSCA School of Management. The partner university of WFI is one of the Grandes Ecoles in France and is Triple Crown accredited.
Tell us about your daily university life there:
Lectures were held in small classes (no larger than 20 students) and were characterized by a high proportion of group work, presentation and oral participation. I liked the concept very much, as it encouraged personal initiative.
Leisure time
Angers is a nice student town and offers numerous bars, restaurants but also nice spots like the Esplanade Coeur de Maine, which is inviting for ending the week and welcoming the weekend together with fellow students. In addition, it is a good opportunity to visit cities such as Paris, Nantes or Rennes, all of which are less than two hours away by TGV.
Stay abroad in Finland
Jacqueline Heibel
Where did you stay?
I spent my semester abroad at the University of Vaasa in Finland. Vaasa is a small town, but it has its charm and the campus of my host university is super beautiful, right on the waterfront.
What did you like best?
My absolute highlight was the trip to Lapland. Shortly before Christmas we traveled far north with a group, visited Santa Claus and spent cozy days deep in the forest in cozy wooden cabins surrounded by snow. The typical Finnish ice swimming after a sauna session was a must.
Semester abroad in the USA
Manuel Scheerer
Where did you stay?
University of California at Davis, USA
Tell us about your daily university life there? How did you spend your leisure time?
Since we attended a total of 5 courses, we were on campus almost every day. Nevertheless, there was still more than enough time for leisure activities, and the offer at the University of California in Davis is extremely extensive. The Recreational Center offers courses for all kinds of sports. We also participated in the Intramural Soccer League. Davis is definitely a student town where there is always something going on in the evening.
Stay abroad in Mexico
Anna-Maria Contino
Where did you stay?
Guadalajara, Mexico
Tell us about your daily university life there? How did you spend your leisure time?
I had Spanish four times a week in addition to normal courses. In general, I liked being at the university very much, because the campus is very nice and green. There is also a gym and several canteens / cafés.
What did you like best?
Actually, "everything” – I made many friends there whom I would like to visit again soon. I also find the culture very open and warm-hearted. In addition, Guadalajara has a lot to offer and you can also travel very well from there.
Practical connection
Students at the WFI have many opportunities to put what they have learned into practice. Thanks to collaborations with leading companies and organizations in many different fields, the KU is able to offer excellent prospects when it comes to finding internships and starting a career in Germany or abroad. Networking opportunities are provided by our University’s career fair “Company Day” and many other recruiting events, as well as presentations by companies and various workshops.
Studying at the WFI is more than ‘just’ learning. Most students are active in different student organizations. Like this, they continuously hone their soft skills and can exchange views with students from other disciplines. The “WFI spirit” means outstanding commitment.
Career possibilities and professional fields
Career prospects
Graduates of the program have a wide range of career options after completing the program, three of which are briefly introduce here. The data analyst deals with the systematic collection, processing and evaluation of all types of data. An OR analyst applies mathematical models and procedures to help companies solve complex business problems. It is also possible to start your career as a generalist at major strategy consultancies, as you are well prepared for this as a student with the methodological knowledge and analytical approach acquired.
Alumni testimonials
"Especially the friendly atmosphere, the campus-university and the numerous student initiatives really let you feel the "WFI spirit". The possibility of integrating a stay abroad and writing your Master's thesis in an external collaboration round off the studies in the BA&OR specialization".
"Especially the friendly atmosphere, the campus-university and the numerous student initiatives really let you feel the "WFI spirit". The possibility of integrating a stay abroad and writing your Master's thesis in an external collaboration round off the studies in the BA&OR specialization".
"The scientific methods that I learned in the BA&OR courses now form the basis of my research for my doctoral project. Today I am a lecturer myself and try to impart the contents to the students in a cooperative way".
"The scientific methods that I learned in the BA&OR courses now form the basis of my research for my doctoral project. Today I am a lecturer myself and try to impart the contents to the students in a cooperative way".
What students say about the program
"The future-oriented education and the job potential that comes with it, along with the range of university groups on offer and the excellent study conditions, were decisive factors for my choice of the BA&OR Master’s.”
"The future-oriented education and the job potential that comes with it, along with the range of university groups on offer and the excellent study conditions, were decisive factors for my choice of the BA&OR Master’s.”
"The very good study conditions, the excellent reputation of the faculty, as well as the intensive staff-to-student ratio and support played a decisive role in my decision for the BA&OR Master's degree program".
"The very good study conditions, the excellent reputation of the faculty, as well as the intensive staff-to-student ratio and support played a decisive role in my decision for the BA&OR Master's degree program".
"I have finally found a Master's program where I can apply my know-how acquired during my Bachelor’s program and connect it to current topics and learn more about the importance of data analysis. In the process, I also learn more about German culture and its educational system. I am very happy that I made the right…
"I have finally found a Master's program where I can apply my know-how acquired during my Bachelor’s program and connect it to current topics and learn more about the importance of data analysis. In the process, I also learn more about German culture and its educational system. I am very happy that I made the right decision to do my Master's at the WFI".
"I chose the BA&OR Master’s program because of its incredibly well conceptualized design. You can see how the different modules are carefully coordinated to be compatible with each other and little by little you can see the big picture. The wealth of exciting and interesting courses, which also cover most current topics…
"I chose the BA&OR Master’s program because of its incredibly well conceptualized design. You can see how the different modules are carefully coordinated to be compatible with each other and little by little you can see the big picture. The wealth of exciting and interesting courses, which also cover most current topics in business and society, leaves me spoilt for choice every semester.”
The KU
Ingolstadt campus
Short distances on campus at the KU save time and avoid stress. The campus in Ingolstadt, home to the Ingolstadt School of Management (WFI), consists of the Main Building and the New Building, separated by a peaceful courtyard. The ample green spaces on the Ingolstadt campus invite students to enjoy their surroundings outside during lecture breaks and meet fellow students. If you prefer to spend your breaks in town running errands, Ingolstadt’s city center is just a few minutes’ walk away. Other faculty buildings are the Studierendenhaus and the Hohe Schule that was home to the first Bavarian state university in the 15th century.
What sets the KU apart - in IN
![[Translate to Englisch:] Studierende Ingolstadt](/fileadmin/_processed_/1/1/csm_IMG_2100-2_95550f51e8.jpg)
Studying at the KU is more than just acquiring specialist knowledge. We broaden our horizons together and take on responsibility in and beyond the individual degree programs. The KU has a particular focus on topics such as personal development, sustainability, social skills and social commitment.
It offers its students the possibility to study and work in a welcoming atmosphere and benefit from outstanding support and comprehensive service offers, a well-stocked library, a broad range of sports and leisure activities and a large global network with over 260 partner universities.
Do I have to be Catholic in order to study at the KU? Do I have to deal with Catholic contents during my studies?
No, the KU is open to students of all faiths and beliefs.
At the KU, just as at all state universities, there is freedom of research and teaching. This means that our degree programs focus on the subjects for which you have enrolled – free from external influences.
As a student at our University, you will notice what our understanding of being a Catholic University means for us in one thing in particular: The University’s focus is on the individual person. The talents and potential of all those who teach, study, work and carry out research at the KU form our most important foundation – regardless of their religion or beliefs, nationality, ethical, cultural or social background, disabilities, gender, sexual orientation or age.
This is why we promote your best possible academic education through personal support and an ideal staff-to-student ratio. At the same time, the KU is more than just a place for earning your degree: We attach particular importance to imparting social skills and advancing our students’ sense and value orientation in addition to providing them with a high level of academic and methodical qualification.
Our aspiration for our University is to build bridges between science and society and to make knowledge available for society as well as to integrate impulses from outside the University into our research and teaching practice. We aim to make a valuable contribution to social coexistence, to the free democratic basic order and to preserving creation.
Is Ingolstadt a real university town?
Strictly speaking, Ingolstadt is even THE university town in Bavaria - because the first Bavarian university was located here! However, the Bavarian State University, founded in 1472, moved to Landshut in 1802 and has been located in Munich since 1810 as Ludwig Maximilian University. The history as a university town continued 188 years later: In 1989/90, the Faculty of Economics of the Catholic University opened in Ingolstadt.
With about 135,000 inhabitants, Ingolstadt is a lively and dynamic large city. The theater, the AUDI summer concerts, the jazz days and the Museum of Concrete Art are just a few of the cultural highlights. In a historical setting, a large number of restaurants, clubs and pubs invite you to unwind after lectures and seminars - often just a few steps away from the campus. The day can also be spent relaxing on the Danube beach or at the lake - with a cocktail in hand and your feet in the sand. And of course there's something else that's not missing in an Upper Bavarian city: beer gardens for a "Brezel" and a beer or two.
The location
Ingolstadt is the second largest city in Upper Bavaria after Munich and is only a 30-minute drive away from the state capital. Located in the heart of the Altmühl valley and the largest hop-growing area in the world - the Hallertau - Ingolstadt has a broad cultural offer.
There are regular classical concerts in the AUDI forum, many different student events, and the Volksfeste, beer festivals that are typical for Bavaria (small Oktoberfest Wiesn festivals). Ingolstadt has many restaurants, bars, beer gardens and clubs that are all located in the historical, picturesque old town and are perfect for enjoying a beer or two with friends after the lectures. Last but not least, Munich with its vast cultural offer is just around the corner.
Together with the district of Eichstätt, the Ingolstadt region has the lowest unemployment rate in Germany. This is partly owing to the fact that many well-known large companies such as EADS, AUDI, EDEKA, Media-Markt Saturn or Hipp have their headquarters in the Ingolstadt region.
Advisory Service
Some offers and study conditions are different for international students – our International Office is happy to provide help and support. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our team. We are happy to accompany you on your way to the KU and hope that we can welcome you in person soon!
David
Guevara
Coordinator Welcome Services and International Campus
Building
Domplatz 8
|
Room: DP8-203 | Campus Eichstätt
Subject Advisor WFI
Franziska
Rast
Student Counselling
Room: HB-208
Application
Requirements
Bachelor
Selection procedure: see examination regulations
Selection procedure: see examination regulations
Language requirements
DSH 2
Application period winter
Apr 01
-
Jun 15
Application period summer
Dec 03
-
Jan 15
Admission restriction
No
Selection procedure
Yes
The application process for international applicants is now completely digital. You can register online in our application portal and carry out and submit your application. After you have carried out the application and uploaded your documents, you do not need to send your documents to us again by post. You do have to submit certified true copies only if you are admitted at the time of enrollment.
Depending on the course of study, you may be asked for information on internships, professional experience, etc. Please upload the relevant documents in the upload area for all the information you provide, even if these are not mandatory fields!
Before you start the application process, please read the additional information on this page, in particular the information on the respective (German) language requirements and university entrance qualifications.
Qualification requirements
If the first qualifying university degree was obtained outside the European Union, students must also provide proof of a Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) with a minimum score of 550 points or a Graduate Record Examination Test (GRE) with a minimum score of 300 points.