Sustainability in Business & Economics
Degree
Bachelor of Science
Semester fee
78
Euro
Start of the program
Winter semester
Standard length of the program
6
Semester
Place of study
Ingolstadt
Part-time studies possible
No
Societal, ecological and social upheavals are changing our economic life: Climate change, globalization, increasing resource consumption or growing inequality. Sustainable economic activity is therefore becoming increasingly important in more and more sectors and professions.
The Bachelor's degree program in Sustainability in Business & Economics offers you a first-class business and social science education that is designed to meet the requirements of a sustainable and ethical economic activity. The project-oriented degree program teaches both methodological and content-related skills to enable students to shape social and ecological challenges from the perspective of companies, politics and interest groups (e.g. NGOs). It is aimed at curious students who want to understand what the sustainable economy of the future could look like and who want to have a positive influence on the world of tomorrow.
The program in detail
Taget group
The ‘Sustainability in Business and Economics’ degree program is the perfect program for you if you are interested in:
- A varied program in economics and social sciences with a focus on economic sustainability in companies (including start-ups), the state, associations and other social groups.
- Modern economic expertise with a focus on sustainability, analytical-methodical and linguistic-communicative training, as well as practical project work in small groups.
- A forward-looking degree course with excellent career prospects.
Contents
The Bachelor's degree program in Sustainability in Business & Economics approaches the world of sustainability from an economic and social science perspective. It combines different modern approaches to sustainability discourse with the aim of linking the topics of environmental protection, social balance and economic growth. In this context, it will approach various perspectives on economic life.
In this course, you will be discussing and analyzing economic sustainability from different perspectives together with other students and derive responsible options for action. This is based on approaches and findings from various disciplines – in particular business administration and economics, but also ethics, political science, psychology and economic and social geography.
The degree program focuses on multidisciplinary consideration of various economic, social and political players and the existing interdependencies between them:
- Companies, start-ups, social innovations,
- social institutions (associations, clubs, NGOs), and
- regulating institutions (state, legislature, executive, media).
The degree program also offers a close link to the practical field (e.g. through guest lectures and the sustainability research project) and the opportunity to gain international study experience in a fully integrated, voluntary semester abroad.
Structure
The standard period of study for the Bachelor's degree program in Sustainability in Business & Economics is six semesters. Students acquire a total of 180 ECTS credits.
In the required courses of the first study phase, you will acquire skills in the competence fields of business, economics, ethics & society, analytical skills, and soft skills. In the second part of the program, you can choose two specializations worth 20 ECTS credits each. In addition, you will earn a further 10 ECTS credits in the free elective area and 5 ECTS credits in Studium.Pro. You conclude your study program with your Bachelor's thesis (10 ECTS credits).
By choosing the specialization and electives, you can set your own individual focus.
Required area (115 ECTS credits)
Business (25 ECTS credits):
Accounting; Digital and Sustainable Business Models; Sustainable Entrepreneurship; Innovating for Sustainability; Investment, Finance and Taxes
Economics (25 ECTS credits):
Introduction to Economics: Government, Economy and Society; Microeconomics; Macroeconomics; Public Finance and Sustainable Economic Policy; Sustainable Development
Ethics & Society (25 ECTS credits):
Sustainable Business Lecture Series; Introduction to Business and Corporate Ethics; Environmental Economics & Policy; Corporate Governance; Applications and Institutions of Sustainability (required elective)
Analytical Skills (15 ECTS credits):
Mathematics for Economists; Descriptive Statistics and Probability Theory; Inductive and Multivariate Statistics
Soft Skills (15 ECTS credits):
Business Language I; Business Language II; Key Scientific Qualifications
In the field of business languages, the KU offers the following modules: German (for non-native speakers), English, French, Spanish.
Sustainability research project (10 ECTS credits)
In this module, you will work in small groups on a self-chosen question on economic sustainability with close practical relevance.
Details on the practical relevance of the degree program can be found here.
Required elective area (40 ECTS credits)
In the second stage of your studies – from the fourth semester onwards – you must choose two specializations, each worth 20 ECTS credits. You can choose between:
- Reporting, Taxes, and Sustainability
- Economics and Finance for a Sustainable Economy
- Customer Experience, Digital Systems, and Operations for a Sustainable World
- Spaces & Politics for Sustainable Futures
- International Immersion
In the course of the third semester, the program offers an information event on choosing areas of specialization. Details on the specializations can be found here.
Elective area (10 ECTS credits)
Students acquire a total of 10 ECTS credits in the elective area. The elective area comprises all modules specified in the Degree program description. Upon request, other modules may be admitted to the elective area if they are compatible with the subject of study. This free elective area allows students to specialize in a particular subject or supplement their studies.
Studium.Pro (5 ECTS credits)
The module from the Studium.pro catalog that can be chosen freely is worth 5 ECTS credits and serves as an interdisciplinary supplement to the degree program with a focus on sustainability.
Bachelor’s thesis (10 ECTS credits)
At the end of their degree program, the Bachelor’s thesis allows students to approach a specific question in detail and depth. Theoretical approaches, empirical approaches (similar to the sustainability research project) or practical case studies (e.g. in cooperation with companies or authorities) are particularly suited for working on the research question.
Specializations
Reporting, Taxes, and Sustainability
Corporate reporting on economic, ecological and social aspects (sustainability reporting) is becoming increasingly important. Sustainability issues are also increasingly at the center of attention in the context of tax policy. Here, for example, the question is how environmental protection can be promoted through taxation, but also how fair competition between different companies can be ensured through taxation.
The specialization "Reporting, Taxes, and Sustainability" is right for you if you are interested in the topics of profit calculation, reporting, taxation and sustainability and how these are connected.
Economics and Finance for a Sustainable Economy
How can financial markets, political institutions, economic and monetary policy contribute to a new, sustainable economic order? What does it mean to invest in "sustainable" or "green" financial assets? You will approach these and related questions in the specialization “Economics and Finance for a Sustainable Economy“.
It is aimed at anyone interested in the diverse interactions between financial markets, the economy and sustainability goals.
Customer Experience, Digital Systems, and Operations for a Sustainable World
In this specialization, you will deal with current challenges in globally operating companies in the areas of services, production, logistics and supply chain management . The focus here is on resource-friendly and socially responsible corporate development. You will learn to work on sustainable service offerings in a targeted and interdisciplinary manner. For example, the development of sustainable mobility concepts requires a service geared towards customer needs, software implementation and resource-friendly logistics.
This specialization is right for you if you have a strong interest in the sustainable design of digitalized service systems, modern logistics concepts and global production systems.
Spaces and Politics for Sustainable Futures
How can we explain that there are still significant income and wealth inequalities both in our world as a whole and within the vast majority of countries – despite extensive transfer policies? What possibilities are there to reduce these inequalities of the globally integrated economy and to achieve a higher degree of ecological sustainability? These are just some questions that you will deal with in the specialization "Spaces and Politics for Sustainable Futures" .
It is aimed at anyone who is interested in the connections between economic activities, social structures and environmental impacts . You will acquire a multi-faceted understanding of global and regional developments in order to be able to deal with the increasing complexity of economic structures and social challenges.
It is jointly taught with representatives of economic geography and human geography as well as political science and, accordingly, has an interdisciplinary character.
International Immersion
The specialization “International Immersion” can only be taken at a foreign university in the context of a stay abroad and/or an international summer school (including the international summer school offered by the Ingolstadt School of Management).
Minimum ECTS score requirement (Grundlagen- und Orientierungsprüfung)
You must successfully complete at least 40 ECTS credits in the first two semesters of the program. The minimum ECTS score requirement is automatically fulfilled if the students can provide proof that they have achieved 40 ECTS credits with passed examinations after the first two semesters. This evaluation serves as an early orientation as to whether students are likely to meet the requirements of the Bachelor's degree program.
Conceptual design
An exemplary structure of the degree program is depicted in the exemplary program structure . Together with the module handbook, it gives you a clear overview of all modules, the form of instruction and examination types, the semester schedule and the language(s) of instruction. In addition, it displays all modules of a competence field. While we recommend that you follow the exemplary program structure, it is not binding.
Documents about the course of studies
Module catalogue
Module catalogue for the bachelors's program Sustainability in Business & Economics
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 bachelors's program Sustainability in Business & Economics
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
International experience is an important building block for personal development and professional success. In the context of the course, we attach great importance to giving you the opportunity to broaden your horizons. That is why we encourage and support all our students to spend a semester abroad . The fifth semester in the study program is usually reserved for this. You will acquire the necessary language skills in two required business language modules in the first two semesters.
When choosing a study abroad program, you benefit from the large number partner universities of the Faculty and University.
There is a simplified crediting process for recognition of study achievements completed abroad in the specialization “International Immersion”. It is possible to have study achievements recognized as elective, required elective or required modules based on individual agreements for modules that students wish to register for abroad (Teilstudienverträge).
Practical connection
For us, it is important that you also gain practical experience in addition to theoretical knowledge. This is why all our degree programs have a strong practical connection. Here are some examples:
- Experienced practitioners from the field of sustainability share their experiences as guest lecturers in some courses, e.g. in the lecture series on "Sustainable Economy".
- In the required elective area "Applications of Sustainability", you can work on practical projects together with business partners.
- The required module "Sustainable Development" offers a simulation game in which students can test their practical conflict resolution skills.
- The 4th semester of the program includes a sustainability research project that gives you the opportunity to work on a question of your choice in small guided groups. The question will be derived from a real-life sustainability problem and be approached in cooperation with regional partners (e.g. companies or municipalities). The research results will be presented to the University public at the end of the project.
- The degree program also offers ample room for integrating internships in the lecture-free periods. To make it easier for you, there are two possible dates for all exams that you can choose from (one at the beginning, one at the end of the lecture-free period). This allows you to plan internships flexibly.
- In the Bachelor's thesis , you can work on a practical problem at a chair or in cooperation with a company.
Career possibilities and professional fields
The degree program offers you a wide range of opportunities for shaping your professional and academic career. As a graduate of the course, you will have acquired broad and interdisciplinary knowledge on sustainability in business and society. As you will be awarded a Bachelor of Science degree, you will not only be well prepared for starting a career in various departments of companies, the public sector and NGOs, but also for pursuing a Master of Science. The modules in Economics and Business ensure that you have gained enough knowledge of economics and business administration to pursue a Master's degree in Economics with a different focus, such as business administration, economics or the Master’s degree in Business & Psychology offered at the KU. At the same time of course, you can also deepen your focus on sustainability in an ensuing Master's program.
Qualification objectives
As a graduate of the degree program
- you will have acquired a broad knowledge of the fundamentals of economic sustainability from an economic and social science perspective.
- you have a basic knowledge of the key specialist areas of business administration and economics and of business and corporate ethics topics
- you will be able to develop sustainable action strategies and promote social innovations as part of a team, particularly at the intersection between companies, the state and other social players.
- have an understanding of basic analytical and empirical methodology for working on complex economic problems, especially with regard to analyzing data and evaluating corporate and political measures (e.g. sustainability scores, effectiveness studies)
- you have international language and study skills and are prepared for a successful career, also in an international context.
- you will be able to apply acquired presentation and communication skills in a targeted manner and have the required time management and self-management skills.
Occupational fields
Due to the increasing challenges in the field of sustainability and the growing public interest in it, there is a high demand for well-trained graduates who can work on these tasks. Our interdisciplinary and forward-looking degree program prepares you for a career in a variety of fields. You can choose the specializations according to your interests and individual profile.
After graduating, you can work in a variety of professional fields, such as environmental economics, energy supply, resource utilization, sustainable investments, mobility, infrastructure and consumption.
Within companies, you can work in fields such as sustainability consulting and reporting and planning and management of sustainability strategies. You can also work in more general areas such as marketing, logistics, accounting or tax consultancy. Professions in these areas also often have a reference to sustainability.
In the public sector, graduates of the course have the opportunity to join regulatory authorities, ministries, the administration or international organizations (e.g. OECD, UN). Tasks in these areas include the implementation of sustainability concepts in urban and regional planning as well as strategic activities in development cooperation.
In the not-for-profit sector (NGOs, associations, social enterprises), possible occupational fields include the development and testing of production and consumption standards and certificates. Another possible professional field would be public relations work and marketing for promoting awareness of sustainability.
What students say about the program
I want to make my contribution towards sustainable change
Johanna Lehner not only wants to make her everyday life more sustainable, but also the economy and society as a whole. That is why she is studying in the Bachelor's degree in Sustainability in Business & Economics at the Ingolstadt School of Management (WFI) of the Catholic University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt (KU). The program combines content from business administration, economics and ethics and places a strong focus on aspects of sustainability.
"I decided to study in this Bachelor's degree because I've become increasingly interested in sustainability in recent years", says Johanna. She is so enthusiastic about the topic that she wants to make more of it than just a hobby. "I want to understand how our society and, above all, our economy can become more sustainable."
The degree program helps her achieve this goal: The decisive factor for Johanna is that the program directly combines sustainability and business and does not look at the two topics separately. "In the 'Sustainable Entrepreneurship' course, for example, we developed a sustainable business model and could directly see how sustainability can be incorporated into start-ups right from the outset. Or, we learn what political measures are available to achieve sustainability goals – taxes, for example."
Johanna is interested in many different disciplines: "The degree course reflects this very well. We have courses that go more in the direction of business administration, while others have a greater focus on economics." The Bachelor's course also includes courses in the fields of ethics and society. Her varied academic education will open up a wide range of professional fields for her: "I can work directly in a company, for example in the sustainability department, or in the field of political consulting or with non-governmental organizations."
Johanna also deepens her knowledge of sustainable management in her part-time job: "I am a student assistant for Prof. Langenmayr. She holds many lectures on our degree course and my work at her department has already given me my first insights into research in the fields of sustainability and business." She is also active in the student sustainability association “DenkNachhaltig”. "I can also pursue my interests outside the lecture hall. For example, we hosted a Sustainability Day where I could gain my first experience of how to organize small projects." Among other things, students distributed vegan cookies along with recipes. "We wanted to show that vegan cookies are just as delicious as non-vegan cookies. Plus, they are also more sustainable and animal-friendly."
Johanna is already committed to sustainability today and is acquiring important knowledge for also being able to make it her profession in the future: "I hope that we can find a way to do business without exploiting our planet, resources and people. So that sustainable developments can then be seen as an opportunity and not always automatically as something that goes against the economy."
![[Translate to Englisch:] Prof. Reinhard Büchl](/fileadmin/_processed_/6/8/csm_Portraet_Reinhard_Buechl_e47e44a80e.jpg)
The inevitable transformation towards sustainability is one of the biggest challenges for companies in the years to come. Small and medium-sized companies in particular, which generally do not have their own sustainability departments, often lack the expertise to develop economically, ecologically and socially…
The inevitable transformation towards sustainability is one of the biggest challenges for companies in the years to come. Small and medium-sized companies in particular, which generally do not have their own sustainability departments, often lack the expertise to develop economically, ecologically and socially sustainable solutions for the future. Thus, there will be high demand for graduates who, in addition to their basic economic knowledge, have the methodological and content-related skills to support companies on their path to increased sustainability. The new "Sustainability in Business & Economics" degree program comes exactly at the right time.
![[Translate to Englisch:] Viola Möller](/fileadmin/_processed_/7/a/csm_BDO_CorpFoto_VM_d881d0e89b.jpg)
For the upcoming transformation towards a sustainable economy, the practical field needs comprehensively trained young staff. I am therefore delighted that this degree program at the KU Eichstätt-Ingolstadt addresses the wide variety of the topic of sustainability in just this way.
For the upcoming transformation towards a sustainable economy, the practical field needs comprehensively trained young staff. I am therefore delighted that this degree program at the KU Eichstätt-Ingolstadt addresses the wide variety of the topic of sustainability in just this way.
![[Translate to Englisch:] Dr. Axel Kniehl](/fileadmin/_processed_/0/1/csm_Dr._Axel_Kniehl_17862bbaa9.jpg)
Good companies can and must help to protect our world and make it a little better. This requires personalities with the right know-how and a clear compass. With this in mind, I wish the new degree program a good start and all the success it deserves. Only sustainably managed companies can be strong in the long term.
Good companies can and must help to protect our world and make it a little better. This requires personalities with the right know-how and a clear compass. With this in mind, I wish the new degree program a good start and all the success it deserves. Only sustainably managed companies can be strong in the long term.
![[Translate to Englisch:] © HiPP / Alexandra Gerrard](/fileadmin/_processed_/8/d/csm_FotoClausHippPresse2020_08280aca6c.jpg)
If we shape our environment, our social life and our economy in a sustainable way, we will be fit for the future and also secure the chances of future generations to have a secure existence.
If we shape our environment, our social life and our economy in a sustainable way, we will be fit for the future and also secure the chances of future generations to have a secure existence.
Sustainability is the only way to be successful as a company in the long term. Building on sound knowledge of economics, students acquire a deep understanding of the connection between the various aspects of sustainable management and long-term corporate performance. The "Sustainability in Business & Economics" program…
Sustainability is the only way to be successful as a company in the long term. Building on sound knowledge of economics, students acquire a deep understanding of the connection between the various aspects of sustainable management and long-term corporate performance. The "Sustainability in Business & Economics" program therefore teaches important skills that we urgently need – for example in the field of sustainable investments.
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
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 of approx. 300 partner universities. Our team at the International Office helps you to plan your semester abroad and the KU Career Service provides comprehensive advice and support for embarking on your professional career.
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!
International Office
Building
Domplatz 8
|
Room: DP8-203 | Campus Eichstätt
Application
Requirements
General university entrance qualification (Allgemeine Hochschulreife)
Application period winter
May 01
-
Jul 15
Admission restriction
Yes
Selection procedure
Yes
Application
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.