General Management (MBA)
career-integrated studies
What makes this degree programme special?
- opportunity to continue education in form of a four-semester course of study
- theoretical and practical business knowledge
- target group is graduates of engineering programmes and other university graduates (including business economists) who have gained at least one year of professional practice in companies or organisations after completing their initial university education and who now hold or wish to hold a management position
What is the structure of the programme?
The MBA programme extends over a standard period of study of four semesters and is tailored to the needs of full-time professionals. The practical phases usually take place at the weekend. Most of the learning material is absorbed through self-study. The learning materials can be easily downloaded from the internet or sent to the student's home by post. In terms of content, the programme in Jena offers everything that is expected of a modern Master of Business Administration. In addition to basic business management methods, students learn about the most diverse areas of management. This ranges from personnel management to organisational management to corporate management. Further modules are, for example:
- Accounting and Tax Law
- Business and Economy
- Finance
- General Management
According to the standard period of study, the fourth semester is devoted entirely to writing the Master's thesis. However, the MBA programme in General Management is designed to be flexible so that students can find their own pace. Extending the period of study is not a problem. At best, a topic from one's own professional activities can be used for the Master's thesis. This is also where the clear advantages for companies come out when it comes to the further qualification of their employees. Problems can be examined and solved with a scientific approach with the Master's thesis at the latest. This also benefits the company.
Module overview
What are the entry requirements?
A degree in a diploma or bachelor's degree programme at a higher education institution or an academic degree recognised as at least equivalent with at least 210 ECTS credits as well as at least one year of professional practice in companies or organisations after completion of the initial university education is required for admission to the programme. The primary professional experience is usually directed towards non-business, especially technical areas, but should also include initial experience in management tasks, e.g. project management. For foreign applicants, proof of sufficient knowledge of the German language is also required.
If the number of applicants exceeds the planned number of admissions, applicants are admitted on the basis of the final grade of the initial university education.
What career prospects do I have after completing my studies?
The knowledge and skills taught in the Master's programme will enable you to take up a leadership position in various companies. Such leadership positions require the following skills: Plan, Monitor, Reflect, Conceive, Coordinate, Organise as well as Controlling and leading.
After successful completion, you will be familiar with the most important business management theories and methods and will be able to apply your knowledge in various business areas. The MBA is primarily designed to train generalists. With this management know-how, you can aspire to middle and higher management positions. The MBA programme in Jena is aimed at engineers, for example, who have achieved a first university degree and have already taken on management tasks. The theoretical knowledge required for this can be acquired in the MBA programme. The programme is also interesting for those who would like to expand their specialised technical knowledge and thus recommend themselves for management tasks. MBA graduates work in these corporate areas, for example, and take on team, departmental or divisional management tasks: Marketing / Sales, Human resource management, Quality management, Controlling / Finance, Product management, Project Management, Customer Relation Management and Supply Chain Management.
In addition to a career in the private sector, the MBA degree also offers options in academia. After graduation, students can pursue a doctorate at a university. Furthermore, the degree enables entry into the higher civil service.
