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Back to the Future: New Bachelor Future Business at WU Executive Academy
April 23, 2025
The Bachelor program for future-oriented business
The WU Executive Academy is expanding its part-time Bachelor program “Business Administration” with a brand-new specialization: Future Business – and the name says it all! This program focuses on three key future-oriented topics essential for long-term success: Entrepreneurship, Sustainability, and Digitalization.
From artificial intelligence to digital business models and aligning companies with environmental and social responsibility – the business world is undergoing rapid transformation. Digitization, sustainability, and new business models are reshaping today’s corporate landscape. To thrive in this evolving environment, leaders must not only understand emerging trends but also actively shape them.
Bachelor Future Business: Ready for the Future
With this in mind, the WU Executive Academy is launching a new specialization within its part-time Bachelor (CE) in Business Administration. Future Business will be available from October 2025 and combines foundational business knowledge with hands-on, real-world applications. This program is designed for working professionals who want to tackle modern leadership challenges and refine their role as managers or executives.
Through the Future Business specialization, students gain the tools to translate current trends into their business practices. “AI tools like ChatGPT are triggering massive shifts—businesses must prepare now,” says Dieter Scharitzer, Academic Director of the program and Professor of Marketing at WU Vienna. This practice-oriented Bachelor Business program combines essential business administration knowledge with an in-depth focus on three core areas: entrepreneurship, sustainability, and digitalization.
Dieter Scharitzer
- Academic Director of Bachelor Future Business
The economy is in a state of transformation. These topics are closely interconnected and significantly impact the success of businesses.
Shaping Tomorrow: The Three Pillars of Bachelor Future Business
Anyone who wants to shape the future needs the right toolkit. The Bachelor Future Business delivers practical knowledge in three key areas that will define tomorrow's success:
1. Entrepreneurship
From idea to execution - students learn the critical steps of founding a business, from developing a business plan to securing funding.
2. Sustainability
How can economic success be combined with environmental and social responsibility? Participants will gain in-depth knowledge in sustainable business models and corporate social responsibility (CSR).
3. Digitalization
Students explore the opportunities and challenges of digital transformation, including digital business models and data-driven decision-making.
Ines Colakovic
- Program Manager
The Bachelor (CE) in Applied Business Administration with a specialization in Future Business is ideal for future managers and leaders who want to drive sustainable success in their current or future companies.
The Bachelor Future Business also benefits professionals involved in transformation processes such as digitalization, leadership changes, or sustainability initiatives. “These topics impact all areas of business - from small companies to global corporations,” Scharitzer adds. Digitalization, sustainability, and business leadership are not just trends - they are long-term imperatives across industries.
Academically Sound, Professionally Flexible: The Bachelor of Science (CE)WU
The Bachelor Future Business spans six semesters and concludes with the academic degree Bachelor of Science (Continuing Education)WU – BSc (CE)WU, a top-tier continuing education program. Classes are held in blocks on Fridays and Saturdays to allow for optimal work–study balance. With a maximum of 50 students per year, the program ensures close supervision and rich interaction between faculty and students. The teaching language is German.
The program is tailored to professionals from all sectors. Thanks to its interdisciplinary approach and diverse content, graduates are well-prepared for various business roles. Academic Director Dieter Scharitzer emphasizes the importance of networking: “For today’s leaders, strong networks are crucial – and we ensure that from day one.” That’s why the program is offered on-site, fostering direct connections. “There’s no substitute for personal exchange,” Scharitzer adds.
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