New Bachelor Future Business at WU Executive Academy

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

"Against the background of the new legal regulations for Continuing Education (CE), we have created the opportunity to offer a practice-oriented bachelor's degree that enables professionals to receive a solid business education with specialization options," explains Dieter Scharitzer. In addition to the Future Business specialization, the following options for specialization in the Bachelor of Business Administration are available: 

• Marketing & Sales 

• Logistics & Supply Chain Management  

• Risk & Insurance Management 

For the last three mentioned, it is possible to start initially with the specialization as a university course and later continue with the bachelor's degree. Future Business, on the other hand, can only be chosen as a specialization with a BSc (CE) degree. 

Here again the advantages of the new part-time bachelor's degree Future Business at the WU Executive Academy:

• Studying at the highest level: Students benefit from the expertise and know-how of WU Vienna, one of the most renowned business universities in Europe.

• Ideal for working professionals: The courses are held in blocks on Fridays and Saturdays (an average of 9 to 12 times per semester), allowing for an optimal balance between studies and work.

• From practice for practice: Case studies, group work, and exchange with experienced practitioners ensure a high practical relevance and promote knowledge transfer.

• Additional specialization options: In addition to Future Business, there are other specializations available in the Bachelor's (CE) program, including Marketing & Sales, Risk & Insurance Management, or Logistics & Supply Chain Management.

• Bridge to the Master's: The Bachelor's (CE) program is a prerequisite for continuing with a Master's or MBA program.

The part-time bachelor's program is part of the diverse range of further education offerings at the WU Executive Academy – from university courses to the Master's (CE) Leadership & Business Management. It offers experienced professionals the opportunity to develop further in a targeted manner and at an academic level.

The next Bachelor year with the specialization Future Business starts in October 2025. The application deadline is June 30, 2025; high school diploma is required. Registration is ongoing, the number of participants is limited. The participation fee is 3,500 euros per semester, plus a one-time application fee of 200 euros.

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