Business Administration, Specialisation in Business Analytics and Operations Research (BA&OR)

This specialisation within the Master's in Business Administration combines rigorous methods with practical application to prepare you for data-driven management roles. You will learn to design, apply and integrate digitalisation, data science and optimisation techniques into economic and managerial contexts. The curriculum balances theoretical foundations with hands-on work so you can both understand models and implement solutions in real business systems.

The programme builds strong methodological skills first, then applies them to core business functions such as marketing, logistics and finance. You can tailor your studies through flexible course choices, an optional semester abroad and internships. Students pick modules from two complementary tracks — Business Analytics or Operations Research — depending on whether they prefer data analytics and modelling or optimisation and decision support.

Teaching is organised around four applied business areas, allowing focused or interdisciplinary study: Supply Chain Management, Logistics and Operations; Finance; Digitalisation and Information Systems; and Marketing. A wide range of electives across business and economics lets you broaden or deepen your profile. The Master's thesis consolidates your methodological and practical learning and may be supervised by any programme professor or completed in cooperation with a company.

Graduates are prepared for roles in analytics, operations research, consulting and management, and the programme also provides a solid basis for academic research or doctoral studies. Specific modules emphasise business language, presentation and teamwork so you graduate able to communicate technical results to managers and stakeholders.

Key facts and requirements

• Language of instruction: English
• Degree awarded: Master of Science in Business Administration (specialisation in Business Analytics & Operations Research)
• Two elective tracks: Business Analytics or Operations Research (students choose modules from one or both)
• Four main applied areas to specialise in: Supply Chain Management, Logistics & Operations; Finance; Digitalisation & Information Systems; Marketing
• Flexible programme structure with options for semester abroad and internships to tailor study to individual goals
• Wide selection of elective courses across business and economics to complement core training
• Master's thesis can be completed with any programme professor or in cooperation with a company
• Programme includes modules focused on business communication, presentation and teamwork to support applied, industry-facing careers or further academic study

Curriculum overview

The programme is built around six required modules, a set of required elective courses, and additional elective modules. The six compulsory modules—Data Analytics in Python, Operations Research, Predictive Analytics, Service Analytics, one module chosen from Business Languages/Communication and Teamwork, and Ethics—are all taught during the first two semesters and delivered in English. These core courses establish the methodological and ethical foundation needed for the programme’s specialisations and for selecting advanced electives that deepen technical or managerial expertise.

Learning outcomes and study format

By completing the required modules and chosen electives, students gain practical skills in data-driven decision making (Python-based analytics and predictive modeling), optimization and mathematical modelling (operations research), and improving service systems (service analytics), alongside teamwork, communication and ethical reasoning. The programme mixes formats to support applied learning: lectures, combined lecture-and-exercise classes, practical courses, project work and seminars. Required electives and elective modules may be taken in either German or English, allowing flexibility for language development or deeper specialization.

Requirements (concise)

• Six required modules: Data Analytics in Python; Operations Research; Predictive Analytics; Service Analytics; one module from Business Languages, Communication and Teamwork; Ethics
• Required modules are offered during the first two semesters and taught in English
• Required elective courses and elective modules allow students to specialise in one or more topics
• Electives can be taken in German or English
• Course types include: Lecture; Lecture and exercises; Practical course; Project; Seminar
• Curriculum PDF available for download (further details and module descriptions)

Graduates are prepared for careers in data-driven roles such as analytics, operations research, consulting and management positions across sectors (e.g. logistics, finance, digital platforms). The programme’s combination of technical methods and business-domain electives also suits positions that require implementation of analytical solutions within business IT systems.

For those interested in academia, the degree provides a sound methodological and theoretical basis to pursue doctoral studies or research roles in universities and research institutes.