Bachelor of Science in Business Administration

Purpose and Scope

This Study Plan and Regulations lays out the specifications of the program Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSc), including the profile and learning outcomes, the structure of the curricula, program development and the criteria for admission and conferment of a degree.

This study plan and regulations is applicable to all students pursuing the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration starting on or after Sept. 1, 2021. It pertains to the degree (BSc) offered by WVPU which is accredited by the Agency for quality Assurance and Accreditation Austria in accordance with the Private Universities Act §2 and §3(1). The requirements for U.S. accredited degrees conferred by Webster University based in St. Louis, USA may vary slightly. Students are encouraged to consult with their advisor for details. 

Overview Table

Profile and Learning Outcomes

WVPU’s Bachelor of Science in Business Administration program comprehensively examines the breadth of business-related disciplines as defined in the business core curriculum. Students develop the necessary skills and competencies to effectively setup, operate and lead businesses, develop sound and ethical business practices, analyze markets, overcome challenges and communicate effectively. Students undergo a rigorous program of scholarly and practical training in business theories, organizational behavior dynamics and critical thinking strategies that prepares them to assume active roles in international companies, undertake requisite levels of research and proceed into more advanced studies. They gain advanced knowledge in accounting, international business law, economics, finance, management, international business and information systems and develop strong skills and competencies in designing strategies through market simulations where they apply their knowledge before undertaking a thesis project. Through exposure to and participation in faculty research as well as interaction with an array of experts and prominent external lecturers, students gain valuable insight and practice into researching and analyzing the internal dynamics of businesses and the markets in which they operate. They learn to work independently, collaborate with others and operate businesses in a sound, ethical and responsible manner befitting WVPU’s profile and objectives.

Graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration program possess an in-depth theoretical and practical knowledge of business operations and markets and can therefore perform tasks at a very high professional level. They are critical, independent thinkers capable of collaboration and leadership, able to measure, analyze and drive growth and innovation within changing and diverse legal, social, economic, and global conditions. The program’s strong focus on research and analysis combined with consistent exposure to real-world cases ensures that its graduates can develop innovative approaches to solve known and unforeseen problems. They are thus fully qualified for the degree they earned, professionally ready to begin their careers and make a difference, and they possess the scholarly foundation necessary to pursue an advanced degree. As a result, many of the program’s graduates go on to successful careers in a wide range of organizations, corporations and sectors while others operate their own businesses.

Learning Outcomes

Students who complete this program will be able to:

1. Use information, analytical tools and problem-solving skills to make well-reasoned business decisions, considering both quantitative factors and qualitative factors such as ethical considerations.
2. Develop strategies addressing the legal, ethical, economic and global environment in which the enterprise operates.
3. Apply a set of analytical business tools related to math, statistics, accounting, economics, marketing, finance and behavioral science.
4. Apply business core concepts, principles and analytical skills across functional lines.
5. Access, develop and use information to analyze business problems and propose feasible solutions.

The Bachelor of Science in Business Administration program learning outcomes align closely with those of NQF Level VI in all areas of knowledge, skills, and competence. 

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Learning Outcomes

 

 

Curriculum Overview and Workload

The Bachelor of Science in Business Administration curriculum is organized into five modules and a thesis. The five modules include the Common Core Module (72 ECTS), two major-specific Foundation Modules (96 ECTS), a Discipline Enrichment Module (18 ECTS) and an Electives Module (46 ECTS). The program is concluded with the successful completion of a thesis (8 ECTS).

Full time students working toward the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration will usually carry a course load of five courses per semester (30 ECTS). For most courses in the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration program, a notable exception being the thesis and the career development components of the Discipline Enrichment Module, students attend 36 hours of courses and respectively conduct an additional 114 hours of self-learning. 

Each of the core Competency Courses (CC), Discipline Courses (DC), and Enrichment Courses (EC) are offered on a regular basis, usually at least once a year. Full course descriptions, individual learning outcomes, details about ECTS, weekly study schedules and assessment criteria are available in each course syllabus, available via WVPU’s publicly accessible course schedule. 

Common Core Module (Up to 72 ECTS)

Please refer to the Bachelor's Degree Programs page for detailed information about the CCM. 

Foundation Modules – Business Administration (96 ECTS)

Students are required to complete all courses (96 ECTS) in Foundation Modules 1 and 2.

Foundation Module 1 (78 ECTS)

 

Foundation Module 2 (18 ECTS)

^{*Courses (12 ECTS) count toward the overall 24 ECTS requirement of the Methods Road Map.}

Discipline Enrichment Module – Business Administration (18 ECTS)

Students must successfully pass at least 12 ECTS of upper-level courses from the list below (all excess ECTS will count toward the Electives Module):

Students must successfully pass all 3 courses (6 ECTS) in the area of career development (6 ECTS):

 

Electives Module (46 ECTS) 

Students must choose at least 46 ECTS among any of WVPU’s course offerings. 

Thesis (8 ECTS)

 

Roadmaps and Course Sequencing

Students working toward the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration can complete the program in a minimum of 8 semesters. Graphical roadmaps for each program illustrate a typical student’s progression through the degree, with special attention given to course sequencing within the major. Curriculum in this program develops as students progress through their studies. For that reason, adhering to prescribed course sequencing is an essential component to success. The course syllabus or WVPU’s publicly accessible course schedule both list course prerequisites, if any. Additionally, each program roadmap denotes courses with prerequisites with an asterisk (*). 

Advisors are available to assist students with degree planning to help ensure proper course sequencing. Though most students will adhere to their respective program roadmap, advisors can help develop individualized degree plans when the situation warrants deviation from the roadmap. Advisors must approve all course registration requests before they are processed. Advisors also consult on issues related to academic and career goals, and university resources. 

The Business and Management Department reserves the right to waive or adjust course prerequisites as necessary.

Program Development and Enhancement

The Bachelor of Science in Business Administration is subject to WVPU’s systematic Internal Quality Management System that incorporates continuous measures and involves the Executive Board, academic department heads, and the University Senate. This ensures that its learning outcomes and the content of its curriculum impart advanced knowledge in the discipline while delivering the skills and competencies requisite for a bachelor’s degree. WVPU’s quality management processes include a triannual program review and assessment of learning outcomes, course evaluations, an annual review of academic polices and processes, semi-annual performance reviews with units and employees and collected stakeholder feedback through semi-annual meetings and surveys supported by the university’s internal information systems. 

At the course level, each syllabus (including criteria and methods of assessment) is reviewed and approved by the department at least one semester prior to being published on the university’s course offerings, ensuring that learning outcomes are clearly stated and appropriately paired to the course’s content and assessment criteria. All students have access to the syllabus before the course begins, and in addition, faculty are required to review the syllabus on the first day of class. During the running of any course students interact with both the faculty member and the department’s administration alerting them to any problems that might arise and triggering procedures based on academic policies and procedures, particularly with reference to disputes between students and faculty.

The base selection of course offerings for any academic year is determined two years in advance through regular planning sessions. The process includes consultation with representatives of student government and incorporates additional student feedback through face-to-face meetings, town halls and anonymous course evaluations. Teaching assignments pairing faculty to courses are completed one year in advance. Prior to assigning a course to a faculty member, the department head verifies the individual’s qualifications and experience as an instructor. Students evaluate all first-time instructors in the third week of their course to provide feedback and allow for corrective measures if necessary. 

Other continuous processes also play an important role in sustaining and enhancing the integrity of the program. The university solicits semiannual student feedback on degree programs through student focus groups involving 30-minute structured dialogues at the start of selected courses. Additionally, the head of the department takes part in monthly video conferences with global partners to evaluate Business & Management programs, adding and shaping curricula and course content to meet WVPU student needs and national regulations while also integrating partner experiences from around the world. Department representatives participate in on-going process evaluation measures providing suggestions on how to improve subject relevancy, program competitiveness, research components and technology to align with those used in international business, management and marketing sectors.

Admission to the Study Program

Admission to the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration program follows the General Admission Requirements for Undergraduate Programs.

Supplementary Requirements for Conferment of the Degree 

WVPU confers the academic degree of Bachelor of Science in Business Administration following the successful completion of all modules as stated in the Curriculum Overview and Workload and in accordance with the following rules:

1. Candidates must complete all modules (240 ECTS) as stated in the Curriculum Overview
2. Students must successfully earn 194 ECTS in residence at WVPU, including: 

1. 1. all courses in the Common Core (72 ECTS) - For students joining prior to fall 2021, the Common Core requirement is considered satisfied with the successful completion of all of Webster University’s GCP components and Methods Road Map courses. For those students, the in residence requirement for the CCM is waived.
   2. all required courses in the Business Administration Foundation Modules 1 and 2 (96 ECTS) 
   3. the Discipline Enrichment Module (18 ECTS)
   4. a bachelor thesis (8 ECTS)
   5. all required courses must be completed with a grade of C- or better. 

The University reserves the right to approve and assign transferred credits as equivalencies to courses which could result in fewer than 194 overall ECTS completed in residency. 

WVPU Policies and Student Obligations

WVPU policies support and maintain the highest quality of education and service level for students. All students attending WVPU are obliged to adhere to University academic policies, including the Study and Examination Guidelines and the Code of Conduct. Students are solely responsible for familiarizing themselves with all applicable university policies and procedures including those dictating academic standards. 

Students are also fully responsible for managing their degree progress in compliance with the curriculum. This includes, but is not limited to: ensuring schedule accuracy each semester, adhering to all registration and payment deadlines, proactively addressing any issues that may interfere with degree progress, exclusively using the university assigned email address for all academic-related correspondence, and observing course-specific deadlines and policies. 

WVPU retains the right to update policies and procedures. Students will be informed of any such changes in a timely manner.