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Deutsch Who is the Master’s in Entrepreneurship at WHU suitable for?
The Master’s in Entrepreneurship at WHU Otto Beisheim School of Management is aimed at bachelor graduates who specifically aspire to take on a leadership or founding role in the start-up environment, in innovation management, or in entrepreneurial companies. Typical participants want to realise their own business ideas, take on entrepreneurial responsibility in a family business, or drive innovation in established companies. The programme is particularly aimed at individuals planning to build their own company or pursue a career in venture capital, business development, or corporate entrepreneurship.
What formal admission requirements apply?
For admission, you need a first academic degree (Bachelor or equivalent) in a business, STEM, or related subject. Your degree should comprise at least 180 ECTS credits and demonstrate above-average results (usually at least a grade of "good"). Applications are open to graduates from both universities and (technical) colleges. For international applicants, proof of an equivalent university degree is required.
- First academic degree (Bachelor or equivalent), preferably in business, STEM or comparable
- At least 180 ECTS credits
- Very good English skills (e.g. TOEFL or IELTS)
- Valid GMAT or GRE (depending on previous educational background)
- Motivation letter and selection interview as part of the selection process
Practical experience in companies, start-ups or initiatives is taken into account in the selection process and is advantageous, but not mandatory.
You should have an interest in entrepreneurial issues and innovation processes, as well as openness to new business ideas. Analytical thinking skills, a strong sense of initiative and willingness to take responsibility are essential. Communication skills, teamwork ability as well as the ability to implement feedback constructively and learn from mistakes facilitate a successful course of study. You will benefit if you are resilient, respond flexibly to changes and enjoy networking and exchange in an international environment.
Study Content in Detail
In the Master in Entrepreneurship at the WHU Otto Beisheim School of Management, you acquire comprehensive skills for founding, developing, and scaling innovative companies. The programme combines economic fundamentals with practical expertise in key areas of entrepreneurship. The study content is divided into core subjects, elective modules, and specialised Career Tracks, allowing you to set individual focal points.
- Innovation and Product Development: You learn to strategically develop business ideas and transform them into marketable products, supported by courses such as Visual Prototyping and Strategic Intellectual Property Management.
- Sales and Market Entry: Practical sales skills are the focus, including Entrepreneurial Selling, Product & Shopper Marketing, and Leading the High-Performance Sales Force.
- Data & Analytics: You acquire analytical skills, for example in Actionable Customer Analytics and Data Driven Entrepreneurship.
- Corporate Finance: Knowledge of Venture Capital Finance, Mergers & Acquisitions, and Financial Technologies is imparted – essential for start-up funding and scaling.
- Sustainable Innovation: You engage with sustainable business models as well as societal challenges (e.g. Sustainable Innovation and Entrepreneurship).
- Family Business and Governance: For work in family firms, courses on Value Creation, Leadership in Practice, and Managing the Family Business are available.
In addition, you benefit from the WHU Entrepreneurship Center, which specifically promotes founding projects, networking, and access to mentors as well as investors.
Course Structure
The programme is designed as a four-semester full-time course and comprises a total of 120 ECTS credits. The language of instruction is English. The programme normally starts in September at the Vallendar campus. During your studies, you have the opportunity to study internationally and spend a semester abroad.
- In the first year, you complete core modules in Entrepreneurship, Management, and Business Analytics.
- In the further course of study, you choose freely or along a Career Track from a wide range of specialisation subjects.
- Practical elements are firmly embedded, including founding projects, workshops, Founder Lectures, pitch events, and networking opportunities.
- The Master’s thesis forms the conclusion of the studies and can comprise an Entrepreneurial Project, an applied research paper, or a business plan.
WHU integrates modern technologies into the programme (e.g. ChatGPT Edu, digitalisation of teaching formats) and offers a vibrant campus with student initiatives, start-up bootcamps, and conferences.
Career Prospects & Employment Opportunities
Graduates of the Master in Entrepreneurship possess practical knowledge, a strong network within the start-up and venture capital ecosystem, as well as analytical-strategic skills. They are specifically prepared for independent founding, the growth of start-ups, and roles in innovation-driven companies.
- Company Founding: Around a quarter of graduates found their own companies directly after graduation; numerous WHU alumni today lead market-leading start-ups.
- Leadership in Start-up Environments: The degree qualifies you for management positions in young, growing companies and innovation departments of established firms.
- Venture Capital and Consulting: Employment opportunities are also found in venture capital, among start-up investors, and in consulting firms.
- Family Business, SME, Innovation: The content specifically prepares you for leadership tasks in family businesses or innovation projects in SMEs.
- Network and Alumni: Access to WHU’s international alumni network opens up diverse career options in business and society.
With targeted support from mentors, the Entrepreneurship Center, and the Career Center, you have a broad range of opportunities for your career entry and advancement in an entrepreneurial context.
Study Location
The programme is conducted at the Vallendar campus of the WHU Otto Beisheim School of Management in Rhineland-Palatinate. Lectures take place on-site in modern seminar rooms, complemented by events, workshops, and practical activities on campus.
- A semester abroad is an integral part of the programme; you benefit from partnerships with over 200 international universities.
- The Entrepreneurship Center and numerous start-up initiatives are located directly on campus, offering space for exchange, collaboration, and innovation.
- Campus life is characterised by an entrepreneurial atmosphere, supported by initiatives such as IdeaLab!, TEDxWHU, and the 3 Day Startup Bootcamp.
Costs and Financing
The tuition fees for the Master in Entrepreneurship at WHU total €37,200. The monthly fee is €1,550. The fees include courses, examinations, career services, and networking offers.
- Additional costs (accommodation, living expenses, semester abroad) must be calculated separately.
- Several financing options are available, including scholarships (such as the Deutschlandstipendium), student loans, instalment plans, and programmes of WHU’s own funding institutions.
- Talented and committed students can apply for performance- and needs-based financial support.
A detailed overview of costs and individual financing options is provided directly by the WHU student advisory service.
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