Dual studies Business Administration - Artificial Intelligence (B.A.) – IU International University of Applied Sciences

👉 The dual Bachelor's degree programme in Business Administration - Specialization Artificial Intelligence at IU is aimed at individuals interested in business topics as well as Artificial Intelligence, who want to systematically combine theory and practice. The programme provides basics of business administration, knowledge of AI applications (including Python, Cloud Computing), as well as management and leadership skills. A (specialized) Abitur, advanced training, or relevant professional experience including a practice partner is required. Study locations are possible nationwide. The degree opens up career paths such as Business Analyst, Project Manager for AI, or in Digitalization Management, as combined AI and business management skills are in demand in many industries.

Business Administration - Artificial Intelligence (B.A.) at a Glance

📜 Degree Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
⏳ Duration 7 Semesters
🏫 University IU International University of Applied Sciences, UAS based in Erfurt (Germany)
IU International University is a private, state-recognised university of applied sciences based in Erfurt, Thuringia, and one of the largest distance-learning providers in Germany. Its programmes span business, IT, health and engineering. For international students, the key draw is its range of fully English-taught online degrees – accredited in Germany, open to applicants worldwide, and studied flexibly from home or alongside work.
📋 Study Format Dual studies
🎓 Field of Study Information SciencesData Science & AI
🎯 ECTS 180 Credit Points
🌍 Language of Instruction German
📖 Course contents Business Administration, Project: Agile Project Management, Introduction to Scientific Work in Business, Management and Communication, Managerial Economics, Practical Project 1, Business Mathematics, Marketing, Accounting and Financial Reporting, Taxation, Practical Project 2, Statistics, Project: Corporate Social Responsibility, Cost and Performance Accounting, Project: Economic Policy, Practical Project 3, Law, Leadership 4.0, Fundamentals of Management, Investment and Financing, Practical Project 4, Project: Business Start-up, Business Planning and Control, Seminar: Current Topics in Business Administration, Project: Digital Business Models, Practical Project 5, Project: Megatrends in the Business Context, Personnel and Corporate Management, Specialisation Module, Specialisation Module, Specialisation Module, Specialisation Module, Elective Module Distance Learning, Elective Module Distance Learning, Bachelor Thesis
📚 Electives Artificial Intelligence, Digital Business, International Management
📍 Location Augsburg, Berlin, Bremen, Dortmund, Dresden, Düsseldorf, Erfurt, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Hanover, Cologne, Leipzig, Mainz, Mannheim, Munich, Nuremberg, Stuttgart
📅 Enrollment Winter or summer semester
🔗 More Info https://www.iu.de/en/

Who benefits from the dual Bachelor's degree in Business Administration - Specialization Artificial Intelligence?

The dual degree program "Business Administration - Specialization Artificial Intelligence" at IU International University is aimed at all those who want to combine business know-how with competencies in Artificial Intelligence (AI). If you are interested in actively accompanying companies in their digitization efforts, developing innovative solutions, or managing transformation projects, then this program offers you the perfect combination - whether you are fresh out of school or have already gained work experience. This offering is particularly suitable for you if you have an affinity for technology, data analysis, and economic contexts, and are seeking a practice-oriented program that specifically prepares you for a career in the AI field.

Admission requirements

  • With (technical) high school diploma: For the dual study program, you need the General University Entrance Qualification (Abitur), the Subject-Specific University Entrance Qualification, or the Technical College Entrance Qualification. These entitle you to direct admission nationwide.
  • With an international school-leaving certificate: A school-leaving certificate obtained abroad is recognized after an equivalency assessment, provided that German language skills at level B2 are demonstrated.
  • With advanced training: You can also start directly with a master craftsman's certificate or a completed, at least 2-year vocational training - for example, as a state-certified technician or business administrator.
  • Without (technical) high school diploma: Admission is possible if you
    • have completed at least a 2-year, technically appropriate vocational training and
    • can demonstrate at least 3 years of relevant full-time work experience (more than 32 hours per week) afterwards.
    In this case, you will start with a trial study program.
  • Practice partner: In addition to the formal qualification, you need a practice partner for the dual program with whom you will gain practical experience for 20 hours per week. IU actively supports you in finding a practice partner.
  • Other requirements: A personal consultation with the study advisory service is part of the selection process. The program is not restricted by a numerus clausus (NC).

For special cases - such as degrees from Waldorf schools or vocational colleges in Baden-Württemberg - it is recommended to have a conversation with the study advisory service in advance to clarify possible additional requirements.

  • All applicants need sufficient German language skills at level B2.
  • Candidates without a German qualification will receive an equivalency assessment.
  • The program starts on April 1st and October 1st of each year.

Personal requirements

  • Interest in business and technical issues, especially regarding AI, digitization, and data analysis.
  • Willingness to work analytically and solution-oriented.
  • Self-motivation and organizational skills to successfully combine theory and practical phases.
  • Enjoyment of communication for exchanging ideas with practice partners and study groups.
  • Proficiency in digital tools or willingness to acquire them.

What content can you expect in the Dual Studies in Business Administration – Specialization Artificial Intelligence?

In the Business Administration program – Specialization Artificial Intelligence, economic fundamentals are combined with future-relevant knowledge related to the application of artificial intelligence. You will learn how AI technologies can be used in companies to innovate and optimize processes. The program integrates both business and technological aspects.

  • Business Fundamentals: Business Administration, Managerial Economics, Corporate Planning and Control, Law, Accounting and Financial Reporting, Taxation, Cost and Performance Accounting.
  • Applications of Artificial Intelligence: Knowledge of AI basics and applications, Programming – especially Python, Cloud Computing, creative prompt techniques.
  • Leadership and Management: Fundamentals in Management, Leadership 4.0, Personnel and Corporate Management.
  • Practice Modules and Projects: In each semester, practical projects on topics such as agile project management, digital business models, or megatrends in the corporate context.
  • Elective Modules: Specializations starting from the 6th semester, e.g. International Market Research, Retail Management, E-Commerce, Customer Relationship Management, and Supply Chain Management.
  • Graduation: Bachelor's thesis with a practical task related to Business and Artificial Intelligence.

The program is modular – you usually complete each module with a term paper, an exam, or a practical project. In total, you will achieve 180 ECTS points.

How does the Dual Studies in Business Administration – Artificial Intelligence work?

You will study in the IU's dual model, which systematically combines theory and practice:

  • Support: IU supports you in finding practical partners and provides application training.
  • Duration: The program lasts 7 semesters and is designed for 3.5 years.
  • Start of Studies: The program starts twice a year – on April 1st and October 1st.
  • Theory Blocks: Twice a week, you attend classes on campus or virtually. Questions from your professional life can be integrated.
  • Learning: In addition to traditional lectures, you have access to digital learning materials, the IU Learn App, and a virtual learning platform with a library.
  • Practical Phases: About three days a week, you work in a company (practical partner) and gain relevant work experience there (20 hours/week).

What career opportunities and possibilities do you have after completing your studies?

As a graduate of the Dual Business Administration Studies with a specialization in Artificial Intelligence, you have various career paths open to you:

  • Business Analyst: Developing data-driven solutions, analyzing corporate data, forecasting trends, and optimizing business processes through AI methods.
  • Project Manager for Artificial Intelligence: Planning and managing AI projects, coordinating between departments and IT teams, implementing new AI applications.
  • AI Integration Strategy Consulting: Consulting companies on the implementation of AI solutions, developing digital business strategies, and supporting transformation processes.
  • Many other fields: Digitalization Management, Innovation Management, Marketing Automation, Supply Chain Management – wherever professionals with combined AI and Business Administration skills are in demand.

As companies from all industries increasingly rely on artificial intelligence, your skills are highly sought after across different sectors. An international career is also open to you.

Where you will complete your studies – an overview of the study locations

IU offers the Dual Studies in Business Administration – Artificial Intelligence at numerous locations in Germany. You can mostly choose the location that suits your life.

  • Possible study locations include: Augsburg, Berlin, Bremen, Dortmund, Dresden, Düsseldorf, Erfurt, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Hanover, Cologne, Leipzig, Mainz, Mannheim, Munich, Nuremberg, and Stuttgart.
  • You will complete your practical phases at a company near you or in the city of your choice. IU supports you in finding practical partners.

Costs and Financing: What do you need to know?

The Dual Studies at IU International University have no tuition fees for you as a student. The costs of the program are covered by your practical partner (the company where you work).

  • Tuition Fees: 0€ for students (practical partner covers the fees).
  • Compensation: Depending on the company, additional compensation during practical phases is possible.

The Dual Study model is particularly suitable for those who want to complete a practice-oriented study and remain financially independent at the same time.

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