Bachelor’s Degree Program in Business Administration with a Specialization in Economics and Politics

"Thanks to my Bachelor's thesis, I was able to make direct contact with a company and take a closer look at its underlying problems. This practical collaboration was very instructive and beneficial, especially since I am now working for this company."
Dominik Furrer, graduate, BSc in Business Administration with a Specialization in Economics and Politics

Would you like to understand the complex interrelationships between business and society and work in this exciting environment? Our specialization in Economics and Politics is practically oriented and prepares you in detail for a successful start to your career in that field.
Find out more about the part-time program in Economics and Politics (YouTube) (in German)
At a Glance
Title: Bachelor of Science (BSc) ZHAW in Business Administration with a Specialization in Economics and Politics
Academic Achievement: 180 ECTS credits (one ECTS corresponds to approx. 30 hours of study time)
Duration: 6 semesters (full-time), 8 semesters (part-time)
Start of Program: Mid-September (calendar week 38)
Location: Winterthur
Language of Instruction: German; some modules are taught in English
Semester Fee: CHF 720.- (subject to change)
Application Deadline: 30 June 2023 - apply now
What You Will Learn
The specialization Economics and Politics focuses on management in the public sector, which includes political and nonprofit organizations. As a graduate, you will have specialist knowledge of political science, administrative science, and economics. In addition, you will acquire extensive business knowledge, which includes current topics, such as digital transformation. You will engage with interesting case studies and lively simulations with experts from the field, where you will learn to use this knowledge professionally and effectively.
Your Career Prospects
Functions
- Specialist positions
- Project management and project assistance
- Staff positions
- Team leadership roles
- Management support
Sectors
- Private enterprises
- Public administration
- Public enterprises
- Nonprofit organizations
- Nongovernmental organizations

"We did great group assignments which taught me to structure complex problems and quickly gain an overview of the knowledge available. I also learned how to work in teams to develop appropriate, informed solutions and present them to a target audience. I still benefit from this every day."
Lisa Ruch
Project Manager, Canton of St. Gallen Finance Department

"By opting for a specialization in Economics & Politics, I was able to learn about the special characteristics of public sector work as well as gain a classic business management understanding of companies. This has helped me to understand the specific requirements of both areas. I can contribute to a diverse and dynamic corporate environment and actively support corporate development at the intersection of business and the public sector."
Fabio Zappa
Corporate Organization Specialist, Corporate Development, Appenzeller Bahnen AG
Program Structure and Admission Requirements
Multilingual and Flexible
As a full-time student, the program takes six semesters, as a part-time student eight semesters to complete. While classroom instruction is in German, you will have four semesters of English, bringing you up to Cambridge Advanced level. Four compulsory elective modules will enable you to deepen your knowledge of specific key focus areas.
By choosing four electives from a very wide, continuously updated, range of topics, you will be able to focus on your priorities. Of particular interest to students with a specialization in Economics and Politics are modules in the following areas:
- Politics
- Economics
- Administration law (e.g., public enterprise law, public personnel law, or spatial planning & construction law),
- Cultural management
- Public health
- Renewable energy
What You Need to Qualify
- A federally recognized vocational baccalaureate: no entrance exam or additional professional experience required
- A non-commercial vocational baccalaureate: no entrance exam required; at least one year of regular work experience in the commercial field
- A federally recognized academic baccalaureate: no entrance exam required; at least one year of regular work experience in the commercial field

Are you interested in our Bachelor’s program in Business Administration and still have questions? Here you will find the answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs).
Accreditation

In 2019, this program was awarded the PREMIUM seal by the Foundation for International Business Administration Accreditation (FIBAA) for its excellent quality in study and teaching.
The detailed assessment and further information about the accreditations of the ZHAW School of Management and Law can be found here.
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Bachelor's Programs Information Events
Career Services
Start your career with a Bachelor's degree!
Come to one of our information events and find out more about our Bachelor's programs. We look forward to meeting you!
Career Services supports the successful transition from study to work as well as your personal career development.