MSc in Business Administration – Major Enterprise Development
“The rules of the game in a competitive environment are changing rapidly. The pressure to review and adapt existing business models and organizational forms is increasing. In this context, digitalization, agile action, “new work,” and principles of sustainable action are key drivers of transformation.”
Prof. Dr. Gunther Kucza, Head of Program
Sound competencies for the future-oriented and sustainable development of companies are increasingly required in different organizational contexts. The environment for companies and organizations in all sectors and sizes is becoming increasingly challenging due to megatrends such as digitalization, demographic change, climate policy, and social responsibility. The familiar maxims of action and concepts of enterprise development are only partially effective in the face of increasing complexities, accelerated change, and unpredictable events. New approaches for training the decision-makers in companies are needed to meet these challenges.
To actively shape the future viability of companies, future managers must learn to apply new concepts and design approaches to enterprise development in a way that is appropriate to the situation, reflect on them critically, and develop them further.
At a Glance
Title: Master of Science (MSc) ZHAW in Business Administration with a Specialization in Enterprise Development (Unternehmensentwicklung)
Start of New Program: Mid-September
Workload: 90 ECTS credits (equivalent to approx. 2,700 hours of study)
Duration: 4 semesters (classes are held two days per week). Part-time work or family activity of up to 50% is possible.
Registration deadline: 30 May 2025 - apply now
Location: Winterthur, Canton of Zurich (Switzerland)
Classes held on: Mondays and Tuesdays
Tuition Fee: CHF 720.- per semester + additional study-related expenses
Admission Requirements: Admission Procedure
Language of instruction: Usually German; 3rd semester: English
Studying abroad: Students can do a semester abroad in their third semester at one of our numerous partner universities.
Accreditation/Award: AACSB, EQUIS, Top European Business School (Financial Times Ranking)
“Viable organizations are able to respond successfully and sustainably to rapidly changing conditions. Meeting these requirements adequately requires new, coordinated methods and approaches, as well as mature personalities.”
Dr. Kerstin Pichel, Senior Lecturer in Strategy, Head of Center for Strategy & Leadership
Content and Program Structure
The curriculum is designed so that you meet the requirements for targeted management of future-oriented and sustainable development and competently support transformative organizational processes in companies. The focus is on learning competencies in the areas of strategy & leadership, human capital, and organizational design & processes. An attractive range of elective modules allows you to add an individual focus to your studies.
The following compulsory elective modules are available:
- Agile Project Management
- Impact Entrepreneurship
- Transformation & Change Management
- People Analytics
- E-Commerce
You will also have the opportunity to take part in a study trip or summer school at one of our international partner universities as part of the elective modules.
As Flexible as You
This Master's program will allow you to become highly qualified while enabling you to combine study and part-time work. You can benefit from an immediate, practically oriented knowledge transfer and continue your professional career at the same time.
The degree program allows you to continue working at about 50 percent. Class days are Mondays and Tuesdays.
In the 3rd semester of the Master's program, you have the opportunity to complete a semester abroad at one of our numerous partner universities. With a semester abroad, you will build an international network, deepen your foreign language skills, and gain a new perspective concerning your study subjects.
Ask a Student
"Do you have any questions concerning the Master in Business Administration – Major Enterprise Development, the ZHAW Library, sports and leisure activities, or life in Winterthur and Zurich? Please contact me."
Gian-Reto Capaul, Student, MSc in Business Administration – Major Enterprise Development
Your Career Prospects
This Master’s degree will enable you to perform key entrepreneurial functions in companies in all industries – in Switzerland and internationally – and work in the following areas:
- Corporate Development / Business Development: e.g., Business Development Manager, Project Manager Corporate Development/Digitalization, Venture Architect
- Strategy and Transformation: e.g., Head of Strategy & Transformation, Change Management Consultant
- Human Resources: e.g., Human Capital Management, HR Consultant
Testimonials
Admission
Applications undergo an admission procedure. Admission is decided by the head of the program. Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- A Bachelor's degree from a state-recognized university or university of applied sciences in business administration / economics (min. 180 ECTS-Credits) or the equivalent in a related degree program*
- Ability to follow German and English language instruction at university level and use teaching materials in both languages (reference value: C1 level)
- Willingness to learn and high degree of motivation
- Positive result of ability test
* If an applicant does not yet have all the entrance qualifications required for admission, or if the applicant’s Bachelor's degree is from a related degree program, he or she may be admitted under the condition of providing additional qualifications later.
If needed, please feel free to contact the Head of Program without obligation to confirm whether you meet the admission requirements outlined above.
Brochure, in German
Information and Enrollment
MSc Information Events
Find out more about our practice-oriented Master's degree programs at the information events and ask us your questions.
Admission Check
Are you interested in a Master's degree program and would like to know whether you meet the requirements? Or do you have questions about the course?
Enrollment Master's Degree Programs
With a Master's degree, you are investing in your future. You will expand your professional and personal skills and increase your career opportunities.
MSc Information Events
Admission Check
Enrollment Master's Degree Programs
Find out more about our practice-oriented Master's degree programs at the information events and ask us your questions.
Are you interested in a Master's degree program and would like to know whether you meet the requirements? Or do you have questions about the course?
With a Master's degree, you are investing in your future. You will expand your professional and personal skills and increase your career opportunities.