MSc in Business Administration – Major Public Management
"Anyone studying Public Management at the ZHAW School of Management and Law is choosing more than a profession – they are actively shaping the future of our coexistence."
Dr. Karin Brunner Schmid, Head of Program
Public Management – Taking Responsibility, Shaping the Future
This Master's degree program is aimed at people who want to take on responsibility and actively shape social developments. In a world that is constantly changing, we need specialists who think in an interdisciplinary way, act strategically, and are always on the lookout for social added value.
Public management means solving complex challenges, driving innovation, and consistently promoting the common good in public administration and state-related companies. This degree program provides you with the professional and practical skills required to be effective in demanding leadership positions.
At a Glance
Title: Master of Science (MSc) ZHAW in Business Administration with Specialization in Public Management
Start of New Program: Summer School (compulsory module included in studies) in week 36 (before the start of the semester), the Summer School can also be booked by external students, start of semester Mid-September
Registration deadline: 30 May 2026 - apply now
Workload: 90 ECTS credits (corresponding to approx. 2,700 hours of study)
Duration: 4 semesters (allows balancing work and family responsibilities of 60 percent).
Location: Winterthur, Canton of Zurich (Switzerland)
Classes held on: Mondays and Tuesdays, one day on site, one day flexible
Semester Fee: CHF 720.-
Admission Requirements: Admission Procedure
Language of Instruction: German (mandatory to provide certificate C1 in German), partly English
Accreditation/Award: AACSB, EQUIS, AMBA, Top European Business School (Financial Times Ranking)
"The program has given me a deeper understanding of the complex interrelationships in the public sector. The study trip, in particular, provided me with an exciting, international perspective and showed me the possibilities of a digital and future-oriented administration."
Pascal Fritzenwallner, Alumnus
Content and Program Structure
The module content provides you with in-depth knowledge of the specific framework conditions of administration, public companies, and non-profit organizations. Students learn the key tools of resource, quality, project, and stakeholder management, and analyze and design complex organizational structures. In addition, students develop an understanding of interdisciplinary relationships.
Another focus is on scientific work: Students carry out applied research projects with practice partners to sharpen their analytical and methodological skills.
Elective focus areas for specialization
By choosing a specialization, you will gain in-depth knowledge of issues in your chosen area of interest. The following focus areas are available:
- Digital Transformation
- International Development Cooperation
- Innovation and Collaboration
For external Students
This study program will allow you to meet work or family obligations for approximately 50% of the time while pursuing a higher education degree. The standard course of study lasts four semesters. Most modules take place on Mondays and Tuesdays during the semester and are taught in face-to-face, online, or flexible formats. In addition, there are two one-week summer schools outside the semester, which are also taught in the classroom (before the 1st and 3rd semesters).
In the third semester, you have the opportunity to work intensively in your chosen specialization. Alternatively, you can complete this semester at one of our numerous partner universities abroad. A semester abroad expands your international network, strengthens your language skills, and opens up new perspectives.
Finally, you will research and write a Master's thesis on a practical issue of your choice.
"The interdisciplinary view of the interaction between social, economic, and political aspects taught in the Master's program helped me advance my career in the public sector."
Rico Roffler, Alumnus
Your Career Prospects
Graduates of the Master's in Public Management are broadly positioned and in demand in various areas of the public sector. The program does not focus solely on individual functions such as HR, marketing, or controlling, but on a comprehensive understanding of administration, politics, and non-profit organizations. This makes our graduates flexible and widely deployable across public administrations, NGOs, politics, consulting, and international organizations.
Possible fields of activity
- Project Manager – dealing with current or strategic issues
- Head of Department – Responsible for day-to-day business
- Researcher – for example, in economic policy or organizational development
- Consultant – in public or hybrid organizations
- Congress and Event Manager – in administrations, associations, or NGOs
- Company, Office, or Department Manager
Admission
The Head of Degree Program oversees the admissions process. Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- A Bachelor's degree in Business Administration (at least 180 ECTS) from an officially recognized academic university or university of applied sciences, or an equivalent university degree in a related course of study.
- Proof of prior knowledge in economics amounting to at least 30 ECTS credits (catch-up qualifications are possible)
This Master's degree program is primarily aimed at graduates from business-related disciplines. At the same time, we particularly welcome lateral entrants with political, natural, social science, or legal backgrounds. In this way, we create an interdisciplinary learning environment where a wide range of perspectives and backgrounds come together.
Do you know if you have the right qualifications?
If you are unsure whether you meet the above criteria, take our non-binding admission check.
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.