Part-time MBA distance learning offers the ideal opportunity to expand leadership and management skills without neglecting professional responsibilities. Wilhelm Büchner University, a private university of applied sciences, offers a range of MBA programmes specifically tailored to the needs of executives: MBA Engineering Management, Digital Business, Sustainability Management, and Cyber Security Management. In this article, I take a detailed look at the various MBA distance learning courses offered by the university, comparing their content, specialisations, and target audiences to help you find the programme that best fits your professional goals and personal interests.

The 4 MBAs at Wilhelm Büchner University Overview

Wilhelm Büchner University, a private university of applied sciences, is one of the leading institutions for distance learning in Germany, focusing on technical degree programmes. Established in 1997 as the "Private FernFachhochschule Darmstadt," it has become an important educational institution that now trains around 5,000 students in various state-recognised qualifications. It is part of the renowned Klett Group and offers degree programmes that combine technical core competencies with management, communication, and leadership. All programmes are approved and certified by the Central Office for Distance Learning (ZFU). The university allows flexible study start dates and ensures intensive, personal, reliable, and fast support for its students. With its focus on technical degree programmes, it offers unique programmes that prepare for leadership roles in industry and business and collaborate closely with major companies in science and education. The university's headquarters are located in Darmstadt, Hesse.

Here is a brief overview of the MBA programmes at Wilhelm Büchner University:

Admission Requirements: 240 ECTS, Premaster, and Professional Experience

Admission to the MBA programmes at Wilhelm Büchner University requires meeting several criteria. Firstly, a completed undergraduate degree is necessary, usually obtained in a technical, natural or economic science field, or in computer science. This degree should comprise at least 240 ECTS credits. Additionally, applicants are expected to have gained at least two years of relevant professional experience after completing their undergraduate studies.

The undergraduate degree should be in one of the following disciplines:

• MBA Engineering Management: Suitable for graduates of engineering, natural sciences, economic sciences, information technology, or related fields.
• MBA Digital Business: Designed for individuals with an undergraduate degree in engineering, natural sciences, economic sciences, information technology, or a similar field with a focus on digital business and technology.
• MBA Sustainability Management: Tailored for graduates in engineering, natural sciences, economic sciences, information technology, or similar areas who wish to specialise in sustainability and environmental management.
• MBA Cyber Security Management: Aimed at graduates with an undergraduate degree in a relevant field who want to deepen their knowledge in IT security and qualify for leadership positions in the field of cyber security.

For candidates who do not have 240 ECTS credits from their undergraduate studies, there is an option to obtain the missing credits through the so-called Premaster Pool. The Premaster Pool includes a selection of certificate courses that allow applicants to earn the necessary additional ECTS credits. Examples of certificates offered in the Premaster Pool include Future Management, Technology Management, Quality Management, Digitalization and Transformation, Agile Management and Digitalization, as well as Digital Energy Management and Energy Systems.

This flexible preparation for the MBA is particularly beneficial for applicants who, for instance, have completed a six-semester bachelor's degree (with 180 ECTS), as they would need to complete 1-2 of these certificates to meet the admission requirements. For a seven-semester bachelor's degree (with 210 ECTS), one certificate would be sufficient. Relevant competencies acquired outside of university education can also be recognised for up to 30 ECTS. Therefore, the Premaster certificates not only help meet the required ECTS credits but also provide valuable additional qualifications and facilitate the transition into the MBA programme.

1. MBA Engineering Management: Bridging the Gap between Technology and Management

The MBA programme Engineering Management at Wilhelm Büchner University is an advanced Master's programme designed for professionals with a degree in natural sciences, engineering, or computer science. This programme allows participants to expand their technical knowledge with business aspects and modern management methods. Special emphasis is placed on acquiring soft skills to prepare graduates for demanding management tasks. The programme is taught in German and lasts for 2 semesters, with a total workload of 60 ECTS.

Students will learn interdisciplinary work, the design of interdisciplinary processes, and assuming leadership responsibilities. The programme is flexible and can be completed while working, requiring an estimated commitment of about 20 hours per week.

The course structure consists of two semesters. The first semester covers fundamentals of business management, strategic management, leadership, communication, business decision management, as well as digital finance & controlling. The second semester includes a specialization in engineering management, a corresponding specialization project, and the completion of a master's thesis, including a colloquium.

Here is the detailed course structure:

• 1st Semester: Business Management and Strategic Management, Leadership and Communication, Business Decision Management, Digital Finance & Controlling, Engineering Management Project
• 2nd Semester: Specialization in Engineering Management (elective module), Specialization Project in Engineering Management (in the chosen elective module), Master's Thesis including Colloquium

In the elective area, you can choose from these modules: Agile Management and Project Management, Supply Chain Management, R&D Management, Responsible Innovation, Digitalisation and Sustainability I.

2. MBA Digital Business: Leadership Skills in the Digital Age

The MBA program "Digital Business" at Wilhelm Büchner University is a distance learning course leading to a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and is designed for a standard period of study of two semesters. It is aimed at graduates with a first degree in engineering, natural sciences, economics, or information technology who wish to expand their skills in the field of digital business and technology. The program is particularly suitable for those who have already gained professional experience in these areas and want to expand and deepen their knowledge in Digital Business.

The program covers a wide range of topics that are crucial for understanding and applying digital business models and processes. These include digital transformation and organizational design, agile management and project management, digital business models, and data science. In the first semester, the focus is on these core competencies, supplemented by an elective area "Digital Technology Management" that allows students to further educate themselves in areas such as technology-based business start-ups, management of innovation ideas, business analytics, IT service management, and similar topics.

In the second semester, the specialization area "Digital Business Management" follows, which includes content such as digital marketing, new digital forms of work, and leadership in digital transformation. A specialization project and a Digital Business project give students the opportunity to practically apply and deepen the knowledge they have acquired. The completion of the program is the preparation of a master's thesis including a colloquium.

This is the course structure:

• 1. Semester: Digital Transformation and Organizational Design, Agile Management and Project Management, Digital Business Models and Data Science, Elective Area Digital Technology Management, Digital Business Project
• 2. Semester: Specialization Area Digital Business Management, Specialization Project Digital Business Management, Master's Thesis incl. Colloquium

In the elective area, you can choose from these modules: Technology-based business start-ups, Management of innovation ideas, Business analytics, IT service management, IT project and quality management, Internet of Things, Core tools of technology forecasting, Business information systems and process modeling, Digitalization and sustainability.

The MBA program is praised for its well-structured qualification goals and the ability to engage in qualified employment. Through its elective modules, it offers students enough flexibility for individual focus areas and actively supports personal and professional development.

3. MBA Sustainability Management: Leading with a Focus on the Future

The MBA programme "Sustainability Management" at Wilhelm Büchner University is an advanced distance learning offering aimed at professionals from the fields of engineering, natural sciences, economics, and information technology. The programme leads to a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree and comprises 60 ECTS credits over a period of two semesters.

The target audience of the programme are professionals looking to steer their careers towards sustainability management and aspire to a leadership position in this increasingly important field. Candidates should not only have a relevant undergraduate degree but also bring at least two years of professional experience.

The curriculum of the programme is designed to provide students with a comprehensive and solid education in the core topics of sustainability. Here is the course structure:

• 1st Semester: Global Sustainability Politics and Strategies, Sustainable Economics and Resource Management, Corporate Responsibility, Strategy and Leadership, Sustainable Finance, SDG Project
• 2nd Semester: Sustainability Management Specialisation (1 elective module), Specialisation work in the chosen area, Master's thesis including colloquium

In addition to these core modules, students have the opportunity to specialise in various areas of sustainability management through elective modules, such as Sustainability Assessment and Control, Sustainability of Global Value Chains, Responsible Innovation, Sustainability Marketing and Communication. Students can tailor their focus according to their interests and professional goals.

An important part of the programme is the scientific application orientation and transfer, reflected through projects related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and specialisation work in sustainability management. Finally, students develop a master's thesis including a colloquium, consolidating the acquired knowledge and demonstrating their ability for scholarly work.

4. MBA Cyber Security Management: Protecting Digital Infrastructures

The MBA distance learning programme "Cyber Security Management" at Wilhelm Büchner University is an application-oriented, consecutive course of study tailored to the needs of professionals in the IT and management sectors. The goal of the programme is to equip leaders with the necessary competencies and skills to meet the growing challenges of IT security in an increasingly digitalised world. The programme focuses on the scientific concepts, methods, and techniques of computer science and management, particularly in the field of Cyber Security.

The target group of this MBA programme are professionals who already have a first university degree in a relevant field and at least two years of relevant work experience. The programme is aimed at individuals looking to qualify for demanding leadership positions in the field of Cyber Security. Graduates and professionals who wish to meet the business requirements in the field of Cyber Security in an increasingly digitised work environment are particularly addressed.

This is the course structure:

• 1st Semester: IT-Security Management, Cyber Security Governance, Information Security Management Systems (ISMS), Economics and Risk Management of Cyber Security, Cyber Security Management Project
• 2nd Semester: Cyber Security Management Elective Module, Cyber Security Management Specialisation Project, Master's Thesis including Colloquium

In the study area "Scientific Application Orientation and Transfer", a project work is created in the 1st semester and a specialisation project in the 2nd semester. In the second semester, students can choose from various elective modules covering topics such as OT-Security Management, Cyber Security for Start-ups, safety-critical human-computer interaction, digital ethics, and others. These modules provide the opportunity to specialise in specific areas of Cyber Security and set their own priorities.

The programme concludes with a master's thesis including a colloquium, allowing students to apply and deepen the knowledge they have acquired.

The costs of the MBA programmes at WBH: Payment models compared

The MBA programme at WBH offers various pricing and study material models that allow students to choose according to their personal preferences and financial capabilities. The Sprint model offers the fastest study duration at 12 months with monthly costs of 629 euros when study materials in print and online are chosen, and 598 euros for exclusively online materials. The total costs for Sprint amount to 7,548 euros and 7,176 euros respectively.

The Standard model extends over 18 months, with the monthly rate for print and online materials being 539 euros and for pure online materials 512 euros. In total, Standard costs 9,702 euros with print and online materials or 9,216 euros for exclusively digital materials.

The Comfort model, considered the most popular option, spreads the tuition fees over 24 months with monthly payments of 449 euros for print and online or 427 euros for the online model. The total costs for Comfort reach 10,776 euros or 10,248 euros.

In all models, a graduation fee of 799 euros is included, and students can achieve savings of up to 10% for Sprint, 10% for Standard, and 15% for Comfort if they opt for pure online study materials. The maximum savings with the Comfort model by choosing exclusively online materials are therefore 1,728 euros.

Which model is suitable for whom?

The choice of the appropriate payment and study material model for the master's programme depends on the individual needs and circumstances of the students. The Sprint model is suitable for students who want to complete their studies quickly and concentrate the financial burden in a shorter period. With higher monthly rates, this model is ideal for those who want to accelerate their professional development and have the necessary time and financial resources for an intensive study.

The Standard model with a moderate study duration and financial burden over 18 months offers a balanced middle ground. It is suitable for students who prefer a more even distribution of study costs and do not want to wait so long for their degree. This option may be suitable for working professionals who want to study systematically alongside their work without overcommitting financially or time-wise.

Finally, the Comfort model is the most popular and financially gentle option with the longest duration of 24 months. It is aimed at students who prefer a lower monthly rate and need the flexibility to complete their studies alongside extensive professional or personal commitments. With this model, the study can be well integrated into a full schedule, making it attractive to those who seek a balanced relationship between study, work and leisure.

Explore the career opportunities with an MBA from Wilhelm Büchner University

An MBA distance learning programme is considered a stepping stone for executives for several reasons:

• Enhancement of managerial skills: An MBA course covers a wide range of topics relevant to management and leadership in companies, including finance, marketing, strategic planning, and organizational behavior.
• Building a network: MBA students often have the opportunity to build a professional network that can be valuable for future career opportunities.
• Increase in salary and career prospects: Many studies show that MBA graduates generally enjoy higher salaries and better promotion opportunities.
• Flexibility: Distance learning programmes offer the flexibility to continue working and gain valuable work experience while studying.
• Development of strategic thinking skills: MBA programmes train critical thinking and strategic analysis, which are crucial for leadership positions.

An MBA is ideal for individuals who are already in leadership positions and want to expand their skills. Those aspiring to a career in management or leadership positions. Those looking to deepen their knowledge in business administration and gain a broader perspective on corporate management.

An MBA may be less valuable for individuals who are not interested in a career in management or business. Those who cannot invest the time or resources required by an intensive study programme. Those working in a highly specialized or non-business-oriented field where the acquired skills and knowledge may not be directly applicable.

It is important to note that an MBA represents a significant investment of time and money, and success strongly depends on the individual's motivation and goals.

Conclusion: Which MBA Programme suits your goals?

Wilhelm Büchner University offers four specialised MBA programmes, each catering to different interests and career goals:

MBA Engineering Management: Ideal for professionals in the fields of engineering, natural or economic sciences, as well as IT, who wish to expand their technical knowledge with management skills. This programme is suitable for individuals aiming for leadership positions in technology-oriented industries.

MBA Digital Business: This programme is designed for graduates with backgrounds in engineering, natural sciences, economics, or IT, who aim to advance their careers in the digital economy. It is perfect for those looking to focus on digital transformation, e-business strategies, and data science.

MBA Sustainability Management: Developed for professionals from engineering, natural sciences, business, or IT backgrounds, who seek to steer their careers towards sustainability management. This programme is ideal for individuals working in companies, as consultants, or in project management, who want to lead sustainability initiatives.

MBA Cyber Security Management: Tailored to the needs of IT and management professionals looking to advance in the cyber security industry. The programme is suitable for those wanting to specialise in IT security and pursue leadership positions in this field.

Each of these programmes offers a unique combination of expertise and management skills tailored to the specific needs and goals of the students. Choosing the right programme depends on the area of specialization one wishes to pursue and the career goals one aims to achieve. They all share a focus on flexibility and practical relevance, making them particularly attractive to working professionals who wish to further their qualifications while maintaining their professional commitments.

When considering the Pre-Master Certificates from Wilhelm Büchner University, keep the following in mind: They are intended to obtain the necessary ECTS credits for MBA admission if your undergraduate degree does not provide sufficient points. The number of certificates you need depends on your existing ECTS; typically, two are required for a six-semester bachelor's degree, and one for a seven-semester bachelor's degree. Choose certificates that align with your MBA specialisation plans. Consider the additional time and costs involved. Ensure that the certificates are relevant and recognised for your MBA programme, and plan enough time to complete them before starting the MBA. Also, find out about the application process for the certificates.