Distance learning for industrial engineers: over 30 courses of study + German universities compared

Bachelor, Master and Diploma online
  • 50Academic Programs
  • 49Online
  • 1Part-time
  • 17Master
  • 33Bachelor
 · Last updated 21.03.2025

Economic engineers work interdisciplinary at the interface between economics and technology. Accordingly, the degree programmes are structured to convey not only economic and legal content but also engineering as well as scientific theory and practical knowledge.

Here, I present to you all distance learning courses in the field of economic engineering, both bachelor's and master's programmes. I compare the courses and universities in detail in terms of costs, requirements, and study contents.

All distance learning courses in the field of industrial engineering at a glance

We have a total of 50 courses in the field of Business engineering. The first 30 top courses are displayed. Use the filter function or our search to discover more courses in the field.

Distance learning program, Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.)
  •  IU International University
  •  6 Semester
  •  German

The bachelor's degree program in Business Engineering (B.Eng.) prepares you with comprehensive expertise in IT and engineering as well as business management skills for the challenges of business engineering. The …

Distance learning program, Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.)
  •  Fresenius University of Applied Sciences
  •  6 Semester
  •  German

This course will make you an expert in Industry 4.0. As a business engineer specializing in "Digital Engineering and Management," you will help shape the future of the industry at …

Distance learning program, Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.)
  •  AKAD University
  •  6 Semester
  •  German

The Bachelor of Engineering in "Industrial Engineering" prepares you intensively for the increasing complexity of the business world in middle management. Your studies at AKAD University will provide you with …

Distance learning program, Master of Science (M.Sc.)
  •  Wilhelm Büchner University
  •  4 Semester
  •  German

The distance learning programme "Industrial Engineering" at Wilhelm Büchner University provides in-depth knowledge in methodological competence and decision-making fundamentals. The course content includes basics in the field of economics and …

Distance learning program, Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.)
  •  Hamburg Distance University
  •  6 Semester
  •  German
  •  General Business Administration, Mathematics, Business Statistics, Business Informatics, Physics, Accounting, Technical Mechanics, Construction, Mater…
Distance learning program, Master of Science (M.Sc.)
  •  Wilhelm Büchner University
  •  3 Semester
  •  German

This master's programme is aimed at working professionals with a first degree in engineering, natural sciences, or computer science who have already taken on project management or leadership responsibilities or …

Distance learning program, Master of Business Administration (MBA)
  •  Centre for Distance Learning in the University Consortium
  •  4 Semester
  •  Friedberg, Hessen Deutschland
  •  German
  •  Interdisciplinary expertise, Selected management elements, Operational functional areas, Soft skills, Finance and accounting, Management techniques, S…
Distance learning program, Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.)
  •  Fresenius University of Applied Sciences
  •  6 Semester
  •  German

This course with an interdisciplinary background in general, technical, and economic fields will make you a Bachelor of Engineering in 6 semesters. Development partners of this distance learning course are …

Distance learning program, Master of Engineering (M.Eng.)
  •  Fresenius University of Applied Sciences
  •  4 Semester
  •  German

Become an expert in Industry 4.0. Whether digital transformation or even disruption - today, companies are facing challenges, but also opportunities that are unprecedented in history. Terms like the "Internet …

Distance learning program, Master of Engineering (M.Eng.)
  •  AKAD University
  •  3 Semester
  •  German

With the Master's degree in Business Engineering at AKAD University, you combine engineering sciences with legal and economic study content and develop into an interdisciplinary professional. The course prepares you …

Distance learning program, Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)
  •  Wilhelm Büchner University
  •  6 Semester
  •  German

Combine technology with business in the Bachelor's degree programme in Technical Business Administration at the Wilhelm Büchner University. This distance learning programme equips you with the knowledge and skills to …

Distance learning program, Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.)
  •  oncampus GmbH
  •  7 Semester
  •  German
  •  Including, among others, technical mechanics, materials science, machine elements, mathematics, technical thermodynamics, basic principles of business…
Distance learning program, Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)
  •  Institute for Collaborative Studies
  •  9 Semester
  •  German
  •  General business administration, project management, Physics 1, Mathematics 1, Management skills, Accounting 1, Physics 2, Mathematics 2 & Statistics,…
Part-time program, Master of Science (M.Sc.)
  •  Anhalt University of Applied Sciences
  •  5 Semester
  •  German
  •  Business administration and marketing, controlling, logistics and international business, corporate, future and resource management, data and process …
Part-time distance learning program, Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.)
  •  University of Applied Sciences Schmalkalden
  •  8 Semester
  •  Schmalkalden (Thüringen)
  •  German

With this part-time distance learning course at the state University of Applied Sciences Schmalkalden, you will acquire solid knowledge in engineering as well as IT skills and expertise in business …

Distance learning program, Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.)
  •  Wilhelm Büchner University
  •  7 Semester
  •  German

Discover the future of the manufacturing industry with the Bachelor's degree programme in Industrial Engineering Digital Production at Wilhelm Büchner University. This 7-semester distance learning course combines in-depth technical knowledge …

in english
Distance learning program, Master of Engineering (M.Eng.)
  •  IU International University
  •  2 Semester
  •  English

This English-language Master's programme is designed for engineers who want to systematically work on their management skills. In just 2 semesters of full-time study or part-time study, you will combine …

Distance learning program, Master of Engineering (M.Eng.)
  •  IU International University
  •  3 Semester
  •  German

This master's program trains you part-time to become an interdisciplinary expert in the field of technology and business. The course systematically deepens knowledge in areas such as automation and smart …

Distance learning program, Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)
  •  Fresenius University of Applied Sciences
  •  6 Semester
  •  German

Practice-oriented business administration course for the metal industry, which was developed in cooperation with the Wholesale Metal Semifinished Goods Association e.V. and the Association of German Metal Traders e.V. During …

Distance learning program, Master of Business Administration (MBA)
  •  University of Kaiserslautern
  •  4 Semester
  •  German
  •  Management framework, communication & soft skills for executives, marketing policy and strategies, success- and finance-oriented corporate management,…
Distance learning program, Diplom-Ingenieur (Dipl.-Ing.)
  •  University of West Saxony Zwickau
  •  5 Semester
  •  German
Distance learning program, Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.)
  •  Wilhelm Büchner University
  •  7 Semester
  •  German

Immerse yourself in the future of energy with the Bachelor's programme in Business Engineering Renewable Energies at Wilhelm Büchner University. Over 7 semesters, you will receive an interdisciplinary education that …

Distance learning program, Master of Engineering (M.Eng.)
  •  University of Wismar
  •  4 Semester
  •  German

The distance learning course "Business Engineering: Information Technology and Management" offered by Wismar International Graduation Services GmbH (WINGS) provides a comprehensive program over 24 months with 90 ECTS credits. The …

Distance learning program, Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.)
  •  Centre for Distance Learning in the University Consortium
  •  8 Semester
  •  German
  •  Natural science basics and programming, statics and strength of materials, fluid mechanics and thermodynamics, materials science and machine elements,…
Distance learning program, Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.)
  •  Private University Goettingen
  •  6 Semester
  •  German

The distance learning course in industrial engineering at PFH offers a practice-oriented and comprehensive education that combines economic and engineering content. Students benefit from maximum flexibility through the fully online …

Distance learning program, Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)
  •  SRH Distance Learning University - The Mobile University
  •  6 Semester
  •  German
  •  Scientific work, General Business Administration, Mathematics, Production and Logistics Concepts, Introduction to Engineering Sciences, Project Manage…
Distance learning program, Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.)
  •  DIPLOMA University
  •  7 Semester
  •  German
  •  Mathematics, Natural Science Foundations, Financing and Investment, Construction and Manufacturing, Electrical Engineering, Production and Procurement…
Distance learning program, Master of Science (M.Sc.)
  •  AKAD University
  •  4 Semester
  •  German
  •  Key qualifications for study and profession, Integrated Master Project 1: Current-state analysis and Requirements Engineering, Technology Management, …
Distance learning program, Master of Business Administration (MBA)
  •  Wilhelm Büchner University
  •  2 Semester
  •  German

The postgraduate master's programme "Engineering Management (MBA)" is aimed at professionals with a degree in natural sciences, engineering, or computer science. The programme enables these graduates to expand their technical …

Distance learning program, Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.)
  •  AKAD University
  •  6 Semester
  •  German
  •  Mathematical, engineering and technical basics, Engineering applications, Economic, legal and social sciences, Interdisciplinary learning contents inc…

Which is the best university for economic engineering?

Naturally, there is no best university in the field of economic engineering. However, there is certainly an optimal university for certain requirements.

  • If affordability is a top priority for you, consider the state universities in cooperation, HTW Berlin, or the Fresenius University of Applied Sciences.
  • If practical experience is important to you during your studies, you might want to explore distance learning at Wilhelm Büchner University.
  • If you value flexibility, consider the IU International University, which advertises that their distance learning courses integrate well into professional life. Online exams are also possible at AKAD University.

Here are the key state universities in brief:

Logo HTWHTW Berlin: The Berlin University of Applied Sciences for Engineering and Economics is a public attendance-based university that also offers distance learning courses in the field of technology. In the winter semester 2019/2020, a total of 13,628 students were enrolled at HTW. Besides a distance learning course in mechanical engineering, the university also offers a distance learning programme in B.Sc. Business Engineering. Special feature: The tuition fees are only 57.€ per semester, but the study duration is 10 semesters in total.

Logo Combined StudiesVerbundstudium: The Institute for Combined Studies NRW is a joint scientific institution of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia and organises the distance learning courses of the universities of applied sciences in this federal state. Participating universities include FH Südwestfalen, FH Dortmund, and the Cologne University of Applied Sciences. Combined Studies offer several courses in economic engineering, such as those with the objective of obtaining a B. Eng. degree, a B. Sc. degree, as well as an M. Eng. degree. Special feature: Depending on the university, the courses are very affordable. Some courses are practice-integrated and require an apprenticeship or internship.

Logo Center for Distance Learning in University ConsortiumCenter for Distance Learning in the University Consortium: The ZFH is a scientific institution of the states of Rhineland-Palatinate, Hesse, and Saarland. The institution promotes the development and implementation of distance learning programmes offered by a total of 21 universities of applied sciences in these federal states. Currently, over 6,300 students are enrolled in one of the distance learning courses at the participating universities. In collaboration with Aschaffenburg University and Darmstadt University, the ZFH organises the distance learning programme B. Eng. Business Engineering.

Here are the key private universities in brief:

Logo WBHWilhelm Büchner University: Located in Darmstadt/Hesse, WBH is a private distance university for technology. In the winter semester 2019/2020, a total of 6,188 students were enrolled at the university. The university offers over 40 courses of study, with popular courses including informatics, mechatronics, and mechanical engineering. In the field of economic engineering, WBH offers a bachelor's degree programme with various specialisations, such as information technology. Additionally, students at WBH can enrol in a master's programme in technology management or business engineering. Specialties: Despite being a distance learning institution, WBH is very practice-oriented. A practical phase is integrated into the courses of study, and the bachelor's programmes usually last 7 semesters full-time and comprise 210 ECTS.

Logo IUIU International University: IU is the largest private distance university in Germany, offering around 80 bachelor's and master's programmes in all subject areas from health & social sciences to business & management and IT & engineering. The university is based in Erfurt/Thuringia, and in the winter semester 2022/2023, over 130,000 students were enrolled at the university. Special feature: The university promotes a flexible distance learning programme that can be easily integrated into daily life and offers the option of taking exams in the form of online exams.

Logo AKADAKAD University: AKAD University in Stuttgart is a private university of applied sciences focusing on distance learning programmes in IT, technology, and business administration. In the winter semester 2019/2020, a total of 5,241 students were enrolled at the university. Special features: The university offers the option to take online exams; the bachelor's programme in business engineering is also available in 4-semester compact variants for engineers and economists.

Logo HS FreseniusFresenius University of Applied Sciences: Located in Idstein/Hesse and founded in 1848, Fresenius University had a total of 12,991 students enrolled in the winter semester 2019/2020. The university offers distance learning courses through its Onlineplus department, including bachelor's courses in Technical Business Administration and Business Engineering. Special feature: Compared to most other private universities, distance learning at Fresenius University is more affordable.

Logo HFHHamburger Fern-Hochschule: HFH is a private university of applied sciences based in Hamburg, founded in 1997. In the winter semester 2019/2020, a total of 11,240 students were enrolled at the university. The HFH mainly offers distance learning programmes in the fields of health and nursing, technology, as well as economics and law, e.g. in business engineering at the bachelor's and master's level. Special feature: In the bachelor's distance learning programme in business engineering, students can choose between two degrees: B.Sc. with 180 ECTS or B.Eng. with 210 ECTS. In the master's programme in business engineering, students choose between M.Sc. and M.Eng.

Logo DIPLOMADIPLOMA University: DIPLOMA University in Northern Hesse is a private university of applied sciences founded in 1997. In the winter semester 2019/2020, a total of 7,901 students were enrolled at the university. The university offers distance learning courses, especially in the fields of health & social sciences and economics & law, but also in technology – such as the bachelor's distance learning programme in business engineering. Special feature: Students can specialise in one of the following areas: industrial informatics, logistics, or regenerative energies.



Costs for Bachelor's and Master's Programmes in Comparison

The majority of the courses being compared here are completed at private universities of applied sciences, with correspondingly high tuition fees. However, in the field of economic engineering, there is also a larger selection of courses offered by state universities, such as in the so-called Combined Studies. These courses are often significantly more affordable, although occasionally restricted.

The following table compares the costs of a range of bachelor's and master's programmes in economic engineering:

CourseUniversityDurationFees

Distance learning program
4 Semesterfrom 2200 € Semester fee

Distance learning program
9 Semester

Distance learning program
8 Semesterfrom 3720 € total
from 465 € Semester fee

Distance learning program
3 Semesterfrom 8982 € total
from 299 € monthly

Distance learning program
4 Semesterfrom 9600 € total
from 400 € monthly
from 2400 € Semester fee

Distance learning program
4 Semesterfrom 11880 € total
from 295 € monthly

Distance learning program
6 Semesterfrom 12420 € total
from 215 € monthly

Distance learning program
6 Semesterfrom 12602 € total
from 233 € monthly

Distance learning program
6 Semesterfrom 12780 € total
from 247 € monthly

Part-time distance learning program
8 Semesterfrom 13080 € total
from 2180 € Semester fee

Distance learning program
6 Semesterfrom 13284 € total
from 219 € monthly

Distance learning program
3 Semesterfrom 15063 € total
from 419 € monthly

Master's in Economic Engineering while Working: Contents and Requirements

Laboratory work is not possible in distance learning – some universities now offer virtual labs.

The contents of master's programmes with the objective of obtaining a Master of Engineering degree place even greater emphasis than corresponding bachelor's programmes.

As an example, here are the contents of the Master's Programme in Economic Engineering at AKAD University:

  • 1st Semester: Process Modelling, Interdisciplinary Competence, Systemic Thinking and Acting, General Systems Theory
  • 2nd Semester: System Design, Requirements Engineering and Risk Management, Process Management and Sustainability, System Analysis
  • 3rd Semester: Master's Thesis, Specialisation (Product Development, Production, or Supply Networks)

In the MBA Programme in Economic Engineering at the Center for Distance Learning in the University Consortium, students can expect the following themes:

  • Transdisciplinary Subject Competence: Selected Management Elements, Business Functional Areas, Soft Skills, Financial and Management Accounting, Management Techniques, Management Seminar, Scientific Competence
  • Optional Specialisations: Controlling, Facility Management, Marketing, Supply Chain Management, Technology Management

Admission requirements for the master's programmes can vary significantly. Therefore, the admission conditions for a range of master's programmes are compared below:

Master's ProgrammeUniversityDegreeRequirements
Economic Engineering Centre for Distance Learning in the University Consortium Master of Business Administration (MBA)
  • Bachelor's or diploma degree (as an engineer, architect, scientist, or economist with engineering-related fields of activity)
  • 1 year of work experience
Economic Engineering Wilhelm Büchner University Master of Science (M.Sc.)
  • First degree in engineering, natural sciences, or computer science from a German university
  • Good prerequisites considering the overall grade of the undergraduate degree and professional experience
  • English skills at level B2
Economic Engineering AKAD University Master of Engineering (M.Eng.)
  • First degree from a university with an engineering or business background
Economic Engineering Wismar University Master of Engineering (M.Eng.)
  • University degree in electrical engineering or another engineering, technical, or technical-natural science degree program
  • Evidence of 1.5 years of relevant work experience if the first degree is 180 credits
Economic Engineering Fresenius University of Applied Sciences Master of Engineering (M.Eng.)
  • University degree with at least 180 ECTS (all in the field of study)
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Study Contents in the Bachelor Distance Learning Programme

Economic engineers work interdisciplinary at the interfaces of engineering and business administration. Accordingly, courses of study in this field convey a mix of basic engineering fundamentals, business management topics, and also legal fundamentals. Bachelor's degree programmes usually conclude with a Bachelor of Engineering.

As an example, here are the study contents of the B.Eng. Business Engineering Industry 4.0 at IU International University:

  • 1st Semester: Basic Mathematics I, Business Administration, Scientific Work, Introduction to the Internet of Things, Scientific and Technical Fundamentals
  • 2nd Semester: Basic Mathematics II, Statistics, Economics and Markets, Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing Processes Industry 4.0, Fundamentals of Object-Oriented Programming with Java
  • 3rd Semester: Cost and Performance Accounting, Marketing, Automation and Robotics, Fundamentals of Industrial Software Engineering, Financing and Investment, Supply Chain Management
  • 4th Semester: Business Start-up and Innovation Management, Design Thinking, Data Analytics and Big Data, Introduction to Data Protection and IT Security, Project Management, Intercultural Management
  • 5th Semester: Product Development 4.0, Business Simulation Game, 2 specialisations of choice
  • 6th Semester: 1 specialisation of choice, Digital Business Models, Corporate Management, Bachelor's Thesis

In the Bachelor distance learning programme Business Engineering Production and Manufacturing at Fresenius University of Applied Sciences, students complete the following modules:

  • Technical Contents: Financial Management, Financial Accounting and Controlling, Human Resource Management, Organization and Operational Planning, Production and Logistics with Virtual Lab, Manufacturing Technology and Systems, Control and Regulation in Automation, Industrial Robotics, Machine Elements for Economic Engineers, Individual Learning Exploration | studymission
  • Economic Foundations and Law: Introduction to Business Administration, Introduction to Economics, Accounting and Cost Accounting, Law for Economic Engineers and Informaticians, Technical Mechanics for Economic Engineers, Materials Science for Economic Engineers, Electrical Engineering for Economic Engineers, Digital Technology for Economic Engineers, Thermodynamics for Economic Engineers, Fundamentals and Applications of Automation, Measurement Technology for Economic Engineers, Fundamentals of Computer Science and Programming
  • Quantitative Methods: Mathematics, Mathematics/Natural Sciences for Economic Engineers, Descriptive and Inductive Statistics
  • Interdisciplinary Qualifications: Introduction Project for Self-organized Learning, Scientific Work, Communication and Presentation
  • Professional Development: Practice Project Foundation, Project and Quality Management
  • English and Intercultural Skills: Business Language Issues, Technical English

Diploma Engineer via Distance Learning: Other Options Available

Diploma courses have gradually been phased out since the Bologna reform and are being replaced by corresponding courses such as Bachelor and Master of Engineering. However, there is still a very small selection of diploma distance learning courses that train both Diplom Engineers and Diplom Merchants. Some of the courses are postgraduate, meaning that they require a first university degree (usually a bachelor's degree); however, the diploma can be obtained in about 4-5 semesters.

Here's a brief overview of the most interesting diploma distance learning courses: 

CourseUniversityDurationFees

Distance learning program
4 Semesterfrom 122 € Semester fee

Distance learning program
8 Semester

Distance learning program
5 Semesterfrom 2450 € total
from 490 € Semester fee

Distance learning program
5 Semesterfrom 200 € Semester fee

Distance learning program
20 Semesterfrom 182 € Semester fee

What Does Industry 4.0 Actually Mean?

Industry 4.0 is an attempt to usher in a fourth industrial revolution. The term refers to an organizational design concept characterized by the principles of networking, technical assistance, information transparency, or decentralization of decisions. In this way, industrial production is to be more closely linked with the help of information and communication technology, under the umbrella of intelligent and digitally interconnected systems.

What does this mean for studying or distance learning in the field of business engineering? Make sure that your desired course of study includes content related to the concept of Industry 4.0 or that the entire course of study is focused on it. Examples of relevant courses of study:

CourseUniversityDurationFees

Distance learning program
6 Semesterfrom 12420 € total
from 215 € monthly

Distance learning program
7 Semesterfrom 14193 € total
from 237 € monthly

Distance learning program
6 Semesterfrom 15063 € total
from 259 € monthly

Distance learning program
6 Semesterfrom 12420 € total
from 215 € monthly

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