Master's Degree in Digital Business Management (DBM).

Digital marketplaces and business models, entrepreneurship and corporate management. The Master's degree program in Digital Business Management can best prepare you to address management responsibilities in the field of digital transformation.

Information technologies and the internet are a standard, set component in the business world, supporting both unprecedented business models and modern design concepts. In order for companies to grow and advance, expertise in these technologies is becoming increasingly indispensable:

"There is no alternative to digital transformation. Visionary companies will carve out new strategic options for themselves — those that don’t adapt, will fail." – Jeff Bezos (former CEO of Amazon)

This Master's degree program gives you an opportunity to work at the crossroads of technical and managerial business models, as well as design new market concepts.

You can apply for admission to the program via the University of Applied Sciences of Upper Austria.

 

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Key Facts

Degree:

Master of Science (MSc)

Duration:

4 Semesters

ECTS:

120 credits

Language:

German (Level C1)

Location:

Linz & Steyr

Program:

Part-Time

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What Makes The DBM Degree Program Special

The Master's degree program in Digital Business Management is a high-qualty, comprehensive management program that brings academic expertise together with real-world practices by combining degree programs at a university and at a university of applied sciences:

  • A well-organized curriculum for part-time students
  • Even as a part-time student, you have an opportunity to study abroad for a semester at one of the UAS' or JKU's partner universities - we are happy to support your endeavors!
  • Direct, hands-on process to learn content as well as opportunities to personally experience international aspects in the form of business trip lasting several days.
  • Created in 2011, this is the first joint university of applied sciences - university graduate degree program in Austria.

Program Structure

The degree program consists of modules worth 6 ECTS credits each, approx. 50% at both the UAS and at the JKU.

Depending on your academic background (UAS or a university), one elective module per semester will be offered at the other institution during the first year of the program (selection of subject areas) in order to provide you with an additional introduction to the "new" study area.

During the third semester, you can choose from the following specialization modules:

Digital Retail: Technological innovation - such as Big Data or Artificial Intelligence - that is for (or can be) used in Digital Retail to attain a competitive advantage over traditional retail.

Digital Enterprise: Technological innovation - such as Big Data, Artificial Intelligence, or the Internet of Things - and how these (can) be used in all areas of business on the path to creating the Digital Enterprise.

Curriculum

The curriculum contains detailed information about the program and the required courses.

DBM Master's Program - Core Subject Areas

  • Digital Business and Digital Marketing: Methods, concepts and tools related to internet and digital business projects; strategic and operational methods and concepts to execute and implement omnichannel marketing and marketing automation projects.
  • Innovation and Implementation Skills: Develop and process new business areas and markets using digital media and technologies as well as establish new digital business models; basic methods and instruments applied to controlling and business analytics; legal parameters.
  • Leadership and Management Skills: Modern methods of business management and entrepreneurship, including agile project management and employee leadership, in particular.
  • Methodological Skills and Working in an Academic Manner: This is where you take on a consulting role by applying academic and scientific methods to address concrete issues and ultimately apply this information to solve real-world problems.

What You Will Learn in Digital Business Management

In order to keep pace with strategic, tactical and operational activities at digital companies, during your studies you will hone the following skill set:

  • Methodological skills during analysis, creativity, design, and implementation phases
  • Skills to draft and implement sustainable business models and take a business ethics perspective into consideration
  • Leadership skills in regard to international management and human resource management
  • Skills in e-Business processes pertaining to innovation, strategy, planning, and controlling
  • International project management
  • Innovation skills to creatively solve new problems in digital business
  • Comprehensive media skills (native ways to deal with new technologies)
  • Assume overall business responsibility
  • Extensive skills to pave the way to self-employment, ranging from creating a business plan to being able to strategically manage one's own company

Did you know that ...

Digital Business Management provides direct entry into a growing market that has strong job opportunities in all industries? As a graduate, you can also enroll directly into a doctorate degree program at the JKU!

Your Career Prospects

After completing your DBM degree, you will be qualified to take on project and management responsibilities at an internationally oriented large or mid-size companies in the following areas:

  • You work in strategic management in areas including digital business, digital marketing and e-commerce product and project management of the entire internet/online agendas where you, for example, design and lead digital transformation processes at a strategic level
  • You become a driving force in the area of information management, building the company's foundations in regard to efficient management knowledge
  • You are responsible for creating a company's omnichannel marketing as well as marketing automation
  • You work as a manager at companies and also maintain an external network of contact with customers and suppliers

On average, graduates in this field find a job immediately after completing the program. After 3 years on the job, their average monthly gross salary is € 3.625.

Register to Enroll

Prerequisites

Application and Admissions Procedure

Please send your application online to the University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria - Digital Business Management., opens an external URL in a new window

There are four regular application deadlines, opens an external URL in a new window:

  • January 31
  • March 31
  • May 15
  • June 30

We recommend applying as early as possible as past experience has shown there is very high demand for the 40 spots in the program.

Logo der Fachhochschule Oberösterreich

In order to be admitted to the program, you must first complete the admissions procedure at the Universities of Applied Sciences Upper Austria, opens an external URL in a new window.
The University of Applied Sciences will make a preliminary decision in regard to admission based on its admission requirements and will then notify the JKU of its selection of applicants to be admitted to the program.
If you also meet the JKU's legal requirements, you will, if necessary, be admitted to the program by the Rectorate once the UAS has carried out the admissions procedure. At this time, you will then be accepted as a student at the UAS. The program will accept 40 students in the program.

Diplomas or certificates not yet available at the time of submitting an application for admission may be submitted at a later date.

The admissions procedure consists of a case study and a subsequent interview. The admissions procedure aims to determine whether or not applicants have the qualifications needed to successfully complete the program and if are interested in topics related to digital business.

See the JKU Admissions Office or the homepage for the University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria, opens an external URL in a new window for detailed information.

Frequently Asked Questions

At the moment, the program is only offered as a part-time program.

Courses will be held alternately at the JKU Linz or at the Upper Austrian University of Applied Sciences (FH OÖ in Steyr) in block sessions on Fridays/Saturdays and two block weeks during the academic year).

During the week, online classes will take place on Tuesday evenings (beginning at 6:00 PM) via online platforms, such as Zoom or MS Teams.

Courses are taught mainly in block sessions according to the course location (JKU Linz or at the FH OÖ Campus in Steyr). In this regard, courses take place at one of the two locations per weekend.

There is a set curriculum whereby students can specialize by taking electives and more in-depth courses.

In general, yes. However, for organizational reasons we recommend studying abroad during the fourth semester, at the same time as when writing your Master's thesis.

In general, yes, as classes are held mostly on Friday afternoons and Saturdays, although a lighter workload is recommended so students can also concentrate on their studies.

Still Have Questions?

Do you need help registering or do you have questions about the program? Contact the JKU's Office of Student Information and Academic Advising (SIBS)!

Advanced Degrees at the JKU

After successfully completing this degree program, you can continue your education by pursuing an advanced degree:

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