Study content and structure

The Bachelor's in Business Administration can be completed in full-time or part-time study. 

The full-time program usually lasts six semesters, or three years. Classes take place during the day from Monday to Friday.

The part-time program usually lasts eight semesters, or four years. Classes take place at the St.Gallen Campus weekly on Tuesday afternoons and evenings, Friday afternoons and evenings, and alternating Thursday afternoons and evenings or Saturday mornings. At the Rapperswil Campus, part-time study is scheduled for two to two an a half days per week. Special dates and variations are possible.

These class schedules in the part-time program allow students to work at least 50 percent of the time. 

The Bachelor’s in Business Administration takes a systemic management approach, in which value orientation, social responsibility and personal responsibility are key success factors.

The basic study program, which includes assessment modules, lasts two semesters (full-time) or three semesters (part-time). The teaching program covers the technical, methodological and instrumental fundamentals of management-oriented business administration. Students who successfully complete their basic studies are admitted to the main study program.

In the main study program, you will consolidate and expand your basic knowledge of business administration and apply what you have learned directly in several practical projects. Your choice of specialization allows you to personalize your future professional qualification. Towards the end of your studies, you will write your Bachelor thesis according to academic standards and defend your work in an oral exam.

Course content focuses on key competencies

Successful managers of today need to be not only professionally convincing, but also methodologically fit; they must be able to work in a team and know their strengths and weaknesses.

The curriculum of the Bachelor’s in Business Administration at OST reflects these requirements and is divided into five areas of study spanning the different fields of study and specializations and focusing on specific key competencies. All program modules are assigned to one of the five areas of study.

You will conclude your studies by writing and "defending" your bachelor's thesis. This requires you to take a scientific approach to a topic, which usually comes from your area of specialization. The thesis is an individual piece of work that you defend in an oral exam.

Upon successful completion of the program, including the bachelor's thesis, you are entitled to use the title "Bachelor of Science in Business Administration".