Digital Business (B. Sc.)

Shape the Digital Future: Your Digital Business Degree Program

Whether it’s the automotive industry, fashion, or green tech: traditional industries are currently reinventing themselves. Today’s customers no longer expect static products, but rather smart, mobile, and sustainable solutions. This shift isn’t just an “update”—it’s a fundamental transformation that requires bright minds who understand the big picture.

Become a game-changer in digital transformation

In our program, you’ll learn that digitalization is far more than just code. It’s about mindset. And about tangible future-ready skills. We’ll train you to be the bridge that connects business logic and technological power.

You’ll become a “translator” between worlds: You’ll understand what data marketing needs, how AI makes production more efficient, and how financial flows are digitally managed. We focus on future skills: Agile management, creative problem-solving, and genuine teamwork aren’t just add-ons here—they’re the foundation of your studies.

Your Toolkit for Your Career

Your studies at THI Business School combine three key areas of expertise:

Business Skills: Understand how companies operate, identify market potential, and develop visions that offer real added value.
IT Skills: Get to know the tools and technologies you’ll use to turn visions into reality. Don’t worry—you don’t have to become a full-stack developer. It’s about understanding the logic behind the technology. We’ll make you so tech-savvy that you can discuss ideas with developers and IT architects on equal footing, formulate requirements precisely, and know exactly what’s technologically feasible.
Digital Skills: This is your “edge.” Whether it’s data analytics or the professional use of artificial intelligence—you’ll learn not only how to use innovations but how to drive them.

Everything you learn with us is practice-oriented and science-based. We don’t just talk about AI and make PowerPoint presentations, we work with it.

Is this the right fit for you?

Are you curious, communicative, and not interested in run-of-the-mine jobs? Do you want to take on responsibility and actively shape the economy of tomorrow?

Then start your Digital Business degree at THI now. Your future starts here!

Degree
Bachelor of Science (B. Sc.)
Duration
7 Semester
Start of studies
Winter

Accreditation
Yes
Dual Study
Yes
Main teaching language
German

Location
Ingolstadt

Structure

Your studies at THI don’t begin in the lecture hall, but with an intensive orientation week. This is where you lay the groundwork for your professional network: you’ll get to know your fellow students, meet professors and student organizations, and familiarize yourself with THI’s procedures.

In the first three semesters, we build the foundation for your advanced studies. The focus is on fundamentals in the three core areas of business, digitalization, and technology.

We want you to not only excel academically but also grow as a person. That’s why, from the very beginning, we integrate courses that support you in

personal development (e.g., how can I develop my mindset, how do you manage projects professionally),
global mindset (e.g., how do I interact with employees and customers from other cultures), and
data skills (e.g., how do you work with data and turn it into profit).

Now things get serious—and exciting. You’ll move from the basics to practical application and tailor your studies to your interests.

The Internship Semester: 18 Weeks of Real-World Experience

In your 5th or 6th semester, you’ll leave campus. During your internship semester, you’ll work directly at a company for 18 weeks. Here, you’ll apply your knowledge, build connections, and gain valuable professional experience.

Your Specialization

During the theory semesters, you’ll refine your profile in three clusters:

Future Business: e.g., digital business models, digital marketing, strategy, finance, and IT law.
Tech Leadership: From IT management and the application of AI in a business context to digital entrepreneurship—learn how to lead startups and tech teams.
Innovation & Impact: Work on real-world projects, develop business plans, and get involved in social projects.

Your Specialization

You decide where the journey takes you! Choose three specialization modules that suit your interests. In addition, you have the freedom to take courses in sustainability, languages, or social skills—whatever fits your development plan.

The Degree: Your Ticket to the Business World

Upon successfully completing your bachelor’s thesis in the 7th semester, you’ll earn your Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) and can use it to continue your studies at any university or college—or launch your career.

Detailed module overview

(Click to enlarge; subject to change)

Digital Business Insights

Testimonials

Sarah Amler, Graduate

"Above all, the interactive lectures with much more practical relevance than I would have expected in a degree course really inspire me and motivate me to think for myself. The theoretical content can always be applied directly to real-life situations. As a result, I feel perfectly prepared for the challenges of my future professional life in the age of digitalization."

Lukas Gloßner, Student

"The Digital Business course at Ingolstadt University of Applied Sciences was exactly what I had hoped for. The practical orientation enabled me to apply theoretical knowledge directly to real projects. The dedicated lecturers and the broad module plan create a good knowledge base, which in turn creates a wide range of career opportunities. I was also very satisfied with the university itself and the opportunities it offers. I also took advantage of the opportunity to gain experience during a semester abroad and I can recommend it 100% to everyone. Overall, definitely an excellent choice for a successful professional future in the digital sector."

Tamara Heiss, Student

"I decided to study Digital Business, because I was already interested in topics such as digitalization, marketing and everything to do with e-commerce. It is precisely this content that is taught to us in the lectures with interesting practical examples from our lecturers. In particular, the combination with the practical phases as part of my dual study program (with MediaMarktSaturn) allows the theoretical content to be dovetailed with practice. For me, Digital Business is one of the most future-oriented degree programs at THI, which offers a wide range of prospects in the working world."

Robert Kemna, Graduate

"The Digital Business course at THI is the ideal choice for me, as it offers practical and innovative content that covers all relevant aspects of digitalization. The variety of subject areas, from IT and business administration to E-Commerce and marketing, enables me to acquire a broad knowledge base and to design my studies according to my interests, as well as to prepare myself ideally for practical cases. I particularly appreciate the personal interaction at THI, where lecturers with practical experience and diverse student clubs create an inspiring learning environment."

Björn-Christian Ningel, Graduate

“Studying Digital Business at Ingolstadt University of Applied Sciences was the perfect starting point for me to take my professional career to the next level. The in-depth knowledge transfer in the world of digital business models and innovative technologies still helps me in my daily work today. The practice-oriented teaching and the opportunity to make valuable contacts with the regional economy and the Bavarian start-up scene through the student start-up initiative 'NEWEXIST' were particularly valuable. These experiences paved the way for me to actively work on a start-up-friendly future for Germany and Europe today as Head of Member Relations at the Bundesverband Deutsche Startups e.V.”

Dr. Leon Brudy, Business Development Manager Garmin Health

“It was a great workshop with exciting presentations on the topic of corporate wellness, where I was able to learn a lot from the students myself. Many thanks to Prof. Eller and the students for their professional cooperation.”

Maximilian Kaeding, Recruiting Expert Volkswagen Group

“The close cooperation between Volkswagen and Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt in terms of practical application and theory has provided valuable impetus for the further development of AI initiatives in Volkswagen's recruiting and employer branding. Students studying ”Digital Business" and “Media Psychology and Digital Business” have designed an AI system that automatically informs applicants and generates lasting enthusiasm for the company through a personalized relationship."

Miriam Schmid, Vice President Attract and Select, Deutsche Telekom

“As part of our collaboration with Ingolstadt University of Applied Sciences on the topic of the candidate journey, students analyzed key touchpoints along the applicant journey and developed practical recommendations for improvement. The results were analytically sound, creative, and immediately applicable to our work. We will incorporate several of the approaches they developed into our next steps.”

Sabrina Marx and Caroline Duchon, Talent Acquisition Experts at FESTO

“The joint project with THI on the use of AI by applicants during the interview process was extremely valuable to us. We were particularly impressed by the structured approach, the students’ dedication, and the thoughtful and practical recommendations for action. The experiment with AI-assisted responses in video interviews provided us with important insights for further developing our selection processes to ensure they remain fair, valid, and future-proof in the age of artificial intelligence. For us, the project clearly demonstrates that AI is significantly transforming recruiting, and that is precisely why well-founded, scientifically supported insights like these are so important.”

Sarah Amler, Graduate
Lukas Gloßner, Student
Tamara Heiss, Student
Robert Kemna, Graduate
Björn-Christian Ningel, Graduate
Dr. Leon Brudy, Business Development Manager Garmin Health
Maximilian Kaeding, Recruiting Expert Volkswagen Group
Miriam Schmid, Vice President Attract and Select, Deutsche Telekom
Sabrina Marx and Caroline Duchon, Talent Acquisition Experts at FESTO

Curriculum

1. Semester

Allgemeine Betriebswirtschaftslehre
5 ECTS

This module provides an overview of core concepts in business administration. Topics include corporate goals, functions, processes, legal forms, sustainability and ethics, illustrated through practical examples and case studies.

Accounting Grundlagen
5 ECTS

This module covers fundamentals of external and internal accounting, including bookkeeping, financial statements, balance sheet analysis, and cost accounting methods.

Grundlagen Digital Business
5 ECTS

This module introduces technological and organizational foundations of digital business, including business processes, application systems, IT management, digital business models and initial AI use cases.

Software Entwicklung
5 ECTS

Students gain basic programming skills in Python, learning algorithms, data structures, control structures and applying them in practical individual and group tasks.

Quantitative Methoden Grundlagen
5 ECTS

This module teaches mathematical and statistical fundamentals for business problems, enabling students to analyze data, interpret indicators and apply quantitative methods.

Persönlichkeitsentwicklung
5 ECTS

The Personal Development module helps students become more aware of their personalities and further develop them. The focus is on self-reflection, values, resilience, mindfulness, and dealing constructively with challenges and change. The goal is to identify personal resources, reflect on opportunities for growth, and shape one’s own future prospects.

2. Semester

Marketing
5 ECTS

Students learn core marketing concepts, market analysis and marketing instruments with a focus on customer orientation, strategy development and practical applications.

Volkswirtschaflslehre Grundlagen
5 ECTS

The module introduces key concepts of microeconomics. Topics covered include supply and demand, market structures, elasticities, market equilibrium, and welfare economic analysis. In addition, government intervention, market failure, and fundamental issues of economic policy are discussed.

Datenmanagement
5 ECTS

This module covers fundamentals of data organization and processing, including data models, databases and structured handling of corporate data.

Digital Services: Front End
5 ECTS

This module focuses on frontend technologies in digital business, covering usability, user experience, IoT applications and user-centered digital service design.

Projektmanagement
5 ECTS

Students learn fundamentals of classical and agile project management, including project planning, control, teamwork and the use of common PM tools.

Data Science Grundlagen
5 ECTS

This module introduces data analysis and data science concepts, including data preparation, basic analytical methods and introductory machine learning applications.

3. Semester

Operations Management
5 ECTS

This module focuses on planning, controlling and optimizing value creation processes, teaching methods to analyze and improve operational efficiency.

HR Management & Organisation
5 ECTS

This module covers fundamentals of human resource and organizational management, including HR development, labor law, digital HR and organizational design.

Digital Business Technologien
5 ECTS

Students learn key digital business technologies such as platforms, cloud computing, IoT and AI, and analyze their application in companies.

Unternehmenssysteme und Architekturen
5 ECTS

This module provides an overview of enterprise systems and IT architectures, including ERP, CRM and SCM systems and their integration.

Intercultural Competence
5 ECTS

Students develop intercultural communication and action skills, gaining awareness of cultural differences in international business environments.

Wissenschaftliches Arbeiten
5 ECTS

The module provides the fundamentals of academic research and writing. Topics include empirical research methods such as expert interviews and data analysis, literature research, citation techniques, the structure of academic papers, as well as the formulation and presentation of scientific findings.

4. Semester

Strategic Management
5 ECTS

Students learn strategic thinking and analysis tools, focusing on competitive strategies, digital transformation and long-term corporate orientation.

Management von Geschäftsprozessen
5 ECTS

This module teaches methods for analyzing, modeling and optimizing business processes, with a focus on digitalization and IT-supported improvement.

Digital Entrepreneurship
5 ECTS

This module introduces the development of digital business models, applying methods such as Lean Startup and Business Model Canvas in practice.

IT-Management
5 ECTS

Students learn key aspects of IT management, including IT strategy, organization, governance and the interface between IT and business.

Diskriminative KI und Machine Learning
5 ECTS

This module introduces discriminative AI and machine learning methods, teaching students how to train, evaluate and apply models in business contexts.

Entrepreneurship Projekt
3 ECTS

In this hands-on project, students develop innovative business ideas, apply entrepreneurship methods and present their results.

Projekt „Soziales Engagement“
3 ECTS

Students plan and implement a non-profit project, strengthening project management, teamwork and social skills.

5. Semester

Investition und Finanzierung
5 ECTS

This module covers fundamentals of investment appraisal and financing, enabling students to evaluate investment decisions and compare financing options.

Digital Business Models
5 ECTS

Students analyze and develop digital business models, focusing on platform economies, value creation logic and success factors of digital companies.

Digital Business Recht
5 ECTS

This module covers legal foundations of digital business, including IT law, data protection, contracts and liability issues.

Vertiefungsmodul
5 ECTS

The specialization modules allow students to focus on advanced digital business topics such as analytics, customer centricity, industry digitalization, gamification or market research, providing in-depth and practice-oriented skills.

Digital Marketing
5 ECTS

Building on fundamentals, this module deepens digital marketing strategies, covering performance marketing, social media, content strategies and data-driven campaign management.

Generative KI und Deep Learning
5 ECTS

Students learn concepts of generative AI and deep learning, covering neural networks, application scenarios and ethical considerations.

6. Semester

Praxissemester
25 ECTS

During the internship semester, students apply their knowledge in a company, gaining in-depth insights into business processes and digital projects.

Modul zur fachwissenschaftlichen Kompetenz
3 ECTS

The modules focusing on academic and professional competence provide in-depth knowledge of specialized business administration topics. Examples include entrepreneurship and start-up coaching, financial mathematics with modeling, or business psychology. Students analyze complex issues and develop well-founded solutions for business practice.

7. Semester

Bachelorarbeit
12 ECTS

The bachelor thesis is an independent academic work on a digital business topic, often with practical relevance, prepared using scientific methods.

Vertiefungsmodul
5 ECTS

Vertiefungsseminar
3 ECTS

As part of this module, students independently prepare business-related issues in order to present them persuasively in academic discussions. They reflect on business administration topics from all key functional areas and relate them to current economic developments reported in the daily press.

Modul zur Nachhaltigkeitskompetenz
3 ECTS

The modules focusing on sustainability competence address responsible and sustainable business practices. Examples include sustainability as a key to transformation, aspects of sustainability reporting and greenwashing, or real estate management and sustainability. Students learn to integrate ecological, social, and economic perspectives.

Modul zur Sprach- und Sozialkompetenz
3 ECTS

The modules focusing on language and social competence strengthen communication, teamwork, and intercultural skills. Examples include Business Spanish or Chinese, self-management, or practical reflection for dual-study students. Students learn to communicate professionally and to act confidently in international contexts.

Quick Info

The Digital Business degree program starts in the winter term. Application via Hochschulstart (DOSV) is not necessary. Registration for the study program starts on May 2 for the winter semester. Online application is possible via the Primuss applicant portal of THI.

Find here more details about the application process at the THI.

International students

Anyone with an international university degree/higher education qualification wanting to study at a university in Germany needs a so-called Hochschulzugangsberechtigung (HZB), or higher education entrance qualification. This lets applicants show that their educational background or professional qualification allows them to study in Germany, i.e. they have the necessary higher education entrance qualification to register for a course.

The recognition of the qualification is linked to certain requirements. If the certificate of education is recognised as a higher education entrance qualification in Germany, the international student may apply for all courses (general qualification) or for certain courses (subject-specific qualification). Two to three semesters of study in the home country may be recognised as a higher education entrance qualification in Germany, depending on the country of origin. Source: German Academic Exchange Service, DAAD, June 2016.

The following link provide information for university applicants from abroad about the application process at the THI.

Applicants from non-German-speaking countries applying for a German-language degree program must also provide proof of sufficient knowledge of the German language with level B2.
Proof of having passed the German language exam must be submitted at the latest upon enrollment. A list of language certificates classified as equivalent can be found under General Statutes on the pages of the Office of Legal Affairs.

The dual studies programme enables a combination of practical training elements in a company with the theoretical education provided by the university. There is a choice of either the joint model (academic study + vocational training) or the degree course with vocational experience (academic study + intense practical phases). There is an obvious advantage to students here: practically oriented academic study generally enables a particularly smooth transition from university to the world of work. What is more, the student usually receives financial remuneration from the company concerned.

The Digital Business course offers both models.

In the joint model, students may start working at the company several months before the start of the first semester, depending on the company concerned. At the start of the course there is an alternation between theory (during the semester) and practical experience (between semesters and during the practical semesters). In order to embark on a dual studies programme, students have to apply to both a company and to THI (be sure to take note of company application deadlines!).

More info on our dual studies-pages, or check dual cooperation partner companies. Even if no partner company is currently active in this degree programme, you are welcome to contact us.

Should you have further questions about the Bachelor's degree course Digital Business, please contact dbiz@thi.de.

Dual study program Digital Business at Audi AG:

Click here for the job advertisement.

Dual study program Digital Business at MediaMarktSaturn:

Click here for the job advertisement.

Digital Business Manager

Digital business derives from the fact that information and communication technology are not used for service provision alone. In many sectors, the products and services themselves have software and devices such as sensors as deeply integrated elements and are interconnected with each other (Internet of Things/Services).

On the one hand this gives rise to new digital business models, as is the case with Airbnb, Wimdu and Uber, which act as agencies for private accommodation and transportation services. But existing business models also have to be digitally enriched or altered in order to gain or generate a competitive advantage (digital transformation). An example is Kärcher, a company which fits its sweeping and cleaning machines with telematics modules that relay information on operating times, locations, charge status and potential problems. As a result, Kärcher is able to offer its customers additional solutions such as analysis of idle time or preventive maintenance.
In order to be actively involved in such developments and to be able to manage them, staff have to possess sound skills both in the area of business administration (e.g. marketing, business process management and strategic management) as well as in the area of IT (e.g. development and operation of innovative services) - and they must be able to creatively combine the two areas. The following is a selection of tasks commonly found in this vocational field:

Project and leadership tasks at internationally oriented SMEs and large-scale corporations of all sectors in the following areas (selection):

Project tasks

Planning, development and implementation of digital business services
Digital business architecture management
Digital business governance
Integration of digital business services in business processes along the value creation chain
Digital business intelligence and digital business analytics

Once an individual has gained the relevant job experience, he or she will be able to take on a broad range of management tasks.

Management tasks

Strategic management incl. development of digital business models
Digital business services portfolio management
Product management for digital business services
Business development for digital business models and digital business services
Management and development of customer and supplier relations (CRM, SRM) based on digital business services

The degree course also provides an excellent basis for setting up a business within the entire digital value creation chain.

"Basic internship”
"Funding"
"Special points"

THI is currently canvassing for cooperation partners to offer in-depth practical experience.

THI has set itself the goal of encouraging as many students as possible to undertake a study trip or internship abroad. This is because international experience enhances job prospects - not just due to the language skills acquired abroad but first and foremost because of additional qualities such as independence, tolerance and flexibility.

For this reason, we would encourage you to take this opportunity and make the most of the study trip or internship programmes offered by THI in other countries. Our international network consists of more than 150 partner universities as well as numerous international companies and it is growing constantly worldwide. In this connection, students should feel free to use the International Office as a central point of contact.

If you are an applicant from abroad, you may qualify for a scholarship from the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD): www.daad.de
If you are a German students we recommend to research for suitable scholarships on www.mystipendium.de
Please note that we cannot offer any guidance or support concerning scholarship applications.

We recommend that single students budget at least 700-900 EUR per month to meet personal expenses (accommodation, health insurance, stay, books, semester contribution)

FAQs

The DB program places a stronger emphasis on IT-related skills, such as in the areas of IT management and data management. In addition, the curriculum in the field of digital business has a stronger technological focus overall, for example through topics such as artificial intelligence and digital business models or technologies.

In contrast, the MPS program has a clear focus on psychology, particularly in fields such as media psychology and business psychology. In addition, psychological research methods are more prominent, for example through in-depth knowledge of quantitative and qualitative methods.

In summary, it can be said that DB is more technology- and IT-oriented, while MPS focuses on psychological content and its methodologically sound research.

Digital Business is a degree program at THI Business School that specializes in the topic of digitalization in the context of companies. It combines business and digitalization knowledge (70%) and IT knowledge (30%). This proportion is exactly the opposite for the Business Informatics degree program..

At THI Business School, personal development is an integral part of all Bachelor degree programs. In practical modules, students deal intensively with their own strengths, values and goals. They learn to understand themselves better, develop a personal vision and strengthen important skills such as communication, self-presentation and the ability to reflect - central to their studies, career and personal growth.

Admission to a study place and the contract with a THI dual partner are independent of each other. This means that you must also meet the admission requirements at THI in order to start the dual study program.

In the "Vocational Experience" model of the Digital Business degree program, the practical semester is completed at the dual practice partner, usually in the 6th semester.

University studies and apprenticeship are at very different levels of the education system. The recognition of credits is generally assessed on an individual application basis. Unfortunately, it is not possible to make general statements in advance.

The credit recognition process takes place after enrolment in the first semester of study.

Applicants from non-German-speaking countries who are applying for a German-language degree program must provide proof of sufficient knowledge of the German language at level B2. Proof of having passed the German language test must be submitted at the latest upon enrolment. A list of language certificates classified as equivalent can be found under General Statutes on the website of the Office of Legal Affairs.

Many students work as student employees to finance their studies. However, you should focus on obtaining a good degree during your studies. If you want to do more than work as a student employee (e.g. full-time or part-time work), we recommend a different study model (e.g. part-time study).

Contact options for prospective students

Apply online

Degree program director

Dean of Accreditation Affairs, Degree program director Digital Business, AACSB Project Director
Prof. Dr. Christian Locher
Phone: +49 841 9348-3588
Room: F224
E-Mail: Christian.Locher@thi.de

More Contact Options

Project Manager
Marlene Günther, B.A.
Phone: +49 841 9348-4614
Room: F204
E-Mail: Marlene.Guenther@thi.de

Student ambassador
Laura Schäffler

Module Handbook

Studyplan SS 2026 (SPO 2021)

Studyplan WS 2026-27 (SPO 2021)

These module handbooks correspond to the previous SPO (2021/22).
A new SPO will apply from winter semester 2026/27:
Studyplan WS 2026-27 (SPO 2026)

Study and Examination Regulations

Study and examination regulations (SPO) (German only) deal with judicial matters concerning your study course. You find all SPOs on the website of the legal department.