Business informatics

Business informatics deals with issues at the interface between computer science and business administration. The aim is to digitally map and effectively support business processes in companies and administrations.

Foto: Axel Jusseit | Bundesagentur für Arbeit
 Nachaufnahme einer Flipchartseite, die mit verschiedenfarbigen Stiften beschriftet wurde.

Overview of the academic discipline

Business IT specialists develop and integrate IT application systems for specific administrative tasks within a company. These include, for example, enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems for order processing, procurement, warehouse and material flow monitoring, cost accounting or payroll accounting. They also take on coordinating, advisory and strategic tasks such as project management, process analysis or supporting production planning. They have a broad knowledge of business administration and are familiar with the organisation and structure of system software, e.g. operating systems and databases, as well as local and global communication systems and networks (see also section 3.3.5 ‘Information technology’).

Which topics are included in the curriculum?

The interdisciplinary degree programme teaches the basics of business administration, including mathematics and statistics. On the other hand, students acquire application-related knowledge in computer science. This includes specialised areas such as information systems, software programming, computer communication, databases, data networks and IT security as well as current developments in the field of mobile media.

What are the requirements?

Depending on the chosen degree programme, a good basis for successful studies in this area is knowledge of the following school subjects: Maths, computer science, economics and law as well as English. 

What study programmes are there to choose from?

Bachelor's and Master's degree programmes in this field are mainly offered by universities of applied sciences, but also by individual universities. Possible degree programme titles include ‘IT Management’, ‘Administrative Informatics’ or ‘Digital Product Management’. At some universities, business informatics can also be included as a major or specialisation as part of a business administration degree course or a computer science degree course.

What job opportunities are there after graduation?

The employment opportunities for business IT specialists are varied and can be found in almost all sectors of the economy, from software houses, management consultancies and computer manufacturers to the manufacturing/production industry, credit institutions and insurance companies to service and consulting companies. Qualified activities and management tasks in the IT or business management sector dominate, preferably in the fields of organisation/system analysis, programming/software development as well as consulting and sales.

Video: Study business informatics

Stand: 09.07.2025