International School of Management (ISM)
B.Sc. Business Administration (Distance Learning)
- Dortmund, Germany
- Munich, Germany
BSc
DURATION
12 semesters
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
TUITION FEES
EUR 390 / per month *
STUDY FORMAT
* Monthly study fees vary by selected time model, from 230 Euro/month for the part-time slow mode time model.
Key Summary
About: The B.Sc. Business Administration (Distance Learning) at The International School of Management (ISM) mixes business theory with practical training, case studies and faculty contact. You’ll study online with 100% flexible, online exams, a two-semester extension. ISM is AACSB-accredited, has seven German campuses and ranks among the Top Distance Learning University in 2026. Three study tracks let you tailor electives to digital, practical or on-campus focuses.
Career Outcomes: This distance-learning B.Sc. opens career opportunities in management, marketing, finance, HR, operations, project management, consulting, entrepreneurship and digital business. Employers value its blend of academic knowledge, applied projects, soft-skills training and internships.
The distance learning program in Business Administration lays the foundation for your management and business career. By choosing a distance learning program at ISM, you benefit from numerous advantages that offer maximum flexibility and a first-class education:
- Learn when and where you want: All study materials are available digitally. Whether at your desk, on the go, or on the couch- you decide how your studies fit into your daily life. Also, some modules are taught live online.
- Individual support: Our study coaches and support team are available to advise you and ensure your academic success.
- Interactive exercises and exam preparation: Numerous practice tasks, flashcards, and mock exams help you prepare optimally for your assessments.
- Close contact with faculty: Our experienced lecturers and tutors provide academic and practical support, helping you stay on track and achieve your goals.
- 100% flexible, online exams: No travel required, all exams are included in the tuition fees and can be taken conveniently online and scheduled by yourself from home.
- Two-semester free extension: Very practical if you do not manage to earn all the required credits within the standard study period (e.g., six semesters for full-time study), you can complete the remaining requirements during two additional semesters at no extra cost. This offer applies to all study models.
- ISM Accreditations: AACSB (International Accreditation), FIBAA, ZFU, German Accreditation Council.
- A trial period: optionally, you have the opportunity to test the distance learning for free for a short while. This allows you to ensure that distance learning program is truly the right fit for you. Please ask the study advisors for more information.
ISM is awarded as Top Distance Learning University
In the 2026 comprehensive ranking of distance learning universities, ISM’s distance learning program ranks among the most popular providers. The evaluation was based on 12,238 reviews of a total of 395 providers from 2025. This is clear evidence of the program’s high quality and student satisfaction.
How the Bachelor Business Administration works
The distance learning program in Business Administration at ISM combines academic knowledge with practical relevance and maximum flexibility. You’ll build a strong foundation in business administration, explore future-oriented topics and choose electives that allow you to tailor your studies to your interests and career goals.
Three study tracks – choose the one that suits you best:
- Digital Track: Enjoy maximum flexibility and choose eight electives from 12. Decide which subjects you want to focus on and organize your studies around your individual schedule.
- Practical Track: Combine flexible distance learning with hands-on experience. Choose two electives from 12 and earn 30 ECTS by completing an internship equivalent to one semester.
- On-campus Track: Experience student life on campus for one semester. Choose five electives from 10 and study full-time at our Munich campus from mid-September.
Exemplary study plan for full-time distance learning with the "Digital Track"
Semester 1
Introduction to Business Administration 1 (5 ECTS)
Introduction to Business Administration 2 (5 ECTS)
Theories and Methods of Business Administration (5 ECTS)
Mathematics (5 ECTS)
Self-Management (5 ECTS)
Business English (5 ECTS)
Semester 2
Law 1 (5 ECTS)
Organizational Management (5 ECTS)
Accounting & Financial Reporting (5 ECTS)
Innovation & Project Management (5 ECTS)
Statistics (5 ECTS)
Scientific Methods (5 ECTS)
Semester 3
Investment & Financing (5 ECTS)
Cost Accounting (5 ECTS)
Digital Transformation (5 ECTS)
Microeconomics (5 ECTS)
Rhetorics & Communication (5 ECTS)
Semester 4
Intercultural Communication (5 ECTS)
Human Resources Management (5 ECTS)
Sustainability Management (5 ECTS)
Macroeconomics (5 ECTS)
Elective module 1 (5 ECTS)
Elective module 2 (5 ECTS)
Semester 5
Leadership (5 ECTS)
Strategic Management (5 ECTS)
Market Research (5 ECTS)
Elective module 3 (5 ECTS)
Elective module 4 (5 ECTS)
Elective module 5 (5 ECTS)
Semester 6
Supply Chain Management (5 ECTS)
Bachelor Thesis with colloquium (10 ECTS)
Elective module 6 (5 ECTS)
Elective module 7 (5 ECTS)
Elective module 8 (5 ECTS)
Elective modules to be chosen freely from the following elective modules (available for the Digital Track):
▪ Brand Management
▪ Business Analysis
▪ Corporate Communication
▪ Corporate Structuring
▪ Digital Brand Communication
▪ Digital Business Models
▪ Entrepreneurship
▪ Introduction to Financial Management
▪ International Financial Management
▪ International Financial Reporting
▪ Media & Communication
▪ Occupational & Organizational Psychology.
Rankings of ISM
For years, ISM has been featured at the top of various university rankings. Also, ISM was the first private German university of applied sciences to hold the international AACSB accreditation in 2024 and is recognized by the German state via various national accreditation bodies.
Awarded as Top Distance Learning University
In the 2026 comprehensive ranking of distance learning universities, ISM’s distance learning program ranks among the most popular providers. The evaluation was based on 12,238 reviews of a total of 395 providers from 2025. This is clear evidence of the program’s high quality and student satisfaction.
The ISM offers different grants and scholarships, including partial and some full scholarships. Other study financing options are available from third parties.
If you would like to apply for an ISM scholarship, applications can be submitted with an already-passed ISM admission test for the
- Upcoming summer semester from November 15 until December 15
- Upcoming winter semester from May 15 until June 15.
Occupational Fields of our Graduates:
A distance learning program leading to a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration is one of the most popular study paths in the field of business, and for good reason. The curriculum is broad in scope, preparing you for a wide range of career opportunities. However, not everyone is able or willing to pursue a traditional on-campus degree program. A distance learning course in Business Management offers you maximum flexibility, allowing you to perfectly balance your studies with your career or other commitments.
Read more experiences of students with ISM Distance Learning
During the info session - starting at 2:00 pm CET (German Time) - you'll receive all the important information about our study programs from a study advisor.