Bachelor's Degree Program in Business Information Technology with a Specialization in Data Science
"The traditional approach to annual audits, which require a high level of manual activities and random sampling, is being digitized continually. Specific automated analysis tools are used to examine processes and controls in detail, and specific instruments can help to analyze the entire data population. In the light of this growing trend, students must be taught the use of modern data tools, from data acquisition and transformation to value-added data analysis. This is why we welcome the specialization in Data Science offered by the ZHAW School of Management and Law and see it as essential for the future competitiveness of graduates."
Cristian Manganiello, Partner, Governance and Risk Solutions, PwC
Business information technology is highly interdisciplinary in nature – as is data science: Data scientists understand the fundamentals of statistics, computer science, and mathematics required for their discipline in combination with the disciplines of business administration and communication. They are good at data-driven modeling of information-intensive processes and their algorithmic implementation. Based on these foundations, there is a demand for graduates of the specialization in Data Science in various industries where they can generate added value.
At a Glance
Title: Bachelor of Science (BSc) ZHAW in Business Information Technology with a Specialization in Data Science
Academic Achievement: 180 ECTS credits (1 ECTS credit is the equivalent of approx. 30 hours of work and study)
Study Format: Part-time
Duration: 8 semesters (part-time)
Start of Program: Mid September (calendar week 38)
Application Deadline: 30 April 2025 - apply now
Location: Winterthur
Language of Instruction: German
Semester Fee: CHF 720.- per semester + plus additional program-related expenses
Follow-Up Program: Master of Science
What You Will Learn
Data are said to be the "new oil". By specializing in data science, students acquire a range of tools, qualifying them for demanding specialist positions and, in the medium term, management roles in companies generally and for activities in procurement, production, marketing, product development, and even supply chain management.
Your Career Prospects
A 2020 study in Switzerland forecasts an additional demand of around 118,000 (business) IT specialists with university degrees by 2028. Digitalization and the "smartification" of products and services mean that business IT graduates are increasingly sought after by all medium-sized and large companies in all sectors.
In the age of digital transformation and digitalization, data science skills significantly increase the market value of graduates. There is hardly a corporate function in medium-sized and large companies that can do without the skills of data scientists, now and in the future.
Program Structure and Admission Requirements
Well-Founded and Practical
The specialization in Data Science is a part-time course of study, which means that you will still be able to manage a sizable workload in addition to your studies. You will have classes on one day and a maximum of two evenings a week; classes may also take place on Saturday morning. The part-time program usually takes eight semesters to complete. We strongly recommend limiting outside work to a 60 percent workload.
Current Module Tables
As from the 2021 program start
For older module tables, please refer to the SML Intranet (with ZHAW login only).
What You Need to Qualify
- Federally recognized commercial or technical vocational baccalaureate: no entrance exam or additional work experience required
- Federally recognized non-commercial or non-technical baccalaureate: no entrance exam required, but at least one year of regulated work experience in the commercial or IT field
- Federally recognized baccalaureate: no entrance exam required, but at least one year of regulated work experience in the commercial or IT field
BSc Brochure (in German)
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Start your career with a Bachelor's degree!
Come to one of our information events and find out more about our Bachelor's programs. We look forward to meeting you!
Career Services supports the successful transition from study to work as well as your personal career development.