FAQ
Would you like to learn more about the Industrial Engineering & Management master’s degree program? Here you’ll find answers to frequently asked questions about the curriculum, admission requirements, work-friendly study options, Industry 4.0, innovation management, and your career prospects. If your question isn’t listed here, we’d be happy to assist you personally.
Who is the Master´s in Industrial Engineering & Management designed for?
The IEM Master’s program is designed for individuals who have completed a bachelor’s degree in a technical field and wish to assume leadership roles in industry. The program is equally suited to two groups: working engineers who want to advance their careers while continuing to work, and graduates of technical bachelor’s degree programs who wish to expand their skill set to include management and leadership competencies.
In what language is the IEM Master's program taught?
The IEM Master’s program is taught in German. A minimum B2 level of German proficiency is required. A good command of English is also expected, as some of the courses and academic literature are in English. This applies regardless of the language in which you completed your bachelor’s degree.
What is the difference between a Master´s in IEM and an MBA?
The IEM Master’s program is not a general management program. It requires a technical bachelor’s degree and provides in-depth study of industrial engineering, smart production, data analysis, and innovation management. An MBA has a broader scope and is designed to be cross-industry, but it does not delve as deeply into technical subjects. For those who want to lead in the technical industry, the IEM program offers a more focused approach.
Which bachelor´s degrees are accepted for the IEM master´s program?
A prerequisite is a completed bachelor's or diploma degree in a technical field, or an equivalent degree from a recognized domestic or foreign postsecondary educational institution.
Can I apply even if I haven´t finished my bachelor´s degree yet?
Yes. Students who are in the final semester of their bachelor’s degree program may apply for a spot in the program by submitting a current transcript. The bachelor’s degree certificate must be submitted upon enrollment at the start of the semester.
How does the part-time degree program actually work?
Classes are held on Mondays and Wednesdays starting at 5:40 p.m., on Fridays starting at 2:20 p.m., and on Saturdays until 4:00 p.m.—in person with online components. The program lasts four semesters and begins exclusively in the winter semester.
Is the IEM Master´s program also offered as a full-time program?
No. The IEM Master's program is offered exclusively on a part-time basis. The program is structured to ensure that students can balance their studies with their careers.
What is Study & Work?
Through Study & Work, the CU places students in positions at more than 60 partner companies and organizations. This allows students to combine their studies with a job related to their field of study; scholarships are also awarded for certain programs.
What are the benefits of having previously studied WING at CU?
For CU WING graduates, the transition to the master’s program is seamless in terms of academic content: the same university, familiar faculty, and a program that builds on the bachelor’s curriculum without gaps or duplication. No need to start over. This applies to both bachelor’s specializations – Industrial Engineering and Sustainable Innovation Management – and to both program formats. You decide how you study – not how far you go.
What leadership roles will this master´s degree prepare me for?
The IEM Master’s program typically prepares students for roles in production and plant management, operations management, project and innovation management, technical purchasing and sales, controlling, and management consulting for manufacturing companies. Starting a business and business succession are equally common career paths. The difference from purely business administration programs: IEM graduates understand the technical side and can make decisions that would otherwise require two people.
Can I pursue a Ph.D. after completing my master´s degree?
Yes. A master's degree qualifies the holder to pursue doctoral studies in accordance with Section 6(4) of the University of Applied Sciences Act (FHStG).
Can I enroll in the Master´s in IEM program even if I don´t have a job right now?
Yes. Having a job is not a prerequisite for admission. The part-time program is designed to allow students to balance their studies with their careers—but it does not require that they have a job. Students who are coming straight from their bachelor’s program and are looking for a suitable position can access more than 60 partner companies through Study & Work.
How much does it cost to attend, and what are the application deadlines?
Tuition is €363.36 per semester. Starting in the winter semester of 2026, third-country nationals will be required to pay tuition of €500 per semester. In addition, there is the ÖH fee.
Why study IEM at CU Carinthia University of Applied Sciences?
The IEM Master’s program at CU brings four elements together. First, a part-time format that doesn’t interrupt your career path. Second, the connection to Carinthia’s high-tech industry: Villach is the headquarters of Infineon Austria, and the city is also home to Hella, Magna, and AVL. Third, the “Study & Work” program with over 60 partner companies. And fourth, a bachelor’s degree offered at the same institution that leads directly to this master’s program – available in two formats and with two specializations, all of which converge here.