FAQ

What Is Public and Nongovernmental Management?

Public & Nonprofit Management focuses on the leadership and structuring of organizations that fulfill public functions or create social value. These include public administrations, public enterprises, associations, and nonprofit organizations. In this program, you will learn how to successfully manage and develop these organizations.

Who is the Master's in Public & Nonprofit Management designed for?

The master’s program is designed for individuals who wish to take on leadership roles and actively help shape organizations in the public or nonprofit sectors. It is suitable for both those just starting their careers and working professionals who wish to further develop their management, leadership, and technical skills and qualify for challenging roles in public administrations, public-sector companies, or nonprofit organizations. The work-friendly schedule allows students to optimally balance their studies with their careers.

Which bachelor's degrees are accepted?

Graduates with a bachelor’s degree in economics, social sciences, or law, as well as in related fields, are eligible for admission to the Master’s program in Public & Nonprofit Management. These include, for example, degrees in health and nursing management, social work, educational sciences, political science, military leadership, or disability and diversity studies.

How does the application process work?

You apply online through the Carinthia University of Applied Sciences application portal. After you submit your application materials, we will invite you to an admissions interview. During this interview, we’d like to get to know you and learn more about your motivation, your interests, and your expectations for the program. There is no written or oral entrance exam for any specific subject.
You can find all the latest information on application deadlines and the application process under “What You Need to Know About Applying.”

When are the classes held?

The Public & Nonprofit Management program is specifically designed for working professionals and allows for an optimal balance between studies, work, and personal life.
Classes are held at the following times:

• Tuesday: 5:40 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. (online only)
• Friday: 1:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the latest
• Saturday: starting at 8:30 a.m., all day

Each semester, courses are held during approximately ten in-person weekends (about two weekends per month). In addition, online courses take place on up to four weekends. Thanks to the combination of online and in-person instruction, you’ll enjoy maximum flexibility without having to sacrifice personal interaction with instructors and fellow students.

Field trips, such as to Brussels or the Austrian Cities Conference, take place outside the course times listed above and are announced well in advance.

What specializations are available?

In addition to a broad-based education in management, politics, law, and digitalization, you can choose between two specializations: Public Management or Nonprofit Management. This allows you to tailor your studies to your specific career interests.

Is it possible to balance study and work?

Yes. The work-friendly study program was specifically designed for working professionals. Thanks to the combination of compact on-campus sessions, online instruction, and predictable class schedules, you can easily balance your studies, career, and personal life.

Is attendance required for the courses?

Yes, an 80% attendance requirement applies to all courses. Absences due to illness or to care for close family members (caregiving leave) are considered excused upon presentation of appropriate documentation.

What are the tuition fees and additional costs?

You will be required to pay the tuition fee stipulated by law as well as the ÖH membership fee. Additional costs may apply for field trips. You can find the currently applicable fees under “Important Information About the Application.”

What career opportunities will this degree program open up for me?

The Master's in Public & Nonprofit Management prepares you for specialized and leadership roles in municipalities, state government, public enterprises, nonprofit organizations, social security agencies, financial administration, professional associations, or trade associations. 

Master's in Public and Nonprofit Management Without a Bachelor's in Business: Is That Possible?

Yes. A bachelor’s degree in economics is not a mandatory requirement for the Master’s program in Public & Nonprofit Management. Graduates from various fields of study are admitted, particularly those with backgrounds in economics, social sciences, and law. 

The program is specifically designed for individuals with diverse academic backgrounds to foster the exchange of different perspectives. It is precisely this diversity that makes the program so appealing: Students bring experiences from fields such as public administration, social services, politics, law, business, or nonprofit organizations and learn together to analyze and shape complex societal challenges.

How does Public & Nonprofit Management differ from a traditional business administration degree?

While traditional business administration programs focus primarily on private-sector companies, Public & Nonprofit Management addresses the specific requirements of public administrations, public enterprises, and nonprofit organizations. In addition to management skills, you will therefore also explore topics such as democracy, politics, social transformation, law, sustainability, ethics, and public value. This will teach you how to lead organizations whose success is measured not only by economic indicators but also by their contribution to society. 

Why are public management and nonprofit management considered together?

Today, public administrations, public enterprises, and nonprofit organizations work closely together to address societal challenges. Many issues—from digitalization and sustainability to financing and stakeholder engagement—affect both sectors equally. By combining public management and nonprofit management, you’ll develop a broad understanding of different organizational forms and how they collaborate. At the same time, you’ll have the opportunity to specialize in specific areas as you progress through your studies. 

Who teaches in the Master's program in Public & Nonprofit Management?

The master's program features instructors from both academia and the professional world. In addition to university faculty, executives and specialists from government agencies, public-sector companies, associations, and nonprofit organizations also contribute their experience to the curriculum. As a result, you’ll benefit from academically sound content and up-to-date insights into professional practice. 

What kinds of contacts and networks can I build while I'm in university?

During your studies, you’ll meet students from a variety of professional backgrounds—ranging from public administration and nonprofit organizations to public-sector companies and the private sector. In addition, faculty with real-world experience, guest lectures, case studies, and field trips offer numerous opportunities to build valuable connections with experts and potential employers.