Before studying Social, Health & Public Management

Managing the Public Interest!

Are you interested in innovations in the social and health care sectors, as well as in organizations of public interest? Digitalization, sustainability, health literacy, prevention, poverty alleviation, and development cooperation are close to your heart?

Then, look forward to the practical-oriented study program Social, Health Care & Public Management, which combines entrepreneurial tools with scientific methods and ensures decision-making competence.

<p>Real Experience. Global Perspective.</p>

Real Experience. Global Perspective.

<p>Campus Tour at the MCI</p>

Campus Tour at the MCI

Overview

In the Bachelor's program Social, Health & Public Management, you will acquire social, legal, business, and management related competencies to be able to contribute responsibly to private and public organizations as well as companies dedicated to significant community-related issues.

Particularly at the intersections of society, health, the economy, and public administration, specialized knowledge alone is not enough. Sound judgment, a sense of responsibility, and an understanding of the consequences of decisions are equally important. Artificial intelligence will transform these fields of work, but it will not replace human responsibility for complex decisions. This program prepares you to use technological opportunities competently, understand diverse interests and social contexts, and make sound decisions even in situations where there are no simple or automated solutions.

These skills encompass areas such as organizational development and leadership, personnel management, sustainability, process management, as well as intercultural competencies to address national and international challenges in governmental and non-governmental collaborations. Additionally, topics such as poverty alleviation, equal opportunities, homelessness, digitization, eGovernance, eHealth, health literacy, public health, prevention, and healthcare systems are covered.

Furthermore, there is a close connection to practice and relevant stakeholders in social, health, and public management. Throughout the entire program, you will benefit from a variety of internal and external lecturers who bring their expertise and experiences into teaching.

In the first and third years of study, you have the option of choosing between online and on-campus study. The second year of study (third and fourth semesters) is conducted exclusively as on-campus study. You will complete the online branch of the first year of study in the neighboring Business Administration & Business Psychology Online program, with which we share the introductory phase of study. To ensure a successful start to your studies, we also use modern learning methods in our on-campus program, with selected courses that combine online and on-campus phases.

Lukas Kerschbaumer
Prof. Dr. Lukas Kerschbaumer Head of Bachelor's Program Social, Health & Public Management
Do you have questions about studying? We look forward to hearing from you.
+43 512 2070 - 3700

Downloads

*** CLICK HERE *** ONLINE INFO SESSIONS October 20 & 21, 2026 *** CLICK HERE *** ONLINE INFO SESSIONS October 20 & 21, 2026 *** CLICK HERE ***
Das MCI Gebäude im Herbst

MCI | The Entrepreneurial School®

Why not study at the top?

MCI | The Entrepreneurial School® is one of the most successful universities in the German-speaking region and Europe. Renowned business experts teach in small groups, distinguished lecturers ensure academic quality in all areas, and the dedicated MCI team supports students in their endeavors such as internships, research, and stays abroad.

Read more

Admission

Applications for studies are accepted on an ongoing basis via our online application platform. In the interests of your further planning, we recommend that you submit your application early.

Applications for several degree programs at MCI in parallel are possible and welcome, as long as the motivation for the chosen studies can be conclusively demonstrated.

Dates & Deadlines

Application
deadline

Interview

Nov 8, 2026

Nov 23 - 25, 2026

Feb 7, 2027

Feb 22 - 24, 2027

Apr 11, 2027

Apr 26 - 28, 2027

May 30, 2027

Jun 14 - 16, 2027

Prerequisites

Generally, admission to the program is available to the following persons:

Individuals with a university entrance qualification for a social, business or legal sciences study program (e.g. school-leaving exam, appropriate university entrance equivalency exam etc.)

Individuals without a university entrance qualification, but with relevant professional qualification, provided that one of the following requirements is fulfilled:

  • school-leaving certificate from a relevant vocational secondary school

  • completion of a dual education course with a relevant apprenticeship

Applicants without a higher education entrance qualification but with relevant vocational qualifications (e.g. certificate of apprenticeship, advanced technical diploma, or German “Fachhochschulreife”) may be admitted to the study program if they pass additional exams at MCI.

The following subjects must be completed:  

  • German
  • English
  • Mathematics

A fee of EUR 30,- per subject and examination attempt will be charged. All additional exams take place on site at MCI.

Procedures

In just two steps to your desired study program at MCI:

Step 1 – Online application: CV & motivation

A complete online application consists of a CV, a letter of motivation, information on educational background, qualifications, professional career, social achievements and academic as well as professional goals. We would like to know why you are applying to study at MCI.

You may apply for more than one degree program at the same time, provided you can conclusively explain your respective motivations in your letter of motivation.

Step 2 – Online admission interview

In the second step, all applicants will be invited to an online admission interview.

In this interview, we want to get to know you. We are particularly interested in your motivation to study at MCI as well as your professional and personal goals you want to achieve with the help of your studies.

Within three weeks after the admission interview, we will inform you about the admission decision.

How to kick-start your career in the nonprofit sector: the Bachelor’s degree program in Nonprofit, Social & Health Care Management offered by MCI provides you with all the methods and tools required to make competent decisions and act professionally in your future job.

Felix De Zordo, BA
Felix De Zordo, BA
graduate of Nonprofit, Social & Health Care Management

As an organization, we had the opportunity to get an insight into the great module Fundamentals of Political and Communication Sciences" in the Bachelor Degree program Nonprofit, Social & Health Management. We are really impressed by what the students get to see in these courses - it is a great opportunity for them to try out and experience the theory-practice transfer. The final product, which was created by the students for our organization, shows that the concept works very well.

Mag.a Kathrin Heis, MA
Mag.a Kathrin Heis, MA
Geschäftsleitung Plattform Asyl

Our goal is a world that is fit for the future in terms of the interaction between ecology, economy and social issues. The Bachelor Degree program Nonprofit, Social & Health Management prepares students for these challenges through sound theoretical instruction and practical training, and encourages them to find innovative solutions. We as Klimabündnis Tirol are happy to contribute to projects and courses with our knowledge on climate protection, climate change adaptation and sustainability and in return we receive valuable stimuli for our work.

Andrä Stigger
Andrä Stigger
Geschäftsführung Klimabündnis Tirol

While studying Social, Health & Public Management

After completing the two-semester basic training, from the third semester onwards, you will delve into topics of social, health, and public management, including ethics and human rights, or digitization/eHealth/eGovernance, as well as intercultural competence and diversity.

The fourth semester emphasizes practical relevance and specialization in the areas of social, health, or public management: you will collaborate with practice partners on real challenges and have the opportunity to gain valuable practical experience (examples can be found here). This interdisciplinary semester has already been awarded with the Recognition Prize for Good Teaching (Ars Docendi) by the Ministry of Science.

The fifth semester focuses on internationality: you can either study at one of our numerous partner universities abroad or complete your international semester at MCI. At MCI, you also have the option to select an interdisciplinary elective tailored to your interests. This is your chance to gain new perspectives and connect with students from other fields. Additionally, an “online exchange” with our international partner universities allows you to take selected courses online from abroad.

In the final semester, you will write your bachelor’s thesis and complete a professional internship, applying the knowledge you have acquired in a real-world setting.

Module Overview

Subject

%

Interdisciplinary & practical competencies

25%

Management competencies

22%

Methodological & scientific competencies

19%

Sustainability, Innovation & Social Impact              

19%

Communication & personal development

14%

 

Time Model

In the first year of the Bachelor’s program Social, Health & Public Management, you can choose between on-site and online study.

  • On-site mode: Courses take place from Monday to Wednesday (lunchtime) at MCI. Blocked sessions allow for an in-depth exploration of specific topics. In addition, there are a few online classes that provide students with additional flexibility.
  • Online mode: Evening lectures twice a week, plus up to ten on-site days per semester in Innsbruck. Online courses are organized by the neighbor study program of Business Administration & Business Psychology Online.

The second year (3rd and 4th semester) is on-site only.

In the 5th semester of the third year, you can

  • take selected online courses (at MCI or partner universities) or
  • study abroad at partner universities or
  • study the international semester in English language at MCI.

The final 6th semester includes your bachelor’s thesis and a professional internship (any location).

Academic Degree

Graduates of the program are conferred the academic title of Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences, in short BA or B.A. This is attested by a leaving certificate, the Bachelor diploma, the international diploma supplement, and further documents where relevant.*

MCI Alumni are entitled to combine their academic degree with the brand “MCI” to provide trust and orientation in an increasingly intransparent international education market. Example: BSc (MCI). 
Source: GZ BMWF-52.330/0195-I/6/2013

*Information about the recognition of the degree in Italy can be found here.

Interdisciplinary Electives

Our interdisciplinary electives provide you with the opportunity to tailor your academic journey to your own interests and goals.

Interdisciplinary electives are cross-curricular courses on current trends and developments.

They allow you to discuss topics from different perspectives and interact with students and faculty from other disciplines.

During your studies you have the unique chance to choose such a course from a wide range of topics within the following focus areas:

  • Entrepreneurship & Innovation

  • Sustainability

  • Digitalization

  • Globalization

  • Society

The electives offer the opportunity to deepen your own interests and broaden your horizons. Join us as we enter a world of learning, exploration, and growth! Read more.

Electives in Social, Health or Public Management

In the fourth semester, you have the opportunity to choose elective courses from the fields of social, health, or public management and further enhance your skills through in-depth engagement with practical projects and partners. At the end of the fourth semester, you will receive a certificate confirming your acquired competencies in the areas of social, health, or public management.

Elective Public Management

In this specialization, you will receive input on socially relevant problem areas and the actors and organizations who address these problems. Key topics include organizational development and management, sustainability, process management, efficient and targeted administration and international challenges for governmental and non-governmental cooperation. Alongside this, there will be a practical project in collaboration with partners from the public sector.

Elective Social Management

In this specialization, you will receive insights into topics such as poverty alleviation, equal opportunities, international solidarity systems, various social management concepts, eGovernance, and homelessness.. It is important to understand the contexts of those social phenomena in order to solve societal challenges sustainably. Additionally, you will engage in a joint practical project with partners from the social sector.

Elective Health Management

This specialization covers various aspects related to health care, such as Public Health, focusing on improving the health of the entire population while considering contextual conditions. Other topics addressed include prevention, digitization, eHealth, primary care, and personnel management. Complementing these studies is a practical project conducted in partnership with stakeholders from the healthcare sector.

Certificate Mental Health First Aid

Mental Health First Aid: Recognizing the growing significance of mental health in the workplace, this program offers essential training. As part of the Social, Health Care & Public Management curriculum, participants attain the accredited "Mental Health First Aid" certification. Graduates are equipped to identify early signs of mental health issues in colleagues, making meaningful contributions to (workplace) health care. The program, increasingly demanded by organizations/ employers, integrates practical experience through Service Learning, providing students with exposure to diverse organizations in the social, health care and public management sectors.

Certificate in Social Innovation, Sustainable Development
& Entrepreneurial Project Leadership

Building on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and in line with our guiding principle “Managing the Public Interest,” the integrated fourth semester of the Bachelor's program in Social, Health and Public Management at MCI focuses on practice-oriented learning. In this semester, students work in collaboration with partner organizations on real-world challenges related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), thereby transforming their knowledge into tangible social impact.

This semester stands out not only for its strong practical relevance, but also for its interdisciplinary approach and its targeted promotion of (self-)efficacy in addressing global and local challenges in the fields of public affairs, social issues, and health. For these reasons, it was recognized in 2022 as part of the Ars Docendi, Austria’s most prestigious national award for excellence in teaching.

Upon successful completion of this semester, students are awarded a certificate confirming the competencies they have acquired. This certificate highlights the students’ ability to work on practice-based projects focused on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in interdisciplinary teams, to apply theoretical knowledge from six interlinked courses to real-world contexts, and to lead projects in an agile and reflective manner. The competencies developed include teamwork, critical thinking, innovation, entrepreneurship, interdisciplinary problem-solving, and sustainable project management.

Find an overview of past impact projects HERE.

Service Learning

Here, students accumulate ECTS through Practical Experience. In collaboration with Caritas Tirol, the Social, Health Care & Public Management program has recently introduced Service Learning as a component of the curriculum. This innovative addition not only provides an enriching learning experience but also opens up diverse opportunities for professional development.

Cooperation & Career Partners

  • Austrian Doctors

  • Caritas der Diözese Innsbruck

  • Europaregion Tirol-Südtirol-Trentino

  • Frauen im Brennpunkt

  • Freiwilligenpartnerschaft Tirol

  • L&R Social Research

  • Lebenshilfe Tirol

  • MOVEEFFEKT GmbH

  • Rotes Kreuz Tirol

  • Sindbad – Mentoring für Jugendliche

  • SOS-Kinderdorf

  • Standortagentur Tirol

  • Tirol Werbung

  • VASCage GmbH

Learning Goals

In order to ensure the transfer of learning and to enable students to develop relevant competencies, MCI has defined clear cross-curricular learning goals. These describe, in detail, the knowledge and skills acquired by our graduates on completion of their studies at MCI.

Information Literacy

Our graduates have the ability to research information from variety of optionally digital sources, evaluate their credibility and use them responsibly.

Responsible Decision Making

Inspired by the UN Sustainable Development Goals, our graduates can make decisions that are ecologically sustainable, economically responsible, and socially equitable.

Entrepreneurship

Our graduates demonstrate proficiency in applying entrepreneurial thinking and strategies to identify market opportunities, solve complex problems, and create innovative solutions, considering ethical issues.

International Outreach

International orientation plays a central role in every MCI degree program and is evident in the diverse backgrounds of faculty and students, in internationally aligned curricula, as well as in global projects and internships. In addition, students have the chance to spend a semester at one of over 300 partner universities around the world.

Students who prefer to spend their international semester at MCI instead of going abroad can select an interdisciplinary elective course aligned with their interests.

Excursion

At the beginning of the fourth semester, students have the opportunity to participate in an excursion to a neighboring European country to compare the challenges of social, health care, and public management in Austria with those in another European country.

Beschreibung

Study Abroad

at our partner universities around the world.

Croatia
University of Zagreb
France
Audencia Business School
USA
College of Charleston
Show all icon

Practice

At the Entrepreneurial School®, providing a consistent link between science and practice has top priority. The collaboration with companies and organizations of different sizes and sectors forms one of the cornerstones in regards to research and studies at MCI. Not only our students but also our partners benefit from this cooperative work.

Partners

  • Hauptverband der österreichischen Sozialversicherungsträger

  • ÖGK Österreichische Gesundheitskasse

  • Land Tirol

  • IfS - Institut für Sozialdienste Vorarlberg, Austria

  • Dachverband der Patienten/innen-Selbsthilfe Tirol

  • Europäisches Forum Alpbach

  • Caritas Tirol

  • AMS - Arbeitsmarktservice Österreich

  • BFI Tirol Bildungs GmbH

  • Arbeiterkammer Tirol

Research Strategy

The department has a strong emphasis on research at the interface of multiple disciplines and development of practical solutions in health and social care. In its scholarly efforts the interdisciplinary faculty of the department and its network brings in a variety of academic backgrounds into the department’s R&D strategy such as Economics, Business and Management, Medicine, Political Science, Sociology, Social Work, Information Technology, Statistics, Psychology, Ethics and Law. Central to the department’s applied research activities are the focus on implementation research and the close cooperation with our research partners.

Internship

As part of their studies, students complete an integrative work placement of at least 13 weeks. Therefore, students can choose domestic or international companies. The internship is organizationally supported by the degree program and supervised in coordination with the respective company. Students who have previously been engaged in a regulated professional role either before starting or during their academic journey may qualify for (partial) exemption from fulfilling their own internship requirement upon submission of an application.

In order to apply, the professional engagement must align with the broader professional scope of the Social, Health Care & Public Management study program. Furthermore, the learning objectives linked to the internship semester must have been either fully or partially attained.

Mentoring Program

As part of a mentoring program, students have the opportunity to adapt to the current requirements of the modern working world during their studies and to enrich the theoretical knowledge they have acquired with experience and tips from mentors from relevant industries.

Prof. Dr. Andreas Altmann stands in a circle with several students and talks with them.

Our department and the MCI Career Center regularly provide up-to-date information about internship positions and the situation on the labor market in general.

After studying Social, Health & Public Management

Studying at MCI is an investment in a successful future. Through close cooperation with industry and the practical orientation of all courses, MCI graduates are in particularly high demand on the job market and have several job offers even before graduation.

Professional opportunities

With a degree in Social, Health Care & Public Management, various career opportunities open up for you in national and international organizations of public interest, responsible companies, start-ups, and social enterprises. The program prepares you optimally for professional activities in the following areas:

  • Health / Care / Public Health / Health Promotion

  • Social Business & Social Entrepreneurship

  • Sustainable Development / Sustainability Management

  • International Cooperation / International Organizations / Development Cooperation

  • Nonprofit & Charitable Organizations

  • National & International Public Administrations / Local Authorities / Sovereign Administration

  • Regional Development / Regional and Location Management / Economic Development

Success Stories

Isabella Wild
BA Social, Health & Public Management
Isabella Wild

Artificial Intelligence Coordination & Ambassador of Hope | Johannes Kepler University – Distance Learning Center Bregenz

Read more
Timna Maria Moser
BA Social, Health & Public Management
Timna Maria Moser

Pre-Doctoral Researcher | University of Innsbruck

Read more
Read all icon

Continue studying

The MCI offers a number of internationally oriented Master's courses. The master program in International Health & Social Management and the European Master in Health Economics & Management are aimed directly at the graduates of this bachelor program. The completion of a master's degree qualifies for the relevant doctoral studies.

Lukas Kerschbaumer
Prof. Dr. Lukas Kerschbaumer Head of Bachelor's Program Social, Health & Public Management
Do you have questions about studying? We look forward to hearing from you.
+43 512 2070 - 3700

Suitable master's programs

News

Social, Health & Public Management

Online Appointment Booking in an Ophthalmology Practice: What Patients Need
©Unsplash (Vitaly Gariev)
Online Appointment Booking in an Ophthalmology Practice: What Patients Need
CSHI study highlights the benefits of digital appointment booking in healthcare – and why alternative access channels still matter
Field Report: Internship at Verein für Obdachlose
©MCI/Gabl
Field Report: Internship at Verein für Obdachlose
Insights into an Internship in Homelessness Support Services
Attracting and Retaining Nursing Staff: New CSHI Guide
©Unsplash (Andrew Moca)
Attracting and Retaining Nursing Staff: New CSHI Guide
CSHI is developing practical approaches for a holistic HR strategy – from recruitment to offboarding – as part of the EVIGT research project
Show more

Questions & Answers

I have not yet received my school-leaving certificate. Can I still apply?

Yes, it is possible and it is even recommended that you apply before obtaining your school-leaving certificate in order to secure one of the limited places in your desired course of study. Please include your most recent certificates available in your application. Should your application be successful, the relevant school-leaving certificate may be submitted at a later date.

Are there options for choice in the program?

Students in the program have options: they can choose within the curriculum, but also outside of it, between modules, specializations, supplementary events, elective subjects, courses, etc. But not only that: the semester abroad with its numerous partner universities, the professional internship as well as the project and thesis assignments provide choices and opportunities for shaping the study experience, making it an individualized journey.

Is it possible to apply for two or more study programs?

Multiple applications are welcome as long as a plausible reason is provided in your cover letter. If you are admitted to two or more study programs, you are required to inform us of your final decision by the conclusion of the application procedures. If you have applied for two or more study programs, you will have to take the written entrance examination only once.

Is it possible to study in the Social, Health & Public Management Course on a part-time basis?

The Bachelor’s program in Social, Health & Public Management offers the option to complete the first year either as an online study track through the neighboring Business Administration & Business Psychology Online program or as an in-person track within the Social, Health & Public Management program. The in-person track is designed with a work-friendly schedule (classes from Monday to Wednesday noon), allowing students to balance their studies with part-time employment. Nevertheless, this is a full-time program with a corresponding workload during the semester.

In addition, there is an option to complete the third year online too. During the fifth semester, selected courses can be taken through an "online exchange" with one of our international partner universities. In the sixth semester, students will write their bachelor’s thesis and complete their professional internship, which can also be conducted remotely.

What is the difference between the social, Health & Public Management program and the Social Work program?

The Social, Health Care & Public Management program is a business course. It is designed to prepare students for a career in the administration or management of organizations, mainly – but not exclusively – in the social, health care and public management sector.

How many study places are allocated per year?

We offer 60 places of study per academic year.

Can I complete the admission procedure abroad?

The entire admission process can be completed online. This means that you can also participate in the admission process from abroad. However, please make sure you have a sufficiently good internet connection.

When do the classes take place?

Lectures and seminars in full-time courses are held on weekdays. To facilitate a more intense discussion of individual topics, some lessons may also be organized in blocks. Classes usually take place Monday to Friday between 9am and 4.45pm.

In the online option for the first year, courses are mostly held in the evenings, with up to three online sessions per week, each lasting 90 minutes. Additionally, there are up to 10 on-campus days per semester. Courses in the fifth semester are also offered in an online format, depending on your choice.

Is attendance mandatory?

Attendance is mandatory in all classes. If you miss 25% of a course or more, this will have an effect on your final grade.

Exemption from mandatory attendance may be granted if a valid reason is given (e.g. sickness, visit to authorities or other personal reasons). Please submit your written request including relevant proof to the department for approval.

What is the tuition fee?

For citizens of the following countries, the tuition fee is 363 euros per semester plus a fee for compulsory membership to the Austrian National Union of Students:

  • EU citizens,

  • EEA and Swiss citizens, and

  • non-EU citizens who, according to § 2 of the University of Applied Sciences Studies Act, are subject to § 1 of the Regulation on Eligible Groups of Persons (see Federal Law Gazette II No. 340/2013, in its current version).

For students of non-EU countries not considered eligible according to above regulations, the tuition fee is as follows:

  • Bachelor’s programs EUR 8.250,- / semester plus statutory ÖH contribution

  • Master’s programs: EUR 8.250,- / semester plus statutory ÖH contribution

Your application documents regarding nationality will be assessed in detail as part of your admission procedure. Scholarships are available for applicants from non-EU countries and can be applied for as part of your online application.

Are there any areas of specialization in my studies?

Students of this study program have the choice within their curriculum, but also as part of their extracurricular activities, to choose between modules, specializations, additional courses, electives, etc. Additionally, the semester abroad at one of our numerous partner universities, the internship, as well as projects and final papers, enable our students to make their study program a truly unique experience.

Is it possible to receive credit for previous qualifications and experiences?

Yes. Applications for recognition of previously acquired qualifications must be submitted to the relevant head of department at the beginning of your studies. Recognition of previous experience / qualifications is only granted for individual classes within the program.

When will I have to choose a field of specialization?

The allocation of students to the Social Management, Health Care Management, and Public Management courses takes place in the third semester.

Where can I complete my internship?

The mandatory internship can be completed either nationally or internationally. Students are free to choose a preferred organization or institution. We will also inform you of further suitable internship positions in due time. Students with relevant professional experience may receive partial credit towards the professional internship.

Which master's programs am I qualified for after graduation?

Upon completion of the bachelor’s program, you are qualified to take up a master’s program at any higher education institution, provided you also fulfill all other relevant admission requirements.

The following master’s programs are available to you at MCI:

  • International Health & Social Management

  • European Health Economics & Management

  • Social Work, Social Policy & Management

  • International Business & Management

  • Strategic Management & Law

  • Entrepreneurship & Tourism

  • Corporate Governance & Finance Online

  • Management, Communication & IT

On which admission date do applicants have the best chances of securing a study place?

Since study places are continuously allocated in each admission round, we recommend participating in the admission process as early as possible. Applicants with above-average performance in the admission process will receive an immediate acceptance after evaluation (within 14 days). All other applicants remain on the waiting list until the end of the admission process. In case of rejections of already admitted students, there is a chance of obtaining a study place until the start of the semester.

What happens if I cannot complete the study within the deignated three years?

Our goal is to support our students as best as possible to complete the bachelor's program within six semesters. We are also very proud that our dropout rate is no higher than in on-campus programs. However, we understand that there are valid reasons that may make it difficult to successfully continue the studies – for example, if life circumstances change and a new job requires more time commitment. Therefore, it is possible to temporarily interrupt your studies and resume them at a later time. Please contact the study program early in this case.

Is the degree recognized in Italy?

Yes, the academic degree is recognized in Italy due to a grade conversion agreement (“Notenwechsel”) starting May 1, 2026.

This bilateral agreement between Austria and Italy provides a simplified procedure for the recognition of many academic degrees. Further information can be found here.

We're happy to assist you!
Are you interested in studying at MCI? Our team will answer all your questions regarding studies, application, and career options.
We look forward to hearing from you
+43 512 2070-0 Contact directly
Contact us on WhatsApp
Start chat
Check out our Study Finder

Discover the program that suits you.