• The JKU Bachelor's degree program in Social Economics is unique in Austria as our program is the only one that offers a combination of political science, sociology, business, and law. Graduates have many options when pursuing a professional career after graduation. Graduates are highly sought-after for positions in management at non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and non-profit organizations (NPOs) as well as at large socio-political service providers.
• This program is international and includes a comparative, worldwide perspective, providing students with information about political and social systems.
• The program supports a 'learning by doing' philosophy! Working on projects as part of a team gives you hands-on project management experience and hones your social skills.
• You have your freedom! During your studies, we encourage you to pursue your preferred areas of study. We give you space to choose the classes you want in areas you are interested in. Studies in Social Economics starts with what you want to do!

The Bachelor's degree program in Social Economics is comprised of the following subject areas:

Studies Introduction and Orientation Phase (StEOP)

New students will be required to complete the StEOP requirements at the beginning of the Bachelor's degree program in Social Economics. The required StEOP courses are outlined in the curriculum. You must pass the required StEOP courses or you will be limited when trying to register for additional courses.

The Bachelor's degree program in Social Economics consists of a combination of the following areas:

• Societal and social policy: This central subject area in the social economics program provides you with expertise and skills, particularly when sociologically analyzing government and politics. Drawing on an international comparative perspective, you will identify the global challenges facing societies, explore policy concepts, and look at ddifferent ways of addressing these challenges.

• Economics: The program focuses on microeconomic (business administration) and macroeconomic (economics) principles related to the efficient and sustainable use of scarce resources, the complexities involved in implementing these principles, and the information systems designed to provide insight into utilizing and distributing resources.
   
• Legalities and the Law: As part of the required courses in public law, private law, labor law, and social law, students acquire a strong foundation in the area of legal theory, argumentation, and interpretation.
   
• Sociology: Students learn to observe and categorize human action and the resulting social structures and processes. In doing so, sociological theories, as well as using empirical social research methods to analyze organizations and social structures, are helpful.

When majoring in Social Economics, you do not have to commit to a certain subject area from the start. Let your personal interests inspire and shape your career the way you want it to be once you graduate. You have numerous options!

• Management and assistant management positions: Graduates are qualified to pursue a variety of (management) responsibilities at institutions and companies in Austria or abroad, as well as at social economic companies (NPOs or NGOs, such as child and youth welfare, senior homes, city administration)
• Administrative positions: Human resource management and organizational management, controlling and accounting, data collection
• Project assistance/management: Responsibilities in cross-system project management
• Training: Design, organize, and implement educational, informational and communication activities, such as at adult education centers (independently or, for example, at BFI, WIFI, etc.)
• Provide advising and consulting services in sociological fields for those seeking help or help those in need, such as at associations or institutions, including the Employment Service (AMS), the Chamber of Labour, the Chamber of Commerce, Caritas, promente, Volkshilfe, etc.
• Research: Conduct application-oriented, networked research in areas such as social affairs, business, environmental topics, politics, education, or cultural areas.

After completing your undergraduate degree, you can continue your education by pursuing an advanced degree:

These academic degree programs may also be of interest: