• The curriculum ensures you receive a unique, cross-disciplinary education in the fields of humanities and social sciences, cultural studies, law, business, and pedagogy. You will possess the expertise to make sound decisions, take action, apply methods, and understand subject matter so you can take on and discuss important global challenges, such as digitalization, climate change, and social upheaval.
   
• As part of the Master's degree program in Civic Studies, students who have selected a career-oriented focus can select courses from the following subject areas: Politics, Law, Sociology, Fundamenals of History, Educational Sciences, Business, Social and Environmental History, Global Studies, Business and Society, or Contemporary History. Additional choices in regard to autonomous coursework lets you customize your degree so you can pursue your career goals.
   
• In addition to classroom theory, you acquire hands-on experience by conducting a research study and working on a media project.

As part of the Master’s degree program, students are required to complete courses totaling 120 ECTS credits in the following areas:
 

You can choose your electives and modules according to two areas of specialization.

1. Supplement to Prior Educational Qualifications (18 ECTS credits):

• Selected Fundaments in Political Sciences
• Selected Fundamentals in Law
• Selected Fundamentals in Sociology
• Selected Fundamentals in History 

2. Focus on Career Prospects (24 ECTS credits)

• Specialization in Educational Sciences
• Specialization in Political Science  
• Specialization in Sociology
• Politics - Law  
• History of Economics, Social Sciences, and the Environment
• Global Studies
• Business and Sociology 
• Contemporary History 

The Curriculum and Course Catalog

Please refer to the curriculum and the course catalog for detailed information about the program content and required courses.

The Master's degree program in Civic Studies will provide you with a broad, interdisciplinary educational experience that focuses on the following areas:

• You acquire an in-depth understanding regarding facts and context of political foundations and educational sciences, gender studies, as well as politics, media and culture 
• Political Science, Law, Sociology, Historical Background: This is where you complement your existing credentials. Topics include a deeper understanding of political systems and political decision-making; fundamental political rights; social theories, and how history is constructed.
• A career-oriented focus: An in-depth focus on education, political science, special topics in sociology; Politics - the law; business, social and environmental history; global studies; business and society; contemporary history.
• Research methods and Real-World Practices: You will focus on, for example, conducting a socio-political survey; working on an educational policy project; or using social media in the political arena.

In addition to your expertise and understanding of research, the JKU's Master's degree program in Civic Studies gives you an opportunity to strengthen and hone your personal and professional skills:
 

• Political reasoning and the ability to take action
• An understanding of - and how to apply - policy-related methods
• Media skills
• A strong social skill set
• Pedagogical and didactic skills
• An understanding of - and ability to - communicate politics
• Expertise in raising political awareness, civic studies work, civic studies in support of adult education
• The ability to (self) reflect

As a graduate of the Master's degree program in Civic Studies, you are qualified to pursue the following professions, particularly in lieu of your educational background:
 

• Youth and social work, adult education: As part of these "traditional" professions, you will teach the fundamentals of civic studies.
• Public service, social partnerships: You have the expertise and background to pursue a career in these fields.
• This is where your expertise in civic studies meets current affairs, including editorial and design work for the media, institutions, PR departments working to support public interest, or at companies.
• Social, political and/or environmental work as part of a grassroots movement, or at non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Austria and abroad.
• Political activities: Naturally, a Master's degree in Civic Studies provides you with the required qualifications to hold positions at the highest levels of political committees, interest groups or political parties.
   

Please note: The Master of Arts degree in Civic Studies does not confer a teaching license (=Lehrbefugnis).

On average, graduates of the Master's degree program in Civic Studies successfully find employment almost immediately after graduation.