Study at the interface between chemistry and business administration

Florian Steiner is currently studying for a bachelor's degree in “Chemistry with a focus on economics” at the RPTU, which prepares him for the master's degree in business chemistry. A course of study in which he gets to know the language of both natural sciences and business administration. Later on, career opportunities await him in the interface area – from production and purchasing to marketing and sales.

After graduating from high school, Florian Steiner wanted to do something with chemistry. “But not pure chemistry,” as he says. He then looked around intensively – explored what study options were available: “Chemistry with a focus on economics appealed to me the most.” There are only a few universities in all of Germany that offer such a focus. Each of the locations sets its own priorities: at the RPTU, 70 percent of the course content in the bachelor's program consists of chemistry and mathematical and scientific fundamentals – economics make up 20 percent – plus an elective and a compulsory elective area. At the RPTU, the bachelor's program is called “Chemistry with a Focus on Economics” – a master's in business chemistry builds on this.

Knowledge from two subject areas

Kaiserslautern was an attractive place to study for him as a native of Ludwigshafen, Florian Steiner adds. “I have definitely not regretted the decision.” The 22-year-old is now in his sixth semester. “In the first two semesters, we have general chemistry, experimental chemistry, mathematics and physics.” Training in the chemical laboratory also begins in the first semester. Modules in analytical chemistry, organic chemistry, physical chemistry and technical chemistry are added later.

At the same time, the economics part initially covers the basics of business administration, accounting and finance. After that, students individually select several specializations from the areas of operations management, organization and management, marketing management, investments and financial management, fundamentals of leadership, strategy and technology, management science, logistics management, sustainability management, entrepreneurship and information systems.

Individual options in the elective area

And what is the difference to a “pure” chemistry degree? “In the chemistry part, it is a little less in-depth and broader,” explains Andrea Langenstein, program manager in the chemistry department and herself a graduate chemist and graduate business chemist. The practical component of about 30 percent is also comparatively smaller than in a “pure” chemistry degree. Nevertheless, those who want to can delve even deeper into chemistry in the elective and optional areas: “For example, all students take three basic modules in organic chemistry. Those who are interested can also take the fourth basic module from the pure chemistry bachelor's program.” Similarly, students can choose additional courses in biochemistry, toxicology, environmental law, or even scientific English.

Those who want to take even more economics modules can also choose further specializations here or – if they want to increase the proportion even further – include the degree program “Industrial Engineering and Management, specializing in Chemistry” at the RPTU in the selection when choosing their field of study.

Bachelor's thesis in chemical research

Florian Steiner's bachelor's thesis is already in progress. It deals with nitrated fatty acids, which play a role in the development of new drugs. “I'm investigating how they are produced, including how they can be produced cost-effectively.” His degree program requires students to write their bachelor's thesis in the field of chemistry. “Later, when you come to write your master's thesis, you can choose whether to focus on chemistry or on economics.”

In the Master's in Business Chemistry, the proportion of economics courses increases.

Speaking of the Master's program, Andrea Langenstein adds that with certain conditions, it is also possible to go on to the Master's program in Chemistry. “Some of the students say they enjoyed the chemistry part of the Bachelor's program so much that they would like to do a Master's in Chemistry.” Nevertheless, most graduates of the bachelor's program in Chemistry and Economics go on to take the four-semester master's program in Business Chemistry. Here, the proportion of content from economics is a minimum of 32 percent and – if you write your master's thesis in economics – a maximum of 61 percent. “In the master's program, students expand their basic knowledge in both subjects,” explains Andrea Langenstein. In the second and third semesters, there are advanced modules in chemistry and economics “that reflect the different research priorities of the two departments and also include modules taught by lecturers from the chemical industry.” The program concludes with a Master of Science degree.

Graduates are attractive to companies

After graduating, Florian Steiner wants to go into industry: “I don't know what yet. But I probably won't be working in the laboratory.” Andrea Langenstein: “Unlike with a pure chemistry degree program, graduates typically start their careers directly after their master's degree, often in interface areas. You can work in a company, perhaps in the pharmaceutical or chemical sector in purchasing. Because you understand the products, but also the business aspects.” You could also take on suitable tasks in the area of production or in marketing and sales or even in controlling. ”Graduates who have insights into both areas are also an interesting option for small and medium-sized companies.”

An interest in science and mathematics is a must

Prospective students should ideally have a basic knowledge of and interest in science and mathematics, recommends Florian Steiner: “And you should be able to work under pressure, including in the laboratory. After all, experiments don't always go to plan.” He also shares a piece of personal experience: “The first two semesters are all about the basics.” However, this solid foundation is needed for the rest of the course. Andrea Langenstein adds: “In everyday student life, you exchange ideas with other students from your own and from higher semesters, have contact persons among the students of the student council and in the department, and grow into many things. By the way, further information is available on our page for prospective students.” The program is aimed at anyone who wants to get to know both the language of science and that of business administration. An interesting combination.