Duale Hochschule Baden-Wuerttemberg (DHBW)
Taking the 35-year success story of the University of Cooperative Education into account, the German state of Baden-Wuerttemberg has changed the university’s legal status on March 1st, 2009. The institution now is called Baden-Wuerttemberg Cooperative State University. Raising the institution’s status is intended to ensure its national and international recognition.
The Baden-Wuerttemberg Cooperative State University with its main seat in Stuttgart is the first university in Germany to integrate academic studies and work experience. Like the other universities, it is a legal entity of public law and simultaneously a state institution. Its trademarks will be the structural characteristics of the University of Cooperative Education, in particular, the participation of training companies and institutions and the dual learning principle of studies. The eight main locations and three branch campuses with their areas of responsibility and close networking with the regional economy are the pillars of the Cooperative State University.
The conversion to dual university status means the new institution can grant academic degrees. One of the main innovations is the brief to realize cooperative research projects. That means that collaboration with partner enterprises and institutions can be intensified, and steps can be taken to make academic studies more up-to-date.
The Baden-Wuerttemberg Cooperative State University offers a broad spectrum of bachelor degree programs in the fields of business, engineering, and social work. All the degree programs are worth 210 ECTS credits and count as intensive programs.
The characteristics of the dual study at the DHBW are:
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Practice orientation
Through the dual approach with alternating academy and operational phases of the study is distinguished by particular practical relevance.
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Financial independence
The students are part of the company's employees and get through the entire study period a monthly allowance.
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Short study
Students complete university studies within three years of a science-related and practical experiece.
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Academic degrees as qualifications
The DHBW awards those students who successfully complete their academic degree.
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Excellent job prospects
About 90% of the students of the Faculty of Applied Science in Friedrichshafen get a job after graduation. Most conclude an employment contract with their training company.