When the mechanical engineering program in Aalen faced economic challenges in the early 1970s, the idea arose to link technical content more closely with business management knowledge. Professors Manfred Brucker and Hermann Binder of Aalen University of Applied Sciences subsequently launched the postgraduate program “Business Administration for Engineers” in 1974–75. The program’s sensational success led to its transformation in 1976 into a standalone degree program that combined technical and business content: Industrial Engineering at Aalen University of Applied Sciences was born.
Since then, the Study Programmes have continued to evolve: digital applications and hands-on formats were added, and its structures gave rise to additional business-related degree programs and today’s Faculty of Business and Health at the Aalen University of Applied Sciences. In 2005, the program transitioned to the bachelor’s degree; in 2008–09, the Master’s in Industrial Management was added to the Study Programmes. With the move into the WIN building on the Waldcampus in 2024 and the addition of Business Informatics in 2025, the academic division continues its success story. Today, it stands for the combination of technological excellence with business acumen and their integration into the digital environment.
Alumni also reflect on the formative connection between these disciplines: “My studies taught me early on to think about technical and economic contexts together—it is precisely this connection that has shaped my career across various leadership and management roles to this day,” explains alumna Christina Riess. She currently serves as Director of Aerospace & Defense and Head of the Defense Task Force Europe at Atreus GmbH.
Anniversary Celebration Under the Motto “Mobility in All Its Facets”
The program recently celebrated its anniversary at Aalen University of Applied Sciences. Under the theme “Mobility in All Its Facets,” the event highlighted technological, economic, and societal developments, as well as the impact of mobility on industrial engineering—both today and in the future. More than 100 guests accepted the invitation to the University of Applied Sciences, including alumni, faculty, students, and representatives from regional companies and the political sphere. During a guided tour of the campus, guests gained insights into the engineering research laboratories as well as the program’s modern classrooms and workspaces in the WIN building.
The event began with a ceremonial welcome address by the president of the University of Applied Sciences, Prof. Dr. Harald Riegel. He paid tribute to the program’s long-standing success story and emphasized: “An anniversary like this is an occasion to look back—and above all to thank the people who made this success story possible. My thanks go to everyone who founded, built, taught, further developed, and brought this program to life.” The program—entertainingly moderated by two program staff members, Monika Bühr and Lukas Kirschinger—was rounded out by a panel discussion on mobility, a retrospective on the program’s history, and presentations on the successful career paths of alumni.
Prof. Dr. Axel Löffler, Dean of Studies for Technology and Business, addressed the guests with closing remarks: “For 50 years, industrial engineering in Aalen has stood for the combination of technical understanding and economic thinking. This interdisciplinary perspective is more important today than ever before. Together with students and companies, and based on scientific insights and practical experience, we aim to continuously further develop the program.”
Photo: The Industrial Engineering program team celebrated the program’s 50th anniversary at Aalen University of Applied Sciences together with numerous guests.
Photo credit: © Aalen University of Applied Sciences | Lukas Kirschinger
