The Fachhochschule des Mittelstands (FHM) with 5,814 students, 157 employees, 101 professors, and around 250 experts from the private sector is one of the leading private universities in Germany and clearly focuses on small and medium-sized enterprises. Since its founding in Bielefeld in 2000, FHM's history has been characterized by innovation, quality, scientific approach, transfer, and a constant desire for further development – this applies to both teaching and application-oriented research and development. As a non-profit university, FHM is state-recognized and has been repeatedly chosen as the best business school in Germany. The range of degree programs includes courses in psychology, pedagogy & social sciences, business, media & communication, technology, and sports & health – at nine locations across Germany (Bielefeld, Düren, Frechen, Cologne, Hannover, Rostock, Berlin, Bamberg, Waldshut) as well as location-independent through FHM Online-University. The shareholder is the Stiftung Bildung & Handwerk from Paderborn.