Taking Business and Law Courses Abroad

Northwestern will not grant any type of credit for courses taught abroad in subjects that are not taught here at the undergraduate level. Although students cannot pursue undergraduate majors in Business or Law, minors in Business Institutions and Legal Studies are offered, and the Kellogg School of Management offers a Business Certificate Program for undergraduates - all of which include particular types of business and law courses.  If you hope to receive any type of Northwestern credit for Business and Law courses taken abroad (including general credit towards graduation), you should ensure that the courses are taught at the level of Northwestern's Business/Economics and Law-related courses, cover similar types of material, and utilize similar tools.

The following types of Business courses abroad may be considered credit-worthy by Northwestern:

  • Accounting
  • Students may receive only 1 course credit for accounting. The course content should be similar to Economics 260: Accounting and Business Finance.
  • Macro/Micro economics
  • Organizational theory
  • Courses that have a prerequisite of macro/micro economics
  • Courses that have a prerequisite of organizational theory
  • Advanced organizational theory courses
  • Courses that focus on organizations and institutions
  • Business German, Spanish, French, etc.

Important Next Steps

  • Meet with a BIP advisor BEFORE going abroad! Schedule an appointment by calling 847-491-2706.  Bring course descriptions (as detailed as possible) and a list of alternative courses to this meeting. For additional information, visit the Business Institution Program's website. 
  • Students who are participating in the Kellogg School of Management's Certificate Program for Undergraduates may be allowed to substitute one honors- or graduate- level Business course for one Certificate course.  The course must be on the same topic and cover the same material.  The syllabus, sample exams, and name of text book(s) must be provided in advance.  Contact Carol Henes, Director of the Certificate Program for Undergraduates, at 847-467-4600 or c-henes@kellogg.northwestern.edu for more details.
  • For information on taking Law courses abroad, contact the Legal Studies Program at 847-467-2207, and visit their website for additional information regarding study abroad.

Important Reminders

  • If you are majoring or minoring in Economics or Business Institutions and you take multiple Business courses abroad, you will probably not receive major and/or minor credit for all of these courses.
  • Departmental advisers have the final decision regarding whether or not study abroad credits fulfill requirements for your major and minor, and your school representative must approve distribution or other school requirements. You will need to follow the school's specific credit transfer policies and procedures in order to petition for major, minor, or distribution credit.