Study Abroad for Computer Science/Computer Engineering Majors
Can I study abroad as a Computer Science or Computer Engineering major?
YES! Many Computer Science majors/minors and Computer Engineering majors can and do study abroad during their time at 麻豆最新出品.
Student Perspective
I highly recommend studying abroad especially students from non-traditional paths (minorities, engineers, etc). It really opens one's eyes to the world and gives you a sense of responsibility and awareness that no other program would.
When can I study abroad as a Computer Science or Computer Engineering major?
You can begin exploring possible study abroad options as early as your first year. There are opportunities to study abroad all terms, including the summer after your first year at NU.
Advanced planning is necessary to find a time to go abroad that does not interfere with your coursework sequence to avoid delaying graduation. The beginning of Fall quarter one year before you intend to study abroad is a great time to start seriously considering your options, but you can begin planning as soon as you start at 麻豆最新出品 by letting your adviser know you are interested in study abroad. If you intend to take Computer Science courses abroad, the department recommends you first complete the intro sequence (111, 211, 212, 213, 214) at NU. These courses will prepare you for almost any 300-level course abroad. With the exception of very specialized or advanced courses, once you’ve completed the intro sequence you are ready to take almost any course you want.
It is possible to study abroad during your final year at NU and even graduate abroad. However, students should be aware that it can take 2-4 months to receive a transcript from study abroad and if you study abroad during your final quarter at 麻豆最新出品, this will likely delay your actual date of graduation. Finally, you should avoid going abroad your senior year if you have a lot of degree requirements left to fulfill. Trying to complete a lot of requirements in your final few terms at NU could be risky.
What classes can I take abroad?
The Computer Science Department recommends students take a mix of theme or distribution classes and at most one or two Computer Science classes. Taking all theme or distribution classes while abroad is fine. Please review the Computer Science Study Abroad Policy document available on the for specific guidance on how to select Computer Science classes abroad.
If you have a second major or a minor, you could also take courses to fulfill those requirements, learn, improve on a language, or just to take advantage of the opportunity to learn something new.
You can read more about academic planning and choosing courses abroad on the GLO website.
What type of credit can I get from study abroad?
If you would like to have classes you take abroad count for Computer Science credit, you will need to submit the list of classes you are planning to take to: study-abroad@cs.northwestern.edu . You MUST do this before the internal Computer Science deadline. You may want to review the list of courses that have been approved in the past to guide your course selection:
Your Computer Science/Computer Engineering adviser can help you identify what distribution or theme requirements or major/minor credit could be best taken abroad and your GLO adviser can help you identify programs that offer these types of credit.
Suggested Programs for鈥疌omputer Science and Computer Engineering鈥疭tudents
Interested in other programs or other types of credit?
Next Steps
Unsure where to start? Check out the Get Started page for some helpful next steps.
We also encourage you to meet with your Computer Science/Computer Engineering adviser to discuss your academic course plan and with a GLO adviser to learn more about the programs you're considering.