Credit and Transcripts
Full-time Northwestern University students earn one unit of credit per course unless otherwise noted (e.g., Field Study and Study Abroad courses).
Auditing Courses
The Office of the Registrar does not formally recognize course audits by degree-seeking undergraduates.
Independent Study
Most departments offer Northwestern students the opportunity for independent study. To learn more, please contact the appropriate department.
Intensive Course Sequences
Intensive course sequences compress three quarters of academic work into one summer. Each course counts as one quarter of work and carries its own tuition. Individual courses in any intensive sequence may be taken separately, subject to prerequisites. Available intensive course sequences are listed on the Registration page.
Grade Reports and Official Transcripts
Northwestern University has contracted with Parchment Exchange to securely distribute official electronic transcripts in the form of a “certified” PDF. This certified PDF will automatically validate to recipients that the documents were authored and sent by Northwestern University and that the contents have not been altered.
All students are encouraged to go online to place their transcript order. This is the easiest and most efficient way to place an order for either a traditional paper transcript or the new electronic transcript delivery.
Please visit the Office of the Registrar website for complete details regarding transcripts, including processing time, cost and services available.