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Northwestern University

Credit Recognition for Students Entering 2010-11

AP and IB credits can be used to satisfy distribution requirements and part or all of the foreign language requirement. In some cases they can also substitute for particular courses. See below for important information about how these credits can be used.

Note: Music Theory added May 2010.

Exam Score Course Credit Authorized Distribution Credit Authorized
(see note, below)
Art History 5 1 unit (Art History 2XX) None
Studio Art 5 1 unit (Art 1XX) None
Biology 5 1 unit (Biology 1XX) None
Chemistry 3, 4 1 unit (Chem 10l; placement in 171) 1 unit, Area I
5 3 units (Chem 101, 102, 103); placement in Chem 210-1 or 212-1 1 unit, Area I
Chinese Language and Culture 4 1 unit (Chinese 2XX) None
5 2 units (Chinese 2XX) None
Computer Science A & AB 4, 5 1 unit (EECS 110) 1 unit, Area II
Economics-Macro 5 1 unit (Economics 201) 1 unit, Area III
Economics-Micro 5 1 unit (Economics 202) 1 unit, Area III
English (Language) 5 2 units (English 1XX) None
English (Literature) 5 2 units (English 1XX) None
Environmental Science 5 1 unit (Env Sci 1XX) None
French Language 4 1 unit (French 2XX) None
5 2 units (French 2XX) None
Geography (Human) 5 1 unit (Geography 1XX) None
German Language 4 1 unit (German 2XX) None
5 2 units (German 2XX) None
Government (American) 5 1 unit (Poli Sci 2XX [Am Govt]) 1 unit, Area III
History (European) 5 2 units (History 2XX) 1 unit, Area IV
History (U.S.) 5 2 units (History 2XX) 1 unit, Area IV
History (World) 5 2 units (History 2XX) 1 unit, Area IV
Italian 4 1 unit (Italian 2XX) None
5 2 units (Italian 2XX) None
Japanese 4 1 unit (Japanese 2XX) None
5 2 units (Japanese 2XX) None
Latin (Literature/Catullus) 4 1 unit (Latin 1XX) None
5 2 units (Latin 2XX) None
Latin (Vergil) 4 1 unit (Latin 1XX) None
5 2 units (Latin 2XX) None
Mathematics AB (or AB subscore of Mathematics BC) 4 1 unit (Math 220) 1 unit, Area II
5 2 units (Math 220, Math 224) 1 unit, Area II
Mathematics BC below 4 see Mathematics AB see AB<
4,5 2 units (Math 220, Math 224) 1 unit, Area II
Music Theory 5 1 unit (Gen Mus 252) 1 unit, Area II
Physics B 5 2 units (Physics 130-1,2) 1 unit, Area I
Physics C-l 5 1 unit (Physics 135-1) 1 unit, Area I
Physics C-2 5 1 unit (Physics 135-2) 1 unit, Area I
Psychology 4,5 1 unit ( Psychology 110) 1 unit, Area III
Spanish Language 4 1 unit (Spanish 2XX) None
5 2 units (Spanish 2XX) None
Statistics 4,5 1 unit (Statistics 202) 1 unit, Area II

Northwestern does not offer credit for AP results in comparative government.

Weinberg College Recognition for International Baccalaureate Testing

International Baccalaureate higher level examination Score Northwestern Credit Distribution Credit Authorized
(see note, below)
Biology 6,7 1 unit (Biology 1XX) None
Chemistry  5,6 1 unit (Chem 101, placement in 171) 1 unit, Area 1
7 3 units (Chem 101, 102, 103);
placement in Chem 210-1 or 212-1
1 unit, Area 1
Computer Science 5,6,7 1 unit (EECS 110) 1 unit, Area II
Economics 6,7 2 units (Econ 201, 202) 1 unit, Area III
English 6,7 1 unit (English 1XX) None
History
(European or American)
6,7 2 units (History 2XX) 1 unit, Area IV
Mathematics
 
5, 6 1 unit (Math 220) 1 unit, Area II
7 2 units (Math 220, Math 224) 1 unit, Area II

Using AP and IB credits

Distribution Requirements

You can satisfy up to two of the twelve distribution requirements through AP or IB credits. These credits must be in two different areas. The table above shows in which area (if any) a credit can count.

Foreign Language Requirement

Your AP credit can give you placement toward your foreign language requirement or complete it altogether. To find out where your score places you, consult the Council on Language Instruction brochure or contact the department. You can also consult our Foreign Language Proficiency Table for details on how the requirement can be satisfied. With the exception of Hindi and Urdu, IB credit alone cannot be used to complete the foreign language requirement; contact the relevant department for information on how to demonstrate proficiency or on which course to take next.

Course Equivalents 

If your score gives you credit for a specific course number (e.g., Econ 201), you are considered to have completed the equivalent of that course. If the table indicates you get credit for 1XX or 2XX, that means you have earned a generic 100- or 200-level credit in that department. In some cases, this credit can be used to place out of introductory-level courses.  

Consult our information about AP/IB credits and the relevant departments for more information.

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