Chicago Field Studies
Chicago Field Studies (CFS) is an experiential-learning program that allows a student to intern in a field of their choice while thinking critically about that work in an attached course for credit. CFS is committed to the notion that framing internships academically can help students explore their interests and gain practical experience, while learning to contemplate the currents that shape working lives socially, politically, ethically, or otherwise by field.
The largest academic internship program at Northwestern, CFS enrolls over 500 students a year in courses such as “Legal Field Studies” and “Field Studies in Public Health,” encompassing an array of internship sites across Chicagoland and beyond. While CFS courses vary by topic, all entail readings, assignments, and activities that challenge students to grapple with fundamental questions about their fields and experiences.
Chicago Field Studies Courses
All CFS courses aim to bridge theory and practice by combining internship analysis with salient topics in the field and assignments that help students practice fundamental skills. We keep these seminar-style classes small to encourage communication and reflection. Classes meet weekly and typically mix discussions, student presentations, structured activities, and participatory lectures, sometimes with guests or field trips along the way. Most CFS courses can be taken for 1-4 units of credit.
Even if a student completes a CFS course for more than one unit, if that course is eligible to be applied to a foundational discipline only one unit of credit may be applied towards that area. Where a course is approved for U.S. Perspectives, the one unit may be applied to one foundational discipline and U.S. Perspectives at the same time. In no instance may a unit be applied towards more than one foundational discipline at the same time. Students who matriculated Spring 2023 or earlier should refer to the 2022-2023 or earlier Catalog editions for rules about distribution requirements.
CFS 291-0 Analysis of Field Experience (0.25-1 Unit) Asynchronous online course for students who intern 10-40 hours a week. Requires students to read, reflect upon, and discuss the structure and purpose of organizations as well as various workplace topics. Application and acceptance to CFS required. May be subject to internship course-credit limits; students should consult their academic adviser before applying.
CFS 387-0 Field Studies in the Environment & Sustainability (1-4 Units) Explores theoretical, geographic, and historical stakes of sustainability approaches and environmental professions. Students intern 10-40 hours a week. Application and acceptance to CFS required. May be subject to internship course-credit limits; students should consult their academic adviser before applying. Social Behavioral Sciences Distro Area Social and Behavioral Science Foundational Discipl
CFS 388-0 Field Studies in Business Culture (1-4 Units) Online course for students who intern 10-40 hours a week in organizations throughout the world. Focuses on critical and historical issues shaping business culture. Application and acceptance to CFS required. May be subject to internship course-credit limits; students should consult their academic adviser before applying. Course Meets Online
CFS 391-0 Field Studies in Social Justice (1-4 Units) Theories of justice and approaches to social change. Students intern 10-40 hours a week in advocacy, policy, or related organizations. Application and acceptance to CFS required. May be subject to internship course-credit limits; students should consult their academic adviser before applying. Social Behavioral Sciences Distro Area Social and Behavioral Science Foundational Discipl U.S. Perspectives on Power, Justice, and Equity
CFS 392-0 Field Studies in Public Health (1-4 Units) Explores foundational concepts and current issues in Public Health. Students earn 10-40 hours a week in health- and medicine-related organizations. Application and acceptance to CFS required. May be subject to internship course-credit limits; students should consult their academic adviser before applying. Social Behavioral Sciences Distro Area Social and Behavioral Science Foundational Discipl U.S. Perspectives on Power, Justice, and Equity
CFS 393-0 Field Studies in the Modern Workplace (1-4 Units) Culture, theory, and history of modern workplaces and labor issues. Students intern 10-40 hours a week in various fields. Application and acceptance to CFS required. May be subject to internship course-credit limits; students should consult their academic adviser before applying. Credits available may vary by quarter. Historical Studies Distro Area Interdisciplinary Distro - See Rules Social Behavioral Sciences Distro Area Social and Behavioral Science Foundational Discipl
CFS 394-0 Legal Field Studies (1-4 Units) Contemporary issues and workplace culture in the legal field. Students intern 10-40 hours a week in legal organizations. Application and acceptance to CFS required. May be subject to internship course-credit limits; students should consult their academic adviser before applying. Credits available may vary by quarter. Social Behavioral Sciences Distro Area Social and Behavioral Science Foundational Discipl U.S. Perspectives on Power, Justice, and Equity
CFS 395-0 Business Field Studies (1-4 Units) Contemporary issues in business professions. Students intern 10-40 hours a week in business (primarily finance, consulting, or marketing). Application and acceptance to CFS required. May be subject to internship course-credit limits; students should consult their academic adviser before applying. Credits available may vary by quarter. Social Behavioral Sciences Distro Area Social and Behavioral Science Foundational Discipl
CFS 397-0 Field Studies in Civic Engagement (1-4 Units) Forms of civic engagement with emphasis on local issues and approaches. Students intern 10-40 hours a week in civic, educational, legal, governmental, nonprofit, or community-based organizations. Application and acceptance to CFS required. May be subject to internship course-credit limits; students should consult their academic adviser before applying. Social Behavioral Sciences Distro Area Social and Behavioral Science Foundational Discipl U.S. Perspectives on Power, Justice, and Equity
CFS 398-0 Field Studies in Humanities (1-4 Units) Labor issues through arts and cultural history, with emphasis on humanities, arts, and media in the public sphere. Students intern 10-40 hours a week in fields including but not limited to arts and cultural organizations. Application and acceptance to CFS required. May be subject to internship course-credit limits; students should consult their academic adviser before applying. Literature Fine Arts Distro Area Literature and Arts Foundational Discipline