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SEMESTER PROGRAMS: COLOGNE BUSINESS SCHOOL

SUMMER PROGRAM: COLOGNE BUSINESS SCHOOL

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SEMESTER PROGRAMS: COLOGNE BUSINESS SCHOOL

Application Deadlines: See this page

Language Requirement: None. Classes are taught in English

Eligibility: Completion of at least 2 semesters of Business, Management, or Economics-related studies is required. For full Eligibility requirements, see this page

Possible U.S. Credits: 4-5 modules (courses) for a total of 12-15 US semester credits

Final Transcript: Issued by Cologne Business School

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

In the heart of Cologne's thriving metropolis is Cologne Business School (CBS)—a top-tier institution offering internationally focused business programs in a dynamic, English-speaking environment. You'll gain access to a powerful network of global thinkers, corporate leaders, and international peers, all while studying in one of Europe’s leading economic regions.

Each semester at CBS consists of 12 weeks of lectures and 2 weeks of exams.

HOW MANY COURSES CAN I TAKE?

At Cologne Business School, a module is what we call a course or class. Each module (course) generally equates to 6 ECTS (3 US semester credits). 30 ECTS (15 US credits) is the maximum allowed per semester. You must take a minimum of 24 ECTS (12 US credits) during your semester abroad. 

CERTIFICATE OPTIONS

Students will select a certificate program during the application process. 

Each CBS certificate program consists of 3 core courses and 2 elective courses, totaling 30 ECTS / 15 US credits. By completing the full course bundle, students will earn a CBS Business Studies Certificate, issued alongside the official CBS transcript.

Alternatively, students may choose a non-certificate path, which includes 2 core courses (both must be from the same certificate program) and 2 to 3 elective courses, totaling 24 - 30 ECTS / 12 - 15 US credits. Students following this option will not earn a CBS Business Studies Certificate, though all completed courses will appear on their final CBS transcript.

There are 8 certificate programs available, each representing a distinct area of academic focus within business studies. Choose from:

International Business
  • HR & Organization (6 ECTS / 3 US credits)
  • Sales & CRM (6 ECTS / 3 US credits)
  • Entrepreneurship & Entrepreneurship (6 ECTS / 3 US credits)
  • Elective 1 (6 ECTS / 3 US credits)
  • Elective 2 OR German as a Foreign Language (6 ECTS / 3 US credits)

International Business - Consulting & Entrepreneurship

  • Sustainability, CSR & ESG (6 ECTS / 3 US credits)
  • Consulting (6 ECTS / 3 US credits)
  • Entrepreneurship & Entrepreneurship (6 ECTS / 3 US credits)
  • Elective 1 (6 ECTS / 3 US credits)
  • Elective 2 OR German as a Foreign Language (6 ECTS / 3 US credits)

International Business - Digital Technology, AI & E-Commerce

  • Sustainability, CSR & ESG (6 ECTS / 3 US credits)
  • Digital Technology & AI (6 ECTS / 3 US credits)
  • E-Commerce (6 ECTS / 3 US credits)
  • Elective 1 (6 ECTS / 3 US credits)
  • Elective 2 OR German as a Foreign Language (6 ECTS / 3 US credits)
International Business - International Trade & Emerging Markets
  • Sales & CRM (6 ECTS / 3 US credits)
  • Trade (6 ECTS / 3 US credits)
  • Emerging Markets (6 ECTS / 3 US credits)
  • Elective 1 (6 ECTS / 3 US credits)
  • Elective 2 OR German as a Foreign Language (6 ECTS / 3 US credits)

Business Psychology (NEW starting in Spring 2026)

  • Sustainability, CSR & ESG (6 ECTS / 3 US credits)
  • Organizational & Social Psychology (6 ECTS / 3 US credits)
  • Media & Consumer Psychology (6 ECTS / 3 US credits)
  • Elective 1 (6 ECTS / 3 US credits)
  • Elective 2 OR German as a Foreign Language (6 ECTS / 3 US credits)

Business Models & AI

  • Business Models and Data (6 ECTS / 3 US credits)
  • Theory of AI-Driven Business Models (6 ECTS / 3 US credits)
  • Applied AI-Driven Business Models (6 ECTS / 3 US credits)
  • Elective 1 (6 ECTS / 3 US credits)
  • Elective 2 OR German as a Foreign Language (6 ECTS / 3 US credits)

Banking & Corporate Finance

  • Financial Markets & Banking (6 ECTS / 3 US credits)
  • Corporate Finance (6 ECTS / 3 US credits)
  • Financial Instruments (6 ECTS / 3 US credits)
  • Elective 1 (6 ECTS / 3 US credits)
  • Elective 2 OR German as a Foreign Language (6 ECTS / 3 US credits)

Financial Analysis & Investment

  • Financial Analysis (6 ECTS / 3 US credits)
  • Global Management & Strategy (6 ECTS / 3 US credits)
  • Investment, Value & Risk (6 ECTS / 3 US credits)
  • Elective 1 (6 ECTS / 3 US credits)
  • Elective 2 OR German as a Foreign Language (6 ECTS / 3 US credits)

MANDATORY ALTERNATE COURSES

You must have 4 elective courses approved for transfer by your home university (2 more than you actually plan to take). This will give you back-ups in case of changes in availability or schedule conflicts.

CORE COURSES

  • Applied AI-Driven Business Models
  • Applied Psychology, Media & Consumer Psychology
  • Business Models and Data
  • Consulting
  • Corporate Finance
  • Digital Technology & AI
  • E-Commerce
  • Emerging Markets
  • Entrepreneurship & Intrapreneurship
  • Financial Analysis
  • Financial Instruments
  • Financial Markets & Banking
  • Global Management & Strategy
  • HR & Organisation
  • Investment, Value & Risk
  • Organisational & Social Psychology
  • Sales & CRM
  • Sustainability, CSR & ESG
  • Theory of AI-Driven Business Models
  • Trade

ELECTIVE COURSES

  • Digital Marketing
  • Digital Marketing Tools & Website Development
  • European Politics and Economy
  • German as a Foreign Language (Beginner - Advanced Levels)
  • HRM & Leadership in Modern Organizations
  • Innovation & Self Management & Problem Solving Techniques
  • Intercultural Competence & Leadership, Teams & Emotional Intelligence
  • International Relations and Democracy
  • Introduction to Sport Psychology
  • Management Consulting Techniques
  • Sustainable Transformation
  • The European Political Framework

*You may also take any of the core classes listed above as an elective

COURSE SYLLABI

The linked 2025-2026 Module Handbook provides a curriculum overview and syllabi.

Note: Module availability may change.

If you need assistance, please reach out to us at Hello@academicstudies.com or 617-327-9388

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SUMMER PROGRAM: COLOGNE BUSINESS SCHOOL

Application Deadlines: See this page

Language Requirement: None. Classes are taught in English

Eligibility: Completion of at least 2 semesters of Business, Management, or Economics-related studies is required. For full Eligibility requirements, see this page

Possible U.S. Credits: 1-2 modules (courses) for a total of 3-6 US semester credits

Final Transcript: Issued by Cologne Business School

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

In the heart of Cologne's thriving metropolis is Cologne Business School (CBS)—a top-tier institution offering internationally focused business programs in a dynamic, English-speaking environment. You'll gain access to a powerful network of global thinkers, corporate leaders, and international peers, all while studying in one of Europe’s leading economic regions.

The 4-week summer program at CBS offers Business and Economics courses in an international environment. You'll earn 3-6 US credits and take part in a variety of extracurricular activities designed to enrich both your academic and cultural experience.

HOW MANY COURSES CAN I TAKE?

Students take 1-2 courses (6-12 ECTS total). One course (6 ECTS) generally equates to 3 US semester credits. 

At Cologne Business School, a module is what we call a course or class.

MANDATORY ALTERNATE COURSES

Students planning to take 1 course must have at least 2 courses approved. Students planning to take 2 courses must have all 3 courses approved. This will give you back-ups in case of changes in availability or schedule conflicts.

COURSE OFFERINGS

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