Russian Studies
Overview
Russian studies programs teach people about the culture and history of Russia.Russian studies programs include topics such as:
- Sociology
- Economics
- Customs and culture
- History
- Politics
- Art
- Literature and folklore
- Film studies
- Religions
- Philosophic movements
- Reading, writing, and speaking Russian
Concentrations
In Russian studies programs, students may be able to specialize in Baltic studies.
Schools
Community colleges and other two-year schools offer associate degree programs in Russian studies. An associate degree usually takes two years to complete. After earning an associate degree students can transfer to a college or university for further study.
Many colleges and universities offer bachelor's degrees in Russian studies. A bachelor's degree usually takes about four years of full-time study. Some schools offer a concentration in Russian studies as part of a Central and Eastern European studies program.
Several universities offer graduate degrees in Russian studies. A master's degree typically requires two years of study beyond a bachelor's degree. Doctoral (PhD) degree programs usually require two or more years of study beyond the master's degree.
See schools that offer this program.
Related Educational Programs
- Anthropology
- Central and Eastern European Languages and Literature
- Central and Eastern European Studies
- History
- Humanities
- Russian Language and Literature
- Social Sciences, General
- Sociology
Related Careers
Careers to Consider
- Anthropologists
- Curators
- Economists
- Geographers
- High School Teachers
- Historians
- Market Research Analysts
- Museum Technicians and Conservators
- Political Scientists
- Sociologists
- University and College Teachers
- Writers
Program Admission
You can prepare for this program by taking courses in high school that prepare you for college. This typically includes four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies, and two years of science. Some colleges also require two years of a second language.
Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:
- Comparative Government
- Contemporary World Issues
- Economics
- Humanities
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies
- Political Science
- Second Language
- Western Civilization
- World Area Studies
- World Geography
- World History
Graduate Admissions
Admission to graduate programs is competitive. You need a bachelor's degree and good grades. You also need to submit letters of recommendation and a personal statement.
Your bachelor's degree should be in this program of study or in a related field such as Eastern European studies, European history, or international relations. If you don't major in a field such as these, you should take several courses in these fields.
Additional requirements at many schools typically include:
- Graduate Record Exam (GRE) General
- Academic writing sample
- Demonstrate proficiency in Russian
Typical Course Work
Program Courses
This program typically includes courses in the following subjects:
- Anthropology
- Art
- Culture and Ethnic Relationships
- Economics
- Geography
- History
- Languages
- Literature
- Music
- Political Systems
- Sociology
Graduate Program Courses
Course work in graduate programs varies. However, the outline of a typical graduate curriculum looks like the following:
- Core courses
- Comprehensive oral and written exams (doctoral degree only)
- Thesis and thesis defense (master's degree only)
- Dissertation and dissertation defense (doctoral degree only)
Things to Know
Colleges that do not have programs in Russian studies may offer elective courses as part of a major in interdisciplinary studies or liberal arts.
You may be required or encouraged to spend some time living, working, or studying in Russia. This gives you an immersion experience and the chance to practice your language skills with native speakers.
Schools
King-Snohomish Area
University of Washington - Seattle
- Russian, East European, and Central Asian Studies
- Slavic Languages & Literatures--Russian Language, Literature, & Culture Option