Russian and Eurasian Studies
Explore Russian and Eurasian Studies
This program is intended for students seeking an interdisciplinary program of study centered on Russia and Eurasia. The program is regional in spirit, meaning that students can take courses in a wide range of countries of East/Central Europe, the Slavic states, and Central Asia.
In this interdisciplinary field, you can earn a major, minor, or concentration.
Detail, St. Basil’s Cathedral, a former church, built between 1555-61; now a museum in Red Square, in the heart of Moscow, Russia
Earning a major or minor
Russian is the world’s eighth most spoken language, used in nine countries by over 144 million people. A gateway to a fascinating literary, cultural and scientific heritage, Russian is also a strategically and economically important Critical Language, with applications in fields including air and space, information technology, nuclear studies, security studies, and many others.
Russian Studies offers instruction in the beginning to upper-intermediate levels of Russian language, as well as subjects in Russian literature, history, and political science. The curriculum prepares students to communicate effectively with native speakers and acquaints students with Russian culture and civilization, holistically preparing them to function successfully in a Russian-speaking environment. Russian classes prepare students to participate in international experiences such as MIT-Russia. Russian Studies may be applied to the Russian Concentration, and to the Concentration, minor and major in Russian and Eurasian Studies.
Major
The Major Program in Russian Studies consists of a minimum of nine subjects (108 units) beyond the pre-thesis and thesis. At least six subjects must be MIT subjects or subjects taken at Harvard University or Wellesley College under cross-registration.
Visit the Registrar’s page on Russian and Eurasian Studies to learn about major requirements and current subject offerings.
To declare or change your major, visit How to Apply.
Minor
The Minor Program in Russian Studies consists of six subjects, at least three of which must be MIT subjects or subjects taken at Harvard or Wellesley under cross-registration.
Visit the Registrar’s page on Russian and Eurasian Studies to learn about minor requirements and current subject offerings.
To declare or change your minor, visit How to Apply.
Earning a concentration
The Russian and Eurasian Studies Regional Studies concentration is intended for students seeking an interdisciplinary program of study centered on Russia and Eurasia and consists of four subjects.
Additional resources
For more information, contact one of the minor advisors, Professor Elizabeth Wood or Lecturer Maria Khotimsky. You can also contact the the History Office or the SHASS academic administrator.
