Congratulations to our Award-Winning Majors & Minors

Stanley Smudin – Outstanding Graduating Russian Major, 2022; Fulbright-Hays Award, Study in Latvia, 2022.
Bronwyn Galloway – Phi Beta Kappa, 2021; Outstanding Graduating Russian Major, 2021; Undergrad Research/Creative Works Grant, 2019;
Justin Mitchell – Phi Beta Kappa, 2021; Remembrance Scholar, 2021.
Joshua Margrey – Phi Beta Kappa, 2021;
Cadence Christian – Gerlinde Ulm Sanford Award, 2021;
Kristina Varganova – Outstanding Graduating Russian Major, 2020;
Jade M. Rhoads – Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellowship, 2018; Critical Language Scholarship (Russian), 2018; Udall Scholarship, 2017;
Celia Volkwein – Outstanding Graduating Russian major, 2017;
Molly Bolan - Critical Language Scholarship (Russian), 2018;
Farrell Greenwald Brenner – Syracuse University Scholar, 2017; Fulbright Scholar Award, semi-finalist (Poland), 2017;
Bryce Davis – Peace Corp (Macedonia), 2015;
Tyler E. Berry – Gilman Scholarship (Russia), 2014;
Samantha T. Costello – Fulbright ET Award (Azerbaijan), 2013;
Stephen A. Barton – Fulbright ET Award (Russia), 2012;
Anna Shwedel – Fulbright ET Award (Kazakhstan), 2010;

Why Study Russian?

Known around the world for its literature, ballet, opera, theater, classical music and visual art, Russia's rich and compelling culture has long fascinated Americans, but today the knowledge of Russian also offers myriad employment opportunities both in the U.S. and in Russia.

Our students have found careers in non-governmental organizations, publishing houses, internet start-ups, law, finance, and advertising firms, as well as other businesses both here and in Russia. They go on to work as analysts, researchers, or consultants in fields such as media, marketing, chemistry, aerospace and computer engineering. Others have gone into government service, including positions in the Intelligence community, Department of State, Defense, Homeland Security and USAID.

There has never been a better time to pursue a degree in Russian. If you're already studying Russian, consider these great funding/learning opportunities:

Fulbright ETA / Fulbright Research or Open Study Awards / Gilman International Scholarships / Critical Language Scholarship Program / Boren Scholarships

Russian Major and Minor

Students are admitted into the major through departmental approval and should consult the Russian Program Coordinator about their major as early as possible so that they may be sure to satisfy prerequisites and requirements within four years.

Russian Placement Exam

If you have studied Russian either formally or informally, lived in a Russian-speaking country, or grown up in a Russian-speaking household, you must take a placement exam before being allowed to register for any RUS course.