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Russian and East European Studies

Russian & East European Studies

What is Russian & East European Studies?

The Russian and Eastern European Studies major offers students a comprehensive understanding of one of the world's most dynamic and historically significant regions. Through an interdisciplinary approach combining language, culture, history, and politics, students develop expertise in Russian and Eastern European affairs during a pivotal time in global relations.

Do my interests fit?

Students typically have interests in:

  • Russian domestic politics and foreign policy
  • US-Russian relations
  • Global politics and great power competition
  • Energy politics
  • Media and propaganda
  • Russian society and culture
  • Russia and Soviet history

Russian & East European Studies FAQ

The Russian and East European Studies major prepares students to understand and engage with some of the most critical challenges in contemporary global affairs. Our program combines deep regional expertise with broad analytical skills needed to grasp great power politics, energy security, and information warfare. Students develop expertise in Russian language, politics, and culture while simultaneously building strong analytical and communication skills valuable across many careers. Whether pursuing positions in government, the private sector, or continuing to graduate studies, our majors graduate with the unique combination of regional knowledge and global perspective that employers increasingly seek in today's complex international environment.

Students will graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in European Studies: Russian & East European.

Typical minors students with this major study:

  • International Development
  • International Studies
  • International Security Studies
  • Global Energy, Environment, and Resources
  • History
  • Political Science
  • Russian Language

There are numerous organizations Russian & East European Studies students can be a part of:

  • Romanoff Center for Russian Studies
  • Russian Club
  • Russian-Speaking Students Association
  • International Security Student Association
  • CIS Ambassadors

Russian & East European Studies courses include:

  • US-Russia Relations
  • Arctic Security
  • Imperial Russia
  • Twentieth Century Russian History
  • Russian Pop Culture  
  • Interpreting the Russian Media 
  • Trauma, Memory, and Narrative 
  • Soviet & Post-Soviet Cinema 
  • Russian Literature through Film 
  • Russian Culture & Civilization 
  • Foreign Service Officer
  • Intelligence Analyst
  • Defense Specialist
  • Political Risk Consultant
  • Government Relations Specialist

Russian & East European Studies students  have the opportunity to study abroad through programs in the following countries:

  • Estonia
  • Lithuania
  • The Republic of Georgia
  • Kazakhstan
  • Kyrgyzstan

Visit the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics website to explore the median pay for jobs you can pursue with this degree. 

Program Accreditation

The Russian & East European Studies major is part of OU's fully accredited David L. Boren College of International Studies, which meets high standards for academic excellence in international and area studies.


David L. Boren College of International Studies
Phone: (405) 325-1396
Email: cis@ou.edu
Website: ou.edu/cis