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Welcome to CREEES!
We are the Center for Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies (CREEES) at The University of Texas at Austin, where educational and research opportunities transcend traditional boundaries to create a vibrant community that delves into the languages, cultures, histories, and politics of our sprawling region. In partnership with UT's Department of Slavic & Eurasian Studies, we go beyond the conventional approach to higher education and embrace our responsibility to the global community, actively participating in K-16 outreach and orchestrating engaging campus and community events that bring critical perspectives to the Forty Acres.
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Reality Czech Online Textbook
Reality Czech is a next generation openly licensed Czech textbook and curriculum developed by Dr. Christian Hilchey from the Department of Slavic and Eurasian Studies in collaboration with the Center for Open Educational Resources and Language Learning (COERLL) at the University of Texas at Austin. All materials are freely available online under a Creative Commons license to any university or individuals who wish to use or adapt them.
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Tako Lako Online Croatian Textbook
Tako lako, which translates into English as It’s So Easy, is an openly licensed beginner-level Croatian textbook and curriculum developed by Dr. Frane Karabatić. The textbook aims to develop intercultural communicative competence and builds upon current research on culture teaching in the foreign language classroom. We're very excited to be able to offer this amazing resource for FREE!
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Global Disinformation Lab
The Global Disinformation Lab (GDIL) was established in 2020 at UT Austin to encourage collaborative interdisciplinary academic research on the global circulation of a broad spectrum of information, misinformation, and disinformation via digital media.
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Slavic Connexion Podcast
The SlavX podcast is an international chat show on all things Central/Eastern Europe, Russia, and Eurasia.
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- Undergraduate Program
B.A. in Russian, East European and Eurasian Studies
When students choose to undertake a B.A. in Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies, they open doors to a great variety of course offerings and global career opportunities. Students may further elect to undertake one or more dual-degrees, and many of our students past and present successfully complete a dual-degree program. Our courses range from the Slavic countries to Eurasia, and encompass a variety of cultural, political, social, economic, gender, and foreign relations history. Students select one of two tracks. Both tracks are designed to allow students considerable opportunity to shape their coursework around their interests:
Track 1: Russian, East European, and Eurasian area studies, consisting of:
- Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies 301
- Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies 301L
- Six hours of upper-division coursework in a Slavic, Central Asian, or East European language
- Fifteen semester hours of upper-division coursework, which must include one Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies 325, and either a Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies 335 or a Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies 345.
Students pursuing track 1 area studies, must complete a total of three years of language study in a Slavic, Central Asian, or East European language.
Track 2: Russian, East European, and Eurasian area studies with a language concentration, consisting of:
- Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies 301
- Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies 301L
- Twelve hours of upper-division coursework in a Slavic, Central Asian, or East European language
- Nine semester hours of upper-division coursework in Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies, which must include one Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies 325, and either a Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies 335 or a Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies 345.
Students pursuing track 2 area studies with a language concentration, are encouraged to study their chosen language over the summer or to take a fourth year.
Requirements vary depending on your catalog. For specific requirements required by your catalog, please see your degree plan.
For requirements for a minor in Russian Language, Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies, or Slavic and Eurasian Languages, click here.
If you have any questions regarding the REE major please contact the CREEES undergraduate advisor, Dr. Nikola Rajic.
- Graduate Program
M.A. Program in Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies
The Master of Arts (M.A.) degree in Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies at The University of Texas at Austin is a distinguished two-year interdisciplinary program designed to provide advanced training for students seeking a comprehensive understanding of the former Soviet Union, Eastern Europe, and Eurasia. This program is ideal for those who wish to gain an integrated knowledge of the region’s languages, histories, politics, societies, and cultures. We further have joined with four other colleges on campus to provide several dual-degree options (see below).
Program Highlights
- Interdisciplinary Approach: The M.A. program is inherently interdisciplinary, drawing on the strengths of various academic fields such as history, political science, economics, anthropology, and cultural studies. This broad-based approach allows students to tailor their studies to their specific interests and career aspirations.
- Customized Learning Experience: Students have the flexibility to shape their degree according to their personal and professional goals. Whether you are interested in government service, private sector careers, or academic research, the program offers the tools and resources necessary to succeed.
- Language Proficiency: A key component of the program is achieving a working knowledge of at least one language from the region, enhancing both academic study and professional opportunities. Language courses are available in Russian, Polish, Czech, Ukrainian, and other regional languages.
- Thesis or Report Option: The program offers two tracks: a thesis option for those interested in pursuing original research and a report option for students seeking a more practice-oriented capstone project. Both tracks are designed to develop critical thinking and advanced research skills. The report option requires five electives, while the thesis track only requires three.
Why Study This Region?
The Russian, East European, and Eurasian region covers over one-sixth of the globe and is incredibly diverse, with a rich tapestry of languages, ethnicities, religions, cultures, political histories, and levels of economic development. Since the mid-1980s, the region has undergone significant transformations, including reform, collapse, and reconstruction, leading to a heightened global interest in its complexities. Understanding this region is crucial for addressing contemporary global challenges and opportunities.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the M.A. program are well-prepared for a wide range of careers and nearly 100% of those who complete the master's or dual degree master's programs (see below for more) have been successfully placed in prestigious institutions and organizations, including but not limited to the following sectors:
- Government and Diplomacy: Positions in the State Department, foreign service, Department of Defense, and international policy-making
- International Business**: Roles in multinational corporations, trade, and international consulting.
- Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)**: Work in human rights, development, and international aid organizations.
- Academia and Research**: Pursuit of a Ph.D. or careers in teaching and academic research.
- Media and Journalism**: Reporting and analysis roles focusing on the region.
World-Class Resources
Students in the M.A. program benefit from the resources and expertise of both the Center for Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies (CREEES) and the Department of Slavic and Eurasian Studies. CREEES is dedicated to facilitating a scholarly understanding of the region and provides numerous opportunities for academic and professional development, including conferences, speaker series, and study abroad programs.
Admissions and Contact Information
Prospective students are encouraged to explore the specific degree requirements and consider how the program aligns with their career goals. Click here for more information about degree requirements.
For additional questions or personalized guidance, please contact the CREEES program office at creees@austin.utexas.edu.
- Dual-Degree Graduate Programs
School Description LBJ School of Public Affairs Master of Public Affairs/Master of Arts in Russian, East European and Eurasian Studies
A dual-degree program that equips students with advanced policy analysis and management skills, combined with specialized knowledge of the Russian, East European, and Eurasian landscape. This program is ideal for those aiming to influence public policy and governance on a global scale. Graduates are positioned to become influential policy makers, analysts, and leaders in international affairs. Please note that the latest admission deadline for the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs is later than the priority deadline for the CREEES program.
LBJ School of Public Affairs Master of Global Policy Studies/Master of Arts in Russian, East European and Eurasian Studies
A cutting-edge dual-degree program that combines a Master of Global Policy Studies (MGPS) with a Master of Arts in Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies (MA). This interdisciplinary program focuses on the complexities of globalization, emphasizing the political, economic, and cultural contexts of the former Soviet Union and Eastern Europe. Again, please note that the admission deadline for the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs is different from the priority funding deadline for the CREEES program.
Moody College of Communication Master of Arts in Media Studies/Master of Arts in Russian, East European and Eurasian Studies
Designed for students interested in merging advanced communication studies with comprehensive regional expertise. Graduates are prepared to pursue careers in international journalism, media consultancy, public relations, and other fields where media and regional expertise intersect, making them valuable assets in the global media landscape.
UT School of Law J.D. Law/Master of Arts in Russian, East European and Eurasian Studies
Tailored for students with a passion for applying the law to regional studies. The program integrates legal education with comprehensive knowledge of Russian, East European, and Eurasian issues, offering a unique interdisciplinary perspective. Students will benefit from rigorous legal training and specialized regional studies, preparing them for careers in international law, governmental and non-governmental organizations, and legal practices with a focus on Central/Eastern Europe and Russia.
A special financial consideration: Due to UT tuition policies, dual-degree students are charged the average of the cost of tuition for both colleges in which they are enrolled. Thus, it is incredibly financially beneficial for students at UT Law to be accepted to a dual-degree program because this lowers the cost of law school tuition since the cost of tuition at most of the colleges at UT is much less.
McCombs School of Business Master of Business Administration/Master of Russian, East European and Eurasian Studies
A unique dual-degree master’s program tailored for aspiring leaders who seek to excel in the global marketplace. Students will gain valuable skills in international business, strategic management, and leadership while also acquiring expertise in the language, culture, and socio-economic dynamics of these critical global areas. Graduates will receive both an MBA and MA, uniquely preparing them to take on challenging roles in multinational corporations, government agencies, NGOs, and international organizations.
A special financial consideration: Due to UT tuition policies, any graduate student undertaking a dual-degree program is charged the average of the cost of tuition for both colleges. Thus, it is incredibly financially beneficial for MBA students to undertake a dual-degree program because this lowers the financial burden since the cost of tuition at most of the colleges at UT is significantly less
Other A dual-degree program with another college not listed above may be undertaken with permission. - Accordion 4Panel 4. Add body text in this space.
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Contact Us
Center for Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies
The University of Texas at Austin
BUR 452, 2505 University Avenue, Stop F3600, Austin, TX 78712
Department Chair
Mary Neuburger
burgerm@austin.utexas.edu
512-471-3607