Graduate Program
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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.
NOTE REGARDING FUNDING: We are proud that all incoming CREEES MAs receive funding to further their studies. Most are fully funded, including tuition, health insurance, and $20,000 stipend.
Why Choose CREEES?
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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. (See Faculty by Area of Study)
- 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 Bosnian/Croatian/Montenegrin/Serbian..
- 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.
J.D./MA Dual-Degree with CREEES
MGPS & MPAff Dual-Degrees with CREEES
MBA Dual-Degree with CREEES
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Dual-Degree Graduate Programs
In addition to the standard M.A. program, we currently offer five dual-degree programs, in which students can work towards M.A.s in two disciplines at The University of Texas. These programs are structured in such a way that students can earn both masters degrees simultaneously in approximately three years; students must fulfill all requirements for both degrees. Students have found that this multidisciplinary approach allows them to respond to an increased need in both the public and private sectors for specialists with a thorough understanding of the culture, economics, geography, history and politics of the former Soviet Union and Eastern Europe. Students must apply to both programs in order to be considered for the dual-degree program. Please note that the admission deadlines for other programs may be later or earlier than the deadline for the CREEES program. You will *still* be able to apply for any of the dual-degree programs even if the CREEES MA deadline has passed.
Master of Public Affairs/Master of Arts in Russian, East European and Eurasian Studies
The Center for Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies is proud to partner with the renowned Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs to offer 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. Students benefit from rigorous policy studies, hands-on experience, and a deep understanding of regional issues, cultures, and languages. 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.
Master of Global Policy Studies/Master of Arts in Russian, East European and Eurasian Studies
The LBJ School of Public Affairs and the Center for Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies (CREEES) offer 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. Students gain a robust understanding of global policy issues and develop regional expertise that is critical for careers in international development, diplomacy, global security, and more. 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.
Master of Arts in Media Studies/Master of Arts in Russian, East European and Eurasian Studies
The Center for Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies, in collaboration with the College of Communication, offers an innovative dual-degree program. This program is designed for students interested in merging advanced communication studies with comprehensive regional expertise. It provides in-depth knowledge of media theory, media production, and communication strategies, alongside interdisciplinary area studies and language proficiency. 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.
J.D. Law/Master of Arts in Russian, East European and Eurasian Studies
This dual-degree program is a collaboration between the Center for Russian, East European and Eurasian Studies and the prestigious UT School of Law, 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 Eastern Europe. This dual-degree is ideal for those aiming to make a significant impact in legal and policy arenas on a global scale.
A special financial consideration: For J.D. students, due to UT tuition policies, tuition is charged at a rate that is average the cost of tuition for both colleges. 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 significantly less. For more questions about this please contact creees@austin.utexas.edu.
Master of Business Administration/Master of Russian, East European and Eurasian Studies
The Center for Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies and the world-class Red McCombs School of Business offer a unique dual-degree master’s program. This program is tailored for aspiring leaders who seek to excel in the global marketplace. It provides comprehensive business education alongside in-depth interdisciplinary studies of the Russian, East European, and Eurasian regions. 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. For more information, please contact creees@austin.utexas.edu.
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Graduate Portfolio Program in Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies
PhD candidates enrolled in other UT departments, who are pursuing coursework and/or research in our region, may be interested in the Graduate Portfolio Program in Russian, East European and Eurasian Studies.
- Language proficiency: Students are required to achieve at least an Intermediate Mid rating on the ACTFL scale in Russian, or any other language of the region (as approved by the graduate admissions committee). This can be achieved through course work, study abroad or an OPI proficiency examination.
- Coursework: Students in the portfolio program must complete 12 credit hours (typically four cross-listed or pre-approved courses) of REE or approved graduate level content courses. The student must maintain a GPA in the required courses of 3.0 or higher (no required courses may be taken pass/fail). All portfolio coursework must span at least two different disciplines (i.e., History, Geography, Business, Anthropology, Political Science). One of these courses must be a research-based course in which an article length paper on the region is written. Of the required courses, no more than one course may be taken as an independent study/conference course.
- Research Project: Students must complete an REE-relevant research project, either an article length paper (can be written in one of the classes as part of the requirements outlined above) or other formative research project, at some point before completion of the program. Projects will be presented at the annual CREEES Graduate Research Symposium, open to the public and attended by the CREEES Graduate Studies Committee, or another approved conference.
Students are encouraged, though not required, to include a CREEES affiliate faculty member on their thesis or dissertation committee. Interested may apply for and enter the Russian, East European and Eurasian Studies graduate portfolio program at any point in their graduate study. Applications for the Portfolio Program are accepted on a rolling basis and must be submitted to the CREEES Graduate Coordinator.
