Russian, East European & Eurasian Studies

The College of Liberal Arts & Sciences offers a B.A. and Minor, as well as a Graduate Certificate and a MA in Russian, East European & Eurasian Studies (REES). The REES major offers a multidisciplinary understanding of a broad region stretching from Eastern Europe to Central Asia.

REES majors take courses in language, arts, science, history, geography, economics, and cultures of the REES world area. They learn about global topics like migration, human trafficking, environmental policy, democracy development, human rights, natural resource management, and international affairs, as these issues relate to the REES region. The degree may be customized according to the student’s interest in one or more of these issues.

The language skills, analytical tools and cultural awareness gained in earning a REES degree are compatible with a broad range of careers in the public or private sector. Program graduates have found employment in government, Non-Profits & NGOs, education, business, media, and the arts.

Department of Russian, East European & Eurasian Studies

Sample of Related Skills

  • Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively in writing in either Russian, German, or a Central/East European language or in a Eurasian language  
     
  • Understand the region of Russia, Eastern Europe, and Eurasia including its history and culture  
     
  • Possess specialized competency in the field of concentration consistent with the disciplinary expectations of the chosen field  
     
  • Acquire advanced-level language proficiency in Russian, Romanian, Polish, and/or Turkish 
     
  • Learn analytical multidisciplinary methods for cross-cultural comparative research  

Popular Career Paths

Business, Commerce, Trade: Uses foreign language skills and cultural knowledge to work with international partners in all aspects of global business, management, banking, and trade.

Communications & Media: Utilizes foreign language skills and cultural knowledge to work for domestic or international employers in the areas of journalism, broadcasting media, communications, public relations, and advertising.

Foreign Relations: Works with US government agencies and international non-profit organizations to inform and enhance relations between countries through foreign diplomacy, intelligence, policy, and law.

International Development & Human Services: Works with US government agencies and non-profit organizations to develop and advocate for economic, political, and social quality-of-life issues on behalf of those living abroad and those immigrating to the US.

Research: Involves conducting research to inform educational programs, policy development, and other educational or political interests.

Teaching/Education Administration: Utilizes foreign language skills and cultural knowledge to build educational systems in developing countries, oversee educational exchange programs for students and educators, and teach language skills domestically or abroad. 

Jobs to Consider

Places to Seek Employment

  • Consulting Firms
  • Domestic/Foreign Banking & Financial Institutions
  • Domestic/Foreign Corporations
  • International Trade Firms
  • Multilateral Organizations (e.g. United Nations)
  • Newspaper, Magazine, and Book Publishers
  • Non-Profit Organizations
  • US Federal Government and Military
  • US State and Local Governments
  • Research Institutes and Foundations
  • Public/Private Schools
  • Travel and Hospitality Providers
  • TV Networks and Film Studios

Job and Internship Search Resources

Career Exploration Hub

Careers
Interests
Majors

Employment Strategies

  1. Identify areas of interest related to your major so you can focus your academics and experiences towards these fields. 
     
  2. Gain direct experience within the areas that interest you most through research projects, independent studies, internships, part-time jobsstudent organization involvement, or volunteering
     
  3. Register for Hire Jayhawks and subscribe to the Internship Newsletter to receive automated weekly emails with specific internship information. 
     
  4. Consider joining a professional organization related to your area of interest, and, if possible, attend local and/or regional conferences to make connections with professionals working in your field. 
     
  5. Practice interviewing on your own or by conducting a mock interview at the University Career Center. 
     
  6. Develop your resume and tailor it to your area(s) of interest.
     
  7. Earn a minor or take additional coursework outside your major when relevant to your career goals. 
     
  8. Complete an independent study to gain advanced research skills. 
     
  9. Maintain a strong GPA if you are considering pursuing graduate or professional school. 
     
  10. Consider getting involved with a student organization at KU related to your area of interest.