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M.A. requirements

The Master's of Arts in Russian and East European Studies requires 49 graded graduate-level credits; courses must be passed to fulfill the language requirement may not be applied to the 49-credit requirement. The M.A. in Russian and East European Studies typically takes two years (or six academic quarters) to complete. d with a grade of B- or better. Credits use
  1. Language: Four years of university study of a Slavic languages, or equivalent competency, plus reading competency as defined by a translation exam in the student's field of concentration. In exceptional cases, a student may petition to substitute one year of a second Slavic language or equivalent competency for one of the years of the primary language, but all students must pass the translation exam. Native speakers of a Slavic language may petition to substitute an appropriate alternative measure of English competency for the translation exam.
     
  2. Field of concentration: Four graded graduate-level courses (4 credits each) in a field of concentration, plus a comprehensive written exam on the field of concentration (typically taken in the quarter before submission of the thesis).
     
  3. Research and thesis: M.A. candidates research and write a thesis, earning nine credits of Thesis (REES 503). The thesis is defended before the student's committee.
     
  4. Electives: Six graded graduate-level courses (4 credits each), of which two may be in the field of concentration. The electives must include courses from at least two fields outside the student?s concentration. Language courses beyond the minimum requirement may count as electives.
Click here to download a MA Planner.

Graduate Certificate requirements

REESC offers a Graduate Certificate to graduate students enrolled in M.A. and Ph.D. programs at University of Oregon with a special interest in Russia, Eastern Europe, or former Soviet Eurasia. The certificate may be earned in conjunction with the student?s primary degree, and courses taken to fulfill degree requirements may also be counted toward the certificate. The certificate in Russian and East European Studies requires 32 graded graduate-level credits; courses must be passed with a grade of B- or better. Credits used to fulfill the language requirement may not be applied to the 32-credit requirement.
  1. Language: Four years of university study of one or two Slavic languages, or equivalent competency. The language requirement for the certificate may be completed by either of the following options:
    a) Four years of a single Slavic language
    b) A total of four years of two Slavic languages
     
  2. Field of concentration: Three graduate-level courses (4 credits each) in a field of concentration.
     
  3. Research: A significant (e.g. 25-page) research paper written in conjunction with a course, or written as part of an individualized reading course.
     
  4. Electives: Four graduate-level courses (4 credits each), of which two may be in the field of concentration. Language courses beyond the minimum requirement may count as electives.

FAQs

Q: Is it ever possible to develop an individualized field of concentration?

A: Students may petition to do so, and in the past few years, two students have done so successfully. Students should be aware, however, that the desire for an unorthodox field of concentration does not guarantee that the petition will be accepted.

Q: Do reading courses count towards the concentration?

A: Again, this is determined on a case-by-case basis. Graduate students are encouraged to take advantage of regular course offerings first, and to use individual reading courses only when regular courses are unavailable.

Q: What does the comprehensive exam entail?

A: That depends on the field of concentration. For specifics, see the descriptions of each field of study.

Q: I am interested in going on for a Ph.D. in a field relating to Russia, Eastern Europe, or the former Soviet Union. Can you give me any advice about my program of study in REESC?

A: Since the requirements of different disciplines vary, the most important thing is to consult with an adviser early on in your program. Second, you will want to take as many courses as you can in the discipline in question, even if they do not count toward your REES degree. Third, you should make sure that your English and foreign-language skills are really fluent for the sake of academic research and writing.