Russian and East European StudiesUndergraduate Programs
The department offers a number of major, minor, and certificate program options:
● Major in Russian and East European Studies (REES)
● Minor in Russian and East European Studies (REES)
● Minor in Russian Language, Literature and Culture (RULA)
● Certificate in Russian Language
If you declared a major or minor in REES before Fall 2025, please click here to view our archived degree programs.
Why Study Russian and East European Studies?
Knowledge of Russian and East European languages and cultures is both intellectually rewarding and professionally valuable. Whether your interests lie in academia, the arts, law, medicine, public service, business, or international affairs, the skills you gain through REES are highly transferable and in demand.
Russian is one of the six official languages of the United Nations and is designated a strategic language by the US government. It plays a key role in global diplomacy, business, and security, and it remains a primary language of communication across much of the former Soviet Union, including the Caucasus and Central Asia. As Russia and the broader region continue to shape international developments, there will be a sustained need for experts who understand these languages, cultures, and political landscapes.
Students who combine REES with pre-professional tracks, such as pre-med or pre-law, stand out for their intellectual curiosity and global awareness. REES majors and minors pursue a wide range of careers after graduation: they work as financial and policy analysts, in publishing and media, for NGOs, and in government service. Others teach abroad, work in international marketing or tech, or go on to advanced study. Some become educators themselves, contributing to the next generation of global thinkers.
REES as Part of a Broader Course of Study
The degree programs in REES are designed with maximum flexibility, allowing students to tailor their studies to a wide range of interests and approaches across the humanities and social sciences. Many REES students also pursue majors or minors in related fields such as International Relations, Political Science, Economics, Anthropology, History, Art, Cinema Studies, and Comparative Literature. Our programs are also an excellent fit for students preparing for law or medical school, as well as those considering careers in international business, education, government and foreign service, or journalism. Whatever your path, REES provides a strong interdisciplinary foundation and a global perspective.
Heritage Speakers of Russian
If you grew up in a Russian-speaking household and have some background in the language, Penn offers a dedicated program designed for heritage speakers. Our courses help you develop both literacy and advanced language skills, guiding you toward the proficiency of an educated native speaker. Instruction is offered at a range of levels: from learning the alphabet to reading and analyzing complex literary texts in Russian. Russian for Heritage Speakers I and II (RUSS 0201-0401) fulfill the College language requirement in just one year. For more information, contact the Director of the Russian Language and Culture Program, Dr. Djamilia Nazyrova, at nazyrova at sas.upenn.edu.
Advising
For questions about the major and minor programs, planning a degree in REES, or transfer credit, please schedule an appointment with the Undergraduate Chair, Prof. D. Brian Kim, at this link. Prof. Kim can be reached at dbkim at sas.upenn.edu.
Please see this page for information on declaring a major, minor, or certificate program in the College of Arts and Sciences. REES requires a consultation with the Undergraduate Chair prior to approval of such a declaration.
