Russian

Expand your horizons and step confidently into today’s global society with a Minor in Russian. This 18-credit program immerses you in the Russian language as well as the literatures, cultures and peoples across the Post-Soviet Space. Russian is a major language of international business and one of the six official languages of the United Nations. Russian is a commonly spoken language in Ukraine, Belarus, Estonia, Latvia, Moldova, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan ... and even New Jersey! 

What You’ll Learn

• Russian language proficiency — from beginner to advanced levels
• Fundamentals of reading, writing and speaking Russian confidently
• Business Russian for professional communication
• Exploration of Russian literature, art, and politics in the context of Russian colonialism
• Development of deep awareness and appreciation of non-Russian peoples across the Post-Soviet Spaces

The program offers students from any major a structured path to fluency in Russian — combining beginning, intermediate and advanced language study. Through courses ranging from language fundamentals to business Russian, literature and politics, you gain both fluency and deep cultural awareness — skills sought after across the humanities, arts, government and sciences. The minor has two tracks: Russian Language and Russian Studies. 

Where Can It Take You?

• Careers in diplomacy, international relations and government agencies
• Opportunities in global business, particularly in companies with ties to Ukraine, the Baltic States, and Central Asia.
• Fields such as education, translation or interpretation
• Roles in the arts, journalism and cultural exchange
• Positions at international organizations, including the United Nations, where Russian is an official language
• Travel and work opportunities across Russian-speaking regions

See the curriculum.