Russian and East European Studies (REEI)

Develop expertise in Russian and East European Studies

Are you interested in gaining a broad understanding of Russia, or another country or region of the former Soviet Union, East Central, or Southeastern Europe? The M.A. program in Russian and East European Studies at HLS is tailored for students who plan to pursue nonacademic careers in government or the private sector.

We cultivate a thriving intellectual atmosphere with opportunities to interact with some of the top scholars in the field, as well as prominent visitors from the region who come to IU, including ambassadors, politicians, and activists.

And we prioritize career resources for our students, offering individualized assistance for internships, and study abroad or job opportunities.

Learn more on the Robert F. Byrnes Russian and East European Institute website

Focus on your interests

The program—which typically takes two years to complete—offers an expansive, interdisciplinary focus on Russia and eastern Europe. You will learn about some of the most pressing issues facing people in this part of the world, and engage with faculty from a wide range of fields, including anthropology, history, popular culture, environmental studies, business, and law.

Expand your language skills

Students are required to demonstrate competency in one of the many different languages spoken in the region, including Russian, Bosnian, Ukrainian, or Polish.

You can also add proficiency in a second area language at IU’s Summer Language Workshop—the largest in the world.

IU offers language instruction in at least 14 languages spoken in the region—more than any other university.

Take the first step

Learn more about the program