The BA in Russian offers students an immersive exploration of the language, literature, and cultures of Russian‑speaking countries and cultures around the world. The program builds advanced skills in communication, critical thinking, and global understanding—skills that prepare graduates for dynamic careers in government, public affairs, international and US nonprofits, diplomacy, journalism, education, and beyond.
Students frequently enhance their studies by pairing the Russian major with related fields in the College of Arts & Science, including International Studies, Political Science, Constitutional Democracy, History, and Linguistics. Beyond A&S, Russian works as a dual degree with programs such as Business and Journalism, as well as for pre-med and pre-law students, preparing versatile graduates with strong linguistic and cross‑cultural expertise.
The faculty work closely with students to pursue prestigious undergraduate fellowship and post-graduate opportunities such as Critical Languages Scholarships, Boren Scholars and Fellows, Fulbright, and the Peace Corps.
Graduates of the program pursue a wide range of paths, including careers in the military, government service in the U.S. and abroad, and security and policy fields. Others continue on to graduate study in international relations or Russian and Eurasian Studies, or to professional schools such as law or medicine. In each case, their language skills and cultural expertise help them stand out while strengthening their writing, research, and analytical abilities.
Common Career Paths
You can do nearly anything with a Mizzou degree, but here are some common career paths taken by graduates of this major:
Interested? Here are your next steps
If you are a Prospective Student
You strive to be the best version of you. You are ready to create your own adventure. If this sounds like you—you’ve got Tiger Pride already. We invite you to take the next step.
If you are a Current Student
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