Eurasian, Russian and East European Studies

The Center for Eurasian, Russian and East European Studies (CERES) at Georgetown University offers one of the nation’s most distinguished and influential Master’s degree programs in Russian, Eurasian, and East European Studies and hosts a rich outreach program of events and conferences. Founded in 1959 to prepare scholars, policymakers, and practitioners who understood the Soviet Union and could analyze its secretive system, CERES has evolved in the wake of the Soviet Union’s demise and today incorporates a variety of scholarly disciplines for the study of this culturally rich region.

The Master of Arts in Eurasian, Russian and East European Studies (MAERES) degree provides students with a solid grounding in the languages and cultures of the region and multidisciplinary depth in the social sciences. Students in the program will achieve:

• knowledge of the region from broad disciplinary perspectives and using a variety of
  methodologies;
• the ability to integrate theoretical with practical knowledge of regional affairs;
• a thematically focused-curriculum that develops expertise;
• proficiency in at least one regional language;
• original research utilizing the student’s language of proficiency; and
• effective oral presentation and critical writing skills.

• M.A.

Accelerated programs (Georgetown students only)

• A.B./M.A.
• B.S.F.S./M.A.

Joint programs

• M.A./Ph.D. (Government)
• M.A./J.D.

For general graduate admissions requirements, visit the Office of Graduate Admission’s Application Information page. Review the program’s website for additional information on program application requirements.

Application Materials required:

• Application Form
• Non-refundable Application Fee
• Academic Statement of Purpose (see program website for specific information)
• Optional: Statement on Diversity, Personal Background & Contributions
• Writing Sample
• Letters of Recommendation (3)
• Transcripts – Applicants are required to upload to the application system copies of official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended. Visit the Office of Graduate Admission’s Application Information page for additional details and FAQs.
• Resume/CV
• TOEFL/IELTS  (if applicable)
  • TOEFL = 100 minimum
  • IELTS = 7.5 minimum
• Language Skills: All applicants must include evidence that they have completed the equivalent of at least three years of college-level study of a language of the region relevant to their proposed course of study. Students may satisfy the CERES language requirement with an appropriate language of the region other than Russian.  CERES places a strong emphasis on language proficiency and requires a portion of the degree credits to be taken in advanced language courses.

• Spring
  • November 1
• Fall
  • January 15 (priority/scholarship)
  • April 1 (final)

The M.A. degree curriculum is designed to take 4 semesters to complete. It requires:  

• 36 credit hours of course work, including two core courses (Introduction to Area Studies and the Capstone Seminar) and two advanced language courses;
• a presentation of the student’s research before CERES faculty and students prior to graduation.

Program Contact: ceres@georgetown.edu

Begin your application today!