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graduate certificate
Graduate Certificates in Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies
Graduate students who seek a regional and intellectual focus on Russia, the former USSR, or Eastern Europe to complement their disciplinary or professional degree can find additional academic and financial resources through REEES. While working toward one of the Center's graduate certificates, students can participate in a rich variety of extracurricular activities, including student-faculty discussion groups, overseas projects, research conferences, REEES's own graduate student association, and student clubs focusing on language and culture. The Graduate Certificate in Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies is awarded after completion of all requirements for the master’s degree or successful performance on the comprehensive examinations for the doctoral degree in the student's department or professional school. MA or PhD programs commonly combined with a REEES Graduate Certificate include those in anthropology, economics, history, linguistics, political science, psychology, religious studies, Slavic languages and literatures, sociology, the arts (including film and theatre), and GSPIA (the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs).
Certificate Requirements
This certificate is divided into two tiers: the Graduate Certificate in REEES, intended for master’s level students; and the Graduate Certificate in Advanced REEES, which any graduate student may pursue, but is required of interested doctoral students.
Graduate Certificate in REEES Requirements
- Five REEES-related courses (15 credits), of which at least three are in two or more departments other than that of the student's major discipline (GSPIA majors would be counted under this)
- Demonstration of proficiency in a language of the former Soviet Union, East/Central Europe or Eurasia equivalent to two years of study at the college level.
- A digital portfolio that includes research, work/internship experiences, study abroad, extra-curricular activities, and exceptional coursework to highlight expertise in REEES
Graduate Certificate in Advanced REEES Requirements
- Six REEES-related courses (18 credits), of which at least four are in two or more departments other than that of the student's major discipline (GSPIA majors would be counted under this)
- Demonstration of proficiency in a language of the former Soviet Union, East/Central Europe or Eurasia equivalent to three years of study at the college level.
- A digital portfolio that includes research, work/internship experiences, study abroad, extra-curricular activities, and exceptional coursework to highlight expertise in REEES
In addition, REEES offers graduate certificates in European Union Studies and Mediterranean Studies jointly with the European Studies Center.
Admission
Application for admission to graduate study at the University of Pittsburgh is made directly to the academic department or graduate professional school of the student's choice. Students who would like to offically join a program may do so by contacting the REEES advisor.
Funding Resources
FLAS Fellowships and other internal and external funding opportunities are available for graduate students.
Other Opportunities
The Graduate Student Organization for the Study of Europe and Central Asia (GOSECA), provides opportunities for organizing and presenting at an annual international graduate student conference. Pitt courses incorporating Diplomacy Lab projects offer access to U.S. Department of State officials to explore real-world challenges and contribute directly to the policy-making process.
For more information on any of these programs, please contact the REEES advisor.