Russian and East European Studies: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Explore the complex and dynamic region spanning Russia, Central and Eastern Europe, and Eurasia through an interdisciplinary academic lens. This program provides a rigorous foundation in the historical evolution, political systems, cultural expressions, and economic transformations shaping nations from the Balkans to Central Asia, with particular attention to post-Soviet states.
- Historical Development: Examine the long-term trajectories of empires, revolutions, and nation-building processes that have defined the region from imperial rule to contemporary statehood.
- Political Systems and Governance: Analyze the structures, ideologies, and challenges of state institutions, including authoritarianism, democratization, and hybrid regimes across diverse national contexts.
- Cultural Studies: Investigate literature, art, music, film, and religious traditions that reflect the region’s rich and often contested cultural identities.
- Economic Transformations: Study the transition from centrally planned economies to market systems, regional trade dynamics, and the impact of globalization on development and inequality.
- Societal Dynamics: Explore demographic shifts, migration patterns, ethnic relations, and social movements that influence community life and national cohesion.
- Geopolitical Interactions: Evaluate regional and international relations, including security policies, foreign interventions, and the role of supranational organizations.
Russian and East European Studies Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Russian and East European Studies Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Russian and East European Studies degrees, including Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 11,430 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1062 | $84,290 | $51,130 - $164,650 | 11,430 | N/A |
Russian and East European Studies Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $61,920 in Florida to $113,070 in California—a 83% difference. The highest-paying states include California, Vermont, and Kansas. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 11,430 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Russian and East European Studies by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 17 institutions offering Russian and East European Studies programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Russian and East European Studies is found at Georgetown University (GU) (19 graduates), Harvard University (13 graduates), Colgate University (8 graduates), University of Wisconsin-Madison (8 graduates), and Smith College (7 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 87 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Georgetown University (GU) |
Master's
|
19 | Washington, District of Columbia | Private | georgetown.edu |
| Harvard University |
Master's
|
13 | Cambridge, Massachusetts | Private | harvard.edu |
| Colgate University |
Bachelor's
|
8 | Hamilton, New York | Private | colgate.edu |
| University of Wisconsin-Madison |
Other Award
|
8 | Madison, Wisconsin | Public | wisc.edu |
| Smith College |
Bachelor's
|
7 | Northampton, Massachusetts | Private | smith.edu |
| University of Pittsburgh |
Postbac Cert.
|
6 | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania | Public | pitt.edu |
| Stetson University |
Bachelor's
|
4 | DeLand, Florida | Private | stetson.edu |
| University of Massachusetts |
Bachelor's
|
4 | Amherst, Massachusetts | Public | umass.edu |
| Miami University |
Bachelor's
|
4 | Oxford, Ohio | Public | miamioh.edu |
| University of California (UCSD) |
Bachelor's
|
3 | La Jolla, California | Public | ucsd.edu |
| Union College |
Bachelor's
|
3 | Schenectady, New York | Private | union.edu |
| Stanford University |
Master's
|
3 | Stanford, California | Private | stanford.edu |
| Arizona State University Campus Immersion (ASU) |
Other Award
|
1 | Tempe, Arizona | Public | asu.edu |
| Trinity College |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Hartford, Connecticut | Private | trincoll.edu |
| Florida State University (FSU) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Tallahassee, Florida | Public | fsu.edu |
| Tufts University |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Medford, Massachusetts | Private | tufts.edu |
| Columbia University in the City of New York |
Master's
|
1 | New York, New York | Private | columbia.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Russian and East European Studies programs
How much can I earn with a Russian and East European Studies degree?
Salaries for Russian and East European Studies graduates vary by role and location. Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary earn a median of $84,290 annually. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in California average $113,070 compared to $61,920 in Florida. Approximately 11,430 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Russian and East European Studies programs?
Currently 17 accredited institutions offer Russian and East European Studies degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Georgetown University (GU) (19 graduates), Harvard University (13 graduates), and Colgate University (8 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Russian and East European Studies growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 50 in 2010 to a peak of 93 in 2020, before declining slightly to 87 in 2023-24. This represents a 74% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Russian and East European Studies degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary. Related occupations employ approximately 11,430 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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