Russian and Eurasian Studies Major

This information is part of the Colgate University catalog, 2026-27.

Major Requirements

The Russian and Eurasian studies major consists of ten courses.

If a student double majors, only one shared course can count for Russian and Eurasian studies.

The ten courses must include:

Introductory Course

Russian Language

Courses fulfilling this requirement have an attribute of RELA in the course offerings.

A minimum of four semesters of Russian language:

Note:

Students are encouraged to pursue upper-level language study and to strive for interdisciplinary breadth, as well as to place Russia in a broader comparative context.

Four Electives

Courses fulfilling this requirement have an attribute of REEL in the course offerings.

Four additional courses, at least two of which must be at the 300 level or above.

Senior Seminar

GPA Requirement

An average of C (2.00) is required for graduation in the major or minor. All REST courses taken at Colgate are counted toward the cumulative grade.

Honors and High Honors

Students apply in the fall of their senior year to pursue Honors in the spring semester. A minimum overall GPA in the major of 3.30 for honors and 3.70 for high honors is required, plus a written thesis of 40 to 60 pages. Students who write an honors thesis are required to complete an honors independent study () in the semester following the senior seminar. Students may find additional requirements for Honors on the program site.

Russian and Eurasian Studies Program

For more information about the department, including Faculty, transfer credit, awards, etc., please visit the  catalog page.