Grad/PhD Programs, Russian, East European, & Eurasian Studies (New York University)

Deadlines: December 20, 2024; January 4, 2025

MA & PhD programs at New York University

The Department of Russian & Slavic Studies at New York University invites qualified students to apply to our interdisciplinary MA program and our PhD track, the Interdisciplinary Specialization in Russian (ISR). 

MA program

Curriculum: Typically completed in three semesters, our MA program encompasses a wide range of Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies (REEES) courses originating both within the Department of Russian & Slavic Studies itself and in departments across NYU. In addition to our particular strengths in literature, history, and film, the course of study can encompass a wide variety of specializations—from gender studies to politics, from anthropology to music, et cetera. For more information on degree requirements, please see the Graduate Student Handbook.
Thanks to a focus on interdisciplinary and comparative methodologies and an active faculty devoted both to scholarship and to teaching/ advising, our program serves as excellent preparation for graduate study at the PhD level. While our students regularly continue to PhD programs, the curriculum also provides a thorough grounding in REEES for terminal MA students seeking careers in media, non-profits, government, publishing, the arts, and other fields. 

Jordan Center for the Advanced Study of Russia: Students and scholars of Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies at NYU benefit from the vibrant intellectual life of the Jordan Center. By sponsoring a wide range of lectures, conferences, colloquia, and public events, the Center provides a gathering point for REEES-interested faculty, students, and visitors at NYU and beyond. The Jordan Center also offers summer fellowships and opportunities for work-study for MA and PhD students.
Joint programs: Students may wish to pursue a Joint MA in Russian and Slavic Studies and Journalism, for which the application deadline is January 4, 2025, or an MA in International Relations with a Concentration in Russian & Slavic Studies, for which the application deadline is rolling, with consideration for the Cohen Fellowship for those meeting the February 15, 2025 deadline. 
Deadlines and application requirements: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Those who wish to be considered for the Stephen Cohen Fellowship must apply by February 15, 2025. Detailed application requirements may be found here.
Funding: Prospective MA students who apply by February 15, 2025 are automatically considered for the Stephen Cohen Fellowships, which are awarded on a competitive basis and cover three semesters of tuition, health insurance, university fees, and stipend for full-time MA students in the program. NYU MA students are also eligible for funding opportunities through the Graduate School of Arts and Science. Information about graduate tuition and fees can be found here.

PhD track: Interdisciplinary Specialization in Russian (ISR)

Curriculum: ISR students join either the Department of History or the Department of Comparative Literature. R&SS works closely with these departments and the Jordan Center to prepare students for careers in academic REEES or work in government, media, the non-profit world, or other fields. 

Deadlines and application requirements: Application deadlines for the ISR are December 20, 2024 (for Comparative Literature) and December 15, 2024(for History). Application requirements may be found at this page for Comparative Literature, and at this page for History. Funding: All PhD students in the program receive a Henry M. MacCracken fellowship covering tuition, university fees, health insurance, and a living stipend for five years. Beyond the MacCracken Fellowship, students can explore fellowship opportunities through the Graduate School of Arts and Science or on-campus employment, including TA-ships. Information about graduate tuition and fees can be found here.

For more information on graduate study at NYU, please contact the R&SS Director of Graduate Studies, Professor Maya Vinokour, at mvv221@nyu.edu. We welcome specific inquiries concerning available courses of study, faculty expertise, and life as a graduate student in New York. We also invite prospective applicants to visit our website