Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies

Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies (REEES) is one of the oldest programs of its kind on the West Coast. At the core of our program is the study of Russian—a language of global and regional importance. In addition, we offer an array of courses in the literatures, cultures, histories, diverse religious traditions, and world-changing politics of the region and its diasporas. 

A huge thank you to Portland real estate developer, philanthropist and UO alumnus Jordan Schnitzer and the Harold & Arlene Schnitzer CARE Foundation, for a landmark $25 million gift to CAS that will empower future global leaders and problem solvers! The School of Global Studies and Languages is now named the Schnitzer School of Global Studies and Languages, and we are truly excited to be a part of it!

Learn More about Schnitzer School

 Ukrainian military woman with the Ukrainian flag in her hands on the background of an exploded house

Support for Ukraine

The program in Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies joins people around the world in condemning the Russian government’s military aggression against the sovereign nation of Ukraine and its citizens. We stand in support of our Ukrainian students, friends, colleagues, and their loved ones, as well as all those in our extended global community who are adversely impacted by this war. We urge you to consider donating to humanitarian relief efforts in Ukraine and in the neighboring countries of Eastern Europe. To assist you in learning how you can do so, we refer you to the websites below.

260M
PEOPLE SPEAK RUSSIAN WORLDWIDE
1 of 6
OFFICIAL LANGUAGES OF THE UNITED NATIONS
3rd
MOST COMMONLY SPOKEN LANGUAGE IN OREGON

What You Can Do with a Degree in REEES

A degree in REEES—and proficiency in Russian—prepares you for a wide range of careers, from journalism to business, education, law, foreign service, and the arts. Our alumni have launched successful careers as:

  • International relations coordinators
  • Import specialists
  • Lawyers
  • Translators
  • Educators
  • Diplomats
REEES alum Marilyn Cole

How a Degree in REEES Launches Your Career

“I’m continuing to utilize the skills I gained through REEES by working with Microsoft Student Ambassadors from the Europe, Middle East, and Africa regions. I am truly proud of the path that has led me to where I am now and am positive that it would not have been possible without the foundation that REEES and the UO set for me.”

—Marilyn Cole, REEES major, '16

Our Degree Programs

Undergraduate students can earn a major or minor in REEES through our highly flexible and exciting program. Incoming graduate students pursue an interdisciplinary master’s degree or a graduate certificate.

Student raising his hand

Learn from Experts in the Field

Our faculty members hail from multiple disciplines. What unites our research is a commitment to studying Russia, Eastern Europe, and Eurasia in a global context. Some of our recent projects include Russian-East Asian literary interactions, the Soviet Union’s cultural influence on the Third World, and imperial Russia’s environmental impact on the Pacific Northwest.

Students at a table

Get Real-World Experience

Want to deepen your engagement in Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies? Polish your language and cultural skills in an annual bilingual play production or one of the many other hands-on learning experiences our we offer. From global internships to studying abroad, you'll have plenty of opportunities to apply your skills beyond the classroom while earning credit for your degree.

Scholarships and Funding

Undergraduate students can seek funding through the College of Arts and Sciences, which awards various scholarships to both incoming students and those who are already attending the UO. Select graduate students receive funding through graduate employment.

Undergraduate ScholarshipsGraduate Funding

Academic Support

Students in the Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies program can seek academic support, career counseling, and other advising services through Tykeson Hall or by consulting our program advisor. 

Undergraduate Advising
Support for Graduate Students

Russian, East European and Eurasian Studies News and Events

Highlights from the June 15 University of Oregon College of Arts and Sciences commencement ceremonies at Autzen Stadium and Matthew Knight Arena.
SCHNITZER SCHOOL, FOREIGN LANGUAGES — Over 675 Oregon high school students — from Pendleton to Medford — attended the 2026 Foreign Language & International Studies (FLIS) Day at the University of Oregon on May 1. It’s a celebration and exploration of language and culture featuring more than 65 language and culture-related presentations, workshops and hands-on activities.
After announcing a landmark $25 million commitment, Portland developer, philanthropist and alumnus Jordan Schnitzer shares his thoughts on living in an ever-globalizing world—and his hopes for the Schnitzer School of Global Studies and Languages.

All news »

Public Lands Justice

Oct

26

Public Lands Justice

Oct 26 Knight Library
Cinema Studies Fall Term Coffee Hours

Oct

27

Cinema Studies Fall Term Coffee Hours

Oct 27 Villard Hall
Eco-Fascism Lecture Series: "Blood and Soil: Race, Gender and Food in Nazi Ideology"

Oct

27

Eco-Fascism Lecture Series: "Blood and Soil: Race, Gender and Food in Nazi Ideology"

Oct 27 Gerlinger Hall
History Department Fall Term Coffee Hour

Oct

29

History Department Fall Term Coffee Hour

Oct 29 McKenzie Hall
Indigenous, Race, and Ethnic Studies: Open House

Oct

29

Indigenous, Race, and Ethnic Studies: Open House

Oct 29 McKenzie Hall
OHC Work-in-Progress Talk: "Peoples of the Heartland: Native Nations, Sovereign Acts, and the Making of California"

Oct

30

OHC Work-in-Progress Talk: "Peoples of the Heartland: Native Nations, Sovereign Acts, and the Making of California"

Oct 30 Prince Lucien Campbell Hall (PLC)
Halloween Night at the Aquarium

Oct

31

Halloween Night at the Aquarium

Oct 31 Charleston Marine Life Center
High School Cybersecurity Pathways Conference

Nov

2

High School Cybersecurity Pathways Conference

Nov 2 Erb Memorial Union (EMU)
Future Frequencies: Making Environmental Humanities Audible Through Podcasting and Public Audio Storytelling

Nov

2

Future Frequencies: Making Environmental Humanities Audible Through Podcasting and Public Audio Storytelling

Nov 2 Knight Library
Cinema Studies Fall Term Coffee Hours

Nov

3

Cinema Studies Fall Term Coffee Hours

Nov 3 Villard Hall

All events »