Slavic Cultures

Program Category: MA Programs
Chair: Liza Knapp
Director of Graduate Studies: Liza Knapp
Website: slavic.columbia.edu/graduate-programs/programs-study/slavic-cultures
Degree Programs: Full-Time/Part-Time: Free-Standing MA

Students with a cultural interest in Russia or Eastern Europe may apply for the MA program in Slavic Cultures, housed in the Department of Slavic Languages. Originally conceived to provide valuable training to professionals working in enterprises that deal with Russia and Eastern Europe, the interdisciplinary MA in Slavic Cultures now serves a broad spectrum of students interested in the languages, cultures, and history of that region.

Students work with the director of graduate studies to select the most appropriate courses in Slavic Languages and Literatures, Anthropology, Art History, History, Sociology, or any other department that offers course work in Slavic cultures.

Proficiency in a Slavic language is desirable, but not required. This program does not lead toward a doctorate.

Special Admissions Requirements

Proficiency in a Slavic language is desirable, but not required. In addition to the requirements listed below, all students must submit one transcript showing courses and grades for each school attended, a statement of academic purpose, a writing sample (a course paper, term paper, etc.), a personal statement, and three letters of recommendation from academic sources.

All international students whose native language is not English or whose undergraduate degree is from an institution in a country whose official language is not English must submit scores of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or IELTS.

For more information, refer to our Admissions Information and Frequently Asked Questions pages.

*GSAS will accept up to four recommendations, regardless of the number required by your program of interest. However, to be eligible for admission at GSAS, at least TWO letters must be submitted by academic recommenders.