Skip to main content
Liberal Arts Advisement & Careers

Russian

Explore the Major

Why should you study Russian?

Students in Russian will acquire a broad knowledge, comprehension, and appreciation of the culture, literature, linguistics, and history of Russian-speaking countries. In addition, they will learn to communicate effectively in speech and writing about topics related to the culture, literature, and linguistics of Russian-speaking countries. Students will learn to demonstrate critical thinking, coherent development and organization of ideas, thoughtful analysis, and the ability to connect their ideas to those of relevant scholars and thinkers.

Check out this site on the value of a Russian degree on the job market and ways to use your language skills right now.

Russian Major Snippets

Course Catalog

Major Details
Department Contacts
Competencies and Careers

Russian Department Contacts

Competencies and Careers

Competencies Developed in the Program
Students in the Russian program can expect to develop strong competencies:

  • Communication
  • Information Literacy
  • Cultural Navigation

Want to know more about these professional competencies? Career Readiness.

Common Career Fields
Russian students can use their degree to pursue careers in many fields!
Some of those include: Government (State Dept and CIA), Business Administration, Marketing, Finance, Law, Medicine, Diplomacy, and Translation.

Jobs in these career fields:
Would you like to know about specific jobs in these fields? Check out this pamphlet.

Handshake: Check out job postings in a career field that interests you! Use Handshake, the ultimate job board for internships and entry level jobs. Use it to search for jobs, connect with alumni, and research companies.

Meet with your advisor!
Would you like to know more about the program to see if it’s a good fit for your goals? Would you like to know more about your career options? Do you have a career option in mind but you’d like resources to help you chart a path toward that goal? Come meet with your Academic and Professional Development Manager, Cielle Davis!
Contact the Liberal Arts Advisement Center to set up an appointment!

How to add the Russian major

Russian is an open enrollment program! But, you will need department approval to add the major. Contact Russian Section Head Katya Jordan to get approval, then submit a major change request on your Progress Report to get started in the major.

Student Success Stories

Check out what these German and Russian students have to say about their internships and professional development!

FAQs

  • Did you study Russian in high school? Or maybe you served a mission in which you were exposed to the Russian language? Russian-speaking returned missionaries can start in RUSS 330. You can talk with Russian Section Head Katya Jordan to assess which Russian class is right for you!

  • If you served a Russian-speaking mission, you must major in Russian. The minor is reserved for students with little to no language immersion experience. Learn about the Russian major and minor here

  • Many Russian students double major. You can petition to double major. Learn about the process here

  • The Challenge Exam allows BYU students who had a significant language immersion experience for which they did not receive academic credit to demonstrate their proficiency and to receive graded credit. The exam must be taken during your first Russian language-focused class at BYU or your first Russian language-focused class after your mission.
    - Eligible classes: RUSS 330. Challenge Examination
    - Note: Native speakers cannot take the exam for credit.

  • Cielle Davis, Academic and Professional Development Manager

  • Russian is an open enrollment program! But, you will need department approval to add the major. Contact Russian Section Head Katya Jordan to get approval, then submit a major change request on your Progress Report to get started in the major. How to change your major
Exploring the Major
Engaging in the Major
Looking Forward
FAQs