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Graduate Master's Degree Program

The Master of Arts Degree Program in Russian and East European Studies offers training to graduate students preparing for academic and professional careers with a focus on the region of the former Soviet Union and Eastern Europe. The enhancement of language ability to the level of professional competence and the acquisition of on-site experience and analytical skills appropriate for an area expert are goals of the M.A. program. Students may focus their programs on one or more countries of the region, but are expected to achieve a wide range of area knowledge as well as disciplinary and professional skills.

Applicants to the REES M.A. program must have completed a bachelor's degree. Those admitted to the program typically present GRE scores in the mid-600s, as well as an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.25. (Applicants to the Business Administration or Law dual degree programs may substitute GMAT or LSAT scores.)

Attainment of area language proficiency needed for post-graduation careers is a key program objective. All students must demonstrate proficiency equivalent to three years in at least one language of the region (German not included) by completing coursework at the appropriate level (or the equivalent). Except for native speakers, all students must also take a proficiency exam administered by the relevant U-M language program. Students are encouraged to continue language study even after minimum proficiency levels have been achieved, since they will want to use primary language sources for their master's projects.

Frequently Asked Questions for REES M.A. Students (PDF)

REES M.A. Requirements

The normal program of study for the REES M.A. takes two years and includes the following requirements:

  • Course distribution. A minimum of 30 hours distributed over four or more of the following fields: architecture, art history, anthropology, business, communication studies, comparative literature, economics, education, history, Judaic studies, law, music, natural resources and environment, political science, public policy, Slavic languages and literatures, and sociology. At least 15 credits must be in courses offered primarily or exclusively for graduate students (500-level or above). For examples of REES-approved classes, see CREES courses.
  • Language Proficiency. Students are expected to achieve a high level of language proficiency by the end of their studies. Language proficiency tests are administered before the first term of study for the purpose of placement and at the end of the program.
  • Research Seminar. REES 795 or REES-approved graduate seminar resulting in a master's project.
  • Master's Project. A thesis or final project/practicum integrating area expertise with disciplinary or professional work must be submitted and approved by two CREES faculty associates. This project should be tailored to a student's own interests and academic or career goals.
  • Recommended. Enrollment in introductory colloquium on Russian and East European Studies (REES 695 or its equivalent).

REES M.A. Worksheet

For a form to track completion of REES master's degree requirements, click here or contact the CREES Student Services Associate at 734.764.0351 or crees.admissions@umich.edu.

REES M.A. Thesis Approval Form

For a form to verify successful completion of the REES master's degree thesis, click here or contact the CREES Student Services Associate at 734.764.0351 or crees.admissions@umich.edu.

Advising

M.A. students should meet with the Academic Advisor at least three times throughout the course of their degree: once at orientation, again near the end of their first year to discuss plans for the thesis and for guidance in selecting a thesis advisor, and early in their final semester to conduct a degree audit. Additional appointments can be scheduled as necessary. Contact CREES at 734.764.0351 or crees@umich.edu to set up an advising appointment.

Admissions

Individuals may apply online through the Rackham School of Graduate Studies. Online applications with the statement of purpose will go directly to Rackham and CREES. GRE scores are sent to Rackham, code 1839.

  • All applicants are required to mail 1 set of official academic records/transcripts from undergraduate and postgraduate institutions to the Rackham Graduate School.

Rackham Graduate School
Attn: Transcripts/U-M ID# (if known) or Date of Birth (mm/dd/yyyy)
915 E Washington Street
Ann Arbor MI 48109-1070
USA

  • Official documents must be provided by the institution awarding the degree. Academic records certified by notary publics are not official.
  • Submit your application before sending your academic records/transcripts to Rackham. This will to allow your documents to be processed more quickly.
  • If you do not obtain a U-M ID number before mailing your academic records/transcripts to Rackham it is important that you inform us of any name changes. This includes Former Last Name and Former First Name that appear on your academic records/transcripts. This information will enable Rackham to match your records to your application quickly.

If you do not have a University of Michigan ID number you can obtain one by registering as a Future Grad Student.

Application Requirements

Prospective students must send portions of their application to Rackham and all application materials to CREES. Online applications with the statement of purpose will go directly to Rackham and CREES. GRE scores are sent to Rackham, code 1839.

Your completed online application and supporting documents (including academic records/transcripts, test scores, and letters of recommendation, etc.) should be submitted early enough to arrive two to three weeks prior to the deadline.

Please note: Applicants to the REES M.A. program who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents are encouraged to apply for Foreign Language and Area Studies (FLAS) Fellowships. For more information, see Student Funding.

Questions can be sent to crees.admissions@umich.edu.

The application deadline for matriculation in Fall 2010 is January 15, 2010.