Russian Studies at the University of Kentucky
Learn Russian to Learn More
Fall 2025 Courses
Program Goals
The mission of the undergraduate program in MCL-Russian Studies is to provide students with training in Russian language and culture, strong communication skills, intercultural competence, and the tools to thrive in a fast-changing global workforce. Students can enroll in Russian language courses, UK Core courses on Russia (Global Dynamics, Humanities, Social Science) and can add the major, double major, minor, STEM + Russian dual degree, or accelerated masters pathway (AMP) with the Patterson School of Diplomacy and International Commerce.
Why study Russian?
Russian is one of the six official languages of the U.N. and a U.S. government-designated Critical Language for national security. Graduates who possess knowledge of Russian language, history, culture and politics enter important careers in cybersecurity, the military, intelligence, journalism, law, law enforcement, education, business and medicine. Students of Russian stand out among their peers as individuals who are undeterred by difficult challenges and are ready to think critically about complex economic, historical, literary, cultural and political issues.
Interdisciplinary Education
UK Russian Studies offers special support for students in business and STEM disciplines who want to integrate their study of business and economics, biology, chemistry, neuroscience, engineering, mathematics, climate or aerospace with Russian studies through the FLIE major, the STEM + Russian dual degree option, as well as through coursework and faculty-mentored research.
Student Success and Career Transition
Our graduates are employed in business, consulting, law, diplomacy, security, military, higher education and many other careers. We are especially proud of our students' track record of success in nationally competitive awards and programs like Fulbright, CLS, Boren, Gilman and the Peace Corps. Our program also has an excellent track record of success in supporting applications to law school, medical school, and graduate school in fields from library and information science to diplomacy and national security.
Join us today
UK Russian Studies affords students the opportunity--both at UK and abroad--to immerse themselves in the culture, language, literature, politics, history, and religion of Russian-speaking people across the world and from antiquity to the present. Our courses, taught by full-time faculty and native speakers, offer students the chance to major, double major or minor in Russian. Want to learn about Russian folklore or read Tolstoy in the original or become proficient in one of the world’s top 10 most widely spoken languages? Then join us for an intellectual adventure that will prepare you for a variety of professions—from law and business to scientific research and intelligence gathering. Want to acquire a skill that will set you apart from your cohort? Then study Russian—a sure way to enhance your prospects, no matter what job you pursue. Are you eager to expand your cultural horizons? Then participate in the many activities sponsored by the UK Russian Club. No matter what you want to know about Russia, it's role in global affairs, and the lives of speakers of Russian around the world, we can help you find the answers.
Learn Russian to learn more.
Russian Studies Contacts:
Dr. Jeanmarie Rouhier-Willoughby, Professor j.rouhier@uky.edu Office: POT 1061
Dr. Molly Blasing, Associate Professor mtblasing@uky.edu Office: POT 1051
Anna Viktorovna Voskresensky, Senior Lecturer AnnaSky82@uky.edu Office: POT 1041
Full Faculty List
Program statement on Russia's war against Ukraine: https://mcl.as.uky.edu/statement-russian-invasion-ukraine
Officers of the Department of Modern & Classical Languages, Literatures & Cultures are:
- MCLLC Chair - Jeffrey Peters (jnp@uky.edu)
- MCLLC Associate Chair - Harald Höbusch (hhoebu@uky.edu)
- MCLLC Director of Undergraduate Studies - Julie Human (julie.human@uky.edu)
- MCLLC Director of Graduate Studies - Milena Minkova (mmink2@uky.edu)
Main Department Contact:
1055 Patterson Office Tower
University of Kentucky
Lexington KY 40506-0027
ph: 859-257-3761
fax: 859-257-3743