Introduction to the Major
The Slavic Languages and Literaturesdepartment offers two major tracks. The Major in Russian, East European, and Eurasian Languages and Cultures offers an interdisciplinary area studies approach to the languages and cultures of this huge, diverse, and vitally important region of the world. Students focus on one language: Russian, Armenian, Bosnian//Croatian/Serbian, Czech, Hungarian, or Polish. The Major in Russian Language and Literature is designed to give students in-depth knowledge of Russian language and literature.
Graduates go on to careers in fields such as journalism, business, diplomacy, international development, education, social work, health, and environmental affairs. A Slavic major also provides excellent preparation for graduate studies as well as a sound background in the liberal arts for those attending professional school.
“The Slavic department was an invaluable part of my college experience. I can't imagine a better setting for learning a foreign language.”
- 2019 graduate
Additional Options
The Slavic Department’s majors are flexible: we take into account individual students’ academic interests, prior exposure to the area, and knowledge of its languages.
Already have an intended major but interested in Slavic Language and Literatures? Consider adding a double major or minor
For non-majors, we offer a number of courses (taught in English) that fulfill breadth requirements in Arts and Literature, Philosophy and Values, Historical Studies, Social and Behavioral Sciences, and International Studies, as well as Freshmen and Sophomore seminars.
Amplify Your Major
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Study abroad in Russia or other Eastern European countries.
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Submit your work to TROIKA, the undergraduate journal.
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Apply for an ISEEES Fellowship to receive support for a research project.
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Check out the Slavic & East European Studies collection at the Doe Library.
First Year
Explore Your Major
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Meet with your major and college advisor to discuss your academic plans.
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Review major and college requirements.
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Enroll in L&S 1 and HUM 10 (Compass Courses).
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Take the language placement exam for your chosen language of study.
Connect and Build Community
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Get 1:1 mentoring from graduate students with Berkeley Connect and L&S Mentors Program.
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Find study groups, tutoring, and academic support at the Student Learning Center.
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Use the resources at the Berkeley Language Center.
Discover Your Passions
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Discover new interests in a Freshman Seminar or student-run DeCal course.
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Visit the Office of Undergraduate Research and Scholarships.
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Check out the Slavic & East European Studies collection at the Doe Library.
Engage Locally and Globally
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Attend the Calapalooza student activities fair and get involved with a student organization.
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Find service opportunities through the Public Service Center.
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Explore study, internship, and research abroad options in Slavic with Berkeley Study Abroad.
Reflect and Plan Your Future
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Visit Berkeley Career Engagement and the Career Counseling Library.
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Develop a plan for getting career ready.
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Set up a Handshake account and sign up for CareerMail.
- Explore career fields in the Career Connections Networking Series.
Second Year
Explore Your Major
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Begin working on lower division requirements including language and literature/culture courses for your major track, and declare the major.
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Review the major guidelines for study abroad.
Connect and Build Community
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Explore resources from the Institute of Slavic, Eastern European, and Eurasian Studies.
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Get to know professors and graduate student instructors during their office hours.
Discover Your Passions
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Continue exploring with a Sophomore Seminar, Big Ideas Course or Discovery Course.
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Assist faculty in their research through URAP. Check out the URAP in European Studies.
Engage Locally and Globally
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Contribute to a community organization with an American Cultures Engaged Scholarship course.
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Go on a service-learning trip with the Alternative Breaks Program.
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Apply to the Boren Scholarship or Critical Language Scholarship program.
Reflect and Plan Your Future
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Discuss career options and goals with a Career Educator.
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Shadow alumni during a winter externship.
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Learn about graduate and professional school. See Step-by-Step for planning help.
- Think about doing an internship and attend an internship fair.
Third Year
Explore Your Major
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Focus on upper division requirements for your major track and concentration.
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Review your degree progress with your major and college advisor.
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Complement your major with a certificate, course thread, or summer minor.
Connect and Build Community
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Sign up for the ISEEES email list and attend institute-affiliated events.
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Consider becoming a Golden Bear Orientation Leader and welcome new students to UC Berkeley.
Discover Your Passions
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Apply for an ISEEES Fellowship to receive support for a research project.
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Planning a senior thesis or project? Apply to the Haas Scholars Program or SURF.
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Curious about entrepreneurship? Enroll in HUM120: Entrepreneurship for All.
Engage Locally and Globally
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Experience life at another UC or college on a visitor and exchange program.
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Study and intern in Washington D.C. with UCDC or Cal in the Capital.
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Get international work experience with a Berkeley Global Internship in Prague.
Reflect and Plan Your Future
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Learn about career fields and conduct informational interviews with people in those fields.
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Discuss graduate school options with advisors and professors.
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Create or update your resume and LinkedIn profile.
- Attend career and graduate school fairs.
Fourth Year
Explore Your Major
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Do a degree check to ensure you are on track to graduate.
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Complete any “bucket list” courses.
- Consider a membership in Dobro Slovo, the National Slavic Honors Society.
Connect and Build Community
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Practice your language skills while helping others learn in the SLC Language Exchange Program.
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Get support for your thesis project in the Townsend Honors Thesis Workshop.
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Connect with alumni groups and build your network as you prepare to graduate.
Discover Your Passions
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Teach your own DeCal course.
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Undertake an optional honors thesis or independent study.
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Submit your work to the undergraduate journal TROIKA.
- Keep pursuing your interests through a fellowship or gap year after graduation.
Engage Locally and Globally
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Hone your leadership skills with the Peter E. Haas Public Service Leaders program.
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Explore service opportunities after graduation, such as Peace Corps, Teach for America, or U.S. Department of State.
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Apply to the Fulbright ETA Program to teach English in Russia and Eastern Europe.
Reflect and Plan Your Future
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Utilize job board tools in your job search.
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Ask professors and graduate student instructors for recommendation letters.
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Attend Employer Info Sessions and On-Campus Recruiting.
- Apply to jobs, graduate school, and other opportunities.
Jobs and Employers
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Associate, Pillsbury Law
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Attorney, Winston & Straun
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Aviation Instructor
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Business Development, SAP
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Digital News Producer, KTLA
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Digital Skills & Financial Literacy Specialist, International Rescue Committee
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Fulbright English Teaching Asst., Russia
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Intl. Trade Analyst, Northrup Grummond
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Law Clerk, Cook County Public Defender
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Legislative Staffer, U.S. House of Rep.
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Taxonomist, Walmart Labs
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Research and Program Assoc., Brennan Ctr.
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Writer, The Armenian Weekly
Graduate Programs
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Chemistry, PhD
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Comparative Literature, PhD
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History, Masters
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International Relations, Masters
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Law, JD
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Medical Neurosciences, Masters
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Russian Literature, PhD
Examples gathered from the First Destination Survey of recent Berkeley graduates.
Connect With Us
Cal Day
Come to Berkeley’s annual Open House in April for information sessions, campus tours, special talks, and more.
Golden Bear Orientation
Join your peers in the campus-wide UC Berkeley orientation program for all new students.
Events
Attend department events with students, staff, and faculty. Visit slavic.berkeley.edu for news and updates.
Advising
Staff Undergraduate Advisor
Amanda Minafoissaug@berkeley.edu
Advising Drop-In Hours
Monday - Friday 8:30am - 5pm
6303A Dwinelle Hall
How to Use this Map
Use this map to help plan and guide your experience at UC Berkeley, including academic, co-curricular, and discovery opportunities. Everyone’s Berkeley experience is different and activities in this map are suggestions. Always consult with your advisors whenever possible for new opportunities and updates.
