Russian
Russian Heading link
Chicago is home to the largest concentration of Central and East Europeans outside of Europe; the Department of Slavic and Baltic Languages and Literature at UIC is truly representative of this ethnic diversity. We offer undergraduate and graduate programs in Russian and Polish. The department also offers courses in Lithuanian culture and the history of standard European languages. Students may choose from a diverse selection of classes including eighteenth, nineteenth, and twentieth-century Russian and Polish literature; literary criticism and theory; Eastern and Central European culture, and Slavic linguistics. We also provide a full complement of Polish and Russian language courses designed for students at all levels of proficiency. We strive to create an intellectually stimulating environment in order to help students think creatively and critically about the world in which they live.
See how other students found their fit below with this major!
Alumni Highlights Heading link
Below is a sample of how UIC alumni have applied their Slavic or Baltic Language major to a professional path!
- Account Representative, First National Bank of Des Plaines
- Assistant Professor, Pacific Lutheran University
- Brand Ambassador, KIND
- Buyer, C.H. Robinson
- Career Consultant, Lee Hecht Harrison
- Court Advocate, Family Rescue
- Fleet Manager, J.B. Hunt Transport, Inc.
- Polish Language and Literature Instructor, Loyola University Chicago
- Programmatic Trader, InTouch Solutions
- St. Peter’s House Library Manager, University of Brighton
- Technology Consultant, PwC
Unique Skills and Competencies Heading link
In addition to the foundation set of skills and competencies you will gain in any liberal arts and science major, there are also unique skills and perspectives you gain from your Russian major. Review the list below to learn more:
- Ability to analyze multiple perspectives and contexts
- Critical analysis of media and visual culture in Eastern Europe
- Deepen understanding of classic literature from top authors in the last four centuries
- Development of cross-cultural communication and cultural awareness
- Historical understanding of Slavic and Baltic nations
- Strong development of global and intercultural fluency
- Knowledge of a critical language as defined by the U.S. State Department
Industry Clusters Heading link
There are many work place settings, industries, and career areas you can apply your major based on your professional interests. Below is a sample list of industry clusters that other Russian majors have transitioned into professionally. What type of setting or career focus appeals to you?
- Arts, Media, and Communications
- Business and Entrepreneurship
- Criminology and Law Enforcement
- Cultural and Museum Studies
- Education
- Government, International Affairs, and Public Service
- Healthcare, Global Health, and Wellness
- Law and Legal Services
- Marketing, Advertising, and Public Relations
- Social Services
- Tourism and Travel
- Writing and Editing
Meet Adelina Lopez! Heading link
“Being a Russian major complements some of my professional interests that I was thinking of exploring such as becoming a translator or teaching. Russian is not a very common language to speak in the United States so finding translating jobs, especially within the CIA or FBI is something I want to work toward in the future. In addition, the high school I attended was only one out of two high schools in Chicago that taught Russian. Therefore one of my other goals is to become a teacher and expose more students to the language. I want to provide the wonderful opportunities I had in learning Russian to others.”
Meet Cassie Hernandez! Heading link
“I have always known that I wanted to study a foreign language and UIC’s program has definitely solidified my confidence in choosing Russian. The mix of an amazing faculty that are enthusiastic to work, the support to achieve academic success, and the range of courses offered have helped me to develop my interest in the subject.”