European and Eurasian Studies Program of Study

To earn your Master of Arts in European and Eurasian Studies you must successfully complete our 40 credit program that includes: a 3 credit Cornerstone course; a 3 credit International Economics or Research Methods course; 15 credits of core courses; 9 credits in a Professional Specialization; 6 credits of electives (of which up to 3 credits may be Skills Courses); and a 4 credit Global Capstone project.  

Note that for students entering the program prior to Fall 2019, the requirements are slightly different: a 3 credit Cornerstone course; a 3 credit International Economics course; 15 credits of core courses; a 9 credit Professional Specialization; a 1 credit Skills Course; 6 credits of electives; and a 3 credit Capstone course.

Cornerstone

The Colloquium in Europe and Eurasia cornerstone seeks to prepare you for your coursework in the program through a survey of current research on the region. Course requirements include a mandatory research paper.

Core Courses

The core of the EES program consists of classes from different disciplines, including history, international affairs, and political science, that cover both Europe and Eurasia. Students take five courses (15 credits) from, at a minimum, three disciplines. At least two classes should be from each of the two regions listed below.

  • Western, Central, Southeastern, and Eastern Europe
  • Post-Soviet/Post-communist Countries
Capstone

You must complete a Global Capstone project as a culminating experience during your final year of study at the Elliott School. Elliott School Global Capstone projects provide an opportunity for you to apply the knowledge and skills you have acquired through your coursework to a current policy question. For additional information, please visit the Global Capstone page.

Students entering prior to Fall 2020 can complete the capstone requirement by taking the EES Capstone (IAFF 6339). The EES Capstone Course is offered only in the spring semester, and students take it in their final semester.

Optional Thesis

If you want to continue to a Ph.D. program or pursue a research-oriented job, you may consider writing a thesis, which is an independent, in-depth research project that takes a year or more to complete. If you choose to complete a thesis, you must do so in addition to the Capstone requirement. Thesis credits will be counted as elective or specialization credits with Program Director approval. To pursue a thesis you need a minimum of a 3.5 GPA and approval from the faculty member you wish to serve as your thesis director. Thesis students also need to complete at least one research methods course.


Professional Specializations

You may choose one professional specialization field, selecting at least three courses listed under that field for a total of 9 credits. Students may design their own field with the approval of the Program Director, or select one of the following fields. You can find specific course listings for your chosen Professional Specialization in the GW Bulletin.

This specialization offers a broad array of courses for students interested in working in technology policy or related areas (innovation, space policy, cybersecurity, environmental management, etc.). Courses are offered by the Elliott School, School of Engineering and Applied Science, and related departments.