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.

Democracy Studies: This specialization is for students interested in exploring the challenges facing democracies today, including the changing world order, the rise of populism and nationalism, emergence of new forms of media, and conflicts over social identities. Courses are offered through the departments of political science and history, the School of Media and Public Affairs, and the international affairs program.
European and Eurasian Cultures: For students interested in deepening their knowledge of Europe and/or Eurasia, this specialization offers courses in a variety of disciplines, including literature, history, politics, and international affairs. Literature classes may be conducted in a foreign language.
International Economics, Political Economy, and Business: This specialization is well-suited to students who expect to work in economics, finance, business, development, or economic policy. Courses are offered through the Business School, economics department, and international affairs program.
International Education: This specialization is for students seeking to work in the field of international education – for instance, in higher education, international exchange programs, or education policy. Many of the courses are available through the Graduate School of Education and Human Development.
International Health Policy and Programs: For students interested in international health policy, this specialization offers courses from a variety of disciplines, including anthropology, international affairs, geography, and public health. Many courses are available through the Milken Institute School of Public Health.
International Organization, Diplomacy, and Globalization: This specialization aims to prepare students to be effective and informed diplomats and international policy-makers. Courses in history, international affairs, law, and political science aim to provide a foundation for such a career, covering topics such as international organizations, public diplomacy, international policy concerns, and important phenomena in global politics (nationalism, regimes and regime change, or regional relations).
International Security Policy: This specialization helps prepare students to be practitioners in the field of international security, working in areas such as national defense, cybersecurity, human security, among others. Courses cover general topics in security policy as well as security issues that are specific to Europe and Eurasia.
Science, Technology, and International Affairs: 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.

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.