European and Eurasian Studies Master of Arts

 

Russia/China relations. Populism and illiberalism. Nationalism and ethnic conflicts in Eurasia. If you follow global trends, you’ve noticed it is difficult to isolate one issue from the rest of the world. This is particularly true when you look at what is taking place in and around Europe and Eurasia today. 

These regions matter — not just to the United States, but to the global community. Maybe that’s why you’re considering a career in European and Eurasian studies; you see value in it. You want to dive into cultures, become an area expert, and apply your knowledge and skills to solving issues that are impacting us at a global scale.  

Of course, while you have a curiosity and enthusiasm for the work, you are also realistic in your aspirations. You know that in order to make an impact and grow your career in international affairs, you’ll need to build your knowledge, skills, and network. To truly make a difference, you’re going to need a Master’s in European and Eurasian Studies.

The Master of Arts in European and Eurasian Studies at the Elliott School of International Affairs is right for students who are looking to:

• Deepen their understanding and knowledge of transatlantic relations in the 21st century 
• Translate personal experiences into policy development 
• Broaden their perspective and understanding of other cultures 
• Increase proficiency in a major European language
• Increase earning potential and career satisfaction

Some of the students who succeed in this program are:

• Recent graduates with degrees in International Relations, Political Science, Russian Studies, Eurasian Studies, or European Studies, to name a few
• Students with five years or less of experience in diverse fields including work at NGOs, the Peace Corps, and the public sector

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Cultivating a Generation of Diverse Leaders 

Maybe you’re looking to expand your understanding of broader interests, such as international security policy, energy economics, or comparative governments and politics of Central and Eastern Europe. Or, maybe you want to go deep into a specific area, such as the changing climatic and economic conditions in the Arctic, the history and influence of German cinema, or why Ukraine’s geography matters.

Regardless of where you’re coming from, we’ve designed our Master’s in European and Eurasian Studies at the Elliott School to meet the interests of each student. We’ve created an academic experience that will equip you to step into a position of influence.  

Integral Learning 

When you understand that every issue is linked to another and every country is linked together, you can start to see and understand the intersection of regional and global issues. For example, you’ll see today’s conflict between Russia and the West with greater clarity, understanding that it is rooted in the Cold War. Our program achieves this by promoting interdisciplinary perspectives and recognizing that Europe, Russia, and Eurasia cannot be understood in isolation from each other or global trends. 

Expert Facilitators 

As a European Studies student, you’ll be surrounded by transatlantic peers, scholars, and practitioners with diverse viewpoints, political beliefs, and language. Our faculty are all leaders in their fields and include names such as Marlene Laruelle, Hope Harrison, Robert Orttung, Henry Hale, and Peter Rollberg. 

Personalized Specializations

Whether you’re ready to build specific expertise in one area, or you’re still exploring broad interests in diplomacy and international affairs, our personalized specializations will help you develop a richer professional focus. During your Capstone project, you will work with a real client and tackle a policy question, demonstrating your ability to gather reliable information, assess it, and communicate it to others.

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Where Students Find Value at the Elliott School

As you narrow down your list of top European Studies programs in Washington D.C., it’s important to consider not only what you will be getting from the classroom, but also what you’ll be gaining in terms of professional experience and networking. 

The D.C. Experience 

With its central location in Washington, D.C., you’ll be minutes away from the year’s biggest events, networking opportunities, and speeches delivered by world leaders tackling relevant topics, such as adaptations of Islamic thought in Europe, Finland as a NATO member, and humanitarian protection and counter-trafficking in crisis situations. 

You’ll also be within walking distance of important organizations, such as the World Bank, the State Department, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and USAID. For most students, this means the opportunity to gain professional experience during the day before walking or taking the Metro to campus for night courses. 

Learn more about what your experience will look like

A Leading Institute

Through the Institute of European, Russian, and Eurasian Studies (IERES), you’ll have opportunities to collaborate with peers and scholars to promote research and knowledge-share on pressing issues, such as Arctic urban sustainability, the evolution of transatlantic relationships, and contemporary Ukraine. IERES is ranked No. 1 University-Affiliated Regional Studies Center in the U.S. for its work to advance education, research, and practice. 

ESIA Network

The people who are carrying out important work in the European and Eurasian region are part of a small community of scholars and practitioners. Through the Elliott School’s extensive alumni network, you’ll be able to meet and get to know top specialists. When you’re inside the room with the right people and making the right connections, conversations often lead to work experiences and future opportunities for you to make a real impact.

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Prerequisites

Foreign Language 

Academic coursework in a major European language, including Russian, which will prepare students to complete the program’s language requirement*, is required at the time of application. This can be demonstrated by:

• Study that is equal to four semesters of university-level coursework or equivalent.
• Completion of formal language training as part of employment (e.g., Peace Corps).
• Growing up in a household where the language is spoken.

*Students need to have a strong foundation in a foreign language before enrolling to be successful in completing the language requirement during the program.

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Where Our Graduates Make a Global Impact 

Within six months of graduating, approximately 84% of European and Eurasian Studies graduates are positioned for career advancement in the government and private sector for organizations such as:

• Beacon Global Strategies 
• Booz Allen Hamilton
• CharityVision 
• Department of the Navy
• The Eurasia Center
• Foreign Service Institute
• Free Russia Foundation
• German Marshall Fund of the United States 
• Serco 
• USAID 
• U.S. Department of Defense 
• U.S. Department of State
• World Bank Group