Russian Studies

Build global skills. Think strategically. Gain a career edge.

Develop a high-impact skill with cultural depth and strong career relevance.

Why study Russian?

Global influence

Spoken by over 250 million people across Eastern Europe and Central Asia.

Powerful complement

Enhances majors like international relations, economics, computer science, and history.

Stand out in the job market

A less commonly studied language that gives you an edge in government, tech, energy, and media.

Cultural depth

Access influential literature, film, and intellectual traditions in the original language.

Cognitive strength

Build analytical and problem-solving skills through a challenging, rewarding language.

Why SDSU?

SDSU is one of the few CSU campuses that offer a Russian minor, and the only CSU campus that offers a major in Comparative International Studies with a regional focus in Europe/Eurasia.

The program is small by design. That means real attention, real conversation, and mentorship from native-speaker faculty with U.S. doctorates. It is the opposite of the lecture-hall language class where you never speak.

Courses on Russian literature, film, and culture are taught in English and open to all students. No Russian language required. They fulfill GE and humanities requirements, and pair beautifully with film studies, creative writing, history, political science, psychology, and design.

Expand your studies with Russian

Student Opportunities

Russian Club

The Russian Club at SDSU is a student organization, which sets up and sponsors film presentations, lectures on various aspects of life in Russia and informal students’ get-together. Russian Club is a perfect opportunity to get to know others with the interest in the Russian/Slavic languages and cultures. The Russian Club organizes the annual Russian Day on campus –a festival of food, fun and culture Russian style! Contact the faculty advisor for times, dates and place of the events at [email protected].

Advising

Daria Shembel, Program Director/Advisor
Office: SH 220C
Email: [email protected]

Important Links

Class Schedule | SDSU Catalog | Academic Calendar | Canvas