Graduate Certificate of Concentration in European and Russian Studies

Admission

Admission is contingent on the candidate’s acceptance and matriculation into a Yale graduate-degree program. To complete the certificate, candidates must demonstrate expertise in the area through their major graduate or professional field, as well as show command of the diverse interdisciplinary, geographic, and cultural-linguistic approaches associated with expertise in the area of concentration.

Requirements

In order to be awarded the certificate, candidates need to fulfill all requirements detailed below, as well as complete their Yale University graduate degree program. 

1. Minimum L4 language proficiency in one modern European or Eurasian language, in addition to English. Students wishing to focus on Russia, East Europe, and Eurasia must demonstrate knowledge of Russian, an East European, or an Eurasian language; those focusing on West and Central Europe must demonstrate knowledge of one of the appropriate languages. Students must demonstrate proficiency in oral (speaking/listening), reading, and writing skills.
2. Six graduate-level courses in the area of concentration, of which:
   1. Three courses must offer transnational approaches to Europe and Eurasian-related issues
   2. For students focusing on Russia, East Europe and Eurasia, at least one of the remaining three courses must concern the nations of West and Central Europe. For those focusing on West and Central Europe, at least one of the remaining three courses must concern Russia, East Europe, and Eurasia.
3. A qualifying research paper is required to demonstrate field-specific research ability focused on the area of concentration. After completing substantial course work in the area of concentration, students must seek approval from the council faculty adviser. The research paper should be interdisciplinary as well as focused on the area of concentration. More guidelines are provided by the council.

4. Progress Reports: Students should submit a progress report along with a copy of their unofficial transcript to the council faculty adviser at the end of each term. Ideally, this will include a brief narrative on engagement in the relevant council’s activities and planned or newly completed experience overseas in the relevant region.

5. Filing for the Award of the Graduate Certificate of Concentration: Students who intend to file for the final award of the certificate should contact the council no later than the end of the term prior to award. No later than the fourth week of the term of the expected award, students should demonstrate how they have or will have completed all the requirements in a timely fashion. At the end of the term as grades are finalized, the council will confirm that the student is cleared to receive the home degree and has fulfilled all the requirements of the certificate. Students may elect to retrieve the certificate award in person from the council after commencement. Otherwise, the council will mail the certificate award to the student after commencement.

Other Certificates

Graduate and professional students may also pursue a Graduate Certificate of Concentration in the field of Global Health, Translation Studies, or International Security Studies.