Bachelor of Russian at The Ohio State University
International students can study the Russian at The Ohio State University on the Columbus campus in United States of America. This Bachelor degree is available as a Full Time program delivered on campus in English. The program has a duration of 4 years and is offered at the Columbus campus. Students can apply for the next intake starting on August 24, 2027.
About Bachelor of Russian
Russian
Degree: BA
Campus: Columbus
College: Arts and Sciences
Russian is the sixth most spoken language in the world, with 164 million native speakers and 114 million second-language speakers in Russia, in other countries in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, and in communities across the globe. It is the language of one of the world’s leading cultures, whose achievements in literature, art, music, science, technology and sports have won worldwide acclaim, and whose history, internal politics and foreign policy have a significant impact on global events. For these reasons, Russian is classified as a critical-needs language by the U.S. government.
The Department of Slavic and East European Languages and Cultures offers an undergraduate major in Russian with two tracks: Russian language and Russian literature, culture and film. Both tracks offer students training in skills to communicate in Russian, to foster an understanding of Russian culture and society, and to develop critical-reasoning, reading and writing skills.
Get started
Upon admission to the university, students can declare a major in Russian within the College of Arts and Sciences. Interested students should contact the undergraduate coordinating advisor in the Department of Slavic and East European Languages and Cultures.
Curriculum
The program offers five years of Russian language plus a large variety of electives (many taught in English) in Russian culture, literature, film and linguistics. Additionally, education abroad, internships and individual research projects all can be counted toward the Russian major. Students can also draw on the many courses in Russian art, geography, history, music and politics as well as courses in other regional languages and cultures.
The Russian major has two tracks: (1) Russian language and (2) Russian literature, culture and film. All students take second-year Russian, third-year Russian (with different courses required for each track), a capstone course, and electives drawn from the many courses offered in advanced Russian language, culture, literature, film and linguistics.
Students in the Russian language track take advanced language classes, plus one additional elective in literature, culture or film. Students in the Russian literature, culture and film track choose two courses in literature, two in culture and one in film for their electives. In both tracks, substitutions may be made in the course work with permission of the advisor.
Study abroad
Students may choose to study abroad as a continuation of Russian 2335: Magnificence, Mayhem and Mafia—Russian Culture (taught in class and online). Ohio State students can also study in Moscow, St. Petersburg and other cities throughout Russia and Eastern Europe through a number of different programs. For more information, please contact the Russian language program coordinator, Dr. Larysa Stepanova.
Student organizations
The Russian Club hosts celebrations of Russian holidays, Tetris contests and cuisine nights. The Center for Slavic and East European Studies sponsors guest speakers, conferences and other events focusing on Russia. The department organizes screenings of Russian and Eastern European films each semester. At the weekly Russian Table, students of all levels can practice their conversational skills and get free tutoring. Russian TV programs are broadcast twice a week in the Crane Cafe on the first floor of Hagerty Hall.
Additionally, University Libraries owns hundreds of thousands of Russian books and periodicals, while the Center for Slavic and East European Studies offers students free rentals of over one thousand Russian films and documentaries. There is a growing community of Russians on campus and in the Columbus area, so students of Russian have many opportunities to practice their language and learn about Russian culture in informal settings.
Possible careers
A G8 country, Russia has rich natural resources and one of the world’s largest economies. Over the past decade, Russia has been undergoing a wave of resurgent nationalism; its government continues to exert considerable influence in international affairs and has recently pursued policies that have put it in contention with the United States and Europe. For this reason, the U.S. government has classified Russian as a critical-needs language vital for national security interests and stresses the need for professionals with Russian expertise.
Recently, Ohio State graduates with Russian degrees have gained rewarding employment in federal agencies. Graduates in Russian have also pursued careers in fields such as international business, secondary and postsecondary education, economics, law enforcement, and translating/interpreting. In addition, qualified graduates have had opportunities to teach English in Russia and Eastern Europe.
Requirements and Admission Criteria for Bachelor of Russian at The Ohio State University
Entry Requirements
Criteria of our holistic review, in no particular order.
Successful completion of university preparatory courses
High school performance (class rank or GPA), including participation in accelerated programs like Honors, AP and IB; Ohio State does not have minimum requirements for class rank or GPA
Standardized test score (ACT or SAT); Ohio State does not have minimum requirements for ACT or SAT scores
Ohio State has adopted a TEST-OPTIONAL policy for 2022 applicants. Learn more.
Ability and desire to contribute to and engage with a diverse campus community
Experiences that demonstrate leadership or engaged involvement (e.g., co-curricular activities, work experiences or military service)
Status as a first-generation university student
Demonstration of outstanding talent in a particular area
High school performance if adversely affected by physical, mental or learning environment factors
Eligibility for and likelihood of benefiting from organized support services at Ohio State
Enrollment in your intended major
Once it is determined that you are admissible, you will be considered for enrollment in the college of your intended major. Read about
English Requirements
- IELTSMin 6.5
- TOEFLMin 79
English Program Requirements
we require evidence of English language proficiency, unless you have completed three full years of school at a U.S. regionally accredited high school or if you are a citizen of, or have received a bachelor’s degree from, Australia, Belize, British Caribbean, British West Indies, Canada (except Quebec), England, Guyana, Ireland, Liberia, New Zealand, Scotland, the United States or Wales.
Tuition and Fee Information for Bachelor of Russian at The Ohio State University
How to Apply for Bachelor of Russian at The Ohio State University
How do I submit scores?
Ohio State has adopted a TEST-OPTIONAL policy for 2022 applicants. Learn more.
Tips for sending scores to Ohio State
Scores must come directly from the testing agency. When you register for the ACT or SAT, indicate that you want your scores sent to Ohio State.
If you already took the test but didn't send your scores to Ohio State, you can order them for a fee. Order in advance to be sure scores reach us by the application deadline.
We must receive standardized test scores by your application deadline (either November 1 or February 1 for autumn semester applicants).
October 2 (SAT) and October 23 (ACT) are your last 2021 test dates if you want your scores to be considered for our November 1 early action deadline. Important! If you plan to test on those dates, you must request that Ohio State receive scores when you register for the test. And please note: If you choose to have your scores considered, you won’t be able to review scores from these dates prior to submitting your application by the November 1 deadline.
Applicants who will have been out of high school for two or more years by their term of enrollment are not required to submit scores.
Is the essay required?
The essay is not required for either the ACT or SAT.
Should I take a standardized test more than once?
Ohio State looks at the highest composite score from a single test date. Taking the test (and having scores sent to us) more than once, while not required, may work to your advantage.
How does Ohio State look at scores?
When considering students for admission or Honors and Scholars selection, we consider the best official composite / combined score from a single test administration. Ohio State does not mix sub-scores from multiple tests.
These items plus the Common Application (STEP 3) make up a complete application. We must receive all items by the deadline to consider your application on time.
Official transcripts
High school transcripts
Request that your high school or secondary school send transcripts / documents / official copies of examination certificates for coursework from the final four years (grades 9-12) to Ohio State.
How to send your transcripts to Ohio State:
Your high school counselor can upload the transcripts / documents / official copies of examination certificates using Common App, Naviance or other secure electronic delivery service.
Your high school counselor can email the transcripts to [email protected].
If electronic submission is not possible, please mail your official transcripts to our express mail address.
Faxed transcripts will not be accepted.
Foreign language documents must be translated into English by the issuing institution, an authorized translator or a teacher of the language. Any additional requirements will be posted to your Applicant Center, so be sure to check your application status regularly after you've applied.
Official ACT or SAT scores
Ohio State has adopted a TEST-OPTIONAL policy for 2022 applicants. Learn more.How do I submit my scores?
We must receive your official ACT or SAT score sent electronically directly from the testing agency. Scores from transcripts will not be considered. Read more about score requirements in STEP 1.
Optional: Recommendation from a teacher or counselor
While not required, your counselor may send a maximum of two letters of recommendation electronically through the Common Application.
If an electronic option isn’t available, your counselor may email your letter(s) to
[email protected]; the letter must include your first and last name and OSU ID number, found on the email we send acknowledging receipt of your application. Letters sent via email are subject to sender verification.
Official proof of English language skills
You must request that your testing agency send official scores electronically to Ohio State demonstrating the English proficiency level outlined below:
TOEFL (internet-based test or internet-based test Home Edition*): 79 or higher
IELTS or IELTS Indicator*: 6.5 or higher
ACT: 21 or higher on the English section
SAT: 27 or higher on the Reading Test
Duolingo*: 105 or higher
You are exempt from this requirement if you have completed three full years of school at a U.S. regionally accredited high school or if you are a citizen of, or have received a bachelor’s degree from, Australia, Belize, British Caribbean, British West Indies, Canada (except Quebec), England, Guyana, Ireland, Liberia, New Zealand, Scotland, the United States or Wales.
Ohio State has an intensive English program for students who wish to improve their language skills called the American Language Program. A separate application is required for this program. Ohio State does not offer conditional admission to students who enroll in the American Language Program.
*To accommodate applicants affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, The Ohio State University will accept Duolingo, the IELTS Indicator and the TOEFL internet-based test Home Edition from any international student applying for spring 2022 or autumn 2022 admission. All Duolingo test takers are required to take an English placement exam upon arrival to campus. TOEFL Home Edition and IELTS Indicator test takers are required to take an English placement exam upon arrival unless they qualify for a TOEFL or IELTS score exemption.
United States of America, Columbus