Yale graduate students may pursue the Graduate Certificate of Concentration in European and Russian Studies in conjunction with graduate-degree programs in the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences and the professional schools. Candidates will choose to focus on one of two areas of concentration, either:
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Russia, East Europe, Eurasia or,
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West and Central Europe.
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.
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.
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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.
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Six graduate-level courses in the area of concentration, of which:
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Three courses must offer transnational approaches to Europe and Eurasian-related issues
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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.
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Research paper: Evidence of research expertise in European and Russian studies. Research expertise may be demonstrated by completion of an interdisciplinary thesis, dissertation prospectus, or dissertation, or by completion of a substantive research seminar paper or the equivalent as approved by the faculty advisor.
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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.
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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 email the certificate award to the student after commencement.