Why Russian at Iowa?

Russian at Iowa combines a fast-track major, world-class instruction, and immersive cultural events—perfect for students interested in diplomacy, STEM, or global culture.

Explore undergraduate programs in Russian

Enrich your academic journey

Russian is a global language spoken by over 250 million people. It opens doors to rich cultural traditions, acclaimed literature, and exciting careers in diplomacy, business, and STEM fields. Whether you're fascinated by Tolstoy, dreaming of space exploration, or interested in international affairs, studying Russian at Iowa is both rewarding and fun!

Honors

Earn honors in your major while studying Russian at the University of Iowa.

Study abroad

Practice your language skills, expose yourself to world cultures, and expand your worldview.

Internships

Apply what you learn in the program, gain real world experience, and pursue your future career path.

Connect with an ambassador

Embrace your potential as a student

Become a student ambassador

Share your passion and lead others to success

Why study Russian at Iowa?

Unlock global opportunities with Russian at the University of Iowa

Russian is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, with over 250 million speakers across Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and beyond. Studying Russian opens doors to careers in diplomacy, business, intelligence, and international relations, giving you a competitive edge in today’s global landscape. It also plays a pivotal role in understanding global politics and security.

Beyond career benefits, Russian offers direct access to a rich cultural tradition. Immerse yourself in the works of literary giants like Tolstoy and Dostoevsky, explore the music of Tchaikovsky, and experience the world of Russian cinema. Learning Russian allows you to deepen your understanding of history while providing fresh perspectives on global culture.

Russian also plays a critical role in STEM fields. With its significance in space exploration, engineering, and scientific research, the language is a key asset for students pursuing careers in physics, medicine, and technology. By learning Russian, you gain access to influential scientific texts and discoveries that continue to shape innovation worldwide.

3

Years to complete the major

Starting in 2025-2026 academic year

Russian language and culture resources

Study in Russia

We encourage you to study abroad to develop your linguistic and intercultural competencies. The university has several opportunities to select from.

Write your story

Build knowledge. Conduct research. Create new work. Stand out among your peers. You're going places, and it all starts here.

Russian faculty

Portrait of Anna Barker

Anna Barker, PhD

Title/Position
Adjunct Assistant Professor, Russian
Portrait of Anna Kolesnikova

Anna Kolesnikova, PhD

Title/Position
Assistant Professor of Instruction, Russian
Portrait of Irina Kostina

Irina Kostina, PhD

Title/Position
Associate Professor of Instruction, Russian