Requirements for Admission

The following departmental requirements should be read in conjunction with the Graduate School requirements contained in the University of Virginia Graduate Record. This web site is intended for informational purposes only. Procedures and requirements are subject to change.

MA Program
PhD Program

The MA Program

Requirements for Admission
1. Bachelor's degree, preferably in Russian, or the equivalent (i.e. the equivalent of the sequence RUSS 101 through RUSS 302 at the University of Virginia).
2. Completion of a Russian placement examination (this examination, administered through the mail, will be used to determine if there are any deficiencies to be corrected through additional course work).
3. Submission of a recent writing sample in English.

The admissions packet should include:

1. a graduate school application (including a statement of purpose),
2. official transcripts,
3. a recent writing sample in English,
4. two letters of recommendation,
5. GRE scores,
6. TOEFL scores if necessary.

All application materials should be sent to the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, PO Box 400775, Charlottesville VA 22904-4775.

M.A. Tracks
Students may select one of two tracks for the M.A. degree: Slavic Languages and Literatures or Contemporary Russian Studies. The Slavic Languages and Literatures track is designed to give students interested in Russian literature, Slavic folklore, or Slavic linguistics both preparation in their specific field and enough cross-discipline competence to compete in today's employment market. Students hoping to continue to the Ph.D. should choose the Slavic Languages and Literatures track.

For those wishing to follow the Slavic Languages and Literatures track, a broad education in European literatures and in history is recommended. Interested students are encouraged to combine their work in Russian literature with courses in English and other literatures.

For those wishing to specialize in Contemporary Russian Studies, an undergraduate major in Russian Studies is preferred, but not required. A broad education in contemporary history and politics is recommended.

For those considering secondary school teaching, a sound knowledge of another European language or another subject that could be taught at the secondary school level is strongly recommended. Students may follow their work in this department with appropriate courses in the University of Virginia's Curry School of Education leading to Virginia teacher certification.

Requirements for the M.A. Degree

The PhD Program

Requirements for Admission
1. Master's Degree (with thesis, substantial research paper, or research portfolio).

(Any student entering the graduate program in Slavic Languages and Literatures with an MA degree from another university will be required to take a preliminary qualifying examination in his or her own field of specialization within six weeks of coming to the University. This examination will be equivalent to the departmental MA comprehensive examination. Students completing the MA comprehensive examination or the preliminary qualifying examination must request formal permission to proceed into the doctoral program. All work done in this department or elsewhere will be taken into account.)

2. Completion of a Russian Placement examination which will be used to determine if there are any deficiencies to be corrected through additional course work).

3. Submission of a recent writing sample in English (the thesis may serve as a writing sample).

The admissions packet should include:
1. a graduate school application (including a statement of purpose),
2. official transcripts,
3. a recent writing sample in English,
4. two letters of recommendation,
5. GRE scores,
6. TOEFL scores if necessary.

All application materials should be sent to the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, PO Box 400775, Charlottesville VA 22904-4775.

Requirements for the PhD

 

How to Apply

Applications for admission are available from:

Graduate School of Arts and Sciences
PO Box 400775
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, VA 22904-4775

or the Graduate School website (http://artsandsciences.virginia.edu/grad/admission/).

If you wish to be considered for financial aid, you should apply by January 15 to be eligible for all the forms of funding (see below). Application after January 15 is possible, but funding options gradually diminish as time passes.

For further information on any aspect of the program, write to Graduate Advisor, Department of Slavic Languages and Literatures, PO Box 400783, 109 Cabell Hall, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904-4783, call (434) 924-3548, or e-mail herman@virginia.edu.