Master of Public Affairs/Master of Arts in Russian, East European and Eurasian Studies

The Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs and the Center for Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies offer a dual degree program leading to a Master of Arts in Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies and a Master of Public Affairs. The program combines advanced policy studies with interdisciplinary area studies and language, responding to an increased need in both the public and private sectors for specialists with a thorough understanding of the culture, economics, geography, history, and politics of the former Soviet Union and Eastern Europe.

Program Structure

The dual degree program is structured so that students can earn both MA degrees simultaneously in approximately two-and-a-half academic years. Some students, particularly those who enter the program with a language deficiency, may find it necessary to enroll for an additional semester or summer session in order to complete all the requirements of the program. Degrees are awarded when the required coursework in both areas is completed.

Language Requirements

Students are expected to possess intermediate-mid proficiency in a language of the area (normally Russian, Czech, Polish or Serbo-Croatian). Students are encouraged to achieve the required level of proficiency as early as possible. Those with no previous knowledge of a Slavic, East European or Central Asian language are advised to enroll in intensive language courses during the summer prior to beginning the Dual Degree Program.

Degree Requirements

Students must complete a minimum of 36 semester hours of work in public affairs and 30-33 hours in Russian, East European, and Eurasian studies, including eithr a 6-hour thesis or 3-hour report based on original research. A required internship is generally taken during one of the summer sessions. The thesis is supervised by a faculty member from the LBJ School and a faculty member from the Center for Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies. The curriculum includes the following:

Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies

For Russian, East European and Eurasian Studies MA Degree requirements: click here

Public Affairs

• 21 hours of required public affairs core courses
• 6 hours Policy Research Project
• 9 hours public affairs electives
• A summer internship (in or related to the former Soviet Union or Eastern Europe)