Russian, Minor - COLA, UNH

Undergraduate

Russian

Develop Russian proficiency while exploring one of the world's most influential literatures and cultures, from classic works to contemporary society.
2026
Degree
Minor
Location
Durham, NH
Courses
5
Credit
20 hrs.
Full-time
- -
Part-time
- -
Female and male student sitting at a desk with their laptops in front of them

Languages, literatures, and Cultures

The Russian minor at UNH offers valuable Russian language skills and cultural understanding that enhance any major's career potential. Here you'll be able to develop Russian proficiency while exploring one of the world's most influential literatures and cultures, from classic works to contemporary society. 

With opportunities to study abroad, participate in the Russian Club and engage with faculty using innovative learning technologies, you'll gain cross-cultural expertise that complements diverse fields like business, healthcare, diplomacy and environmental science. Whether you're majoring in social sciences, humanities, fine arts or life sciences, understanding Russian language and culture opens doors to international careers while providing unique insights into the most widely spoken Slavic language.

Key Links

Tuition Costs

Contact Cards

Ekaterina Burvikova
Senior Lecturer
Ekaterina.Burvikova@unh.edu
Murkland Hall, Room G10f, Durham, NH 03824

What is Russian?

Russian is the most widely spoken Slavic language and the most geographically widespread language of Eurasia. Studying Russian, you will be introduced to one of the world’s great literatures and cultures. You’ll develop language proficiency while learning about Russian history, reading canonical 19th and 20th century literature, and exploring Russian contemporary society and culture. Students from a wide variety of majors in social sciences, humanities, fine arts, business, health and human services, and life sciences find that the skills and content knowledge developed through completing a minor in Russian complement their academic majors and enhance opportunities for their future careers.

Why study Russian at UNH?

Your studies in Russian will take place both inside and outside the classroom at UNH. You can spend a summer or semester studying in Russia. You’ll be able to interact and work closely with faculty who are actively involved in incorporating new technologies into the Russian learning context. Throughout the academic year, you’ll also be able to gather regularly with other students in the active Russian Club for Russian tea and activities. There’s a chapter of the National Slavic Honor Society right on campus.

Potential career areas

  • Business
  • Communications/public relations
  • Community organizing/advocacy
  • Diplomacy/foreign service
  • Education/language teaching
  • Government and non-governmental organizations
  • Healthcare/public health
  • Journalism/writing
  • Law/international law
  • Social services
  • Sustainability/conservation
  • Tourism

Curriculum & Requirements

01
Program Description
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The Russian program provides students the opportunity to minor in Russian. Students develop language proficiency, a solid knowledge of grammar and pronunciation, and knowledge of Russian culture. Students with a Russian minor will have a sufficient command of the language to enhance their chosen field of study, and will have countless career opportunities, such as the public, private and nonprofit sectors, including government, education, journalism, law, communications, and business.

Students in the Russian minor program at UNH are strongly encouraged to study on the UNH Study Abroad Program in Russia. Students can earn credits toward the Russian minor as well as complete two Discovery categories on the program. Foreign language skills and cultural competencies will open doors for students that would not have been opened without the minor in Russian. 

02
Requirements for the Program
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The minor in Russian consists of completing five courses (20 credits).

Required Courses
RUSS 503
& RUSS 504		Intermediate Russian I
and Intermediate Russian II		8
Select at least one of the following: 4
RUSS 631
Advanced Russian Conversation and Composition
RUSS 632
Advanced Russian Conversation and Composition
RUSS 691W
Readings in Russian Literature
Select two elective RUSS courses above RUSS 4028
Total Credits20

Students wishing to minor are expected to meet with a faculty member from the Russian program to discuss their course of study.

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