Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies

The Center for Russian, East European and Eurasian Studies (CREEES) serves as Stanford's hub for the interdisciplinary study of a vast region stretching from the Berlin Wall to the Bering Strait. Designated in 1969 to build upon decades of scholarship, CREEES coordinates the university's teaching, research, and extracurricular activities related to Russia, Eastern Europe, and Eurasia, including Central Asia and the Caucasus.

CREEES draws on the strengths of nationally recognized area faculty, visiting research affiliates, and the world-renowned library and archival collections at Stanford. The center is dedicated to advancing regional scholarship, promoting language study, supporting student research, and fostering community outreach.

Academic Programs and Regional Training

CREEES administers a range of graduate degree options and coordinates closely with affiliated departments to support undergraduate education, study abroad, and research:

• Master of Arts (M.A.) in REEES: A rigorous, one-year interdisciplinary graduate program focused on the region's history, politics, culture, and languages.

• Coterminal M.A. Program: Available to qualified Stanford undergraduates who wish to complete their bachelor's and master's degrees concurrently.

• Joint M.A./J.D. Program: Offered in partnership with Stanford Law School for students interested in a legal career with a multinational dimension.

• Undergraduate Minor Pathways: Students interested in an undergraduate minor should consider the Global Studies minor - Russian, East European and Eurasian Studies subplan as well as the Slavic Languages and Literatures minor.

• Doctoral Studies: While Stanford does not offer a Ph.D. in REEES, students wishing to pursue REEES-related doctoral research apply directly to affiliated departments such as History, Anthropology, Political Science, or Slavic Languages and Literatures.

• Overseas Studies: Undergraduates interested in the history, language, and culture of the REEES region should consider the Bing Overseas Studies Program’s Global Seminar in the former Yugoslavia opens in a new tab, and Stanford Program in Berlin opens in a new tab.

• Student Funding: CREEES offers various types of student funding opportunities. See the Grants and Fellowships opens in a new tab page of the CREEES website for the most up-to-date offerings.

Research Frontiers, Seminars, and Archives

The center facilitates deep intellectual exchange and primary research by leveraging Stanford's exceptional scholarly resources:

• Archival and Library Assets: Students and faculty conduct advanced research utilizing Stanford's world-class library collections and the Hoover Institution Library & Archives, which house peerless materials on Russian and East European history.

• Scholarly Exchanges: Hosting renowned international area specialists, visiting scholars, and policymakers for guest teaching, collaborative research, and public lectures.

• Endowed Lectures and Symposia: Organizing annual conferences, workshops, and endowed lectures that address both historical and contemporary political, economic, and cultural developments across Eurasia.