Category: Major Handbook

Computer Science + Education: Secondary Education

Major Description

The Bachelor of Science (BS) in Computer Science+ Education with a concentration in Secondary Education is the only program of its kind in the state of Illinois. This program is sponsored by the Department of Curriculum & Instruction and the Siebel School of Computing and Data Science. This program provides computer science and education curriculum, preparing you to obtain a Professional Educator License (PEL) to teach grades 5-12.

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Degree Requirements
ICT Requirements

Concentration

The Secondary Education concentration provides the coursework and field experience for students to be licensed to teach computer science in grades 5-12, providing them with the knowledge necessary to teach and develop computer science curricula.

Courses That Introduce the Major

  • EDUC 201—Identity and Difference in Education
  • EDUC 202—Social Justice, School & Society
  • EPSY 201—Educational Psychology
  • CS 124 – Intro to Computer Science I
  • CS 128 – Intro to Computer Science II
  • MATH 220/221 – Calculus/Calculus I

Students should consult with an academic advisor regarding course selection prior to the advanced registration period.

Possible Career Opportunities

The CS+ Education program prepares future educators, researchers, leaders, and passionate advocates. Graduates will be prepared for careers in a range of settings, including K-12 education, higher education, technology and software companies, government agencies, and research organizations.

Common Career Skills
  • Teaching/Pedagogy
  • Educational Assessment
  • Classroom Management
  • Communication
  • Technology Skills
  • Analytical Skills
  • Equity & Inclusion
  • Critical Thinking
  • Problem-Solving
  • Creativity
  • Adaptability
  • Teamwork & Collaboration
  • Organization
  • Professionalism
  • Initiative
  • Leadership
Common Career Titles
  • Middle School Teacher
  • High School Teacher
  • Curriculum Specialist
  • Game and Simulation Designer
  • Educational Software Developer
  • User Interface and Experience Designer
  • Mobile Application Developer
  • Educational Technology Consultant
  • Technology Specialist
  • Data Analyst
  • Education Administrator

Some careers may require education beyond an undergraduate degree.

Enhancing Your Academic Experience

  • Participating in undergraduate research
  • Applying for a study abroad experience
  • Utilizing resources of The Career Center
  • Joining a Registered Student Organization (RSO) related to this major, such as:
    • Association for Computing Machinery: The university’s largest computer science organization, with
      diverse interests and a strong student and alumni network.
    • Epsilon Delta: A professional teaching fraternity for undergraduate students who are preparing for
      careers in education.
    • Leaders in Secondary Education: A student-led organization for aspiring high school students with opportunities for professional development, networking, and community building.

Further Information

There are several professional organizations dedicated to Computer Science and Education. Their websites might be able to provide a glimpse in the world of computer science and education. These organizations include National Education Association, American Federation of Teachers, and Association for Computing Machinery.

Mathematics

Major Description

Mathematics is a tool essential to many other scientific disciplines and careers. Applications are necessary in engineering, the biological and social sciences, economics, and computer science in addition to the more traditional physical sciences. Mathematics is a broad discipline that contains a range of areas of specialization. Mathematics is designed to enable students to conduct research in fundamental mathematics or to apply mathematical techniques to solve problems within various fields. 

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Degree Requirements
ICT Requirements

Concentrations

Mathematics offers five possible concentrations to choose from.

Mathematics

The most flexible concentration, allowing students to explore the areas that interest them.

Math Doctoral Preparation

Intended for students interested in pursuing a PhD in Mathematics.

Applied Mathematics

Designed for students interested in coursework relevant to engineering/scientific applications of mathematics.

Data Optimization

Intended for students interested in statistics, optimization, logistics, and analysis of business data.

Mathematics Teaching

For students planning to complete the Teacher Education Minor in Secondary School Teaching to teach mathematics in grades 9-12.

Courses That Introduce the Major

  • MATH 220 (or 221), 231, 241—Calculus Sequence
  • MATH 347—Fundamental Mathematics

Students should consult with an academic advisor regarding course selection prior to the advanced registration period.

Possible Career Opportunities

Government and industry need skilled mathematicians for work in operations research, numerical analysis, computer systems market research and commercial surveys. Jobs related to statistics, computer science, actuarial work, economics and engineering hold possibilities, especially if the student has a minor in one of these areas. The employment opportunities are best for graduates with advanced degrees in applied mathematics.

Common Career Skills
  • Ability to analyze & interpret data
  • Advanced quantitative skills
  • Computer literacy
  • Critical thinking
  • Efficient
  • Logical thinking
  • Numerical computation
  • Organizational skills
  • Problem solving
  • Systemizing skills
  • Team skills
  • Testing skills
Common Career Titles
  • Actuary Estimator
  • Bank Examiner
  • Budget Analyst
  • Claims Adjuster
  • Commodities Trader
  • Computer Programmer
  • Cryptologist
  • Engineering Analyst
  • Financial Planner
  • Information Scientist
  • Insurance Agent or Broker
  • International Trade Specialist
  • Investment Analyst
  • Investment Researcher
  • IRS Investigator
  • Market Research Analyst Trust Analyst
  • Mathematical Technician
  • Mathematician
  • Numerical Analyst
  • Operations Research Analyst
  • Purchasing Agent or Buyer
  • Psychometrist
  • Quality Control Analyst
  • Securities Broker
  • Statistician
  • Technical Writer
  • Underwriter

Some careers may require education beyond an undergraduate degree.

Enhancing Your Academic Experience

Further Information

There are several professional organizations dedicated to Mathematics.  Their websites might be able to provide a glimpse in the world of Mathematics.  These organizations include American Mathematical Society, Mathematical Association of America, and Association for Women in Mathematics.

Asian American Studies

Major Description

Asian American Studies provides an interdisciplinary approach to the study of race, gender, sexuality, diversity, citizenship, and globalization. Students will gain fundamental grounding in theory, issues, and methods in Asian American Studies. An undergraduate major in Asian American Studies is an excellent opportunity for interested students to acquire a multicultural understanding of the United States and crucial knowledge for any career in which an understanding of diversity in terms of race, ethnicity, gender, and sexuality is essential. Such a program broadens student experiences beyond a specific discipline and adds to personal and academic development.

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Degree Requirements
ICT Requirements

Courses That Introduce the Major

  • AAS 100 – Intro to Asian American Studies
  • AAS 200 – U.S. Race and Empire
  • AAS 215 – U.S. Citizenship Comparatively
  • AAS 300 – Theories of Race, Gender, and Sexuality

Possible Career Opportunities

The major will prepare students with the research skills that may lead to graduate study in the humanities or social sciences, or career fields including health and medicine, education, law, business, social work, digital and media industries, policy advocacy, politics, academic administration, and other fields that address Asian American issues.

Common Career Skills
  • Ability to think critically and analytically about information
  • Ability to conduct and explain research
  • Ability to clearly and effectively communicate ideas through speech and writing
  • Good listening skills
  • Cultural awareness and sensitivity
Common Career Titles
  • Administrative Assistant
  • Admissions Counselor
  • Advertising Account Executive
  • Archivist
  • Anthropologist
  • Author
  • Claims Representative
  • Community Affairs Specialist
  • Conference Planner
  • Corporate Trainer or Interpreter
  • Cultural Affairs Officer
  • Customs or Immigration Officer
  • Editor
  • Educational Consultant
  • Employee Relations Specialist
  • Foreign Service Officer
  • Historic Preservation Specialist
  • Human Resources Specialist
  • International Relations Specialist
  • Journalist
  • Lawyer
  • Legislative Assistant
  • Lobbyist
  • Market Research Specialist
  • Media Analyst
  • Multicultural Educator
  • Museum Curator
  • Nonprofit Administrator
  • Paralegal Assistant
  • Peace Corps Worker
  • Psychologist
  • Public Administrator Community
  • Public Information Officer
  • Public Relations Specialist
  • Publicity Assistant
  • Researcher
  • Sales Representative
  • Specialist in Public Policy
  • Specialist in Conflict Resolution
  • Teacher or Professor
  • Trade Specialist
  • Translator
  • Travel Consultant
  • Teacher

Enhancing Your Academic Experience

  • Participating in undergraduate research
  • Applying for a study abroad experience
  • Utilizing resources of The Career Center
  • Joining a Registered Student Organization (RSO) related to this major, such as:
    • APAC: Established in 1993, the Asian Pacific American Coalition (APAC) was born out of a need within the Asian Pacific American (APA) community on campus to have a voice, and that voice be carried directly to the administration of the University to create a positive change for the APA community. From its inception to the present, APAC has sought to reflect the diversity of the APA campus population, both on an organizational level and on an individual level. Through education and empowerment, APAC continues to pursue the building of trust and collaboration within the APA community on campus to bring needed institutional and social change.

Further Information

There are several professional organizations dedicated to Asian American Studies.  Their websites might be able to provide a glimpse in the world of Asian American Studies.  These organizations include Association for Asian American Studies, Asian American Professional Association and the National Association of Asian American Professionals.

Teaching of German

Major Description

Prepares candidates for certification in teaching German levels K-12. Interested students should consult the Director of the World Language Teacher Education Program, Jude Krushnowski (jkrush2@illinois.edu). In order to be recommended for certification, candidates are required to maintain Illinois, cumulative, content area, and professional education, grade-point averages of 2.5 (A= 4.0). A minimum of 120 hours of credit is required for graduation. Consult the certification officer at 505 East Green Suite 203 for additional information. Also see Council on Teacher Education. Also see Council on Teacher Education.

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Degree Requirements
ICT Requirements

Courses That Introduce the Major

  • GER 101, 102, 103, 104—Beginning and Intermediate German
  • GER 201—German Popular Culture
  • GER 211 & 212—Conversation and Writing

Students should consult with an academic advisor regarding course selection prior to the advanced registration period.

Possible Career Opportunities

Majoring in the Teaching of German can lead to careers in K-12 schools (private, public, magnet…), Graduate school (MA, MAT, PhD), the non-profit sector, and the public sector.

Common Career Skills
  • Foreign-language proficiency (speaking, listening, reading, writing)
  • Cultural competence
  • Communicative competence
  • Cultural and textual analysis
  • Pedagogical skills
Common Career Titles
  • Teacher
  • Educator

Enhancing Your Academic Experience

Further Information

There are several professional organizations dedicated to Germanic languages.  Their websites might be able to provide a glimpse in the world of Germanic languages.  These organizations include Modern Language Association, American Association of Teachers of German, and American Council of Teachers of Foreign Languages (ACTFL).

Teaching of French

Major Description

Undergraduate degree that includes preparation for state examination and licensure in order to teach French as a language in secondary education (high school). Consists of language and cultural course work in French along with courses in Educational Psychology, Second Language Acquisition, and Foreign Language Teacher Education. Students conduct teaching observations during senior year and also teach during spring semester of senior year.

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Degree Requirements
ICT Requirements

Courses That Introduce the Major

FR101, FR 102, FR 103 and FR104 are introductory language classes that allow students to develop a passion for French as a language and the French speaking world as a cultural topic for discussion.

Possible Career Opportunities

Majoring in the Teaching of French prepares students for a lovely career in secondary education at public and private schools. It also prepares students for leadership roles inside their departments or schools.

Common Career Skills
  • Classroom management
  • Conflict resolution
  • Computer literacy
  • Learning literacy
  • Cultural competence
  • Collaborative skills and personality
  • Future organization
  • Verbal communication
Common Career Titles
  • Teacher
  • Educator

Enhancing Your Academic Experience

Statistics & Computer Science

Major Description

Statistics and Computer Science is divided equally between the two areas. The first two years are spent on basic work in mathematics and general education, and an introduction to the fundamental areas of computer science: programming, theory of computation, the architecture of digital computers, and numerical analysis. The third year completes the work in basic computer science and statistics, and requires electives to broaden the background of the student. During the fourth year, each student is encouraged to obtain a deeper understanding of topics in which the student has particular interest.

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Degree Requirements
ICT Requirements

What is the difference between Statistics & Computer Science and Statistics?

Statistics and Computer Science is sponsored jointly by the Department of Statistics and the Department of Computer Science. The major is designed for students who desire a strong foundation in computer science, coupled with significant advanced coursework in statistics.   The major prepares students for professional or graduate work in statistics and computer science, and for applications of computing in which knowledge of statistics is particularly important, such as data mining and machine learning.

Statistics is designed to provide students with an understanding of the concepts of statistical inference and a familiarity with the methods of applied statistical analysis, preparing students for a career in business, industry, or government, and for further graduate study in statistics or in a related area.

Courses That Introduce the Major

  • CS 124—Intro to Computer Science 1
  • CS 128—Intro to Computer Science 2 
  • MATH 220 (or 221), 231, 241—Calculus sequence
  • STAT 100 or 200—Statistics

Students should consult with an academic advisor regarding course selection prior to the advanced registration period.

Possible Career Opportunities

The major prepares students for professional or graduate work in statistics and computer science, and for applications of computing in which knowledge of statistics is particularly important, such as data mining and machine learning.

Common Career Skills
  • Ability to analyze & interpret data
  • Advanced quantitative skills
  • Computer literacy
  • Critical thinking
  • Efficient
  • Logical thinking
  • Numerical computation
  • Organizational skills
  • Problem solving
  • Systemizing skills
  • Team skills
  • Testing skills
Common Career Titles
  • Actuary Estimator
  • Bank Examiner
  • Claims Adjuster
  • Computer Programmer
  • Cryptologist
  • Financial Planner
  • Information Scientist
  • Insurance Agent/Broker
  • Investment Analyst
  • Investment Researcher
  • Mathematical Technician
  • Mathematician
  • Numerical Analyst
  • Operations Research Analyst
  • Purchasing Agent/Buyer
  • Statistician
  • Technical Writer
  • Underwriter

Some careers may require education beyond an undergraduate degree.

Enhancing Your Academic Experience

  • Participating in undergraduate research
  • Applying for a study abroad experience
  • Utilizing resources of The Career Center
  • Joining a Registered Student Organization (RSO) related to this major, such as:
    • Illini Statistics Club: promotes students who have interests in statistics and a future career in the field of statistical applications.
    • iRobotics: A community of students interested in competing in CARD and other robotics competitions, as well as spreading the word of science and technology to the community.
    • Women in Computer Science: Dedicated to creating a comfortable environment for everybody who studies and does research in computer science.

Further Information

There are several professional organizations dedicated to Statistics and Computer Science.  Their websites might be able to provide a glimpse in the world of Statistics and Computer Science.  These organizations include American Statistical Society, Association for Computing Machinery, Assocation for Women in Computing, IEEE Computer Society and Institute of Mathematical Statisticians.

Statistics

Major Description

Statistics is the science of modeling, summarizing, and analyzing data, and of using mathematics and computing tools to make predictions and decisions in the face of uncertainty. Statistical ideas are applicable in any area involving quantitative measurement and in almost every area of scholarly pursuit.

More About Statistics
Degree Requirements
ICT Requirements

What is the difference between Statistics and Statistics & Computer Science?

Statistics is designed to provide students with an understanding of the concepts of statistical inference and a familiarity with the methods of applied statistical analysis, preparing students for a career in business, industry, or government, and for further graduate study in statistics or in a related area.

Statistics and Computer Science is sponsored jointly by the Department of Statistics and the Department of Computer Science. The major is designed for students who desire a strong foundation in computer science, coupled with significant advanced coursework in statistics.   The major prepares students for professional or graduate work in statistics and computer science, and for applications of computing in which knowledge of statistics is particularly important, such as data mining and machine learning.

Courses That Introduce the Major

  • MATH 220 (221), 231, and 241—Calculus sequence
  • STAT 200—Statistical Analysis

Students should consult with an academic advisor regarding course selection prior to the advanced registration period.

Possible Career Opportunities

The world is becoming more and more quantitative and data focused. Many professions depend on numerical measurements to make decisions in the face of uncertainty. Statisticians use quantitative abilities, statistical knowledge, and communication skills to work on many challenging problems.

Common Career Skills
  • Ability to analyze and interpret data
  • Ability to design experiments
  • Advanced quantitative skills
  • Advising skills
  • Computer literacy
  • Critical thinking
  • Evaluating theoretical models
  • Logical thinking
  • Numerical computation
  • Organizational skills
  • Problem Solving
  • Systemizing skills
  • Teamwork skills
  • Verbal and written communication skills
Common Career Titles
  • Business Analyst
  • Data Analyst
  • Economist
  • Environmental Scientist
  • Investigator
  • Manager
  • Mathematician
  • Pharmaceutical Engineer
  • Professor
  • Project Manager
  • Quality Analyst
  • Researcher
  • Risk Analyst
  • Software Engineer 

Some careers may require education beyond an undergraduate degree.

Enhancing Your Academic Experience

Further Information

There are several professional organizations dedicated to Statistics.  Their websites might be able to provide a glimpse in the world of Statistics.  These organizations include American Statistical Society and Institute of Mathematical Statisticians.

Spanish

Major Description

Spanish provides students with linguistic, communication, cultural and critical thinking skills in Spanish so they can pursue graduate school or careers which require them to apply these cross cultural competencies in an increasingly globalized world. Students choose from among a wide variety of courses that develop their language skills and engage them in content areas like linguistics, literature and cultures of the Spanish speaking world. Three features that define the program are the study of the language through content and in the context of other languages; community-based language learning; and the use of technology in the classroom. Spanish is presented in contact with other languages and cultures. We encourage students to study Portuguese, Catalan, Basque and Quechua. Literatures and cultures are approached from a trans-Atlantic perspective; and Spanish is recognized and taught as a language of the United States.

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Degree Requirements
ICT Requirements

Concentrations

Students may choose from one of two concentrations.

Courses That Introduce the Major

  • Spanish basic language sequence through SPAN 141 or 142 for completion of non-primary language requirements. These courses do not count towards the major.
  • SPAN 228 – Spanish Composition
  • Students choose among the other 200-level Spanish courses, allowing them to strengthen their particular skills as necessary and follow their personal interests.

Students should consult with an academic advisor regarding course selection prior to the advanced registration period.

Possible Career Opportunities

Spanish can be a springboard to professional and personal success in a wide range of careers. Recent alumni have gone on to work in business, education, law, social services and more. Our students develop the skills that employers in all sectors look for: strong communication capabilities, cultural competence, information literacy, teamwork skills, critical thinking and global literacy. Plus they can do all that in Spanish. The information on language and careers at this website can give you more ideas. Further information on careers in Spanish.

Common Career Skills
  • Acknowledging value systems
  • Adapting to other cultures
  • Assessing needs
  • Clarifying ideas
  • Collaborating as part of a team
  • Communicating between cultures
  • Comparing translations
  • Compiling/recording data
  • Determining the needs of others
  • Evaluating results
  • Explaining complex concepts
  • Gathering and Evaluating information
  • Interviewing non-judgmentally
  • Listening carefully
  • Organizing materials/information
  • Reading for content and structure
  • Reading/writing another language
  • Speaking to groups
  • Understanding cultural diversity
  • Understanding historical language change
  • Weighing values
Common Career Titles
  • Account Supervisor
  • Advocate
  • Consumer Affairs Representative
  • Counselor
  • Culture Teacher
  • Foreign Service Officer
  • Human Resources
  • Insurance Agent
  • International Law
  • Interpreter
  • Journalist
  • Linguist
  • Peace Corps
  • Relocation Manager
  • Spanish Studies Instructor
  • Teacher
  • Tour Guide
  • Travel Agent
  • Volunteer Coordinator
  • Writer

Some careers may require education beyond an undergraduate degree.

Enhancing Your Academic Experience

  • Participating in undergraduate research
  • Applying for a study abroad experience
  • Utilizing resources of The Career Center
  • Joining a Registered Student Organization (RSO) related to this major, such as:
    • Mi Pueblo Spanish Conversation Groups:  provides informal opportunities to practice conversational Spanish on campus.  By utilizing online resources, student facilitators arrange and maintain weekly 1-hour meetings with other students to talk about various topics in Spanish.  Through cultural events and volunteer activities, our goal is to improve participants’ speaking abilities as well as foster genuine social bonds between members of conversation groups and the Hispanic community.

Further Information

There are several professional organizations dedicated to Spanish.  Their websites might be able to provide a glimpse in the world of Spanish.  These organizations include American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages, American Translators Association, and Modern Language Association. In addition, be sure to visit the Spanish Undergraduate website to learn more about this major!

Sociology

Major Description

Sociology is the examination of social interactions of people in groups and the causes and consequences of the human behavior within the groups. Sociologists explore the complexities of the structure and dynamics of social systems among cultures and societies. It is an excellent major for individuals fascinated by groups and the social behavior of people. Students will have the opportunity to study race relations, gender, social class, religion, and ethnic background. Sociology majors attain research, statistics, and critical thinking skills that translate into any vocation.

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Degree Requirements
ICT Requirements

Concentrations

Sociology Minor

The study of Sociology allows you to be analytic and reflective about social structure and culture. The Sociology minor can help you in almost any career including business, education, public administration, social work, as well as preparation for graduate or professional studies.

Criminology, Law, and Society Minor

The Criminology, Law, and Society Minor provides a foundation for students seeking to supplement their major area of study, to develop knowledge and skills needed for criminological, law, and justice-related occupations, or to lay the foundation for law school or graduate study in sociology, criminology, or justice fields.

For students wishing to complete a combined major in Sociology and a minor in Criminology, Law, & Society they may do so in a reduced number of hours (41 credit hours) than typically required for a major and minor.

Criminology, Law, and Society Certificate

This certificate is perfect for students who want to study the CLS field but may not have enough time to complete the Criminology, Law, and Society minor.

Social Science Research Methods Certificate

The certificate in Social Science Research Methods is designed to create a preparatory track for undergraduate students aspiring to graduate school or a research career and enhances preparation for social science research.

Courses That Introduce the Major

  • SOC 100—Introduction to Sociology
  • SOC 101 – Sociology of Gender
  • SOC 160 – Global Inequality and Social Change
  • SOC 162 – Intro to International Health Policy
  • SOC 163 – Social Problems
  • SOC 196—Issues in Sociology

Students should consult with an academic advisor regarding course selection prior to the advanced registration period.

Possible Career Opportunities

Sociology provides a basis to pursue social science fields, law, social work, business, and public service.

Common Career Skills
  • Critical thinking
  • Communication skills
  • Data analysis
  • Research/Grant writing
  • Interpret results of different types of data
  • Analyze data with statistical software packages (SPSS, SAS, Stata)
  • Work with people who differ in race, ethnicity, gender, or class
  • Make an evidence-based argument
  • Identify ethical issues in sociological research
  • Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of different research methods
Common Career Titles
  • Admissions Counselor
  • Adoption Agent 
  • Advertising Assistant 
  • Alcohol/ Drug Case Worker
  • Case Aid Worker 
  • Child Welfare Officer 
  • Community Service Agency
  • Congressional Aid 
  • Consumer Advocate 
  • Correctional Case Worker
  • Corrections Officer 
  • Data Analyst 
  • Day Care Worker 
  • Delinquency Counselor 
  • Family Guidance Clinic
  • Foster Care Worker 
  • Human Resources
  • Job Analyst 
  • Labor Relations Rep.
  • Mental Health Worker 
  • News Correspondent 
  • Parole/Probation Officer 
  • Personnel Interviewer 
  • Personnel Specialist 
  • Public Opinion Surveyor 
  • Recreation Therapist 
  • Secret Service Agent 
  • Social Scientist 
  • Social Welfare Examiner 
  • Social Worker 
  • Teacher
  • Technical Writer 
  • Welfare Counselor 
  • Writer/Author 

Some careers may require education beyond an undergraduate degree.

Enhancing Your Academic Experience

Further Information

There are several professional organizations dedicated to Sociology.  Their websites might be able to provide a glimpse in the world of Sociology.  These organizations include American Sociological Association and International Sociological Association.

On campus, we have several Sociology student organizations that promote community and connection for those in our major. SSO (Sociology Student Organization), Sociology Ambassadors, and Alpha Kappa Delta – Honor Society plan social events, host career development sessions, and work on recruitment/engagement.

Slavic Studies

Major Description

Russia, Eastern Europe, and the former Soviet states of Eurasia form one of the most important, troubled, and interesting parts of the world today. It is also an area steeped in rich history and culture.  Russian is spoken by some 250 million people. It is the language of one of the world’s great literatures, as well as a valuable tool within communication and scientific research.

More About Slavic Studies
Degree Requirements
ICT Requirements

What is the difference between Slavic Studies and Russian, East European and Eurasian Studies?

Slavic Studies enables students to specialize in one of five concentrations: Russian Language, Literature, and Culture; Polish Studies; South Slavic Studies; Czech Studies; Ukrainian Studies. It emphasizes the study of language, literature, and culture in their historical context. Students develop intensive cultural literacy and communication skills through humanities-oriented training, and many go on to careers in writing and editing, media, or work with international cultural foundations and organizations. The major is an excellent preparation for law school, business school, or other graduate study, as well as careers in the N.G.O. world, teaching, or research.

Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies has a multidisciplinary area studies focus. Students take courses in a variety of disciplines (history, sociology, political science) and develop a broad expertise in the history, politics, and culture of the region that includes Russia, but also many other countries, from the Czech Republic to Estonia to Uzbekistan. Language study can be in Russian or in any of the other languages of the region offered here. Students often go on to careers in government service or to work at NGOs.

Concentrations

Student may choose one of five concentrations.

Czech Studies

Combines the study of Czech language (or Czech and Russian language) with broad study of Czech literary and cultural history in its Central and East European contexts. 

Polish Studies

Combines advanced study of Polish language with broad study of Polish literary and cultural history in its Central and East European contexts.

Russian Language, Literature, and Culture

Combines advanced study of Russian language with in-depth study of Russian literature, film, culture, and civilization.

South Slavic Studies

Combines advanced study of Bosnian-Croatian-Serbian language with broad study of the literature and cultural history of the South Slavs in their Balkan and East European contexts.

Ukrainian Studies

Combines advanced study of Ukrainian language with broad study of Ukrainian literary and cultural history in its East European contexts.

Courses That Introduce the Major

  • POL 115—Intro to Polish Culture
  • RUSS 101—First-Year Russian I
  • RUSS 102—First Year Russian II
  • RUSS 115—Intro to Russian Culture 
  • SLAV 117—Russ & East Euro Science Fiction
  • SLAV 120—Russian & East Euro Folktales
  • UKR 113—Ukrainian Culture

Students should consult with an academic advisor regarding course selection prior to the advanced registration period.

Possible Career Opportunities

Graduates are prepared for work in international affairs with a specialized area. Government, Teaching, and Business are the primary employers. Representative Employers include: U. S. Government (including the State Department, Defense Department, Defense Intelligence Agency, Central Intelligence Agency, National Security Agency, International Communications Agency), Multinational Corporations, Educational Institutions, and Nonprofit Organizations.

The Slavic Department can supply additional career information and offers career preparation.

Common Career Skills
  • Adaptability to different environments
  • Appreciation for other cultures
  • Communication
  • Critical reading
  • Education & Instructional Skills
  • Human Relations
  • Information analysis are skills strengthened through a foreign language major
  • Problem Solving
  • Research
  • Study abroad experience
  • Writing, editing and interpreting in foreign languages.
Common Career Titles
  • Analyst for Census Bureau
  • Attorney
  • Bilingual Administrative Assistant
  • Computer Instructional Designer
  • Consultant for the U.S. Dept. of Transportation
  • Defense Policy Analyst
  • Director of Human Resources 
  • Director of International Relations
  • Economic Consultant
  • Editorial Assistant
  • Film Researcher/Copywriter
  • Foreign Language Teacher
  • Foreign Service Interpreter
  • Historian
  • Journalist
  • Linguistics Professor
  • Naval Officer
  • Pharmaceutical Sales Representative
  • Physician
  • Purchasing Specialist
  • Social Worker
  • Teach English as a Foreign Language
  • Teacher
  • Technical Writer
  • Translator

Some careers may require education beyond an undergraduate degree.

Enhancing Your Academic Experience

  • Participating in undergraduate research
  • Applying for a study abroad experience
  • Utilizing resources of The Career Center
  • Apply for a FLAS Fellowship to support your advanced language study.
  • Joining a Registered Student Organization (RSO) related to this major, such as:
    • Polish Club Zagloba: upholds the Polish identity through communicating in the Polish language, practicing of Polish traditions, and promoting the Polish culture on this campus.
    • Russian Heritage Association: promotes Russian culture and language by providing children and families of the Illinois and Champaign-Urbana communities Russian language learning and cultural experience.

Further Information

There are several professional organizations dedicated to Slavic Studies.  Their websites might be able to provide a glimpse in the world of Slavic Studies.  These organizations include American Association of Teachers of Slavic and East European Languages and Assocation for Slavic, East European and Eurasian Studies.

Division of Exploratory Studies
Illini Union Bookstore, Floor 5
807 S. Wright Street
Champaign, Illinois 61820
217-333-4710

Campus Center for Advising and Academic Services

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