Application Deadlines

Fall Admission – MA/MS Dual Degree Program (MA in Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies/MS in Library and Information Science)
All Applicants – 1 December 
Notification of admission status to applicants - mid-January

Fall Admission – MA Program in Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies
International Students – 3 January
U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents – 3 January
Notification of admission status to applicants – 20 January 

Spring and Summer Admission
Spring and Summer admission are not normally permitted, but exceptions are possible. Please direct inquiries to REEEC at the contact information below for further details.

Application Procedures and Requirements

To apply to the MA/MS dual degree program, you will need to apply to BOTH the School of Information Sciences and REEEC. Each application has program-specific application questions and upload requirements, so an individual application is required. In each online application, you will be able to select a Primary Program and a Secondary Program. You will need to submit one application with "Library and Information Science" as your Primary Program, and another application with "REEES" as your Primary Program. Your application will be reviewed by both the School of Information Sciences and REEEC, and you will only need to pay one application fee. When submitting your second application, please indicate "Joint Program 2nd Application" in the Allied Agency field in the Application Fee Waiver section on the Program page.

To apply to the MA program, please refer to the Graduate College website for application instructions. Most questions regarding procedures are covered there. If you have any questions regarding the REEES degree programs, please contact us directly at the coordinates below.

All applicants are required to submit the following documents:

  • 3 Letters of recommendation (Illinois program code: 10KS4097MA)
  • Original, certified copies of all transcripts (submitted directly to the Center)
  • Statement of Purpose (one to two pages describing your proposed program of study, scholarly interests, and how a REEES MA would facilitate your career plans)
  • Writing Sample (please upload in the space provided in the application)
  • OPTIONAL: GRE Scores (Institution code: 1836; program code: 00 or blank)

International applicants must also submit:

Admission to the program is based on the applicant’s academic record, letters of recommendation, GRE scores, and, if applicable, TOFEL or IELTS scores. Applicants should have completed at least two years of Russian or another language of Eastern Europe or Eurasia and hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university.

Please note that applicants to the joint MA REEES/MS LIS degree must apply to and be accepted by both departments.

Financial Aid

Prospective REEES MA students who are US citizens or permanent residents are strongly encouraged to apply for Foreign Language and Area Studies (FLAS) Fellowships offered through REEEC or any other appropriate FLAS-granting Center on campus at the time of application. Qualified students may also be eligible for other fellowships at the campus or departmental level. A limited number of teaching and graduate assistantships, which include a tuition and fee waiver and/or stipend, may be available to outstanding students through REEEC and other units. The Graduate College maintains a list of assistantships currently available throughout the campus. Additional information on need-based financial aid may be obtained from the Graduate College Fellowship Office.