In the Slavic Studies Certificate, students have the opportunity to pair a strong language study of Russian or Polish with a contextual, integrative regional view to complement their studies in political science, international studies, business, history, or many other areas. Students gain a critically informed appreciation and understanding of the complex, interwoven nature of the region's historical trajectories, politics, literature, and culture, with the flexibility to choose to focus on the area or culture of their special interest or take a comparative approach to the region as a whole.  

How to Get in

Students may declare the certificate by contacting the academic advisor. 

Students declared in the Russian or Polish majors are not eligible to declare the Slavic Studies certificate.  Students declared in the Certificate in Russian, East European and Central Asian Studies at the Undergraduate Level are not eligible to declare the Slavic Studies certificate.

Requirements

The Slavic Studies Certificate consists of 19 credits from the following requirements:

Residence and Quality of Work

• At least 10 certificate credits must be completed in residence.
• Minimum 2.000 GPA on all certificate courses.

Certificate Completion Requirement

This undergraduate certificate must be completed concurrently with the student’s undergraduate degree. Students cannot delay degree completion to complete the certificate.

Learning Outcomes

1. Acquire intermediate proficiency in a Slavic language (Czech, Polish, or Russian).
2. Analyze and interpret cultural products of the region (i.e., works of literature, film, etc.) in themselves and in the context of specific historical and cultural conditions.
3. Develop and apply writing skills and oral communication skills appropriate to Liberal Arts education in the context of Slavic Studies to the literatures and cultures of the region.
4. Develop and apply critical-thinking skills inherent in the Liberal Arts tradition to the literature and culture of the region.
5. Demonstrate an understanding of major approaches, concepts, and current research findings concerning the Slavic region.

Advising and Careers

For advising and placement, or to declare the certificate, please contact our undergraduate advisor Joanna Schuth (jschuth@wisc.edu).

Students who transfer to UW–Madison with previous language experience should contact the undergraduate advisor as early as possible to schedule a placement test.

Students should see the advisor during the semester before their last semester. Prospective students are urged to consult the undergraduate advisor about the program at the first possible opportunity.

SuccessWorks

SuccessWorks at the College of Letters & Science helps you turn the academic skills learned in your classes into a fulfilling life, guiding you every step of the way to securing jobs, internships, or admission to graduate school.

Through one-on-one career advising, events, and resources, you can explore career options, build valuable internship and research experience, and connect with supportive alumni and employers who open doors of opportunity.

• What you can do with your major  (Major Skills & Outcomes Sheets)
• Make a career advising appointment
• Learn about internships and internship funding
• Try “Jobs, Internships, & How to Get Them,” an interactive guide in Canvas for enrolled UW–Madison students