Russian Minor
Learn Russian to become familiar with the culture of the world's largest country.
18 Credit Hours for Minor
Russian Minor Requirements (12 Hours)
Electives (3 Hours)
Course Taught in English (3 Hours)
Why Study Russian?
- Russian has been designated as a critical language of strategic importance.
- Russia is the world's largest country; it stretches across two continents and is home to a diverse group of people, cultures, and geographies. It is the source of many natural resources, including oil, natural gas, diamonds, graphite and metals like gold, silver, copper, manganese, and platinum. Russia has a rich history in culture, art, the sciences, engineering, mathematics, and, philosophy. Russian is the fifth most commonly spoken language in the world. The United States depends on the Russian Space Agency to transport astronauts to the international space station, and Russia's economy is resource based, which means it is relatively unhurt by the recent economic struggles.
- Having a working knowledge of Russian helps you succeed in fields including the sciences, engineering, mathematics, philosophy, art, history, politics, and economics.
- At Virginia Tech, you will study the Russian language, composition, literature, and culture. Courses include Russian Linguistics, Russian Culture and Civilization, and Grammar, Composition, and Conversation.
Related Links
Beyond the Classroom
Russian Study Abroad in Latvia
Explore the European Union while completing courses at Daugavpils University in Daugavpils, Latvia. While being immersed in the Russian culture, join excursions to museums, art centers and historical architecture including Dinaburg Fortress, Mark Rothko Art Center, and Rundale Palace. Join us for 4, 6, or 8-week visit.
Credits earned during the program count towards the Russian major or minor.
Project GO
We offer scholarships to ROTC students that fully cover study abroad for the purpose of learning Russian. The award provides funds for intensive summer language programs in Latvia, including round-trip plane tickets, classes at an overseas institution, lodging, co-curricular activities, and a food allowance.
Project Global Officer, better known as Project GO, promotes critical language education, study abroad, and intercultural dialogue opportunities for Reserve Officer Training Corps students.
Contact Us
For more information or to add this minor to your Virginia Tech course of study, contact:
Yuliya Minkova
Director, Russian Program
309 Major Williams Hall
220 Stanger Street
Blacksburg, VA 24061
(540) 231-5362
yuliyam1@vt.edu