Applications to all graduate degree programs in the Department of Slavic Languages are reviewed by the department's Committee on Graduate Admissions. The committee is composed of the Director of Graduate Studies, the Associate Graduate Advisor, the Director of Russian Language Instruction, and the department chair, who also serves as Director of Graduate Admissions. In reviewing applications, the committee looks for evidence of appropriate preparation for graduate study in the fields and disciplines represented in the department and for a record of academic achievement in undergraduate or previous graduate study. Applicants, if they are not native speakers of Russian, should have completed at least three years of Russian language study plus a number of basic undergraduate courses (not necessarily a major) in Russian literature, Russian studies, or linguistics. Applicants who have studied a Slavic language other than Russian for at least three years (or who are native speakers of a Slavic language other than Russian) are required to have completed at least one year of Russian study at the time of application and, if admitted to our program, must pass third-year Russian by the end of the second semester of graduate studies in order to remain in good standing. Study abroad experience in Russia or elsewhere in Eastern Europe is a plus, but is not a requirement.

Quantitative indicators considered by the admissions committee include the student's GPA and GRE scores, and, for non-native speakers of English, TOEFL scores. Admissions decisions, however, are never based on scores alone. Applicants are also required to submit 1) a 2-3 page autobiographical statement that explains their motivation and preparation for graduate study in Slavic languages and literatures; and 2) one complete sample (no abstracts) of their scholarly writing. The admissions committee reviews each applicant's academic transcript(s) to evaluate the range and level of difficulty of courses taken. It reads the letters of recommendation and the applicant's autobiographical statement and writing sample for additional information about achievement and promise. Finally, each applicant is evaluated comparatively against the pool of applicants for that academic year. If there is a surplus of qualified applicants, the committee will also take into consideration the intended field of concentration in order to create a balanced cohort of entering students.

The Department of Slavic Languages and Literatures is committed to the equality of educational opportunities and does not discriminate against prospective or current students based on age, gender, race, national origin, religion, sexual orientation or disability. It is the policy of this department that educational decisions be based on an individual’s abilities and qualifications and not on irrelevant factors or personal characteristics that have no connection to academic abilities or job performance.

Prospective applicants are invited to address questions about the application process to the department's Director of Graduate Admissions or Director of Graduate Studies at (919) 966-1642.

Check the Graduate School home page for general information about graduate programs at UNC-CH and to apply on-line.

NOTE: Applicants who wish to be considered for Graduate School fellowships and awards must apply for admission by the first Monday in January.