The department of Central Eurasian Studies (CEUS) offers a wide range of courses designed to promote a multi-disciplinary training in the languages, histories, cultures, economies, geopolitics and international relations of one or more Central Eurasian regions of specialization. Because of the department’s expansive and methodical coverage of diverse regions of the world—from Turkey to Iran, from the Central Asian Muslim republics to Tibet, and from the Baltics to Hungary—the major is open to and attracts students from all disciplines and schools.

Students can major in Central Eurasian Studies with either a track in Central Eurasian Studies or Language and Civilization. The Central Eurasian Studies track is more general, and includes language instruction through at least the second year (intermediate level). The Language and Civilization track trains students in one of the department’s critical languages at least through the third year (advanced level). Language courses that may count toward the major are Estonian, Finnish, Hungarian, Kazakh, Mongolian, Persian, Tibetan, Turkish, Uyghur, and Uzbek. In both tracks, language training is complemented by a thorough introduction to Central Eurasia’s role in world affairs—both past and present—and to the student’s region of specialization. The department strives to develop the students’ skills in conducting independent research on a Central Eurasian region, thus enabling them to inform and communicate with experts and non-specialists about the students’ field of specialization and to integrate more easily into the workforce (be it international, government, and non-government agencies and organizations, the business sector, translation work, etc.) or more advanced graduate degrees.

Students considering a major in another academic discipline can add a minor in Central Eurasian Studies or Central Eurasian Studies with Language Certification.

Freshmen who enter the university with some previous knowledge of a CEUS language are required to take a placement test to determine which course is most appropriate for them. Such students should contact the department (812-855-2233) for information about the placement test.

Students contemplating a possible CEUS major or a minor should make an appointment to see the departmental undergraduate academic advisor.

For detailed information about degree requirements, visit the most recent College of Arts & Sciences Academic Bulletin.