The world is tied together by many bonds--economic, diplomatic and human--and because of technological advances in transportation and communication, an increasing number of Americans rely on the knowledge of a foreign language. Concentrated study of the languages and cultures of other nations contributes significantly to the improvement of international relations.  The Russian program trains students in both written and spoken Russian and in Russian literature. It also provides them with an understanding and appreciation of Russian culture. 

Employment possibilities for foreign language majors include the many positions available to humanities students in any field. For bilinguals there are openings in foreign countries as well as in the United States. Graduates have found jobs in teaching, translating, foreign diplomacy, foreign correspondence, travel agencies, international airlines, import-export work, international corporations, and in agencies of the federal government. Foreign language competence is an asset to urban workers in social work, public health, and law enforcement. While graduates with skills and backgrounds only in foreign languages may encounter keen competition for jobs, as a supplement to other skills the knowledge of a foreign language is a valuable professional commodity