Russian programs can encompass a wide variety of historical, cultural and linguistic topics. Common classes include Cold War history, modern Russian politics, classical literature, Russian art, Russian authors, women in the Soviet Union, regional analysis, Christianity in Russian and Russian culture.

Requirements for the PhD program often involve the student having already obtained a Master’s degree. Additionally, a thesis or dissertation primarily consisting of original academic research must be submitted. In some countries, this work may even need to be defended in front of a panel.