Moscow State University (MSU), founded in 1755 by the Russian scientist Michael Lomonosov, has a long-standing tradition of academic excellence. Today it is considered to be the most important scientific, cultural and educational center in Russia, and one of the leading academic institutions in the world (ranked 14 in the entire world).
MSU has a history of distinguished professors and researchers, including several Nobel and Fields Medal Laureates. More than 9,000 professors, lecturers, and research associates work at the University. In addition, MSU serves as a forum for notable speakers, world leaders, business executives and scientists. Approximately 40,000 students are enrolled at the University (including 5,000 working on Ph.D. projects). The number of international students is about 4,500 (from 80 countries) and it increases every year.
Moscow State University is a member of the International Association of Universities, Standing Conference of Rectors of European Universities, Association of European Universities, International Network for University Cooperation in Europe and Central Asia, and other international organizations. It has direct agreements with more than 150 scientific centers, universities, corporations, governing bodies and unions in Europe, USA, Canada, Japan, South Korea, China, Latin America, and Africa -- making MSU a truly international center for education.
Moscow State University is a multi-campus institution, with 27 faculties (colleges and schools). The Main University campus is located on Pigeon Hills, overlooking the Olympic Stadium and the golden domes of Russian cathedrals. The main campus boasts a large array of facilities including large computer labs, a movie theater, a stage theater, dining and residence halls, conference halls, a post office, medical clinic, a pharmacy, various shops, botanical gardens, museums and several social clubs. The sports complex houses 12 swimming pools, several stadiums, a baseball field, tennis courts and a weight room. Students can even take dance and yoga classes at MSU. The University library system is one of the largest in the country, hosting over 8 million volumes, 2 million of them in languages other than Russian. In addition to the main campus, MSU has 6 satellite campuses and affiliations with over 10 research centers throughout the Moscow Region and Russia.
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Moscow State University is the largest educational and research institution in Russia.
Its academic structure consists on 22 faculties (colleges/schools), 2 departments and 16 research centers.
Faculties & Departments
Faculty of Mechanics and Mathematics
Faculty of Computing Mathematics and Cybernetics
Faculty of Physics
Faculty of Chemistry
Faculty of Biology
Faculty of Soil Science
Faculty of Geology
Faculty of Geography
Faculty of Material Sciences
Faculty of Fundamental Medicine
Faculty of History
Faculty of Philology
Faculty of Philosophy
Faculty of Economics
Faculty of Law
Faculty of Journalism
Faculty of Psychology
Faculty of Sociology
Faculty of Foreign Languages
Faculty of State Government
Faculty of Pedagogical Education
Faculty of Additional Education
Department of Military Training
Department of Physical Education and Sport
Research Institutes & Centers
D.V. Skobel'tsyn Research Institute of Nuclear Physics
Research Institute of Mechanics
P.K. Shternberg State Astronomy Institute
A.N. Belozersky Research Institute of Physical and Chemical Biology
Research Computing Center
A.N. Bogolyubov Institute of Theoretical Problems Referring Microcosm
Institute of Mathematical Studies of Complex System
Anuchin Research Institute
Research Institute of Soil Science of MSU-RAS
Institute of World Culture
Russian-German Institute of Science and Culture
Institute of Asian and African Countries
Synergetic Institute
Laboratory on Mathematical Problems of Cryptography
Information Technologies
International High Hydrological Center under UNESCO
The style of teaching in Russia often differs from that used in the USA.
Many Russian professors utilize lecture with a limited amount of discussion.
Laboratory-based courses, such as “Fundamentals of Human Gross Anatomy,” primarily rely on hands-on training.
The style of testing also differs from the U.S.A.
In general, Russian professors tend to use fewer exams.
Although not very common, it is entirely possible for a course grade to be based on one exam.
Students may be tested orally (as opposed to passing out written exams).
Exam questions may be different for each student.
The relationship between professor and students tends to be more formal.
Professors should be called by their last name, or by their first and middle name, as is customary in Russia.
For example, Dr. Igor Mikhail Shelvov, or Professor Igor Mikhailovich.
This custom extends outside of academia.
When addressing someone with respect use his/her first and middle name (with a vich extension.
Students will be graded based on their performance in class, ability to complete required coursework and exams.
Attendance is expected. Students are responsible for all work missed during an absence.
Students who miss large portions of class may receive an incomplete or a failing grade.
Grading in Russia is based on a numerical system from 1 to 5, 1 being the lowest and 5 being the highest.
