The University of Illinois at Chicago is a public institution with more than 25,800 undergraduate and graduate students. The largest concentration of Poles living outside of Poland is found in Chicago, reports the university, leading to the establishment of the university's bachelor's degree program in Polish. Students in the program study Polish composition and conversation, Polish literature, problems in Slavic grammar and modern Polish structures. Students have the opportunity to study abroad in Poland during the course of the program and to complete independent research papers on topics of interest related to the language. A minor in Polish is also available. Approximately 80 percent of freshmen and 72 percent of continuing students at the university receive some type of financial aid, according to the "2009 Barron's Profiles of American Colleges."
University of Illinois at Chicago
601 South Morgan M/C 102
Chicago, IL 60607
312-996-4350
uic.edu
Founded in 1787, the University of Pittsburgh is a public institution with more than 27,500 undergraduate and graduate students. The university grants a Bachelor of Arts degree in Slavic Languages and Literature with a concentration in Polish. The program requires students to take courses in Polish through the intermediate level as well as an advanced, self-placed course in the language. Other courses included in the curriculum include three Slavic literature courses, a course in Slavic or Polish film, two courses in Slavic culture and six credits of history, art or other courses related to Slavic Studies. Students must also complete a study abroad semester in Poland or complete additional classes in order to graduate. Around 64 percent of students benefit from some type of financial aid, states the "2009 Barron's Profiles of American Colleges." A doctoral program is also offered in Slavic Languages with a concentration in Polish.
University of Pittsburgh
4200 5th Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15260
412-624-7488
pitt.edu
In 2010, "U.S. News & World Report" ranked University of Wisconsin at Madison 39th place among all universities in the United States. With more than 42,000 undergraduate and graduate students, the public university is home to the oldest Polish language baccalaureate degree program in the United States, according to the university's website. Students must complete at least nine credits of coursework in the Polish language, one course in Polish literature taught in Polish and two courses in Polish literature taught in English. Three additional courses related to Polish culture and history are also required. An honors major in Polish is available for students who complete an independent research thesis. Students with previous study in Polish or experience with the language can take examinations for course credit. Polish majors have the option to study abroad in Poland. In addition to state and federal financial aid programs, students in the Polish program are eligible for special scholarships reserved for Slavic studies majors at the university.
University of Wisconsin at Madison
500 Lincoln Drive
Madison, WI 53706
608-262-3961
wisc.edu