Russian State Social University


Russian State Social University was the first public university in the Russian Federation to offer undergraduate and graduate programmes in the field of social work. It is located in Moscow where positioned its three main historically important campuses. Russian State Social University is recognized as a fully accredited, state-owned, traditional institution. The current rector is Natalia Pochinok.

History

RSSU was founded in 1991 with the mandate to continue the core of the research and teaching activities of the former Higher School of the Communist Party. Initially, research and teaching were focused on the social and political sciences. Gradually, University activities extended into project work on social policy for State Institutions, as well as the education and support of acting administrators. It also became the leading institution for developing and drafting social reforms.
RSSU was the first University in the Russian Federation to launch educational programs in the areas of Social Work, Social Youth Work, Social Insurance, Social Gerontology and Social Support for the disabled. Since starting these programs, more than 400 000 social workers have graduated from the University.

Historical highlights

RSSU has 16 faculties which are connected to the variety of scientific fields.
Among the notable specialties for undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs could be found: Sociology, Social Work, Youth Outreach Management, Psychology, Conflict Analysis and Resolution, Economics, Management, Human Resources Management, Business Information Systems, Psychology and Pedagogical Studies, Special Education, Linguistics, International Relations etc.

Campuses

RSSU campuses are located in different sides of Moscow, and each of them has a unique history.
Campus on Wilhelm Pieck Street
There is a complex of academic and administrative buildings on Wilhelm Pieck Street, including a library and sports facilities.
The current main building of the Russian State Social University passed through a long and interesting history. Starting from the 1920s there was a headquarters of International Academy for the Trade-Union Movement, where were built-up the members of Communist Parties from different countries, where these activities were banned. The Communist International settled in the same building from 1938 till 1943. During that time there were working such important players of the International Movement as Georgi Dimitrov, Dmitri Manuilsky, Moris Torez, Dolores Ibarruri, Klement Gottwald, Palmiro Togliatti, Otto Kuusinen, Walter Ulbricht, and others. From 1943, with the demands of the historical period, in the building was located the Soviet Information Bureau, sort of a fusion between the KGB, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Soviet Counterintelligence. There were prepared a lot of acknowledged operations against Nazi Intelligence Office, data processing etc.
In 1956, the main building on Wilhelm Pieck Street passed to the Higher Party School, which in 1959 was replaced by the Marx-Engels-Lenin Institute, existed there until 1991.
In 2003 it became a part of Russian State Social University campus.
Campus on Stromynka Street
Academic buildings, students admission office, cultural center and a medical center are parts of the territory of the campus on Stromynka Street.
Campus on Losiny Ostrov National Park
This RSSU campus on Losiny Ostrov National Park is located in one of the most picturesque and ecologically clean areas of Moscow. All sides of the campus are surrounded by the forest. Academic buildings, social college, and student dormitories are parts of the campus area.

International relations

Russian State Social University attracts students from all over the world for its educational programs. It receives more than a hundred students participating in the mobility programs annually from Europe, South America, Asia and CIS countries. It has a fruitful history of international cooperation with more than hundred agreements worldwide.
Among the partner universities could be found the followings: