The University of Chicago has been providing instruction in disciplines of the CEERES region continuously since 1903, when courses in Russian language and area studies were begun. The center now known as CEERES has been in existence since 1965, and it continues to coordinate instruction and facilitate research about Russia/Eurasia and Eastern/Central Europe, including the Arctic, Balkans, Caucasus, and Central Asia. In addition to its robust language offerings, CEERES supports curricula which are particularly strong at present in Russian/Soviet history; Slavic and Arctic Indigenous linguistics, Slavic literatures (Russian, Polish, Czech, Balkan); Russian and East European cultural anthropology; comparative literature; archaeology of the Caucasus; Russian and East European film and art history, and business administration. CEERES faculty have expertise also in political science, international relations, economics, sociology, and Central and East European, Byzantine, and Ottoman history.

The Center does not itself offer a separate master's degree; however, the Center strongly supports the development of students by offering joint programs with other departments in the University. An interdisciplinary B.A. program is offered in Russian and Eastern European Studies and interdisciplinary M.A. degrees are available through the Master of Arts Program in the Humanities (MAPH) and the Master of Arts Program in the Social Sciences (MAPSS) with concentrations in CEERES languages and area studies. In addition, the Center cooperates with the Committee on International Relations in providing a master's program in international relations with specialization in Russia and Eastern Europe.