Ministry of Education and Science issues licenses for Graduate Programs in Anthropology and Sociology

April 28, 2016

The American University of Central Asia (AUCA) has received official licenses for its Master’s programs in sociology and anthropology from the Ministry of Education and Science of the Kyrgyz Republic. Only a few universities in the Kyrgyz Republic have a license for a Master’s program in sociology, and no other university has a license for a Master’s degree in anthropology.

“AUCA’s Anthropology program is unique—for now, the only program of its kind in the Kyrgyz Republic. Before we had obtained the license, Anthropology graduates naturally faced the issue of “completing” their higher education within the Kyrgyz Republic. Now, our students have the unique opportunity of getting a Master’s degree in anthropology as well.

“Similarly, our graduates from sociology were forced to go overseas to find graduate programs because so few universities in Kyrgyzstan provided graduate programs in sociology. Not to mention a place that teaches in English with European or American pedagogical principles. Now, sociologists also have this opportunity,” said Cholpon Chotaeva, a professor of anthropology and the coordinator of both AUCA’s anthropology and sociology programs.

What kind of internships are available to Anthropology and Sociology students?

Practice is integral part of training of both anthropologists and sociologists. Archeological and ethnographical internships are available for anthropologists. The internships offer the opportunity to attend archeological excavations in Kyrgyzstani territory. Possibly, we will add abroad excavations and ethnographical fieldworks as options for our students in the near future. Our undergraduate students have already begun studying in Georgia, Mongolia, and Turkey, with plans to expand into Russia.

Students in Sociology will have work practice. They will conduct sociological research in various, including international and non-governmental organizations. They will use same tools and methodologies learned while studying.

What kind of international exchange programs do your programs offer?

Our graduate students can participate in the Erasmus Mundus international student exchange program and get accreditation from European universities.

Who do you expect to enroll in your programs?

We expect more than just AUCA graduates to enter our graduate programs, and we expect more than just anthropologist and sociologists. Graduates of related areas, like economists, linguists and journalists are also welcome to join our program. We won’t exclude anyone.

What are the application requirements for your graduate programs?

A certain level of spoken and written English is mandatory. This is one of our key requirements. It is necessary to pass AUCA’s English proficiency exam.

The following documents also have to be submitted:

CV
Two recommendation letters from faculty members at a university where the applicant studied
Motivation letter with explanation why the applicant wants to enter this program.

Nothing to it.

Who are your programs designed for?

We plan to hold classes in the afternoon, towards the evening. Usually, our graduate students are employed, and pay for their education themselves. They both work and study.

What career options are opened for graduates of your programs?

With a master’s degree, your chances of getting good job are increased. Nowadays, both in Kyrgyzstan and worldwide, employers want to recruit highly educated professionals. Sociologists and anthropologists are very employable. For example, they are trained in both the technical and analytical parts of research and public opinion poll. Our alumni work in various areas without limitations. They find careers in academia, at international organizations, at private companies, and in the government.

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