The College of Social Sciences introduced two new minors for the new academic year: Sociology in Public Administration and Digital Filmmaking in Media and Communications. These programs are designed to expand students’ horizons beyond their primary fields of study.
Faculty members say both minors respond to growing student demand for skills that are not only academically enriching but also practical for careers in a rapidly changing world.
Understanding society through sociology
The new Sociology minor is designed to equip students with critical tools for understanding how society functions, connecting theory with practical application in politics, economics, media, and governance.
“Students are asking for it. They want some tools to understand society better,” said Ulzhan Kazybekova, PhD, Assistant Professor of CSS, who teaches Social Stratification and Inequality this semester.
“Students are preparing for their fields in their careers, so they are going to have critical thinking, analytical approach, and cultural competence,” said Kazybekova.
She explained that the program is not only about theory but also about linking Sociology to students’ majors and career paths.
The minor requires four courses, including offerings such as Social Stratification and Inequality. Alongside theoretical foundations, it emphasizes empirical discussions and research methods, enabling students to design and conduct their own studies.
According to Kazybekova, this balance makes the minor valuable regardless of a student’s primary discipline.
“Those students who choose a Sociology minor actually enhance their major. It increases their competitiveness and attractiveness in the job market,” she said. “Whether in business, human resources, law, or public administration, Sociology complements their future careers.”
She added that students are already showing strong interest. Many in her Social Stratification class stay after lessons to ask questions or share feedback, eager to explore the subject further.
Filmmaking for the digital age
If Sociology teaches students to look at society with sharper eyes, digital filmmaking gives them the tools to turn the lens back, shaping how society reflects itself.
This semester, KIMEP University launched its Digital Filmmaking minor, a program that explores both the creative and technical sides of film, and which could one day grow into a full major.
The minor is structured around four courses: Introduction to Filmmaking and Video Documentary in the fall, followed by Screenwriting and Fiction Film in the spring. The sequence is deliberate, said Professor Cole Lee Russing, MFA, chair of the Media and Communication Department.
“The purpose of creating this minor is to create a major,” Russing said. “You gotta walk before you run. The minor is to see how much interest is there, if students are really interested in making films. And if there’s interest, then we can move into the major.”
For Professor Russing, filmmaking goes beyond cameras and editing software. It’s a way of engaging with the world – both in understanding the media students consume and in shaping new narratives of their own.
It’s also a field that thrives at the intersection of disciplines, and KIMEP, he argued, is uniquely positioned to foster that kind of collaboration. A future major in filmmaking, he explained, could draw from across the university.
“For example, producing would draw from the business and law schools,” Russing said. “When you produce movies, you’re dealing with distribution. You make the contracts, you’re dealing with the budget, management, scheduling.”
The accessibility of film today makes the program all the more relevant, Russing added.
“We live in a world that allows everyone to have the opportunity to make films,” he said. “I hope students will get a better understanding of what they see in the media, a better understanding of how to create engaging media.”
Students eager for creativity
“I chose this minor because I am really interested in filmmaking,” said Zhanel Sagyndyk, a senior digital journalism major. “I was always curious about how films are made, so I thought it would be a good opportunity to know about it better. The minor of Digital Filmmaking is different – it’s more about producing something than applying theories.”
Sagyndyk, who is taking Introduction to Filmmaking, said she is learning the basics and looks forward to advanced courses like scriptwriting.
“After this minor, students will understand how to make a film,” she said. “It might not be a long movie, maybe just five minutes, but they will know the steps.”
Other students also see the new minors as a chance to expand their skills.
“It’s a great opportunity to expand your knowledge,” said Aida Alibek, a third-year International Relations student. “The Sociology minor could be crucial, especially for Political Science or Public Administration students. In terms of jobs, it’s a big plus because it shows you that you have skills beyond your major.”Looking ahead
For CSS, the introduction of these minors represents more than just additional options on a course list. They are a way to strengthen academic diversity, foster creativity, and meet student demand for relevant skills. Whether through analyzing inequality or producing short films, KIMEP students now have more avenues to prepare for a future where critical thinking and creativity matter as much as technical expertise.