AUCA’s Journalism and Mass Communication Department has been training and educating media professionals since 1995. The graduates of the program are in high demand by the local media and other employers such as international organizations and foundations where they work as journalists and staff writers, public relations and advertising specialists, publication editors and reporters.  Some of the organizations employing AUCA journalism graduates include KOORT, NBT, Pyramida, Vecherny Bishkek, Internews, Helvetas, SDC and many others.  A number of graduates undertook studies at an advanced level, including two Indiana University graduates who returned to teach at the department.

In 2000-2002, the department embarked upon a major curriculum reform shifting focus from Russian philology to modern journalism oriented to objectivity, neutrality and factuality in news reporting. This reform has produced a well-balanced combination of the American and Kyrgyz educational requirements and standards applied to the structure and content of a journalism program. The most recent curriculum reform allowed the department to offer two major specializations in print and electronic journalism. In 2003, the program launched the new specialization in public relations. This field is studied with a focus on managerial and research aspects of the profession.

AUCA off ers students facilities and resources to develop hands-on journalistic skills along with the regular course work. Broadcast journalism students benefi t from the AUCA Media Center to develop their reporting skills. Print journalism students produce the student newspaper, The New Star. Public relations students gain experience through hands-on practice at the AUCA Public Relations Offi ce. Journalism students also contribute to production of the Yearbook and Alumni Magazine. The program’s students partake in a variety of conferences, competitions, and other activities both within AUCA and wider student community throughout the country.

Program Chair
Aleksey Gurkin

Contact Information:
Main Building, room 206/1
phone: (country code: +996) 312 - 666882, 663309 ext. 234
email: jour@mail.auca.kg