Faculty of Arts & Humanities

Faculty of Arts & Humanities

Explore human culture, history, and creativity through diverse programs in Literature, Philosophy, and Fine Arts. At Abide University, you’ll discover your voice, hone your craft, and engage with the world’s greatest ideas.

Degree Programs

B.A. in Literature

Delve into the world of narratives, poetry, and drama. Analyze classic and contemporary texts, explore literary theory, and develop your own creative voice.

Specialization areas:

  • Creative Writing (Fiction, Poetry, Non-Fiction)
  • World Literature & Cultural Studies
  • Literary Theory & Criticism
  • Digital Storytelling

Features writing workshops, author readings, and opportunities with student publications.

B.A. in Philosophy

Engage with fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind, and language. Develop critical thinking and argumentation skills.

Specialization areas:

  • Ethics & Political Philosophy
  • Metaphysics & Epistemology
  • History of Philosophy (Ancient, Modern)
  • Logic & Critical Reasoning

Participate in debate clubs, logic seminars, and ethics bowl competitions.

B.F.A. in Fine Arts

Cultivate your artistic vision and technical skills across various media. Develop a strong portfolio and prepare for a career as a professional artist or designer.

Specialization areas:

  • Painting & Drawing
  • Sculpture & Installation Art
  • Digital Arts & Photography
  • Printmaking & Book Arts

Access to dedicated studios, gallery exhibition opportunities, and visiting artist lectures.

B.A. in History

Explore the past to understand the present. Analyze historical events, societies, and cultures through primary sources and scholarly research.

Specialization areas:

  • Ancient & Medieval History
  • Modern European & World History
  • Public History & Archival Studies
  • Cultural & Social History

Opportunities for archival research, museum internships, and historical society projects.

B.A. in Languages & Culture

Master one or more world languages and gain deep insights into global cultures, fostering cross-cultural communication and understanding.

Specialization areas:

  • Specific Language & Literature (e.g., French, Spanish, Mandarin)
  • Cultural Studies & Anthropology
  • Translation & Interpretation
  • Comparative Cultural Analysis

Includes study abroad programs, translation workshops, and cultural immersion projects.

B.A. in Performing Arts

Develop your talents in acting, directing, music, or dance within our vibrant and collaborative performing arts community.

Specialization areas:

  • Theatre Performance & Production
  • Music Performance (Instrumental/Vocal)
  • Dance & Choreography
  • Arts Management & Administration

Participate in mainstage productions, musical ensembles, dance showcases, and arts festivals.

B.F.A. in Graphic Design

Master visual communication principles, typography, and digital tools to create compelling designs for print, web, and multimedia.

Specialization areas:

  • Branding & Identity Design
  • Web & Interactive Design (UI/UX)
  • Typography & Publication Design
  • Illustration & Motion Graphics

Build a professional portfolio through real-world client projects, design competitions, and industry internships.

B.A. in Communication & Media Studies

Analyze media effects, develop communication strategies, and master digital storytelling across various platforms.

Specialization areas:

  • Digital Media Production
  • Public Relations & Strategic Communication
  • Media Criticism & Cultural Studies
  • Journalism & News Reporting

Access media labs, student newspaper/radio, and PR agency simulations.

M.F.A. in Creative Writing

Hone your craft in poetry, fiction, or nonfiction under the guidance of award-winning faculty. Prepare for a career as a writer, editor, or teacher.

Specialization areas:

  • Fiction Writing
  • Poetry
  • Creative Nonfiction & Memoir
  • Screenwriting & Playwriting

Engage in intensive workshops, one-on-one mentorship, and editing for our literary magazine.

M.A. in History

Deepen your understanding of historical research methods, historiography, and specific historical periods or themes.

Specialization areas:

  • Archival Studies & Museum Curation
  • Digital Humanities & Public History
  • Specific Historical Periods (e.g., Renaissance, Cold War)
  • Transnational & Global History

Opportunities for thesis research, archival internships, and presenting at academic conferences.

M.A. in Philosophy & Ethics

Engage in advanced study of philosophical traditions, ethical theories, and their application to contemporary societal issues.

Specialization areas:

  • Applied Ethics (Bioethics, Environmental Ethics)
  • Social & Political Philosophy
  • Continental Philosophy
  • Analytic Philosophy

Focus on thesis development, participation in colloquia, and interdisciplinary research.

Ph.D. in Literature

Conduct original scholarly research contributing to literary studies. Develop expertise in critical theory, genre studies, or specific literary traditions.

Research Areas:

  • Comparative Literature & Cultural Exchange
  • Postcolonial & Global South Studies
  • Critical Theory & Textual Analysis
  • Genre Studies (Novel, Poetry, Drama)

Benefit from close faculty mentorship, dissertation support, and teaching opportunities.

Ph.D. in Philosophy

Undertake advanced, original research in core areas of philosophy, contributing to scholarly discourse and philosophical inquiry.

Research Areas:

  • Moral & Political Philosophy
  • Metaphysics & Epistemology
  • Philosophy of Language & Mind
  • History of Western Philosophy

Features doctoral seminars, dissertation supervision, and opportunities for conference presentations.

Creative Spaces & Opportunities

Art Studios & Galleries

Work in state-of-the-art studios and showcase your art in campus galleries and city exhibitions.

Performing Arts Center

Perform in our modern theater, music halls, and black box spaces. Join ensembles, choirs, and drama troupes.

Creative Writing Hub

Join writing workshops, open mics, and edit the campus literary magazine. Connect with visiting authors and poets.

Language & Culture Center

Practice languages with native speakers, join cultural festivals, and study abroad for immersive experiences.

Digital Humanities Lab

Explore digital tools for research, text analysis, data visualization, and creating interactive cultural projects.

Music Rehearsal & Recording Studios

Access practice rooms, ensemble spaces, and professional recording facilities for music students and groups.

Photography Darkrooms & Digital Labs

Develop traditional film and explore digital photography techniques with professional-grade equipment and software.

Archaeology & Material Culture Lab

Analyze artifacts, conduct material culture research, and learn curatorial practices for historical collections.

Meet Our Faculty

Dr. Elina Toktogulova
Dr. Elina Toktogulova
Professor of Literature
"Modern poetry, world literature, and creative writing."
Dr. Timur Akmatov
Dr. Timur Akmatov
Associate Professor, Philosophy
"Ethics, logic, and the philosophy of mind."
Dr. Aigerim Sadykova
Dr. Aigerim Sadykova
Assistant Professor, Fine Arts
"Contemporary art, sculpture, and digital media."

Student Life & Opportunities

Arts & Humanities Society

Join a vibrant community of artists, writers, and thinkers. Organize exhibitions, readings, and cultural events.

Theater & Performance Groups

Act, direct, or work backstage in student-led productions. Participate in campus and citywide festivals.

Literary Magazine & Open Mic

Publish your work in the campus magazine or share your voice at monthly open mic nights.

Language Clubs & Study Abroad

Practice languages, join cultural clubs, and participate in immersive study abroad programs.

Debate & Philosophy Club

Engage in stimulating discussions, formal debates, and explore philosophical concepts with peers and faculty.

International Film Club

Explore world cinema, participate in film screenings and discussions, and analyze cinematic techniques.

Poetry Slam & Spoken Word Society

Perform original works, compete in slams, and foster a supportive community for spoken word artists.

Interdisciplinary Arts Journal

Contribute to or help produce a student-run journal showcasing creative and scholarly work across the humanities.

Research & Creative Inquiry

Center for Literary Studies

Research in world literature, translation, and creative writing. Host readings and publish in academic journals.

Philosophy Forum

Engage in philosophical debate, ethics research, and public lectures with visiting scholars.

Visual Arts Research Lab

Explore new media, art history, and contemporary practice. Collaborate on exhibitions and public art projects.

Institute for Cultural Heritage Studies

Research and preserve cultural heritage through archival work, digital documentation, and community engagement projects.

Digital Storytelling & New Media Research Group

Investigate interactive narratives, virtual reality, and the impact of digital platforms on creative expression.

Performance Studies Research Collective

Explore theories of performance, theatre history, and contemporary performance practices through scholarly research and creative projects.

Center for Ethics & Public Policy

Analyze ethical dimensions of public policy, social justice issues, and human rights through interdisciplinary research and community dialogues.

What Our Students Say

The creative writing workshops and open mics helped me find my voice as a poet.
— Aizhan, Literature '25
The art studios and faculty mentorship gave me the confidence to exhibit my work in a city gallery.
— Timur, Fine Arts '24
The language center and study abroad program opened up a world of new cultures for me.
— Meerim, Languages & Culture '25

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply to the Faculty of Arts & Humanities?
Apply online through the Abide University admissions portal. Submit transcripts, a personal statement, and a creative portfolio if required for programs like Fine Arts or Creative Writing.
Are there opportunities to exhibit or perform my work?
Yes! Students regularly participate in art exhibitions, theatrical performances, music recitals, literary readings, and contribute to campus publications.
Can I study abroad in an Arts & Humanities program?
Absolutely! We offer a range of study abroad and exchange programs tailored for language immersion, cultural studies, and international arts experiences.
What career paths do Arts & Humanities graduates pursue?
Our graduates pursue diverse careers in education, publishing, arts administration, museums, media, communications, public relations, law, and many other fields that value critical thinking, creativity, and communication skills.
Can I combine studies from different Arts & Humanities disciplines?
Yes, we encourage interdisciplinary study. Many students pursue double majors, minors, or create individualized study plans that combine interests across literature, philosophy, art, history, and languages.
What kind of portfolio is required for Fine Arts/Design applications?
Typically, a portfolio for B.F.A. programs should showcase 10-15 pieces of your best original artwork, demonstrating a range of skills and conceptual thinking. Specific requirements may vary by program, so check the admissions page.
Are there research grants or funding for creative projects?
Yes, the Faculty offers undergraduate research grants and creative project funding opportunities. Students can apply to support their scholarly inquiry or artistic productions. Graduate students may also be eligible for assistantships or fellowships.
Who do I contact for more information?
Email [email protected] or visit the Arts & Humanities Student Services Office.

Begin Your Creative Journey

Ready to create, perform, and explore? Apply now or connect with an advisor to learn more about our programs and opportunities.

Apply Now