History of the Department of Information and Communication Technologies

The Department of “Mathematical Methods in Economics” was founded in 1997 at the Almaty Institute of Railway Transport Engineers (AliIT).

The history of the department is an important page in the chronicle of the educational institution, which later transformed into AliIT, KazATC, ALiT, and today’s ALT University.

In 2005, the “Mathematical Methods in Economics” department was divided into two independent departments:

• “Computer Engineering and Software” (CES);
• “Information Systems” (IS).

In 2008, they merged into the “Computer Engineering and Information Systems” (CEIS) department. In 2018, after merging with the “Automation and Control” (AC) department, a new unit was created — “Automation and Information Technologies” (AIT).

In September 2019, AIT was divided, and one of the new departments was named “IT Engineering”.

In 2021, the “Radio-Electronic Technologies” (RET) and “IT Engineering” departments merged to form the “Telecommunications and IT Engineering” department.

Since September 15, 2021, the department has borne its current name — “Information and Communication Technologies” (ICT).

At different times, the department was staffed and led by:

• PhD in Technical Sciences, Associate Professor Tashev A.A.;
• Professor Utepbergenov I.T.;
• PhDs in Technical Sciences, Associate Professors Kuandykova D.R., Iskakova A.K.;
• PhD Baimuratov O.A., Toigozhinova A.Zh.;
• PhD in Technical Sciences, Associate Professor of KazATC Nurgulzhanova A.N.

All of them made a significant contribution to the scientific, technical, and pedagogical potential of the department, supporting its development and strengthening.

Currently, the department employs a highly qualified faculty with rich pedagogical experience. Since December 2021, the department has been headed by PhD, Associate Professor of ALT, Kasymova D.T.

The department trains specialists in the following educational programs:

Bachelor’s degree programs:

• 6B06116 — Information Systems;
• 6B06118 — Software Engineering;
• 6B06126 — Applied Artificial Intelligence;
• 6B06127 — Mathematical and Computer Modeling;
• 6B06172 — Big Data Technology (jointly with UrIMCHIY Professional University).

Master’s degree programs:

• 7M06128 — Information Systems (scientific-pedagogical, 2 years);
• 7M06135 — IT Systems Management (professional, 1 year).

In 2025, the department obtained a license to provide education under the program group B058 “Information Security” within the educational program 6B06328 – Information Security Systems.

The faculty of the department is actively engaged in research activities, publishing papers in international journals and conference proceedings, and regularly upgrading their qualifications.

The department actively cooperates with industrial enterprises and organizations, opening branches for the practical training of students at:

• RSE on REM “IIVT” of the Committee of Science of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan;
• LLP “QSTEM”;
• SP “Knew IT” and others.

These branches implement elements of dual education in specialized disciplines for 1st–2nd year students.

For students of the B057 – Information Technologies group of educational programs, classes in profile disciplines are provided on the basis of the following partner organizations:

• RSE on PHV “Institute of Information and Computing Technologies” of the National Academy of Sciences of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan;
• ТОО «KnewIT LLP;
• QSTEM LLP;
• ТОО «Qazaq Investment Company»;
• ТОО «QAZTEX QAZTEX Innovations LLP.».

In these branches, students take training and production practices, as well as practical and laboratory classes in the conditions of a real production process. This allows students to consolidate their theoretical knowledge, gain experience working with modern technologies and tools, and get acquainted with the corporate culture and industry requirements.

In addition, introductory tours and field lectures are organized for junior students, aimed at expanding their professional horizons and early immersion in the field of information technology.