About Us
The Faculty of Geography and Environmental Planning at the University of Sistan and Baluchestan stands as one of the most established and dynamic academic centers for the study of geography, environmental science, and spatial planning in the southeastern region of Iran. Proudly standing on the threshold of half a century of scholarly activity, and building on its rich heritage while looking toward the future, the Faculty defines its mission as cultivating competent specialists, producing pioneering research, and delivering innovative solutions to the complex environmental and human challenges facing the region and the nation.
History and Formation
The cornerstone of this academic institution was laid in 1975, concurrent with the establishment of the University of Sistan and Baluchestan, as the “Department of Geography” within the Higher College of Zahedan. This fledgling department began its journey with the primary goal of training the teachers and experts required by the region. Following the integration of the college into the university structure in 1991, the department continued its upward trajectory as part of the Faculty of Literature and Humanities, playing a key role in the development of higher education in the province by offering undergraduate programs in Natural and Human Geography.
From Academic Department to Independent Faculty
A significant milestone in the institution’s history occurred in 2003. In this year, recognizing the expansion of its educational and research activities and the need for a specialized, focused structure, the “Faculty of Earth Sciences and Geography” was officially established with the approval of the Office for the Expansion of Higher Education. This independence marked the beginning of a major leap forward. Soon after, by the resolution of the university’s Board of Directors, the faculty was renamed the “Faculty of Geography and Environmental Planning” to best reflect its interdisciplinary identity and problem-focused approach.
Today’s Academic Programs
Since its establishment as an independent entity, the Faculty has embarked on a path of accelerated quantitative and qualitative development. Today, as a comprehensive academic hub, it hosts students across three degree levels:
- Bachelor’s (B.Sc.): Geography
- Master’s (M.Sc.): Eight specialized fields, including Climatology, Geomorphology, Urban Geography and Planning, Rural Geography and Planning, Geography and Tourism Planning, Environmental Hazards, and Landscape Engineering.
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.): Four leading fields, including Climatology, Geomorphology, Urban Geography and Planning, and Rural Geography and Planning.
This remarkable diversity of programs underscores the Faculty’s commitment to a comprehensive coverage of the geographical sciences and to addressing the specialized needs of society.
Founders and Faculty Members
This path of development would not have been possible without the unwavering efforts and visionary intellect of its distinguished professors and dedicated leaders. Enduring figures such as Dr. Hossein Negaresh, a principal founder of the Faculty, will forever hold a place in its history. His years of devoted leadership and guidance played an undeniable role in elevating the Faculty’s stature. This legacy has been carried forward with strength and resolve by subsequent leaders, including Dr. Hossein Yaghfoori, Dr. Mahmood Khosravi, and now Dr. Alireza Shahriari, in close collaboration with deans, department heads, and every member of the faculty. This continuity in leadership guarantees the preservation of quality, dynamism, and the Faculty’s steady progress toward the pinnacles of academic success.