Welcome to the Department of Geography and Rural Planning: A Hub of Thought for the Sustainable Future of Rural Settlements

At the heart of Iran’s national development vision, villages hold an irreplaceable position, not merely as centers of production and food security, but as the nation’s cultural and ecological treasures. The Department of Geography and Rural Planning at the University of Sistan and Baluchestan, recognizing this strategic importance, defines itself as a dynamic academic center for the analysis, policy-making, and planning of sustainable development across rural landscapes. Our mission is to cultivate a generation of specialists and researchers who, by integrating profound geographical knowledge, socioeconomic insight, and mastery of advanced analytical tools, can devise creative and evidence-based solutions to complex challenges such as water crises, demographic shifts, economic security, and the environmental resilience of rural communities. In this department, we strive to build a future where villages, as vibrant, productive, and high-quality living spaces, play a pivotal role in the equilibrium and balanced development of Iran.

Message from the Head of the Department

It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to the Department of Geography and Rural Planning, where theoretical knowledge converges with pragmatic action for sustainable development. In today’s world, the survival and dynamism of rural communities face immense challenges. Our mission as an academic institution extends beyond mere instruction; it is to provide robust strategies for enhancing the resilience and improving the livelihoods of these communities. Our educational programs, from the undergraduate to the doctoral level, are designed with a problem-oriented approach to transform students into experts capable of comprehending the intricate relationships between humanity and the environment in rural spaces. They are equipped to formulate and implement effective plans for the physical, economic, and social development of these regions. I invite you to join our scholarly family and partner with us in this vital mission to foster the prosperity and sustainability of our villages, which form the very foundation of our national development.

Sincerely,

Dr. Hamidreza Rakhshaninasab

Head of the Department of Geography and Rural Planning

Introduction to the Head of the Department

Dr. Hamidreza Rakhshaninasab, an Assistant Professor and the Head of the Department of Geography and Rural Planning, provides the academic leadership for this department with his expertise in spatial planning and risk management. He holds a Ph.D. in Geography and Urban Planning from the University of Isfahan and has conducted extensive research in spatial analysis, resilience, and quality of life. His executive and research experience in regional development projects, including his collaboration in the formulation of Rural Guide Plans (Hadi Plans), has endowed him with a comprehensive and integrated perspective on the nexus between urban and rural spaces. This holistic vision plays a crucial role in steering the department toward delivering sustainable solutions for the shared challenges of human settlements, both urban and rural.

Academic Programs

1. Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Geography

This program serves as the cornerstone for entering the world of spatial analysis and marks the beginning of a journey toward a profound understanding of the reciprocal relationships between humanity and the environment. At this level, students are introduced to the fundamentals of physical and human geography, cartography, and the future-defining technologies of GIS and Remote Sensing. The objective of this program is to train well-rounded experts with foundational skills, enabling them to act as competent analysts and researchers, play an effective role in the nation’s planning institutions, and acquire the necessary scientific groundwork for pursuing specialized studies at higher academic levels.

2. Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Geography and Rural Planning (Specialization: Physical-Spatial Planning)

This specialized program is designed to address one of Iran’s most critical needs: the organization and enhancement of the quality of living spaces in rural settlements. By focusing on techniques in physical planning, spatial design, rural land and housing management, and infrastructure analysis, students acquire the essential skills for purposeful intervention in the rural fabric. Graduates of this program, as designers and managers of development projects, will play a key role in institutions such as the Housing Foundation of the Islamic Revolution, the Organization of Municipalities and Village Administrations, and engineering consulting firms, contributing to the creation of sustainable and beautiful villages.

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3. Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Geography and Rural Planning

This program represents the highest level of academic training for theorizing and leading fundamental and applied research in the field of rural development. By concentrating on Iran’s most complex rural issues—from food security and resource management to macro-level development policies and spatial justice—students evolve into distinguished scholars capable of pushing the frontiers of knowledge. Graduates of this doctoral program will shape the future of rural development in the country as faculty members, senior executives in policy-making bodies like the Ministry of Agriculture Jihad and the Plan and Budget Organization, and as strategic consultants for national projects.