Welcome to the Department of Geography and Urban Planning
In an era where cities and tourist destinations and have become the epicenters of economic, social, and environmental transformation, the Department of Geography and Urban Planning at the University of Sistan and Baluchestan stands as a pioneering academic center. Our mission is to cultivate specialists capable of analyzing, navigating, and managing the complexities of the urban and regional space. By integrating the profound insights of geography with interdisciplinary approaches and cutting-edge technologies like GIS and Remote Sensing, we strive to address the critical challenges facing Iran’s cities, today and tomorrow. From imbalanced growth and environmental concerns to crisis resilience and enhancing the quality of life for citizens, our focus is comprehensive. Our ultimate goal is to nurture a generation of urban planners and managers who, with a holistic and forward-thinking perspective, will play a pivotal role in building sustainable, smart, and livable cities.
Message from the Head of the Department
It is with great pride that I welcome you to the Department of Geography and Urban Planning. Here, we are committed to fostering thinkers who not only achieve a deep understanding of spatial and development theories but also acquire the essential skills for effective intervention and the enhancement of living spaces. Our academic programs, from the bachelor’s to the doctoral level, are meticulously designed to prepare students for active roles in executive agencies, consulting firms, and research centers, while simultaneously pushing the frontiers of knowledge in urban studies. We invite you to join us as we advance together on the path toward sustainable urban development.
Sincerely,
Hamidreza Rakhshaninasab, Ph.D.
Head of the Department of Geography and Urban Planning
About the Head of the Department
Dr. Hamidreza Rakhshaninasab is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Geography and Urban Planning. An alumnus of the University of Isfahan, where he earned his Ph.D., his expertise encompasses land-use planning, anthropogenic hazards, and advanced techniques in urban and regional planning. He has supervised dozens of theses and published numerous articles in prestigious scientific journals, conducting extensive research on critical issues such as water crisis management, tourism, urban resilience, and quality of life. His executive experience as the Head of the Department, complemented by his research involvement in national initiatives like the Rural Guide Plans, provides a comprehensive and applied vision for the academic leadership of our department.
Academic Programs
1. B.Sc. in Geography
This undergraduate program is designed to cultivate well-rounded experts familiar with the fundamentals of geographical sciences, spatial analysis, and modern techniques. Graduates of this program gain a solid foundation for entering specialized fields such as urban and rural planning, land-use management, and geographic information systems (GIS), preparing them for impactful careers in the nation’s planning institutions.
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2. M.Sc. in Geography and Urban Planning (Urban Management and Land Use Planning)
This master’s program is tailored to develop highly skilled specialists in the scientific organization and management of urban spaces. With a focus on urban land management, land use, regeneration of deteriorated urban fabrics, and crisis management, students acquire the necessary skills to design and implement urban development plans. Graduates are prepared for effective roles within the Ministry of Roads and Urban Development, municipalities, and engineering consulting firms.
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3. M.Sc. in Geography and Tourism Planning (Concentration: Destination Planning)
Recognizing the unparalleled tourism potential of Iran, this program is meticulously designed to cultivate specialists capable of spearheading the sustainable development of tourism destinations. By integrating geographical science with contemporary management approaches, students acquire the essential skills to analyze, plan, and implement comprehensive tourism master plans at both national and regional scales. The ultimate objective is to produce a new generation of managers and experts poised to play a pivotal role in transforming the tourism industry into a central pillar of the nation’s economy, preparing them for leadership positions within institutions such as the Ministry of Cultural Heritage and the dynamic private sector.
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4. Ph.D. in Geography and Urban Planning
This is the highest level of specialized education for training researchers, scholars, and senior-level urban managers. The program is dedicated to advancing the frontiers of knowledge, conducting fundamental and applied research, and responding to the most complex urban issues in Iran. Our doctoral graduates are poised to become faculty members at universities, senior researchers, and strategic advisors in national and regional policy-making bodies.