Department of Geography and Environmental Studies
The Department of Geography and Environmental Studies is one of the academic programs under the College of Social Sciences and Humanities at Hawassa University.
Department of Geography and Environmental Studies
The Department of Geography and Environmental Studies is one of the academic programs under the College of Social Sciences and Humanities at Hawassa University. It is dedicated to advancing knowledge of people, place, and the environment. Through its academic programs, the department prepares graduates to address pressing social, environmental, and developmental challenges with innovative and practical solutions. It is established to address the growing demand for professionals in geography, environmental management, and sustainable development, the department integrates both physical and human geography to provide students with a holistic understanding of people–environment interactions. The department offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs designed to equip students with strong theoretical foundations, analytical skills, and practical experience. The curriculum covers diverse areas such as geomorphology, climatology, GIS and remote sensing, urban and regional planning, population studies, and natural resource management, etc. Through fieldwork, laboratory training, and applied research, students develop the skills needed to analyze spatial patterns, manage environmental resources, and contribute to sustainable development initiatives. Graduates of the department are well prepared for careers in government agencies, non-governmental organizations, research institutions, environmental consultancy, urban and regional planning, and geospatial technology industries. By producing qualified professionals, the department plays a vital role in advancing sustainable resource management and supporting Ethiopia’s broader development goals.
List of programs offered in each department
Undergraduate
- Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Geography and Environmental Studies
- Bachelor of Education (BEd) in Geography and Environmental Studies
Postgraduate
- Master of Arts (MA) in Population and Development Planning
- Master of Arts (MA) in Geography and Environmental Studies (Summer)
MA Curriculum Waiting for SEC Approval
- Master of Arts (MA) in Disaster Risk Management and Climate Change
- Master of Arts Degree in Geography and Environmental Studies Specialisation;
- Regional and Urban Development Planning
- Land Resource Management
- Water Resource and Climate Change Adaptation
- Geo-spatial Information and Digital Cartography
Graduate profile of each program
Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Geography and Environmental Studies
Graduates of the BA program acquire practical and analytical skills that enable them to work in diverse academic, professional, and development settings. They are prepared to teach and conduct research in universities, colleges, and schools, as well as contribute to national and regional research and development organisations. Graduates gain expertise in policy analysis, natural resource management, urban and regional planning, biodiversity conservation, watershed management, and tourism promotion, enabling them to design and implement socio-economic and environmental development initiatives.
In addition, graduates develop strong competencies in geospatial analysis, cartography, and the use of modern tools such as GIS and remote sensing for resource management and sustainable development. They are trained to interpret environmental and population dynamics, address climate and environmental challenges, and provide consultancy in conflict resolution, food security, and livelihood issues. Graduates demonstrate ethical values, leadership, teamwork, and community service while continuously upgrading their knowledge and skills. Overall, the program prepares professionals capable of applying geographical and environmental perspectives to solve real-world problems and contribute to sustainable national and global development.
Bachelor of Education (BEd) in Geography and Environmental Studies
Grounded in a constructivist philosophy of teaching and learning, the BEd program enables student teachers to actively build knowledge through engagement with real-world contexts. Graduates are equipped to connect theory with practice, develop critical and inquisitive abilities, and create meaningful learning environments emphasising human–environment interactions. They are prepared to design engaging lessons, promote collaborative learning, and apply modern strategies to enhance student understanding.
Graduates possess the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to become competent secondary school teachers and reflective practitioners. They can use geographic perspectives to analyze locations, distributions, and spatial relationships, apply environmental analysis to human–environment issues, and foster students’ awareness of local, national, and global interconnections. Equipped with research skills, technological competence, and a commitment to equity, graduates contribute to quality education and national development as educators, curriculum developers, and educational leaders.
Master of Arts (MA) in Population and Development Planning
Graduates of this program are equipped with advanced knowledge and skills in population studies, development planning, and resource management. They are prepared to serve as academicians, researchers, and consultants in higher education institutions, research organisations, government agencies, NGOs, and international bodies. With strong analytical and planning skills, they can develop and manage projects, provide expert advice on the links between population dynamics and natural resource management, and contribute to evidence-based policy and strategic development initiatives.
Graduates are also capable of conducting independent research on a wide range of population and development issues and providing consultancy services to governmental, private, and community-based organisations. They play a vital role in formulating and implementing socio-economic and environmental policies, strategies, and programs. With competencies in research, policy advice, and project management, graduates are well-positioned for leadership roles in national and international institutions, contributing to sustainable development and informed decision-making.
Potential employers of graduates from each program
Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Geography and Environmental Studies
Graduates of the program have diverse career opportunities in government, research, education, NGOs, and the private sector. Potential employers include:
- Government ministries and agencies, such as the Ministry of Urban Development and Infrastructure, Ministry of Planning and Development, Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Water and Energy, and Ministry of Education.
- Regional and local government offices, including bureaus of urban planning, land administration, natural resource management, agriculture, culture and tourism, watershed and land rehabilitation, environmental protection, disaster risk management, and transport.
- Research and academic institutions, including universities, colleges, high schools, national and regional research centres, and statistical agencies.
- Specialised agencies and authorities, such as mapping and geospatial services, meteorology agencies, land use planning and urban development offices, biodiversity conservation and wildlife management offices, and boundary conflict management institutions.
- Non-governmental and community-based organisations working in environment, food security, sustainable development, gender, and livelihoods.
- Private sector organisations, particularly in GIS and mapping services, environmental consultancy, tourism, agriculture, and development enterprises.
Bachelor of Education (BEd) in Geography and Environmental Studies
Graduates of the program are prepared for careers in teaching, curriculum development, educational administration, and community-based education initiatives. Potential employers include:
- Secondary and preparatory schools as geography and social science teachers.
- Colleges of teacher education and universities, in both teaching and academic support roles.
- Regional and federal education bureaus, including offices of curriculum development, teacher training, and educational quality assurance.
- Curriculum development centres and education research institutes engaged in improving teaching materials, pedagogy, and educational policies.
- Non-governmental organisations (NGOs), community-based organisations, and development agencies working in education, training, literacy, and community outreach.
- Educational consultancies and publishing houses, particularly those focused on textbooks, teaching materials, and digital learning content.
Master of Arts (MA) in Population and Development Planning
Graduates of the program are equipped to serve in planning, policy, research, and consultancy roles in diverse organisations. Potential employers include:
- Government ministries and agencies, such as the Ministry of Planning and Development, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Labor and Skills, and Ministry of Women and Social Affairs.
- National and regional statistical offices, policy research institutes, and development planning commissions engaged in population and socio-economic policy formulation.
- International organisations and NGOs working on population, health, gender, migration, and development issues (e.g., UNFPA, UNICEF, WHO, IOM, World Bank, African Development Bank).
- Development consultancies and policy think tanks, providing expertise in strategic planning, monitoring & evaluation, and program design.
- Academic and research institutions, both national and international, in teaching, research, and technical advisory roles.
- Civil society organisations and community-based programs addressing population dynamics, reproductive health, gender equity, and sustainable development at grassroots level.