Department of Geography and Environmental Studies

Welcome to the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies

                                                Welcome Message

Welcome to the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies at Bahir Dar University, a center of academic excellence dedicated to advancing knowledge, innovation, and sustainable development. We are delighted to welcome prospective students, researchers, partners, and visitors to our vibrant academic community.

Our department is committed to producing highly skilled professionals capable of addressing contemporary environmental, geographic, and socioeconomic challenges through education, research, and community engagement. By integrating theory with practical applications and modern technologies, we prepare graduates who contribute meaningfully to local, national, and global development.

Our Vision and Commitment

The Department of Geography and Environmental Studies provides an interdisciplinary learning environment that equips students with the knowledge, analytical skills, and technical competencies needed to understand the complex relationships between people, places, and the environment. Our programs emphasize sustainable resource management, climate change adaptation, land use planning, geospatial technologies, and environmental conservation.

Our Mission

The following core missions guide the department:

Preparing Competent Professionals

We strive to develop skilled graduates in geography and environmental studies who demonstrate excellence in human, biophysical, and technical domains.

Promoting Research and Innovation

Our faculty and students conduct impactful research and develop innovative solutions that address socioeconomic, environmental, and geographical challenges.

Strengthening Collaboration

We foster inclusive partnerships with government institutions, communities, industries, and indigenous knowledge holders to enrich teaching, learning, research, and societal transformation.

Academic Objectives

The department aims to:

• Produce well-rounded professionals equipped with strong academic knowledge and practical skills.
• Encourage active participation in community engagement and sustainable development initiatives.
• Conduct high-quality research that contributes to solving real-world problems.
• Provide continuous professional training and capacity-building opportunities.

Department Overview

Faculty Excellence

The department is supported by a highly qualified and experienced academic staff consisting of:

• 2 Full Professors
• 5 Associate Professors
• 14 Assistant Professors
• 15 Lecturers
• 2 Chief Laboratory Assistants

Our diverse faculty members bring expertise in geography, environmental management, geoinformation science, remote sensing, urban planning, population studies, and natural resource management.

Academic Programs

The department offers comprehensive undergraduate and postgraduate programs designed to meet national and international standards.

Undergraduate Programs

Bachelor of Arts in Geography and Environmental Studies

• Regular Program
• Distance Program
• Summer Program

Master's Programs

• MSc in Geoinformation Science
• MA in Geography and Environmental Studies
• MA in Population Studies
• MA in Urban and Regional Planning

Doctoral Programs

• PhD in Geospatial Analytics and Remote Sensing
• PhD in Socioeconomic Development Planning and Environment
• PhD in Environment and Natural Resource Management

Learning Resources and Facilities

Students benefit from an excellent academic environment supported by:

• Well-equipped computer laboratories with modern hardware and supporting technologies.
• Experienced instructors specializing in various fields of geography and environmental studies.
• Opportunities for practical training, fieldwork, research, and collaborative projects.

Graduate Competencies

Graduates of the department develop strong competencies in:

Spatial Analysis

Understanding the spatial and temporal distribution of natural and human phenomena.

Critical Thinking

Applying theories and analytical models to explain geographical processes and environmental patterns.

Collaboration and Leadership

Working effectively with multidisciplinary teams and contributing to community development initiatives.

Technical Expertise

Using modern technologies and scientific methods to solve environmental and planning challenges.

Technical Skills

Students acquire practical skills in:

• Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
• Remote Sensing
• Surveying and Mapping
• Spatial Data Processing
• Environmental Data Management
• Resource Assessment and Planning

Career Opportunities

Graduates pursue successful careers in a wide range of sectors, including:

• Education and academic research
• Natural resource and environmental management
• Urban and regional planning
• Geographic information systems and remote sensing
• Land administration and surveying
• Government agencies
• International organizations
• Non-governmental organizations
• Research institutions and consulting firms

Our graduates contribute significantly to addressing global challenges such as environmental degradation, climate change, pollution, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable development.

Student Community

As of 2026, the department serves students across undergraduate, master's, and doctoral programs, reflecting its growing role as a leading center for geography, environmental education, and research in Ethiopia.

Join Our Academic Community

The Department of Geography and Environmental Studies at Bahir Dar University invites passionate learners, researchers, and partners to become part of a dynamic academic community dedicated to knowledge creation, innovation, and sustainable societal transformation.

Together, we strive to build a future where geographical knowledge and environmental stewardship contribute to resilient communities and sustainable development.

Department Head,   Dr. Kassahun Gashu

Department of Social Anthropology

     Welcome to the Department of Social Anthropology

It is my great pleasure to welcome you to our dynamic and diverse academic community. Our department houses both social anthropology and Sociology programs, offering you a unique opportunity to engage with complementary perspectives on human society, culture, and social relationships.

The disciplines of Sociology and social anthropology offer powerful tools for examining how societies are organized, how cultures are shaped, and how individuals and groups interact within broader social structures. Throughout your studies, you will explore key themes such as identity, inequality, power, social change, and globalization.

Our department is committed to fostering critical thinking, intellectual curiosity, and a deep appreciation for cultural diversity. We encourage you to actively engage in discussions, research, fieldwork, and community-based learning opportunities that will enrich your academic experience.

Our faculty and staff are dedicated to supporting you every step of the way. We are confident that your time here will not only broaden your knowledge but also prepare you to make meaningful contributions to society.

Once again, welcome. We look forward to your growth, achievements, and contributions to our academic community.

Warm regards,
Dereje Wonde Ayalew (PhD)
Head, Department of Social Anthropology

Background of the Department of Social Anthropology

The Department of Social Anthropology at Bahir Dar University was established in 2009 with its undergraduate program in Social Anthropology. Since then the department has made tremendous horizontal and vertical expansion in its undergraduate and postgraduate programs. The department launched its master’s program in Social Anthropology and has been producing a considerable number of graduate students in the field. In addition to its master’s program in social anthropology, in 2019 the department launched its second master’s program in sociology and commenced its PhD program in social anthropology. In addition, an undergraduate program in sociology was inaugurated in 2021. The Department of social anthropology at Bahir Dar University plays a vital role in national development by producing educated manpower equipped to address Ethiopia's intricate and evolving socio-economic and political challenges via its Sociology and Social Anthropology program graduates.  

The program of Social Anthropology was established in order to equip students with a solid understanding of the social, cultural and political developments of modern and contemporary societies through providing the relevant skills s, knowledge, and professional relations and networking. The program provides undergraduate and graduate students the best opportunity to apply social and anthropological theories into practices and gain valuable professional experiences through community engagement trainings and education curricula. To attain its aims, the program incorporates teaching, research, community engagement, and other innovative knowledge transfer mechanisms. 

The program addresses contemporary regional and country-level aspects, with classroom discussions and lectures, educational events, conferences, professional trainings, field education, and discussion meetings, which are further incorporated into the curriculum. On a practical level, the program allows students to create a solid professional network and form a concrete base for future academic and professional career choices, preparing students for engagement in the international, national, and local sectors. It has recently been increasing the students’ opportunities in the public sectors, private sectors, and professional associations. 

Regarding collaboration, the Department of Social Anthropology at Bahir Dar University has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Department of African and Ethiopian Studies at Hamburg University, Germany. The agreement was to develop the academic and cultural interchange between the two institutions through mutual assistance in the areas of education, research, and others. In particular, the two institutions agree to strengthen cooperation in research, teaching, and training, as well as staff and student exchange. Also, interactions with regional and national public sectors and nongovernmental organizations have been made.   

Vision of the Department 

The department aspires to be one of the leading destinations in anthropological and sociological training, research & interventions for students and professors in the country and beyond. 

Mission of the program 

The mission of the department is to produce graduates with advanced professional competencies (knowledge, skills,, and attitude) to respond to the national labor market requirements to eventually ascertain the global competitiveness of the country.

Staff Profile