Background 

The Faculty of Social Sciences is one of the main academic units of Bahir Dar University, after a structural reorganization that separated it from the former Faculty of Education. This restructuring aimed to strengthen specialized teaching and research in social science disciplines.

Academic mission

The faculty focuses on:

  • Teaching and training professionals in social science fields
  • Conducting research on social, political, cultural, and environmental issues
  • Providing community service and policy-relevant studies in Ethiopia and the region. 

Dean's Message

Established in 2008 at Bahir Dar University, the Faculty of Social Sciences is dedicated to driving national development through high-quality research, education, and community engagement. Our vision is clear: by 2030, we aspire to be the premier choice for social science studies in Ethiopia and a recognized center of excellence in Eastern Africa. Guided by our core values of excellence, the pursuit of wisdom, and social responsibility, we foster an academic environment defined by diversity, equity, and internationalization. The Faculty houses six dynamic departments: Political Science and International Studies, History and Heritage Management, Geography and Environmental Studies, Social Anthropology, Social Work, and Gender and Development Studies.

To ensure our programs are accessible to a diverse range of learners, we offer flexible modalities, including regular, weekend (extension), and distance education. We are also rapidly expanding our digital footprint; notably, our MA in Political Science and International Studies is now fully available through online learning. This marks a significant milestone in our transition toward a comprehensive e-learning environment.

A vibrant student community and a dedicated team of academic and administrative staff support our pursuit of academic excellence. Our faculty, comprising distinguished professors, associate professors, assistant professors, and lecturers, leads our research and teaching initiatives with distinction. Furthermore, we maintain strong national and international partnerships to enhance our global reach and social impact.

Mission, Vision, and Core Values

Vision

By 2030, the faculty of social sciences aspires to be the first-choice faculty in Ethiopia and a recognized center of social science research and education in Eastern Africa.

Mission

The faculty plays an essential role in the university's mission: “to significantly contribute to the social, cultural, economic, political, scientific, and technological development of the nation through the provision of high-quality education, and active engagement in research activities; and facilitating outreach activities for better serving our community's needs.” As the most diverse academic unit of Bahir Dar University, the Faculty of Social Sciences is committed to excellence in instruction, research, and community engagement. Its disciplines promote extensive interaction between faculty and students, attention to individual development of critical and creative thinking, the building of interdisciplinary communities through partnerships both internal and external, and the development of new knowledge through research and creative activities.

 Core values of the Faculty

The faculty simply adopts the core values of the university:

  • Integrity
  • Commitment 
  • Inclusiveness
  • Quality
  • Pursuit of Wisdom
  • Excellence
  • Social Responsibility
  • Diversity
  • Discourse
  • Equity
  • Internalization
  • Empowerment

Bahir Dar University (BDU)   Faculty of Social Science Organizational Structure

STAFF PROFILE

Major departments/programs

The faculty offers several undergraduate, master's, and PhD programs.

Undergraduate

  • Social Anthropology (BA)
  • Sociology (BA)
  • Social Work (BA)
  • Gender and Development Studies (BA)
  • Political Science and International Relations (BA)
  • Philosophy (BA)
  • Civics and Ethical Studies (BA)
  • Geography and Environmental Studies (BA)
  • Geographic Information Systems (GIS), 
  • Population Studies
  • History and Heritage Management (BA)
  • Heritage and Museum Studies

Masters 

  • Political Science 
  • Social Anthropology
  • Geography and Environmental Studies
  • History
  • Urban and Reginal Development
  • Peace and Conflict Studies. 
  • Heritage and Management Studies
  • Sociology
  • Social Work
  • Gender and Development Studies
  • Population Studies
  • Environmental Management
  • Geo-Information Science

Doctor of Philosophy in:

  • Geography and Environmental Studies
  • Geospatial Analytics and Remote Sensing
  • Political Science and International Studies
  • Social Anthropology
  • Social Work and Social Development

Summary

In summary, the Faculty of Social Sciences at Bahir Dar University encompasses a comprehensive range of academic programs, including eleven undergraduate, twelve master's, and four Ph.D. programs, providing students with a robust education in various social science disciplines.

Role in research and society

The faculty contributes to national and regional development by researching issues such as

  • Governance and public policy
  • Cultural heritage and history
  • Gender and social development
  • Environmental management
  • Conflict resolution and peace studies.