The Department of Geography at Yazd University: A Chronicle of Academic Excellence
The Department of Geography at Yazd University, a beacon of academic excellence, traces its roots to 1976 when it commenced its journey with a single undergraduate program in Geography Education at the Yazd Higher Teachers' College, affiliated with the University of Teacher Education. Following a brief hiatus during the Cultural Revolution, the department resumed its operations in 1983, welcoming the first cohort of post-revolution students in 1984.
Throughout the 1990s, the Department of Geography expanded its offerings, admitting students into two distinct undergraduate programs: Human Geography and Natural Geography. In the late 1990s, the department introduced undergraduate and graduate programs in Geography and Urban Planning, further enriching its academic portfolio. The decade of the 2000s witnessed the addition of a Master's program in Water and Meteorology, solidifying the department's comprehensive approach to geographical studies.
The 2010s marked a period of continued growth for the Department of Geography. New specializations, including Geomorphology, Environmental Hazards, Remote Sensing, and Geography and Tourism Planning, were introduced at the Master's level. In addition, the department expanded its doctoral programs, admitting students in two fields: Water and Meteorology with a specialization in Water Hazards and Geography and Urban Planning.
Currently, the Department of Geography comprises two divisions: Land Use Planning and Environmental Planning. With a total of 15 faculty members, including three professors, six associate professors, and six assistant professors, the department boasts a team of highly qualified individuals dedicated to fostering a stimulating learning environment.