About the Department of Geography
The Department of Geography was established in 1975 under the name “Department of Social Sciences,” which initially included both History and Geography divisions. It became an independent department in 1982. The department is considered one of the distinguished humanities departments at the university due to its unique specialization, as no equivalent department exists in other colleges.
Evening studies were introduced in the department during the academic year 2006–2007. The department is committed, through its faculty members, to developing students’ academic and pedagogical skills, qualifying them to serve as secondary and preparatory school teachers.
The department is among the pioneers in launching postgraduate studies: the Master’s program was introduced in the academic year 1985–1986, the Ph.D. program in 1991, and the Higher Diploma program in 2003–2004. The Ph.D. program in Physical Geography was reopened for the academic year 2024–2025, and a new Master’s program in Cartography and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) was established for the academic year 2025–2026.
In line with technical advancement, a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) laboratory was established in 2024 to serve as a practical and research-supporting platform for academic programs.
The department has adopted a rigorous academic methodology that has significantly enhanced the scientific level of its students. It is distinguished from other geography departments in Iraq by its extensive academic and research accomplishments. Several faculty members have supervised postgraduate students (Master’s and Ph.D.) across various geographical disciplines at Iraqi universities, in addition to supervising the specialization of “Geography Teaching Methods” since the academic year 2019–2020.
Moreover, the department has supplied various governmental service institutions—such as the Directorate of Urban Planning, the Municipality Directorate, the Directorates of Agriculture and Municipalities, and the Directorate of Roads and Bridges—with specialists in Cartography and Geographic Information Systems.
