DEPARTMENT/PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION

The Academic Programs of the Earth Science department offer a range of programs designed to provide both theoretical foundations and hands-on training in Earth Sciences.

Undergraduate Programs

B.Sc. in Geology

A four-year program that covers the origin, composition, and evolution of the Earth and its natural resources. The curriculum includes courses such as mineralogy, petrology, structural geology, and resource Geology, among others, with a strong emphasis on fieldwork and laboratory analysis. It prepares students for careers in exploration programs, environmental management, natural resource management, and mining engineering. This program was introduced in 2007 as part of the establishment of the department.

B.Sc. in GIS (Geographic Information System)

The Geographic Information Science (GIS) program at Wallaga University was launched in 2013 as part of the university's commitment to advancing education, research, and technological innovation in geospatial sciences. The program was designed to provide students with applied skills in GIS, remote sensing, spatial analysis, and cartography, enabling them to analyze and solve real-world spatial problems. Emphasizing practical applications, the curriculum integrates hands-on training with GIS software, along with field-based data collection and spatial modeling techniques.

This approach ensures that graduates are well-equipped to apply geospatial technologies in diverse fields such as resource identification and management, land use, urban planning, natural resource management, environmental monitoring, and disaster risk assessment. Since its inception, the GIS program has contributed significantly to academic research and professional development in Ethiopia. It has produced skilled graduates who work in government agencies, research institutions, NGOs, and private companies, addressing critical challenges in land use planning, climate change adaptation, asset management, planning, and infrastructure development. It has played a pivotal role in integrating advanced digital tools, including remote sensing and GIS applications, into its curriculum.

It also emphasizes field-based learning and research, enabling students to contribute meaningful solutions to local and national problems. Over the years, it has become a hub for developing professionals capable of leveraging geo-information technologies for sustainable development and decision-making in Ethiopia. By continually updating its curriculum to incorporate emerging geospatial technologies, Wallaga University’s GIS program remains a key center.

Planned Stream- B.Sc. Mining Engineering

The department intends to introduce a Mining Engineering program in the next academic cycle in response to new demands. Launching a Mining Engineering program is a strategic and timely initiative driven by Ethiopia's vast mineral resource potential, national economic development goals, and the urgent need for skilled professionals in the mining sector. Ethiopia is endowed with significant deposits of metallic and industrial minerals and rocks, yet the sector remains underdeveloped due to a lack of local expertise and technological capacity. By establishing this program, Wallaga University can address this critical skills gap, producing graduates equipped with technical knowledge in mineral exploration, mine design, resource management, and sustainable mining practices.

The program emphasizes sustainable and environmentally responsible mining, ensuring that resource extraction contributes to national development without compromising ecological integrity. Located in a region with significant mineral potential, particularly the western greenstone belt, Wallaga University is uniquely positioned to support regional development by attracting investment, creating jobs, and engaging local communities in responsible mining practices.

POST GRADUATE PROGRAMS

M.Sc. in Exploration Geophysics

Launched in 2014 initially as a summer program with a small cohort, this program has since expanded to include full-time and summer modalities. It focuses on modern techniques in geophysical data acquisition, interpretation, and the use of modern laboratory equipment to support research and thesis work. It was introduced as part of Wallaga University’s commitment to specialized professionals in exploration geophysics to address the efficient discovery and utilization of geological resources. The program is currently playing a significant role in equipping students with modern geophysical techniques such as seismic, magnetic, gravity, and electrical methods, which are critical for mapping subsurface resources and reducing exploration risks.

M.Sc. in Hydrogeology

This program was launched as a regular modality in 2018. It focuses on groundwater exploration, groundwater potential characterization, and water quality assessment. The establishment of a Hydrogeology program was aimed at addressing Ethiopia’s critical water challenges, including groundwater scarcity, contamination, and climate-related droughts. This program produces skilled hydrogeologists to support national development goals, such as sustainable water management, irrigation, and hydropower projects. By filling the gap in specialized expertise and collaborating with government agencies and international institutions, the program contributes to Ethiopia’s capacity building for water resource management, positioning the university as a regional leader in hydrogeological education and research.

M.Sc. in GIS and Remote Sensing

Wallaga University has planned to launch an M.Sc. program in Geo-information to address the critical need for expertise, growing research demand, and the increasing applicability of geospatial technologies in various sectors. With the rapid advancement of digital data derivation techniques and data collection technologies, the program aims to equip students with cutting-edge skills in spatial analysis, remote sensing applications, and geospatial data management.

Additionally, the growing reliance on digital technologies for decision-making in suitability analysis, resource identification, land use planning, asset management, environmental management, urban planning, agriculture, and disaster risk assessment necessitates a highly skilled workforce. By integrating theoretical knowledge with hands-on training in advanced GIS Software and Remote Sensing Tools, the program will contribute to scientific research, technological innovation, and sustainable development initiatives in Ethiopia and beyond.

The Admission Requirement of the Earth Science Department includes that to get into a geology program and Geo-Information System, one generally needs a solid foundation in math, physics, chemistry, and computer skills, along with a specific geology and Geo-Information System-related undergraduate degree or equivalent. For a Master's degree in Geophysics and Hydrogeology, these typically require a bachelor's degree in Geology or a related field, with a solid academic record. For the MSc in GIS and Remote Sensing, GIS Analysts are required to hold a bachelor's degree in either Computer Science, Geography, Geoscience, Surveying, Engineering, or a related field.

ENROLLMENT AND GRADUATION STATISTICS (STUDENT DEMOGRAPHY)

The Earth Science department has experienced steady growth in student enrollment and successful graduation rates over the years. The Student Enrollment of the Geology program BSc is about 629 students (Since 2008), the GIS program BSc is about 345 students (Since 2013), and the Exploration Geophysics MSc is about 71 students (Since 2016), with a total of 1045 students enrolled up to the present academic year.

Graduate Statistics: A Cumulative total of 878 graduates have completed their studies across the Geology and GIS programs, reflecting the department’s long-standing commitment to producing qualified professionals.