Welcome to the Department of Geology
The Department of Geology focuses on the study of the Earth, its structure, materials, history, and the dynamic processes that shape it.
The Department of Geology focuses on the study of the Earth, its structure, materials, history, and the dynamic processes that shape it. It equips students with knowledge and skills in areas such as mineralogy, petrology, paleontology, structural geology, geophysics, and environmental geology, combining both fieldwork and laboratory analysis. The department emphasizes the importance of understanding natural resources, geological hazards, and environmental sustainability, preparing graduates to contribute to sectors such as mining, energy, construction, water resources, and environmental management. Through research and practical training, it nurtures professionals capable of addressing geological challenges and supporting sustainable development.
Our Programs
Programs under the Department of Geology
Undergraduate BSc in geology
The Geology Department at Hawassa University, established in 2016, runs a four-year Bachelor of Science (BSc) program in Geology, including a common freshman year. Our goal is to train capable, ethical, and forward-thinking geoscientists who can meet Ethiopia’s growing needs in resource development, environmental protection, infrastructure, and sustainable growth. The program combines solid theoretical foundations with hands-on, field-based experience, blending the core principles of chemistry, physics, and biology with geological sciences. Students learn to reconstruct Earth’s history, evaluate and use natural resources responsibly, predict and reduce geological hazards, and solve real-world problems through modern computational and analytical methods.
Graduate profile
Graduates leave with versatile skills those open doors to careers in geological mapping, mineral and energy exploration, geotechnical engineering, hydrogeology, and environmental studies. More than just technical training, the department emphasizes innovation, independent research, and the ability to work with policymakers, industries, and communities. By balancing economic development with environmental stewardship, we prepare our graduates not only to advance Ethiopia’s natural resource sector but also to make meaningful contributions to global geoscience.
Potential employers of Geology graduates includes
Graduates of the Geology program can work in government agencies such as the Ministry of Mines, the Geological Institute of Ethiopia, the Ethiopian Mineral and Biofuel Corporation, and Regional Water, Mines, and Energy Bureaus. These institutions focus on geological mapping, mineral and energy resource evaluation, water resource development, and national and regional development projects. They are also in demand in the mining and natural resource sector, where companies like Allied Gold, Ethio Cement, Black Lion Mining, and Midroc Gold carry out mineral exploration, extraction, and processing. Growing energy and geothermal projects like Corbetti and Tulu Moye Geothermal provide opportunities for geologists to work on renewable energy development, drilling, and site analysis.
On the international side, there are roles in consultancy and development projects with organizations such as UNOPS, as well as private environmental and engineering consultancies that handle groundwater studies, hazard assessments, and environmental impact analyses. Geology graduates can also join academia and research, working at Hawassa University or other universities and research institutes, contributing to teaching, research, and innovation in geosciences. In addition, there are entrepreneurial opportunities for graduates to start their own consulting firms, drilling companies, small-scale mining operations, water well services, or environmental assessment businesses. These ventures allow geologists to apply their skills independently, create jobs, and provide specialized services to industries, local governments, and communities.
Available resources and facilities
We have two labs these are:
Computer lab
