The Department of Geography of Ukraine was established in 1990. This department became the first of its kind in the history of various geographical institutions in Ukraine. The department successfully develops the field of Ukrainian geographical studies, initiated by the renowned Ukrainian geographer, Doctor of Geographical Sciences, Professor F. D. Zastavnyi. The department employs eight academic staff members (two professors with doctoral degrees in geography and six associate professors with PhD degrees in geography) and three support staff members. The department has a laboratory for methods of teaching geography and economics in secondary schools.
The department prepares bachelors and masters in the following specialties: Specialty 106 “Geography” (specialization: “Spatial Planning and Geo-Urbanism”) and Specialty 014.07 “Secondary Education (Geography).”
The department’s mission is to train highly qualified geographers for various sectors of the national economy, in accordance with labor market demands. This is achieved through creative and innovative approaches to teaching and research, with a particular focus on Ukrainian geographical studies, fostering socially responsible citizens of Ukraine.
Strategic Goals for the Department’s Development
Development of a new educational and professional program based on the department’s specialization, which will allow taking into account modern labor market trends, increasing the practical orientation of education, expanding the educational opportunities of the department, and ensuring the realization of the scientific and pedagogical potential of its staff.
Improving the quality of educational services by updating the structure and content of the educational process on the basis of a competency-based approach and taking into account market needs.
Writing articles in journals included in scientometric databases Scopus and Web of Science, and presenting them at international scientific conferences.
Enhancing cooperation with future employers, particularly in the development of a new educational program offered by the department, as well as the traditional geography teacher training program.
Developing connections with geography departments of a similar profile in other regions of Ukraine and expanding international cooperation, which will promote the integration of the department into the national and global scientific and educational environment.
Basic values upheld by the Department of Geography of Ukraine: professionalism, responsibility, critical thinking, self-realization, innovation, humanity, patriotism, integrity, individual approach.