Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences

The Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences at Al al-Bayt University derives its academic philosophy and research mission from its unique geographical position within the heart of the Jordanian Badia—a semi-arid domain rich in terrain and concealing strategic natural endowments, ranging from vital groundwater aquifers and rock formations to economically promising mineral deposits.

In a deliberate academic response to these natural characteristics, the "Strategic Research Unit for Water and Environment" was established in 1995 as the foundational nucleus dedicated to conducting applied field studies and rigorous scientific research. The unit focused on groundwater exploration, rainwater harvesting, dam assessments, hydrological monitoring, environmental impact evaluations, and the intricate dynamics between agricultural activities and groundwater contamination. Equipped with state-of-the-art laboratories and advanced analytical instrumentation, the unit earned a distinguished reputation locally and regionally, contributing significantly to developmental and environmental initiatives that yielded substantial benefits for the university, the Governorate of Mafraq, and the nation at large.

Building upon this accumulated knowledge and empirical expertise, the institution was formally elevated in 2001 to become the "Institute of Earth and Environmental Sciences." The Institute commenced its academic offerings with a Master’s program in "Water Resources and Environment." Driven by a commitment to academic growth, the Institute launched its Bachelor of Science program in "Applied Earth and Environmental Sciences" in 2003, aiming to supply the national labor force with highly qualified specialists in geology and hydro-environmental sciences. The academic curriculum encompasses diverse domains, including industrial minerals and rocks, geophysics, dam engineering, paleontology, geostatistics, geothermal energy, structural geology, hydrochemistry, and sedimentary petrology. The faculty was further strengthened by a distinguished body of academic scholars whose research prominently addressed mineral, water, and environmental resources within arid zones, the Jordanian Badia, and the Kingdom as a whole.

To align with the digital revolution and advancements in satellite observation technology, the Faculty introduced a Bachelor of Science program in "Geographic Information Systems and Remote Sensing (GIS & RS)" in 2014. This program serves as a critical conduit for training personnel in spatial data analytics and its multifaceted applications in environmental, agricultural, and urban domains. Continuing its trajectory of specialization and academic leadership, the Faculty established a pioneer and unique Bachelor’s program in 2026: "Geological Surveying and Natural Resources Exploration." This curriculum is explicitly tailored to equip students with field-driven competence and cutting-edge analytical skills in mineral exploration and natural resource evaluation.

At the postgraduate level, the Faculty takes pride in offering specialized Master’s degree programs, including "Applied Geology," "Geographic Information Science," and "Blue Economy and Environmental Sustainability." Looking to the future, our strategic vision focuses on expanding both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees with particular emphasis on high-value economic mineral resources, sustainable development, and advanced spatial technologies—thereby matching the evolving requirements of national economic development and regional market demands.

The Faculty’s academic rigor is underscored by its execution of cutting-edge research projects on paleoenvironments and paleoclimate, funded by prestigious European research agencies. Furthermore, the Faculty maintains an active role in international and national conferences, workshops, and symposiums, fostering strong partnerships with governmental bodies and local community institutions. Our global footprint is further reflected in collaborative research endeavors funded by premier international organizations—such as UNESCO, the European Union, and the World Bank—focusing on mineral deposits, wastewater treatment and reuse, participating in an international study on the 'Wadi Ad-Dahik' nature reserve, and the integration of information technology to build human capital across the environmental, mineralogical, hydrological, sedimentary, and oil shale sectors.

The Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences—comprising its dedicated academic and administrative staff—remains steadfastly committed to achieving research excellence, advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and driving impactful outcomes for our students, our institution, and the wider society.