Set up in October 2009, the College of Urban and Environmental Sciences comprises the former Department of Urban and Resources Science in conjunction with Department of Environmental Science. The predecessor of the latter was the Department of Geography founded in 1902. This was one of the departments which enjoyed as long a history asNorthwestUniversity itself. The department initially belonged to the Department of History and Geography. The year 1937 witnessed its establishment as the Department of Geography, being later renamed the Department of Urban and Resources Science. A new name, the Department of Environmental Science, was given to the department in 1996, though it continued to employ the same staff as the Department of Urban and Resources Science.

Generations of staff in the School have made significant contributions to China as well as to the development and construction of western China. In succession, many renowned scholars have taught in the department, such as Huang Guozhang, Fu Jiaojin, Wang Chengzu, Wang Chengjing, Li Xuezeng, Yin Zuyin, Zhang Baosheng, Lei Migde, Zhang Diankun, Li Zhiwu, Chen Zongxing. They helped to raise such outstanding researchers as Liu Changming, an academician in Chinese Academy of Science, Niu Wenyuan, an academician in the Third World Academy of Sciences, and 5000 talents active on all fronts in the construction ofChina.

The College of Urban and Environmental Sciences at Northwest University presently has 70 faculty members, 13 of whom are professors, 23 are associate professors, and 11 are PhD supervisors. 24 of the 70 hold PhD degrees, and 5 are on-the-job doctoral candidates. The academician Liu Changming is engaged as a part time academician/professor. Other renowned scholars like Chen Zongxin, Zhao Rong, Li Rui and Li Zhenping are engaged as PhD supervisors or Master’s degree tutors.