History of the
Colleges of Management
A story of more than seven decades of management education, research, leadership development, and institutional transformation.
More Than Seven Decades of Leadership in Management Education and Research
For more than seven decades, the Colleges of Management at the University of Tehran have played an important role in management education, research, and the development of managerial talent in Iran. What began as a small educational institute has gradually evolved into a comprehensive academic structure encompassing specialized faculties, academic groups, research centers, and professional development initiatives.
Timeline of the Colleges of Management
In 1954, following an agreement between the University of Tehran and the University of Southern California, the Institute of Administrative Sciences was established.
Its mission was to educate specialized managers for public and private organizations and to transfer modern management knowledge to Iran.
- The Institute was upgraded to the status of the Faculty of Administrative Sciences and Business Administration.
- Academic independence was strengthened through the establishment of new fields of study.
- Programs in Administrative Sciences, Business Administration, and Accounting expanded.
- The Faculty moved to a new location near Valiasr–Taleqani intersection.
- The foundations of the current management campus were established in Amirabad.
- Architect Hossein Amanat designed the complex, bringing together traditional Iranian elements and modern architectural principles.
- Construction of the main complex began in 1977.
- The project became an important landmark in the physical development of management education.
- The new campus became fully operational.
- New academic programs and stronger research activities were developed.
- Industrial Management and Insurance Management programs were expanded.
- Doctoral education and scientific development gained greater momentum.
- The Faculty of Management formally adopted its current name in 2000.
- New academic fields and specialized groups were established.
- Information Science and Knowledge Management became part of the academic structure.
- Research, infrastructure, and academic support facilities continued to expand.
- New educational and research facilities strengthened the Faculty's academic mission.
- Expansion of the academic structure toward 12 specialized academic groups.
- A new phase of organizational development began.
- The Mohammadkarim Fazli Business Leaders Development Center was launched.
- Academic, research, and support infrastructure continued to grow.
A major transformation in the organizational structure of management education took place in 2023.
- Four specialized faculties began operating.
- The new structure created a broader framework for specialized management education and research.
- The development marked a major milestone in the institutional history of management education at the University of Tehran.
2024 | Expansion of the Colleges
The Faculties of Trade and Commerce and Tourism were incorporated into the Colleges of Management, expanding the structure to six faculties.
2025 | A New Organizational Chapter
The Faculties of Entrepreneurship and Governance joined the Colleges of Management, further expanding the academic structure.
In 2025, following a decision by the University Board of Directors, the Faculties of Entrepreneurship and Governance were incorporated into the Colleges of Management.
At the same time, the Tourism and Trade units, which did not meet the conditions required for final approval as independent faculties, were reorganized as specialized groups under the supervision of the University President.
Their titles were consequently changed to Tourism Management Group and Department of Trade.
Continuing a Seven-Decade Journey
The history of the Colleges of Management is not only a story of buildings and organizational change. It is also the story of generations of academic leaders, faculty members, researchers, students, and professionals who have shaped the institution's identity and contributed to the development of management education in Iran.
Explore the History of the Colleges' Heads →