School of Graduate Studies was established in 2003 to run the postgraduate studies in various disciplines in line with the national development objectives. Its major goals are to produce professionals who:

• Identify analyze and intervene on societal problems

• Undertake basic and applied research pertinent to the felt needs of the society.

• Improve the practice and profession of their respective fields

• Contribute to societal development

Historical Development of Graduate Studies (SGS)
As stated in School of Graduate Studies (SGS) legislation, Graduate Program was conceived in the days of the Jimma Institute of Health Sciences (JIHS). But it took a long time till the initiative comes from the Ministry of Education (MOE) and mandated Jimma University (JU) in 2002 to officially open the School of Graduate Studies in 2003 and assigned a Dean to organize the office.