MSc in Animal Breeding and Genetics

• Engaged as research workers in research institutes, universities and other higher education institutes to carry out research activities in genetic improvement, characterization, conservation of livestock and poultry resources;
• Engaged as Development Executives and/or Development Officers for planning, execution, supervision and implementation of livestock improvement programmes launched by government departments and/or government agencies in the country;
• Engaged as Policy Advisors for advising government departments and/or agencies in formulation of sound and sustainable livestock improvement policies and programmes; and
• Engaged in creating their own farm enterprise and generate income and demonstrate the contribution of the private sector to the overall livestock development of the country

• Engaged as faculty members (Teachers) and Trainers in various universities and colleges for undertaking teaching and training in the discipline of animal breeding, animal genetics, conservation and characterization of animal genetic resources (AnGn), thereby contributing to the broad goal of human resource development of country;
• Engaged as Trainers for organizing and implementation of “Customized Capacity Building Programmes” in the field of livestock improvement and/or development for Development Executives / Officers of government/semi-government agencies /NGOs/ livestock rearers / farm women / private entrepreneurs etc.; and

• As Entrepreneurs the graduates in Animal Breeding and Genetics can establish private enterprises, viz: Stud Farms for production of performance and/or progeny tested sires, Semen Bank and Artificial Insemination Networks, Reproductive Biotechnology R & D Centres; Livestock Genetic Counselling Service Centres, etc.

General Course Content 
The course programme will comprise of core (compulsory) courses, optional/elective courses and deficiency courses.
Admission requirements
Students seeking admission to M.Sc. Animal Breeding and Genetics program must possess:
a)    Completed the academic requirements for the Bachelor’s Degree in Animal Science or Veterinary Medicine or an equivalent degree from an accredited higher learning institution;   
b)    Candidates requesting for admission from fields of study other than Animal Science / Animal Production, from related natural sciences and agriculture fields) if admitted, will be required to take additional courses from undergraduate programme to compensate for the deficiencies on the recommendations of the Student’s Supervisor and approval of DGC (Departmental Graduate Council);
c)     Applicants must pass the written and oral entrance examination as prescribed by the university;
d)     Applicant shall fully satisfy the academic rules and regulation of Jimma University for admission of a student; and
e)    Produce a letter of recommendation indicating sponsorship for their research work or sign an agreement, if, self sponsored.

Graduation Requirements:
The graduate candidates (M.Sc. Animal Breeding and Genetics) must fulfil the following requirements:
i.    All candidates must satisfactorily fulfil the general graduation requirements as laid down in the academic rules and regulations of the University School of Graduate Studies;
ii.    Pass all examinations in the courses offered in the programme with minimum CGPA  of 3.00 or more and with not more than one “C” grade in all subjects;
iii.    Letter of approval from DGC; and
iv.    Successfully defended the graduate dissertation.

Duration of the Study:
The duration of M.Sc. Animal Breeding and Genetics programme will be a minimum of two academic years. However a maximum of four academic years will be permitted on the grounds of force majeure and on the recommendations of DGC (Departmental Graduate Council) and FAC (Faculty Academic Council) provided fulfilment of special conditions laid down by SGS (School of Graduate Studies).

Degree Nomenclature: In this program three possible certification was planned having the following nomenclature on their Msc degree: