MSc in Industry Based Horticulture

Objectives
The major objectives of this industry oriented graduate program in Horticulture are to:
  • produce highly qualified, competent and skilled human resource in Horticulture;
  • engage in intensive horticulture research and generate applicable technologies that will be used by horticulture industry and farmers for sustainable Agriculture, and
  • involve in horticultural extension and advisory services
Entry requirements
Trainees in quest of admission into the intended program are supposed to fulfill the following requirements.
  • Candidates need to have BSc degree in Horticulture, Plant Sciences, Biology, Forestry, and other related agricultural sciences. However, application from other field of studies with relevant experiences and background (related to the training area) might be considered if the identified major deficient courses are managed through time. Special arrangements for such cases and other details will be worked out by the department of horticulture and plant science graduate committee. Final decisions on acceptance will be awarded by the college graduate council.
  • Applicants must present at least two recommendation letters preferably from their respective hosting organizations and under graduate instructors
  • Candidates are required to pass the written entrance exams and fully satisfy the academic rules and regulations of the university. Given the availability of places, admission shall be on competitive basis.
Graduate profile
Students who complete their MSc study in the field of industry based horticulture will be equipped with the knowledge and practical skills that will enable them to work competently within 3 broad job sectors:
  • as a researcher, they can engage in research institutes, universities, and other higher education institutes;
  • as a teacher or trainer, they will have a broad range of opportunities, varying from teaching on a university, development worker for an NGO or a governmental body, as a consultant for private entrepreneurs and companies, as an extension worker for farmers and regional communities and so forth.
  • but MSc graduates might also opt to take up their own business as a private investor or entrepreneur or start being a manger within a commercial farm or business and of course there are still different job sectors where they might be engaged in.
Graduation requirement
The MSc degree in horticulture is awarded to a candidate who:
  • has fulfilled the general graduation requirements of the School of Graduate Studies (SGS) of Jimma University,
  • Passed all examinations in courses offered in the program (i.e. the student must obtain at least a “B” grade in all courses. A student that scored “C” grade will also be eligible for graduation, provided that his/her CGPA is 3.00 and above, and
  • Successfully completed and defended his/her thesis.

Degree nomenclature: Master of Science (MSc) in Industry Based Horticulture

Course Breakdown: Industry based Horticulture (M.Sc)
Year I Semester I

No

Course code

Course name

Cr hr

1

Hort. 501

Biometry

3

2

Hort. 511

Horticultural Crops Production, Technology  and Management

4

3

Hort. 521

Plant Genetic Resources, Breeding and Biotechnology in Horticulture

3

Total

10

 Year I Semester II

No

Course code

Course name

Cr hr

1

Hort. 502

Horticultural Marketing and Business Environment

4

2

Hort. 512

Human Resource management

2

3

Hort. 522

Postharvest Management  and Technology of Horticultural Crops

4

            Total

10

Year II Semester I

No

Course code

Course name

Cr hr

1

Hort. 513

Pests and Diseases Management of Horticultural Crops

3

2

Hort. 523

Professional and Research Skills(Home take)

2

3

 

Elective course I

2

4

 

Elective course II

2

5

Hort. 601

Thesis

 

Total

9 +thesis

 Year II Semester II

No

Course code

Course name

Cr hr

1

Hort. 514

Seminar Series in professional Environment

1

2

Hort. 601

Thesis

6

Total

1+6