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Ph.D (03 Years) Doctor of Philosophy in Plant Breeding and Genetics (Agriculture)

3 Years 6 Semesters 24+ Credit Hours 120 Seats

Program Overview

Doctor of Philosophy in Plant Breeding and Genetics (Agriculture) at a Glance

Eligibility Criteria

Graduates of the PhD in Plant Breeding & Genetics (PBG) program are equipped with advanced scientific, analytical, and leadership skills that prepare them for high-level careers in research, academia, biotechnology, and agricultural development sectors. The program enables scholars to contribute significantly to crop improvement, food security, and sustainable agricultural innovation at national and international levels.

After successful completion, PhD graduates may pursue careers in the following areas:

 

University faculty positions (Lecturer, Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, Professor)

Research scientists or principal investigators in national and international agricultural research institutes

Supervisors and mentors for postgraduate research programs

Leading roles in public and private breeding programs (e.g., PARC, NIFA, NIBGE, NIAB, CIMMYT, ICARDA, ICRISAT)

Molecular breeding, genomics, and genetic resource management projects

Biotechnology firms focusing on seed development, molecular diagnostics, and trait improvement

Technical experts and advisors in government ministries, donor-funded projects, and development agencies

Contribution to policy formulation on genetic resource conservation, biosafety, and food security

Senior breeders, R&D managers, or consultants in national and multinational seed companies

Product development and quality assurance in agri-biotech industries

Opportunities for postdoctoral fellowships and collaborative research abroad

Positions in global agricultural and food security organizations (FAO, CGIAR, USAID, ACIAR, etc.)

Duration 3 Years / 6 Semesters
Credit Hours Approx. 24
Total Seats 120
Learning Mode Classroom and lab
Department Agriculture

Program Objectives

What This Program Builds

Graduates of the PhD in Plant Breeding & Genetics (PBG) program are equipped with advanced scientific, analytical, and leadership skills that prepare them for high-level careers in research, academia, biotechnology, and agricultural development sectors. The program enables scholars to contribute significantly to crop improvement, food security, and sustainable agricultural innovation at national and international levels.

After successful completion, PhD graduates may pursue careers in the following areas:

 

University faculty positions (Lecturer, Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, Professor)

Research scientists or principal investigators in national and international agricultural research institutes

Supervisors and mentors for postgraduate research programs

Leading roles in public and private breeding programs (e.g., PARC, NIFA, NIBGE, NIAB, CIMMYT, ICARDA, ICRISAT)

Molecular breeding, genomics, and genetic resource management projects

Biotechnology firms focusing on seed development, molecular diagnostics, and trait improvement

Technical experts and advisors in government ministries, donor-funded projects, and development agencies

Contribution to policy formulation on genetic resource conservation, biosafety, and food security

Senior breeders, R&D managers, or consultants in national and multinational seed companies

Product development and quality assurance in agri-biotech industries

Opportunities for postdoctoral fellowships and collaborative research abroad

Positions in global agricultural and food security organizations (FAO, CGIAR, USAID, ACIAR, etc.)

Career Outcomes

Where Graduates Go Next

Graduates of the PhD in Plant Breeding & Genetics (PBG) program are equipped with advanced scientific, analytical, and leadership skills that prepare them for high-level careers in research, academia, biotechnology, and agricultural development sectors. The program enables scholars to contribute significantly to crop improvement, food security, and sustainable agricultural innovation at national and international levels.

After successful completion, PhD graduates may pursue careers in the following areas:

 

University faculty positions (Lecturer, Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, Professor)

Research scientists or principal investigators in national and international agricultural research institutes

Supervisors and mentors for postgraduate research programs

Leading roles in public and private breeding programs (e.g., PARC, NIFA, NIBGE, NIAB, CIMMYT, ICARDA, ICRISAT)

Molecular breeding, genomics, and genetic resource management projects

Biotechnology firms focusing on seed development, molecular diagnostics, and trait improvement

Technical experts and advisors in government ministries, donor-funded projects, and development agencies

Contribution to policy formulation on genetic resource conservation, biosafety, and food security

Senior breeders, R&D managers, or consultants in national and multinational seed companies

Product development and quality assurance in agri-biotech industries

Opportunities for postdoctoral fellowships and collaborative research abroad

Positions in global agricultural and food security organizations (FAO, CGIAR, USAID, ACIAR, etc.)

Course Outline

Program Course Outline

The PhD in Plant Breeding & Genetics (PBG) program is designed to develop highly qualified researchers, scientists, and academicians with advanced expertise in genetic improvement of crops for sustainable agricultural productivity. The program aims to build intellectual capacity and innovative skills in modern breeding technologies, genomics, and biotechnology to address current and future challenges in crop improvement.

The specific objectives are to:

Develop advanced scientific knowledge in classical and molecular plant breeding, genetics, and genomics to enhance crop performance and adaptability.

Train researchers in modern breeding tools and data-driven approaches, including molecular markers, genomics-assisted breeding, and bioinformatics for genetic analysis and selection.

Promote independent and innovative research focused on developing climate-resilient, high-yielding, and nutrient-rich crop varieties.

Strengthen analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills for addressing national and global challenges in food security, genetic resource conservation, and sustainable agriculture.

Encourage interdisciplinary collaboration with national and international research institutions to enhance knowledge exchange and scientific impact.

Prepare graduates for leadership roles in academia, research organizations, biotechnology industries, and agricultural development agencies.

Foster professional ethics, scientific integrity, and effective communication skills for the dissemination and application of research findings.

Admissions

How to Apply

Graduates of the PhD in Plant Breeding & Genetics (PBG) program are equipped with advanced scientific, analytical, and leadership skills that prepare them for high-level careers in research, academia, biotechnology, and agricultural development sectors. The program enables scholars to contribute significantly to crop improvement, food security, and sustainable agricultural innovation at national and international levels.

After successful completion, PhD graduates may pursue careers in the following areas:

 

University faculty positions (Lecturer, Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, Professor)

Research scientists or principal investigators in national and international agricultural research institutes

Supervisors and mentors for postgraduate research programs

Leading roles in public and private breeding programs (e.g., PARC, NIFA, NIBGE, NIAB, CIMMYT, ICARDA, ICRISAT)

Molecular breeding, genomics, and genetic resource management projects

Biotechnology firms focusing on seed development, molecular diagnostics, and trait improvement

Technical experts and advisors in government ministries, donor-funded projects, and development agencies

Contribution to policy formulation on genetic resource conservation, biosafety, and food security

Senior breeders, R&D managers, or consultants in national and multinational seed companies

Product development and quality assurance in agri-biotech industries

Opportunities for postdoctoral fellowships and collaborative research abroad

Positions in global agricultural and food security organizations (FAO, CGIAR, USAID, ACIAR, etc.)

Proud Alumni

Leaders Making a Difference

Attika Basharat

Farm Manager, Hazara University Mansehra

Bachelor of studies in Agriculture · 2024

Oversees daily operations of crop or livestock farms; manages budgets, staff, and production schedules

Zanib Tariq

Crop Production Specialist, Hazara University Mansehra

Bachelor of studies in Agriculture · 2024

Advises on planting, irrigation, fertilization, and harvesting schedules to maximize yield.

Umair Shafique

Livestock Production Manager, Hazara University Mansehra

Bachelor of studies in Agriculture · 2025

 Manages breeding, nutrition, health, and housing for cattle, poultry, sheep, or swine.

Abbas Shabbir

Greenhouse/Nursery Manager, Hazara University Mansehra

Bachelor of studies in Agriculture · 2024

 Supervises production of ornamental plants, vegetables, or tree saplings in controlled environments.

Umar Farooq

Orchard/Vineyard Manager (Horticulture), Hazara University Mansehra

Bachelor of studies in Agriculture · 2024

Specializes in tree fruits, nuts, or grapes for wine/fresh consumption.

Bilal Junaid Khan

Agronomist, Hazara University Mansehra

Bachelor of studies in Agriculture · 2024

Provides scientific advice to farmers on soil management, crop rotation, pest control, and sustainable practices