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Master (02 Years) Master of Science (Hons) Plant Breeding & Genetics

2 Years 4 Semesters 34+ Credit Hours 120 Seats

Program Overview

Master of Science (Hons) Plant Breeding & Genetics at a Glance

Eligibility Criteria

Graduates of the MSc (Hons) in Plant Breeding & Genetics (PBG) program possess the scientific knowledge, technical skills, and research experience required to play a vital role in crop improvement and agricultural development. The program opens diverse career pathways in the public sector, private industry, academia, and research organizations both nationally and internationally.

After completion of the degree, graduates can pursue careers in the following areas:


Research Officers or Scientific Officers in national agricultural research institutions (e.g., PARC, NIFA, NIBGE, NIAB, ARI).

Researchers in crop improvement, biotechnology, and genetic resource management projects.

Technical experts in seed breeding programs and varietal development initiatives.

Lecturers or Research Associates in universities and agricultural colleges.

Instructors in technical training institutes focusing on crop production and breeding sciences.

Breeders, production managers, or quality control officers in public and private seed companies.

Professionals in molecular breeding, seed certification, and biotechnology-based enterprises.

Positions in provincial and federal agriculture departments as subject specialists or technical officers.

Advisory roles in agricultural extension programs for farmers and agri-based communities.

Eligibility for admission to PhD programs in Plant Breeding & Genetics and related disciplines at national and international universities.

Opportunities with international organizations and research centers (e.g., CIMMYT, ICARDA, FAO, ICRISAT, CGIAR) in plant breeding and genetic improvement projects.

Duration 2 Years / 4 Semesters
Credit Hours Approx. 34
Total Seats 120
Learning Mode Classroom and lab
Department Agriculture

Program Objectives

What This Program Builds

Graduates of the MSc (Hons) in Plant Breeding & Genetics (PBG) program possess the scientific knowledge, technical skills, and research experience required to play a vital role in crop improvement and agricultural development. The program opens diverse career pathways in the public sector, private industry, academia, and research organizations both nationally and internationally.

After completion of the degree, graduates can pursue careers in the following areas:


Research Officers or Scientific Officers in national agricultural research institutions (e.g., PARC, NIFA, NIBGE, NIAB, ARI).

Researchers in crop improvement, biotechnology, and genetic resource management projects.

Technical experts in seed breeding programs and varietal development initiatives.

Lecturers or Research Associates in universities and agricultural colleges.

Instructors in technical training institutes focusing on crop production and breeding sciences.

Breeders, production managers, or quality control officers in public and private seed companies.

Professionals in molecular breeding, seed certification, and biotechnology-based enterprises.

Positions in provincial and federal agriculture departments as subject specialists or technical officers.

Advisory roles in agricultural extension programs for farmers and agri-based communities.

Eligibility for admission to PhD programs in Plant Breeding & Genetics and related disciplines at national and international universities.

Opportunities with international organizations and research centers (e.g., CIMMYT, ICARDA, FAO, ICRISAT, CGIAR) in plant breeding and genetic improvement projects.

Career Outcomes

Where Graduates Go Next

Graduates of the MSc (Hons) in Plant Breeding & Genetics (PBG) program possess the scientific knowledge, technical skills, and research experience required to play a vital role in crop improvement and agricultural development. The program opens diverse career pathways in the public sector, private industry, academia, and research organizations both nationally and internationally.

After completion of the degree, graduates can pursue careers in the following areas:


Research Officers or Scientific Officers in national agricultural research institutions (e.g., PARC, NIFA, NIBGE, NIAB, ARI).

Researchers in crop improvement, biotechnology, and genetic resource management projects.

Technical experts in seed breeding programs and varietal development initiatives.

Lecturers or Research Associates in universities and agricultural colleges.

Instructors in technical training institutes focusing on crop production and breeding sciences.

Breeders, production managers, or quality control officers in public and private seed companies.

Professionals in molecular breeding, seed certification, and biotechnology-based enterprises.

Positions in provincial and federal agriculture departments as subject specialists or technical officers.

Advisory roles in agricultural extension programs for farmers and agri-based communities.

Eligibility for admission to PhD programs in Plant Breeding & Genetics and related disciplines at national and international universities.

Opportunities with international organizations and research centers (e.g., CIMMYT, ICARDA, FAO, ICRISAT, CGIAR) in plant breeding and genetic improvement projects.

Course Outline

Program Course Outline

The MSc (Hons) in Plant Breeding & Genetics (PBG) program aims to equip students with advanced theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and research capabilities in the field of crop improvement and genetic analysis. The program focuses on strengthening the capacity of young scientists to address challenges in agricultural productivity, food security, and climate resilience through innovative breeding and genetic approaches.

The specific objectives of the program are to:


Provide advanced understanding of the principles and methods of classical and molecular plant breeding for the genetic improvement of crops.

Develop technical competence in field experimentation, biometrical analysis, and statistical interpretation of breeding data.

Train students in modern breeding tools, including molecular markers, tissue culture, genomics, and biotechnology techniques.

Enhance research and analytical skills for identifying, evaluating, and utilizing genetic variability to develop superior crop varieties.

Promote problem-solving abilities and critical thinking to address current and emerging agricultural challenges.

Foster professional ethics, teamwork, and communication skills necessary for careers in research, teaching, and the agricultural industry.

Prepare graduates for doctoral studies and leadership roles in research institutions, academia, and the seed and biotechnology sectors.

Admissions

How to Apply

Graduates of the MSc (Hons) in Plant Breeding & Genetics (PBG) program possess the scientific knowledge, technical skills, and research experience required to play a vital role in crop improvement and agricultural development. The program opens diverse career pathways in the public sector, private industry, academia, and research organizations both nationally and internationally.

After completion of the degree, graduates can pursue careers in the following areas:


Research Officers or Scientific Officers in national agricultural research institutions (e.g., PARC, NIFA, NIBGE, NIAB, ARI).

Researchers in crop improvement, biotechnology, and genetic resource management projects.

Technical experts in seed breeding programs and varietal development initiatives.

Lecturers or Research Associates in universities and agricultural colleges.

Instructors in technical training institutes focusing on crop production and breeding sciences.

Breeders, production managers, or quality control officers in public and private seed companies.

Professionals in molecular breeding, seed certification, and biotechnology-based enterprises.

Positions in provincial and federal agriculture departments as subject specialists or technical officers.

Advisory roles in agricultural extension programs for farmers and agri-based communities.

Eligibility for admission to PhD programs in Plant Breeding & Genetics and related disciplines at national and international universities.

Opportunities with international organizations and research centers (e.g., CIMMYT, ICARDA, FAO, ICRISAT, CGIAR) in plant breeding and genetic improvement projects.

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