Quantitative Genetics & Genomics Online Courses

Spring Courses

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Program Summary

Cost per credit hour:

2023-2024: $600
2024-2025: $610
Learn more about Tuition and Cost

Graduate Courses

1–4 Hours

University Contact

These campus coordinators can help you navigate Great Plains IDEA. Click on the university name to learn more about how Great Plains IDEA works at that campus.

Colorado State University

Mary Colasanti

Iowa State University

Iowa State Online

Kansas State University

Ashley Schultz

North Dakota State University

Stacy Duffield

University of Nebraska - Lincoln

Melissa Sailors

This graduate curriculum provides specialized courses delivered online, offering flexible learning opportunities in animal quantitative genetics and genomics. These courses combine theory with application to solve real-world problems. These courses are offered through collaboration with five universities. Learn more about the program at each participating university.

FAQs for Quantitative Genetics & Genomics

Is this program right for me?

Positions and industries targeted by this program include livestock breed societies, breeding service companies, genomics and pharmaceutical companies, and university and industry-based extension and outreach programs.
As part of a master’s degree-level graduate program, this program provides a core in animal genetics and genomics necessary as the foundation for doctoral-level studies in these disciplines.
This curriculum has been designed to be comprehensive, providing students with limited prior knowledge the opportunity to learn and apply new methods and theories. Courses include hands-on experience using a variety of computer-based technologies.

"The AG IDEA program was a great way to learn from top animal breeders in our industry. Instead of being limited to courses taught by professors at my own university, I was able to gain experience and knowledge from others scattered all over the United States, which is critical when entering an industry that differs drastically by region. The flexible learning environment also allows graduate students to make their own schedules around research projects, teaching, and other commitments."

Jamie T. Parham, Ph.D., Product Manager - Beef, Neogen GeneSeek Operations

What will I learn?

Topics cover the breadth of modern animal genetics, spanning foundational concepts in quantitative genetics, the design of breeding programs, methods for predicting breeding values and controlling inbreeding, and their collective interface with molecular genetics and genomics.

View the course planner for additional information about course descriptions, prerequisites, and recommended sequence.

"This program made it possible for me to learn from the best people in my field, which added to the already talented staff I worked with at the K-State campus. The flexibility and breadth of class options made this program unique and allowed me to take advantage of numerous classes I otherwise would not have been able to."

Kelli Retallick, Genetic Service Director, Angus Genetics Inc.

How will this program help me in my career?

The Qualitative Genetics & Genomics in Animal Science program will provide:

The foundation for highly-sought job prospects in the industry, extension, and/or research in animal genetics and genomics.
Opportunities to learn from and interact with instructors who are highly recognized in their respective fields.
The ability to develop virtual communication skills necessary for engaging with an ever-increasingly global agricultural community.

History of the program

The curriculum was developed, and courses were initially offered, through the support of the USDA-NIFA Higher Education Challenge Grants Program (2007-38411-18112; 2011-38411-30551). The curriculum is designed to train individuals at the master's degree level in animal genetics and genomics with the necessary skills to integrate advances in molecular genetics with agricultural systems.

AG IDEA Student Handbook

Graduate Courses

List of Courses