Quantitative Genetics and Genomics Online Courses

Fall/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

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.

FAQs for Quantitative Genetics and 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, design of breeding programs, methods for predicting breeding values and controlling inbreeding, and their collective interface with molecular genetics and genomics.  

View the curriculum 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 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

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
Faculty
University Members
Members of the Great Plains IDEA are universities accredited by a regional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Member universities recruit, admit and graduate students, teach in an academic program and contribute to the leadership and maintenance of the alliance. Membership in the alliance is a selective process that engages institutional leadership at all levels.
More about our members »

Janice Santiago is a graduate student in the family and community services program.I was looking for the education I needed to take the next step in my career to a program director or executive director.  I spent a lot of time searching for a university and degree that matched my education in community organizing and advocacy and aligned with my interest in families and community services and supports.  Finding GP IDEA and reading about the courses and career tracks of those who earned the MA in Family & Community Services, I knew right away that this was the degree and program for me. It has lived up to all I had hoped!

As a single mother who works full-time and is raising a son with Autism, and is a member of the sandwich generation taking care of family elders, everything about this program from the courses, schedules, available resources, support of peers and professors have made this the best possible learning experience I could have asked for.  

– – Janice Santiago, Family and Community Services Student,
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