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Quantitative Genetics & Genomics Online Courses

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 and are offered through collaboration with five universities. Learn more about the program at each participating university.

FAQs for Quantitative Genetics & Genomics

Program Summary

Cost per credit hour:

2024-2025: $610
2025-2026: $622
Learn more

Graduate Courses

1–4 Hours

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    What You Will Learn

    This curriculum has been designed to be comprehensive, providing students with limited prior knowledge the opportunity to learn and apply new methods and theories. 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.

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    How You Will Learn

    Designed for working professionals, our courses are 100% online. You'll engage in coursework through a virtual classroom, with offerings available from five reputable universities. Start and end dates may vary depending on the universities instructing your courses each semester.

University Contacts

Click on the campus coordinator name to get their contact information. Click on the university name to learn more about how IDEA works at that campus.

Colorado State University
Iowa State University
Kansas State University
University of Nebraska - Lincoln
North Dakota State University
Spring Courses Course Planner Apply Now

Is the quantitative genetics & genomics 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 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 in the quantitative genetics & genomics courses?

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 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. 

IDEA Student Handbook

Meet Our Faculty

You will learn from expert faculty who bring real-life experience to the coursework and are committed to helping you transition your learning beyond the online classroom into your career.