Haramaya University Hosts National Review for New PhD Program in Environmental Science
Haramaya University (HU) conducted a national curriculum review today for its newly developed Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program in Environmental Science.
The validation workshop brought together a distinguished group of scholars, researchers, and stakeholders from Bahir Dar University, Jijiga University, and various national environmental protection agencies to evaluate the program’s rigor and relevance.
During the session, Mr. Tamrat Kassa, Head of the Department of Natural Resource Management and Environmental Science at Haramaya University, emphasized that subjecting the curriculum to external expert scrutiny is a vital step in ensuring the program meets international standards.
Launching this PhD program will create immense opportunities for advanced research, scientific innovation, and the generation of evidence-based policy inputs, Mr. Tamrat stated.
He further noted that following an initial internal assessment, the department is now incorporating feedback from this national review. The university aims to finalize the curriculum and begin admitting its first cohort of doctoral students in the upcoming academic year.
The program is expected to play a pivotal role in Ethiopia’s efforts to combat environmental degradation. Dr. Tessema Toru, a researcher in the department, highlighted that the initiative will strengthen the university’s research output and build local capacity.
Beyond academic growth, this program is designed to produce highly competent researchers capable of developing indigenous solutions to mitigate the impacts of climate change, Dr. Tessema added.
The introduction of this third-degree (PhD) program aligns with Haramaya University’s mission to become a leading research institution in Africa. By fostering expertise in Environmental Science, the university continues to position itself as a key contributor to sustainable development and environmental stewardship in the region.
Reporter: Ashenafi Kebede
Photographer: Tewodros Lishan
Date: March 25, 2026
Tags: Academic Program Review, Environmental Research, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Graduate Studies, Haramaya University, Higher Education Ethiopia, National Review, PhD Program, university news
