Phd – Woldia University

Postgraduate Studies

PhD Programmes

Explore our doctoral programmes and discover advanced opportunities for research, innovation, academic excellence and professional development.

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Flagship Programme

PhD in English Language Teaching

A research-intensive doctoral program preparing advanced researchers and academic leaders in ELT, second language acquisition, and ed-tech.

4 Years 32 Credits*

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Soil resource and water shade management/Agriculture

PhD in Soil Science

Advanced doctoral research evaluating soil chemistry, ecology, climate-smart agriculture, watershed management, and agricultural productivity preservation.

4 Years 54 Credits

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Plant Science/Agriculture

PhD in Horticulture

Advanced doctoral research focused on independent, interdisciplinary, and problem-oriented crop science, plant stress physiology, and sustainable horticultural systems.

4 Years 54 Credits

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Animal Science/Agriculture

PhD in Animal Genetics and Breeding

Specialized scientific study producing personnel with expert-level knowledge to innovate, perform specialized breeding tasks, and conduct genomics and biotechnology research.

4 Years 53 Credits

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School of Civil and Water Resources Engineering / Institute of Technology

PhD in Construction Engineering and Management

Designed to produce highly competent researchers, academics, and industry leaders capable of addressing complex challenges in the construction sector through rigorous research and modern practices.

4 Years 30 Credits

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School of Computing / Institute of Technology

PhD in Computing and Information Sciences

Specializations in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science. Focuses on advanced theoretical knowledge, research competence, and scholarly skills to solve scientific and societal challenges.

4 Years 30 Credits

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PhD in Management

Advanced doctoral research focused on enterprise management, strategic leadership, and corporate governance systems.

4 Years Full-Time

Department of English Language and Literature 🟢 Accepting Applications

PhD in English Language Teaching

⏱️ Duration: 4 Years, Full-Time 📚 Credits: 32 Credit Hours* 🔬 Focus: Research, ELT & Ed-Tech

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A Research-Intensive Doctoral Program

The PhD in ELT prepares advanced researchers, educators and academic leaders to address contemporary challenges in English language education — spanning second language acquisition, curriculum development, teacher education, assessment and technology-enhanced teaching. The program also offers opportunities to explore AI, digital pedagogies, and English for tourism and cross-cultural communication.

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Curriculum Snapshot & Course Breakdown

Coursework — 8 courses (SLA, Research Methods, Curriculum Development, Teacher Education, Assessment, Tech & Innovation, Research Seminars I–II) 20 Cr

Doctoral Dissertation (registered across six semesters) 12 Cr

Total Program Credits 32 Credits

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Admission Requirements

Qualification: Relevant Master’s degree (MA/M.Ed. in TEFL/ELT, English & Literature, Linguistics, or related field).
NGAT: Pass Ministry of Education National Graduate Admission Test for doctoral programs.
Entrance Evaluation: University-administered evaluation, recommendations, and concept note.
University Policies: Fulfill applicable Woldia University postgraduate requirements.

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Program Coordinator

Dr. Abdurahman Ahmed Endris
Associate Professor · PhD Program Coordinator

📧 abdurahman2018@wldu.edu.et

📧 abduahmed64@gmail.com

📞 +251 91 342 8729

📍 Department of English Language and Literature, Woldia University

Department of Soil Resource and Watershed Management 🟢 Accepting Applications

PhD in Soil Science

🎓 Nomenclature: Doctor of Philosophy in Soil Science 📚 Credits: 54 Credit Hours 🌱 Focus: Climate-Smart Agriculture & Watershed Management

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Program Overview

Focuses on developing advanced theoretical knowledge, analytical proficiency, and applied competencies in core domains of soil science. Through laboratory experiments, field-based research, and community-engaged initiatives, graduates translate scientific evidence into context-specific solutions for Ethiopia’s diverse agroecological and socio-economic landscapes, aligning with climate-smart agriculture and sustainable watershed management.

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Curriculum Snapshot & Course Breakdown

Coursework — 8 Core Courses (Advanced Soil Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Genesis & Classification, Nutrient Cycling, Research Methods & Publishing, Pedometric & Mapping, Modeling & Simulation) 24 Cr

PhD Dissertation (registered across 6 semesters) 30 Cr

Total Program Credits 54 Credits

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Admission Requirements

MSc Degree Qualification: Soil Resource & Watershed Management, Land Resource Management, Soil Science, Soil & Water Management/Conservation, Watershed Management, Agronomy, Natural Resource Management, or Forestry. (Biology, Chemistry, & Geography backgrounds may require prerequisite courses).
NGAT: Pass Ministry of Education National Graduate Admission Test.
Entrance Exam: Pass a written entrance examination.
Supporting Documents: At least two letters of recommendation and proof of sponsorship/financial support.

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Program Coordinator

Dr. Endalkacew Fekadu Abitew
Associate Professor · PhD Program Coordinator

📧 Endalkachew@wldu.edu.et

📧 endalkf@gmail.com

📞 +251 93 572 3891

📍 Department of Soil Resource and Watershed Management, Woldia University

Department of Plant Science 🟢 Accepting Applications

PhD in Horticulture

🎓 Nomenclature: Doctor of Philosophy in Horticulture 📚 Credits: 54 Credit Hours (24 Coursework + 30 Dissertation) 🌿 Focus: Interdisciplinary Research & Horticultural Sector Innovation

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Program Overview

Focuses on conducting independent, interdisciplinary, and problem-oriented research, generating advanced knowledge and technologies, and contributing to the transformation, sustainability, and competitiveness of the world horticulture sector.

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Curriculum Snapshot & Course Breakdown

Core Courses — Biometric Tools, Plant Stress Physiology & Climate Adaptation, Scientific Paper Writing, Digital Tools & Research Ethics, Breeding, Seed Production, IPM, and Emerging Topics Core Courses

Electives — Postharvest Physiology & Value Chains, Plant Biotechnology & In Vitro Systems, Soil-Water-Nutrient Dynamics, Smart Irrigation & Water Use Efficiency Electives

PhD Dissertation (registered across 6 semesters) 30 Cr

Total Program Credits (24 Coursework + 30 Dissertation) 54 Credits

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Admission Requirements

MSc Degree Qualification: Agronomy, Crop/Plant Physiology, Crop Science, Soil Science, Coffee Production Technology, Horticulture, Plant Breeding, Crop Production & Protection, Natural Resource Management, or equivalent fields.
CGPA: Master of Science degree with CGPA ≥ 3.0.
NGAT: Passed the National Graduate Admission Test (NGAT).
Recommendations: Two recommendation letters from previous instructors.

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Program Coordinator

Dr. Biruk Masrie Zewdie
Associate Professor · PhD Program Coordinator

📧 Biruk.m@wldu.edu.et

📧 birukja72007@gmail.com

📞 +251 91 203 8550

📍 Department of Plant Science, Woldia University

Department of Animal Science 🟢 Accepting Applications

PhD in Animal Genetics and Breeding

🎓 Nomenclature: Doctor of Philosophy in Animal Genetics and Breeding 📚 Credits: 53 Credit Hours (23 Coursework + 30 Dissertation) 🧬 Focus: Livestock Genomics, Bioinformatics & Genetic Improvement

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Program Overview

Focuses on producing personnel with expert-level knowledge and skills to innovate, perform specialized Animal Genetics and Breeding tasks, conduct advanced research, and train future Animal Genetics and Breeding specialists.

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Curriculum Snapshot & Course Breakdown

Core Courses (8 Courses) — Animal Genetic Resources Management, Molecular Genetics & Bioinformatics, Population Genetics & Diversity, Digital Livestock Farming, Reproductive Physiology & Biotechnology, Genetic Improvement Programs, Biometrical & Quantitative Genetics, Utilization of Non-Additive Genetic Variance 23 Cr

PhD Dissertation (registered across 6 semesters) 30 Cr

Total Program Credits (23 Coursework + 30 Dissertation) 53 Credits

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Admission Requirements

MSc Degree Qualification: Animal Genetics/Breeding, Animal Production, Animal Nutrition, Dairy Science, Poultry Science, Veterinary Medicine & Science, Biochemistry, Bioinformatics, Biotechnology, or related biological sciences.
NGAT: Pass the National Graduate Admission Test (NGAT).
Entrance Exam: Pass a written exam and interview.
Supporting Documents: Submit at least two letters of recommendation and a sponsorship letter or proof of funding.

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Program Coordinator

Dr. Tasew Mohammed
Associate Professor · PhD Program Coordinator

📧 selamtasew2002@yahoo.com

📞 +251 93 671 9791

📍 Department of Animal Science, Woldia University

School of Civil and Water Resources Engineering / Institute of Technology 🟢 Accepting Applications

PhD in Construction Engineering and Management

🎓 Nomenclature: Doctor of Philosophy in Construction Engineering and Management 📚 Credits: 30 Credit Hours (18 Coursework + 12 Dissertation) 🏗️ Focus: Engineering, Cost Control, Risk Management & Modern Construction Practices

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Program Overview

The PhD Program in Construction Engineering and Management at Woldia University is designed to produce highly competent researchers, academics, and industry leaders capable of addressing complex challenges in the construction sector. The program aims to advance knowledge and innovation in Construction Engineering and Management through rigorous research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the application of modern engineering and management practices.

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Curriculum Snapshot & Course Breakdown

Coursework — Six courses (Advanced Construction Project Modeling, Cost Engineering and Project Control, Research Methods and Statistical Modeling, Uncertainty and Risk Management, Advanced Planning and Scheduling, and one Elective course) 18 Cr

PhD Dissertation (registered across 6 semesters) 12 Cr

Total Program Credits (including coursework & dissertation) 30 Credits

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Admission Requirements

MSc Degree Qualification: Construction Technology & Management, Construction Engineering & Management, Civil Engineering, or related disciplines. (Applicants may be required to make up deficiencies by completing specified courses).
NGAT: Pass National Graduation Admission Test (NGAT).
Entrance Exam: Pass a written entrance examination or interview (may be both).
Supporting Documents: At least two letters of recommendation and a letter of sponsorship or equivalent proof of financial support.

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Program Coordinator

Dr. Prashant Kumar Gangwar
Associate Professor · PhD Program Coordinator

📧 prashant@wldu.edu.et

📧 er.prashantgangwar@gmail.com

📞 +251 93 521 5333

📍 Department of Construction Technology and Management, Woldia University

School of Computing / Institute of Technology 🟢 Accepting Applications

PhD in Computing and Information Sciences

🎓 Nomenclature: Doctor of Philosophy in Computing and Information Sciences (AI / Data Science) 📚 Credits: 30 Credit Hours (18 Coursework + 12 Dissertation) 💻 Focus: Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Big Data, & Trustworthy Computing

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Program Overview

Focuses on developing advanced theoretical knowledge, research competence, and scholarly skills in Computing and Information Sciences, with specialization tracks in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science. Designed to prepare highly qualified researchers, academicians, consultants, innovators, technology leaders, and policy advisors capable of conducting independent research and developing solutions to complex technological and societal challenges.

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Curriculum Snapshot & Course Breakdown

Mandatory Courses — Advanced Research Methodology and Ethics (CIS 8101), Doctoral Seminar (CIS 8102) Core

Specialization Tracks — 5 electives (15 Cr) in either Artificial Intelligence or Data Science specializations 15 Cr

PhD Dissertation — Proposal (CIS 9901) & Dissertation (CIS 9902) 12 Cr

Total Program Credits (18 Coursework + 12 Dissertation) 30 Credits

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Admission Requirements

Degree Qualification: Bachelor’s and Master’s in Computer Science, IT, Software/Computer Engineering, Information Systems, AI, Data Science, Cyber Security, Informatics, or related. Related engineering/science fields may require up to 12 credit hours of bridging courses.
Selection Criteria: Research Synopsis Evaluation (50%: Written 30%, Presentation 20%) & Academic Performance (50%: Bachelor’s CGPA 25%, Master’s CGPA 25%).
Exams & Docs: Pass NGAT, submit official transcripts, research concept note/synopsis, and three recommendation letters.

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Program Coordinator

Dr. Betselot Yewulu Reta
Assistant Professor · PhD Program Coordinator

📧 betselotyy2007@gmail.com

📧 betselot.y@wldu.edu.et

📞 +251 99 275 6570

📍 School of Computing, Woldia University