Haramaya University as "Haramaya University College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences" was established in 1954 and it was part of Addis Ababa University until 1985 when it upgraded full-fledged university of agriculture. The university converted to multi-disciplinary university in 1996. The university named as "Haramaya University" in 2006.[1][2]
On 27 May 1985, marking the historic visit of President Mengistu Haile Mariam to campus, the college transformed into University of Agriculture. By 1995/1996, the university underwent new transformation phase involving fields of Teacher Education and Health. In September 2002, two more facilities were opened: Faculty of Law and Faculty of Business and Economics.[3]
The college offered BSc and MSc degrees and PhD in animal and range sciences; plant science; rural development and agricultural extension; natural resources and environmental sciences; and agricultural economics and agri-business. 20 MSc and 12 PhD programs can be obtained from these disciplines. The university gives two and half year BSc programs for mid-career professionals who hold diploma in agriculture and forestry. The university operates its research and extensive activities under umbrella term of Ethiopian Institution of Agricultural Research.[1]