Dairy Science
Overview
Dairy science programs teach people the science of dairy production and management.Students learn dairy cattle science and nutrition. They study food science, safety, and milk products.
Dairy science programs include topics such as:
- Dairy cattle health including nutrition and exercise
- Bovine biology, breeding, and genetics
- Techniques and machinery used to milk cows
- Business skills including recordkeeping, management, and purchasing
Schools
Very few community colleges and other two-year schools offer associate degree programs in dairy science. An associate degree usually takes two years to complete. An associate degree prepares students to work as a dairy science technician. After earning an associate degree students can transfer to a college or university for further study.
A few colleges and universities also offer bachelor's degrees or courses in dairy science. Typically, they are part of a agriculture or animal science department. A bachelor's degree usually takes four years of full-time study.
A few schools offer graduate degrees in dairy science. Often, these programs focus on the breeding, genetics, and physiology of dairy cows. A master's degree typically requires two years of study beyond a bachelor's degree. Doctoral (PhD) degree programs usually require two or more years of study beyond the master's degree.
See schools that offer this program.
Related Educational Programs
- Agricultural Business and Management
- Agricultural Production Operations
- Agriculture, General
- Animal Husbandry and Production
- Animal Physiology
- Animal Sciences, General
- Farm and Ranch Management
- Food Science
- Range Science and Management
Related Careers
Careers Directly Related to this Program of Study
- Agricultural Inspectors
- Agricultural Worker Supervisors
- Animal Scientists
- Farmers and Farm Managers
- University and College Teachers
Other Careers Related to this Program of Study
- Agricultural Scientists
- Animal Breeders
- Farm and Ranch Workers
- Food Scientists
- Science Technicians
- Veterinary Technologists and Technicians
Program Admission
You can prepare for this program by taking courses in high school that prepare you for college. This typically includes four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies, and two years of science. Some colleges also require two years of a second language.
Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:
- Agricultural Management
- Algebra
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Animal Science
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Probability and Statistics
Graduate Admissions
Admission to graduate programs is competitive. You need a bachelor's degree, good grades, and good test scores.
Additional requirements at some schools include:
- Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)
- Graduate Record Exam (GRE) General
- Graduate Record Exam (GRE) Biochemistry, Biology, or Chemistry
- Undergraduate degree in dairy science or agriculture-related field
- Professional experience working in the dairy industry
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
Typical Course Work
Program Courses
This program typically includes courses in the following subjects:
- Biology
- Breeding
- Business Management
- Dairy Cattle Anatomy and Physiology
- Dairy Cattle Growth and Development
- Dairy Cattle Nutrition and Feeding
- Dairy Cattle Housing and Operations
- Equipment Management and Maintenance
- Herd Management
- Genetics
- Milk Production
- Purchasing
- Dairy Products Processing and Marketing
Most courses will include hands-on experience working with dairy cows kept on site. This experience includes milking, feeding, checking cattle health, and keeping records.
Graduate Program Courses
Graduate programs in dairy science typically include:
- Required courses
- Thesis (master's degree)
- Preliminary exams (doctoral degree only)
- Dissertation and dissertation defense (doctoral degree)
Things to Know
People with a background and degree in dairy science often can work as show judges for state fair and 4-H contests.
A degree in dairy science is considered good preparation for veterinary medicine school.
Most programs have on-site milking facilities. In addition, several programs operate working farms. These usually include animal holding rooms and research laboratories.
For information about farm occupations, opportunities, and 4-H activities, contact your local county extension service office.
Schools
East Side Area
Washington State University - Pullman
- Animal Sciences
- Animal Sciences--Animal Management Option