B.S. in Dairy Science

The Department of Animal Science Undergraduate Program intends for its graduates to be able to explain the symbiotic relationship of animals and humans, to contribute to the solution of complex problems of animal enterprise management, and to apply their knowledge and skills in a technically demanding global community. Graduates of our program will be knowledgeable about sustainable animal production practices that also ensure animal health and well-being and stewardship of natural resources. To enable learners to pursue a wide array of career interests, the department offers learning experiences ranging from the basic to the applied sciences. The overarching goals of the degree program are to provide a comprehensive animal science education in: science, animal management, and agri-business. Faculty in our program strive to create an environment for students to develop effective communication skills, develop skills that enable students to gather and integrate information to solve problems, become self-learners, become leaders and team builders, and to become aware of domestic and global issues driving changes in the animal industries. Our program is designed to provide career skills appropriate to job market needs. Our faculty goals include providing superior academic advising to enable students to fulfill their objectives. The department offers the degrees bachelor of science in animal science and bachelor of science in dairy science. A double major in animal and dairy science is not permitted. However, combining either the animal science or dairy science majors with other curricula is permitted. A limit of 6 credits each in Intercollegiate Judging (Animal Science 475), or any independent study course (490 courses) can be applied toward a degree. A limit of 4 credits of Undergraduate Teaching Experience (Animal Science 497) can be applied toward a degree. Within the animal science major, specialized options in animal products, companion animal management, equine management, livestock management, pre-professional studies, and pre-veterinary medicine are available. The department offers a minor in Animal Science and a minor in Meat Science. Both the animal science curricula and dairy science curricula allow complementary work toward admission to veterinary medical school and other professional schools, which may be done while satisfying requirements for the bachelor of science degree. A program that combines bachelor of science and master of science in animal science is offered. In addition, a program that combines a bachelor of science and master of business administration is offered. The Department facilitates student participation in the Midwest Poultry Consortium and the Swine Science Online program to offer additional training in poultry and swine production, respectively.