Dairy Science

63 Credit Associate Degree

The Dairy Science Associate Degree program provides a well-rounded, real-world understanding of the business of dairy production. The agriculture classes are taught at the Agriculture Center of Excellence, which houses a production dairy farm operation. Throughout the program, learners participate in a variety of activities at the farm. Classroom instruction is combined with hands-on learning opportunities to expose learners to a wide-range of farming practices. In addition, learners will complete two internship work experiences. Jobs in this field are generally physical and require the strength to lift and carry 50 pounds. Learners interested in this career should have above average computer skills. Additionally, learners looking to be successful in this occupation should have the aptitude to work with animals and possess good oral, reading and writing skills. Potential occupations include: Agriculture Product Sales and Marketing, Agriculture Promotion, Agriculture Tourism, Livestock Buyer/Seller/Owner, Agriculture Worker/Herdsman, Farm Owner, Artificial Insemination Technician, Breed Association Representative, Feed Mill Worker, Agriculture Inspector and Agriculture Laboratory Specialist.

Approximate Cost

$12,237
Tuition: $9901 , Books: $2336

Starting Salary

$31,330
Average, based on the annual Graduate Outcomes Report

Financial Aid

Available
View a series of videos that illustrate the daily activities at the Agriculture Center of Excellence.

Availability

Courses for this program may be available at a variety of campus locations through multiple modes of delivery if you meet the admission requirements and prerequisites.

100%
Wausau
30-40 %
Antigo
30-40 %
Medford
30-40 %
Phillips
30-40 %
Spencer
30-40 %
Wittenberg
30-40 %
Online

* Campus and online availability of courses and programs may be subject to change.

Outcomes

Graduates will be able to…

  • Develop a business plan for an agriculture business
  • Evaluate herd nutrition
  • Evaluate herd production
  • Assist with herd health practices and animal care
  • Create a livestock management plan
  • Apply skills in animal biosafety
  • Demonstrate safe animal handling practices

Careers

Some of the potential careers graduates can pursue are:

  • Agriculture Laboratory Specialist
  • Agriculture Inspector
  • Feed Mill Worker
  • Breed Association Representative
  • Artificial Insemination Technician
  • Farm Owner
  • Agriculture Worker/Herdsman
  • Livestock Buyer/Seller/Owner
  • Agriculture Tourism
  • Agriculture Promotion
  • Agriculture Product Sales and Marketing

Courses

The Dairy Science Associate Degree is a 63 Credit program. The following is a typical semester breakdown of the courses within the program.

First Term

ORIENTATION TO AGRICULTURAL STUDIES 1.00
INTRO TO ANIMAL SCIENCE 3.00
CALF CARE MANAGEMENT LAB 1.00
FOUNDATIONAL ANIMAL BIOLOGY 2.00
EMPLOYER/EMPLOYEE RELATIONS 2.00
AGRICULTURAL COMPUTER APPLICATIONS 2.00
COLLEGE MATHEMATICS 3.00

Second Term

MILK QUALITY & PRODUCTION 3.00
HEIFER CARE MANAGEMENT LAB 1.00
LIVESTOCK DISEASES 2.00
AGRICULTURE COMMODITIES & MARKETING 3.00
WRITTEN COMMUNICATION 3.00
ENGLISH COMPOSITION 1 3.00

Third Term

TRANSITION COW MANAGEMENT LAB 1.00
PRINCIPLES OF CROP PRODUCTION 3.00
NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT 2.00

Fourth Term

DAIRY NUTRITION 3.00
AGRICULTURAL INTERNSHIP 3.00
LACTATING COW MANAGEMENT LAB 1.00
AGRICULTURAL ACCOUNTING 2.00
ECONOMICS 3.00
PSYCHOLOGY OF HUMAN RELATIONS 3.00
INTRO TO PSYCHOLOGY 3.00

Fifth Term

BOVINE REPRODUCTION 3.00
PROFESSIONAL PORTFOLIO PREPARATION 1.00
FARM BUSINESS MANAGEMENT 3.00
ORAL/INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION 3.00
MILKING TECHNOLOGIES 3.00
BUILDING DESIGN FOR THE COW 3.00
INTRODUCTION TO DIVERSITY STUDIES 3.00
INTRO TO SOCIOLOGY 3.00

Credit for Prior Learning Available

View All Detailed Course Information

Transfer Information

The following transfer guides executed in partnership with post-secondary institutions are based on articulation agreements and are a guide to provide an easy way to understand how credits transfer.

School Name Degree Name
Colorado State University-Global Campus B.S. in Business Management
Lakeland University Business Administration
Lakeland University Specialized Administration
Northern Michigan University BS in Applied Workplace Leadership
Rasmussen College Accelerated Business Management
Rasmussen College Accelerated Business Systems Analysis
Rasmussen College Accelerated Criminal Justice - Leadership and Management
Rasmussen College Accelerated Early Childhood Education Leadership
Rasmussen College Accelerated Finance
Rasmussen College Accelerated Healthcare Management
Rasmussen College Accelerated Human Resources and Organizational Leadership
Rasmussen College Accelerated Human Services
Rasmussen College Accelerated Marketing-Digital Marketing
Rasmussen College Accelerated Supply Chain and Logistics Management
Siena Heights University Bachelor of Applied Science
UW Green Bay Bachelor of Applied Studies-Integrative Leadership Studies
UW Oshkosh BAS in Organizational Studies
UW River Falls Management Option
UW Stevens Point Bachelor of Applied Studies in Organizational Leadership
UW-Platteville BS in Dairy Science

Admissions Process

Our application process takes just a few minutes to complete, but we want to make sure you have the things you’ll need on hand to complete the application. We’re here to help if you have any questions while submitting your application.

Fill out our application

The application can be submitted online and takes just a few minutes to complete. A $30.00 non-refundable application fee is required. Pay at the time you apply or bypass to pay in person within a week of applying.

Apply Now

What’s Next?

We’ll review your application and let you know if we need anything else. If you’re all set, your acceptance letter will be mailed to you.