Dairy Science Management
64 Credit Associate DegreeProgram Description
The Dairy Science Management 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 where learners will participate in a variety of activities. Classroom instruction is combined with hands-on learning opportunities to expose learners to a wide-range of farming practices. In addition, learners will complete an internship work experience. 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.
Found in These Career Fields:
Approximate Program Cost
$12,233
Tuition & Fees:
$11,399
Books & Supplies: $834
Books & Supplies: $834
Starting Salary
$20,800–$42,640
Average,
based on the NTC Graduate Outcomes Report
Financial Aid
Available
Total financial aid offered may not exceed the estimated Cost of Attendance (COA).
Program Overview Video
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Detailed Program Information
Take a deeper dive into the details of this program. This section offers information to help you evaluate whether the program fits your goals, interests, and timeline. Use it as a tool to guide your decision-making process.
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.
* Campus and online availability of courses and programs may be subject to change.
Outcomes
Graduates will be able to…
Careers
Some of the potential careers graduates can pursue are:
Courses
The Dairy Science Management Associate Degree is a 64 Credit program. The following is a typical semester breakdown of the courses within the program.
Credit for Prior Learning Available
* College 101 (10-890-165) is not part of the program credit requirements but is a College Requirement for graduation that must be passed with a “C” or better.
View All Detailed Course Information
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
This program prepares students to lead in a rapidly evolving agricultural industry where technology, data and sustainability are transforming modern dairy operations. Through a blend of science, business and hands-on learning, students gain the knowledge and practical experience needed to manage efficient, productive and animal-focused dairy enterprises.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is integrated throughout the program to help students understand how emerging technologies are shaping the future of dairy production. Students work with digital herd management tools and data-driven software that support informed decision-making related to animal health, milk production and operational efficiency. In courses focused on herd data management, nutrient planning and agricultural accounting, students learn how AI-powered systems can analyze trends, identify risks and improve productivity.
Industry-inspired learning is further strengthened through courses such as Automated Dairy Technologies, where students explore advanced tools including robotic milking systems, automated feeding equipment and sensor-based monitoring technologies. These systems use real-time data and artificial intelligence to detect health concerns early, optimize feeding strategies and improve overall herd performance. By engaging with the same technologies used in modern dairy operations, students develop career-ready skills that align with current workforce demands.
The program also emphasizes active, hands-on learning through internships, laboratory experiences and applied coursework. Graduates leave prepared to combine technical expertise, communication skills and AI-supported decision-making to lead sustainable and innovative dairy operations in Wisconsin and beyond.
Learn more about Our Commitment to AI Integration
Pathways
Pathways at NTC are designed to help you progress toward your career and education goals, one step at a time. Many programs are structured to build upon each other, allowing you to earn valuable credentials along the way.
If you begin with one of the following programs, you will earn credit towards this Dairy Science Management Associate Degree:
The Bovine AI Breeding Certificate will provide you with 5% (3 of 64 credits) of the total credits in this Dairy Science Management Associate Degree
Transfer Information
You can continue your education to earn a four-year degree in a variety of ways.
Program Transfer
The following transfer guides, executed in partnership with post-secondary institutions, are based on agreements that allow you to continue your program at another college.
Siena Heights University
UW–Platteville
UW–River Falls
General Transfer
All associate degrees transfer to a variety of programs at other partner colleges to give you the opportunity to continue your education in other areas of study.
View all transfer guides
Cost of Attendance
2025–2026 Estimated Academic Year Budgeted Cost of Attendance
The estimated Cost of Attendance (COA) is a budget that includes categories of expenses that a student can expect to incur while attending college. The COA does not reflect actual charges. It is an average based on the estimated living costs typical of our region. In determining the cost of attendance, Northcentral Technical College uses the budget established by the Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) Financial Aid Budget Work Group. This budget is used to determine financial need for all students who apply for financial aid. A student’s cost of attendance is composed of all educational expenses that can be included for financial aid purposes that a student may accrue while pursuing their education for the year (or semester, if enrolled less than a year). A student’s financial aid cannot exceed their cost of attendance. Schools are required to provide a fuller picture of what it may cost students to pursue their degree, not just what they will owe in tuition/fees and books/supplies.
| Expenses | Student Living With Parents (Home) | Student Living on Own (Other) | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-time Tuition (based on a total of 30 credits, 15 credits fall and 15 credits spring) |
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| Living Expenses (Housing & Food) | $3,182 | $10,305 | ||
| Books / Supplies | $1,463 | $1,463 | ||
| Transportation | $4,103 | $4,103 | ||
| Personal Expenses | $3,065 | $3,065 | ||
| Loan Fees | $85 | $85 | ||
| Total Estimated Cost Of Attendance |
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* Tuition listed is based on approved rates for the 2025–2026 academic year. Rates are approved each March by the Wisconsin Technical College System Board and estimated budgets are updated at that time.
For the 2025–2026 academic year, the Wisconsin Resident tuition rate is $152.85 per credit plus a minimum $5.00 material fee and $13.44 per credit activity fee. Out-of-State resident tuition is $229.28 per credit plus a minimum $5.00 material fee and $13.44 per credit activity fee.
Students awarded Federal Direct Loan(s) also have an average of the mandatory loan fees automatically added to their COA.
Students with disability-related expenses may contact the Financial Aid Office to have their additional expenses considered. Disability-related expenses include but are not limited to: personal assistance, equipment, and supplies. The Financial Aid Office may potentially include disability expenses in the COA that are not provided by other assisting agencies.
NTC also offers a Net Price Calculator to help estimate costs.
For more information regarding billed tuition and fees visit https://www.ntc.edu/admissions/tuition-fees
We’re happy to answer any questions you may have about how the financial aid process works. Please feel free to reach out for more information.
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NTC Financial Aid Office
- 715.803.1647
- financialaid@ntc.edu
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.
Before you apply, you should know
The majority of the courses in this program take place at NTC’s Agriculture Center of Excellence, located at 6625 County Road K, Wausau, WI.
Fill out our application
The application can be submitted online and takes just a few minutes to complete. There is no fee to apply.
Apply NowWhat’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 emailed to you.