Dairy Science
A program that focuses on the application of biological and chemical principles to the production and management of dairy animals and the production and handling of dairy products. Includes instruction in animal sciences, nutrition sciences, food science and technology, biochemistry, and related aspects of human and animal health and safety.
- Schools offering
- 13
- Annual completions
- 113
- Typical degree level
- Associate's + Bachelor's
- Median earnings (5yr)
- $48k
About this major
A program that focuses on the application of biological and chemical principles to the production and management of dairy animals and the production and handling of dairy products. Includes instruction in animal sciences, nutrition sciences, food science and technology, biochemistry, and related aspects of human and animal health and safety.
Where this major leads
Occupations most often associated with this major, from the federal BLS+O*NET crosswalk. Job-growth projections and median wages are national.
| Occupation | Median wage | Job growth | Typical education |
|---|---|---|---|
| Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers | $88k | -1.3% | High school diploma or equivalent |
| First-line supervisors of farming, fishing, and forestry workers | $59k | +2.5% | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Agricultural technicians | $47k | +4.3% | Associate's degree |
| Farm and home management educators | $58k | -2.5% | Master's degree |
| Agricultural sciences teachers, postsecondary | $86k | +4.1% | Doctoral or professional degree |
| Animal scientists | $79k | +5.8% | Bachelor's degree |
Earnings at a glance
Median graduate earnings from the federal College Scorecard, 5 and 10 years out.
Median 5-year earnings
$48k
Associate's vs Bachelor's — early-career earnings
Associate's
$41k
Bachelor's
$49k
Top colleges for Dairy Science
Ranked by annual completions at the associate's or bachelor's level — a proxy for program scale.
| College | Location | Assoc. | Bach. | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo | San Luis Obispo, CA | 0 | 18 | 18 |
| University of Wisconsin-River Falls | River Falls, WI | 0 | 15 | 15 |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | Blacksburg, VA | 0 | 13 | 13 |
| University of Wisconsin-Madison | Madison, WI | 0 | 11 | 11 |
| South Dakota State University | Brookings, SD | 0 | 10 | 10 |
| Iowa State University | Ames, IA | 0 | 9 | 9 |
| University of Wisconsin-Platteville | Platteville, WI | 0 | 9 | 9 |
| Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus | Portales, NM | 0 | 8 | 8 |
| Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute | Wooster, OH | 7 | 0 | 7 |
| Northcentral Technical College | Wausau, WI | 7 | 0 | 7 |
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