Dairy Science (B.S.)

Learn the biology and chemistry behind managing dairy animals and making dairy products. Your coursework will be backed by hands-on experience with all major breeds in our on-campus dairy. A strong extracurricular program connects you with other DelVal students in your field.


Dairy Science is a field of study that focuses on the technology and science behind the production of milk and dairy products, such as butter, cheese, ice cream, yogurt and more. Your coursework at DelVal will allow you to explore topics such as dairy husbandry techniques, nutrition technology, milking, ice cream making, milk sampling for mastitis and antibiotics, and more. Our program offers a variety of interesting dairy science classes as well as a wide selection of animal science classes that are a great addition to the core curriculum.Ìý

At DelVal, our many opportunities for hands-on experience will enhance your understanding of classroom material.

  • Our on-campus dairy will allow you to work with all major U.S. dairy breeds through classes, student employment, and student organizations and teams.
  • Access internship and career exploration opportunities through our network of alumni, faculty, staff and employer connections.
  • Participate in extracurricular activities such as Dairy Society, Dairy Challenge Team, and A-Day (a student-run annual fair that is held right on campus).
  • Study abroad and explore food systems around the world. Our students have recently traveled to both the Netherlands and Belize for agriculture leadership and veterinary experiences.

Graduates of this program have many career paths open to them including veterinary medicine, dairy management, agribusiness, federal and state positions and more.

Ìý

100%
real-world experience
A student leans against a haystack
four college-aged students walking together under some trees
$28,000
average scholarship and grant amount awarded to freshmen in 2023-24
14:1
student to faculty ratio
college students in a classroom

DelVal Influencers: Our Faculty

Not all influencers have thousands of media followers. But, some influencers work diligently every day to help young people pursue their passions and find their career path. At DelVal, they're our faculty!

Here are a few of our DelVal influencers who teach in the dairy science program:

Dr. Melissa Langston, Professor of Chemistry

Dr. Joanne Powell, Instructor, Co-Chair of the Animal and Dairy Science Department

Tour Our Dairy Facility

dairy cow
DAIRY SCIENCE AT-A-GLANCE

Our diverse course offerings can prepare you for a variety of careers within dairy science.Ìý

Sample Courses

  • Introduction to Animal Science
  • Biological Science
  • General Chemistry
  • Principles of Dairy Science
  • Dairy Business Analysis
  • Dairy Husbandry Techniques
  • Dairy Systems and Management
  • Spanish for Agriculture
  • AI Techniques
  • Animal Nutrition
  • Physiology of Reproduction
  • Lactation Physiology

Possible Minors

Brian Lutz with students
NEW! One Health Communication Minor

The One Health Communication minor provides students with the opportunity to bridge the study of writing and rhetoric with the sciences. Students who complete this minor will enhance their analytical and communication skills related to sciences including the University’s pre-veterinary, pre-health, STEM and science programs. They will gain skills for effectively communicating science topics to non-scientists and the general public.

Darla Romberger works with two cows in a barn
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The Experience360 Program gives you the opportunity to apply classroom lessons to real-world activities like internships, career exploration experiences, student research, study abroad, leadership development and more.

Career Paths

  • Dairy farm management
  • Veterinary medicine
  • Research
  • Agribusiness and production
  • Sales and service
  • Teaching
  • Positions in the drug and feed industries
  • State and federal civil services
Cows in a row
Student Clubs and Organizations
Dairy Society

Connect with new friends who are interested in the dairy industry!

Dr. Robin Shedlauskas, Co-Chair, Department of Animal Science, Professor

Office Location: Feldman 105

Joanne Powell, Co-Chair, Department of Animal Science, Instructor

Office Location: Feldman 112

Students taking notes in the livestock barn with a professor
A student putting packets into a heater
A student milking a cow
A student making butter
A student holding a calf