Dairy Sciences

Dairy Science is the study of the basic principles of animal nutrition, physiology, lactation, genetics, reproduction, and dairy enterprise management. The primary purpose of the undergraduate instruction program is to provide each student with the opportunity to acquire a broad education in the natural sciences, animal biology and performance, and computer sciences, as well as to give an in-depth knowledge of dairy science. The flexibility of the curriculum allows each student, working closely with his or her academic advisor, to tailor a program of study to meet individual interests and career goals by choosing elective courses in support areas such as agricultural economics, animal science, agronomy, business, and communications.

The Dairy Science Undergraduate Program at Virginia Tech

Virginia Tech's Department of Dairy Science has many characteristics that make it a special place for students. Its biggest asset is that its faculty members all have an active interest in their students' education and in high-quality student programs. Because of this close student-faculty relationship, the academic program can fit the needs and interests of individual students rather than making students adhere to a rigid program.

Three curriculum options are available to dairy science majors. Students may also complete minors or dual majors with other departments such as agricultural and applied economics, animal and poultry sciences, and biology.

Dairy Enterprise Management - Students gain knowledge and training in dairy farm business management to optimize dairy cattle performance and well being, manage electronic data, farm finances and land resources, and implement environmental planning.

Animal Biotechnology and Pre-Vet Studies - Students prepare for advanced training or graduate school for careers in animal research or veterinary medicine to improve animal and human nutrition, genetics, and biosecurity.

Dual Emphasis - Students combine their interest in dairy science with another companion major that allows students to diversify and gain additional knowledge in such areas as agribusiness, agricultural education, communications, and livestock management.

Academic Preparation

All admission offers for this program of study are made through the University's Admissions Office. To be a competitive candidate for freshman admission, follow the guidelines listed on the Admissions website. In order to be a competitive candidate, students seeking to transfer into the dairy science program after one year of college work should have a 3.0 grade point average and successfully complete transferable course work in English, mathematics, and appropriate lab sciences. Students planning to transfer under the Guaranteed Admissions Articulation Agreement between Virginia community colleges and the College should follow the academic guidelines noted under College of Agriculture and Life Sciences on the Admissions homepage Articulation Agreements web page.

Career Opportunities

Students completing degree programs in dairy science are in great demand and have a wide variety of career opportunities. Faculty members in the Department of Dairy Science work closely with industry representatives and are familiar with the responsibilities and qualifications for a wide variety of positions. In turn, prospective employers rely heavily on dairy science faculty members to help find capable, motivated young people to fill key positions. Faculty members maintain open communication with the faculties at other institutions and the veterinary college in order to ensure that interested students are properly prepared to undertake graduate studies or to pursue a degree in veterinary medicine.

There are challenging and rewarding career opportunities for dairy science graduates. Many choose careers in animal breeding, marketing, technical service, finance, education, communications, and milk processing and quality control, as well as in dairy enterprise management. A number of graduates with strong interests in animal production return to their home farms or find satisfying careers as herdpersons or farm managers, and many eventually assume ownership of a dairy farm. Others continue their studies to become animal researchers or veterinarians.

Beyond the Classroom

Students have countless opportunities to enhance their educational experience at Virginia Tech.

  • In addition to having excellent facilities, including a new state-of-the-art dairy cattle research center located on campus, the department also has more than 400 head of dairy animals and over 600 acres of land that allow students to gain practical, "hands-on" experience.
  • Practical and research experience can be gained through individual independent study and research projects with dairy science faculty members and through cooperative jobs in industry and on dairy farms.
  • Internships develop and hone students' skills, provide real-world experiences, and lead to important career connections in the dairy industry.
  • The nationally recognized Dairy Challenge, judging teams, and the Virginia Tech Dairy Club offer exceptional opportunities for leadership experience, travel, recognition, and career-building contacts.

For more information, contact:

Michael A. Barnes, Coordinating Counselor
Department of Dairy Science
2440 Litton Reaves Hall (0315)
Blacksburg, VA 24061
(540) 231-4772
barnesm@vt.edu

Department of Dairy Science Homepage

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