University UC Davis Animal Science - Dairy BS
By University of California, Davis
Last reviewed: December 2025
Complete guide to UC Davis's world-ranked animal science program with dairy focus. Learn about California dairy industry connections, research...
The University of California, Davis, is consistently ranked among the world's top five universities for agricultural sciences. The Animal Science department offers a Bachelor of Science with dairy emphasis, benefiting from California's position as America's largest dairy state.
The curriculum covers animal biology, nutrition, genetics, reproduction, and management with dairy-focused coursework. Students can prepare for careers in production, veterinary medicine, research, or agribusiness. The broad UC Davis science foundation provides excellent graduate school preparation.
UC Davis dairy facilities include the Dairy Teaching and Research Facility, where students learn modern California dairy practices. California's large-scale operations (many with 1,000+ cows) provide unique exposure to industrial dairy management through internships and research.
The UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine is consistently ranked among the top three nationally. Animal Science provides excellent preparation for DVM applications, with strong advising and faculty connections. Many students pursue combined interests in dairy production and veterinary medicine.
California Cooperative Extension dairy advisors connect UC Davis research with the state's diverse dairy operations. Students benefit from applied research opportunities and industry connections throughout California's Central Valley and beyond.
Key Features
- BS in Animal Science - Dairy: Four-year UC system degree with dairy emphasis. World-ranked program. Strong science foundation.
- Dairy Teaching & Research Facility: Modern California-style dairy for hands-on learning. Large-scale operation experience.
- Veterinary School Pathway: Top-ranked UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. Strong pre-vet preparation and advising.
- California Industry Connections: Access to nation's largest dairy state. Large-scale operation internships. $7+ billion industry.
- Research Opportunities: World-class faculty research. Undergraduate research programs. Graduate school preparation.
- California Extension: Dairy advisors throughout California. Applied research and career connections.
Advanced Features
- Undergraduate Research Program: Structured opportunities to work with faculty on cutting-edge research. Honors thesis option.
- Study Abroad Options: UC Education Abroad programs in dairy regions worldwide. Global perspective.
- Food Science Minor: Complement production with dairy foods science. California's processing industry connections.
- Large-Scale Management Focus: Unique exposure to 1,000+ cow operations. California dairy business practices.
- Animal Welfare Research: National leadership in dairy cattle welfare. Student research opportunities.
- Sustainability Focus: California environmental compliance experience. Carbon footprint reduction research.
Ideal For
Farm Types: Large-scale dairy career seekers, Pre-veterinary students, Research-focused students
Competitive Advantages
What sets UC Davis Animal Science - Dairy BS apart from alternatives:
- World-ranked agricultural sciences program
- Located in nation's #1 dairy state (California)
- Top-3 ranked UC Davis Veterinary School pathway
- Large-scale dairy management exposure
- California Extension dairy advisor network
- World-class research opportunities
- Strong international student community
- $7+ billion California dairy industry connections
- UC system academic excellence
- California Community College transfer pathway
Pricing Information
Here is the pricing information for UC Davis Animal Science - Dairy BS:
California residents receive in-state benefit. Non-residents pay higher rate. Blue and Gold Opportunity covers tuition for qualifying California families. Strong transfer pathway.
Pricing Model: UC system tuition by residency
California Community College transfer is cost-effective pathway. Many students transfer after 2 years.
Pros & Considerations
- California dairy expertise
- Research opportunities
- Strong faculty
- Industry connections
- Western dairy focus
- Four-year program
- UC admission standards
- California costs
- Academic orientation
Implementation & Setup
How to implement UC Davis Animal Science - Dairy BS on your dairy operation:
Implementation Timeline: 4 years (12 quarters). Application deadline November 30. Transfers apply November 30.
Training & Support
Training and support options available for UC Davis Animal Science - Dairy BS:
Evaluation Questions
Key questions to consider when evaluating UC Davis Animal Science - Dairy BS:
- Am I seeking world-ranked dairy education?
- Is veterinary school a career goal?
- Do I qualify for California residency?
- Would large-scale dairy exposure benefit my career?
- Am I interested in research opportunities?