University UC Davis Animal Science MS/PhD - Dairy
By University of California, Davis
Last reviewed: December 2025
Complete guide to UC Davis's graduate animal science programs with dairy focus. Learn about MS/PhD degrees, California dairy research, and world-ranked...
The University of California, Davis, offers world-ranked graduate education in Animal Science with dairy research specializations. The department's MS and PhD programs combine cutting-edge research with access to California's massive dairy industry—the nation's largest.
Graduate students work with internationally recognized faculty on original research. Strengths include dairy cattle nutrition and metabolism, animal welfare science, reproductive biology, and production systems research. California's large-scale dairy operations provide unique research opportunities.
MS students complete thesis-based degrees in approximately 2 years. PhD students require 4-5 years for dissertation research. The quarter system provides flexibility in coursework and research progression.
Funding is competitive. Most students receive Graduate Student Researcher (GSR) positions or Teaching Assistant (TA) positions providing stipend and fee remission. Departmental fellowships and university-wide awards supplement base funding.
California Cooperative Extension connects research to the state's diverse dairy operations. Students benefit from applied research opportunities, industry partnerships, and career connections throughout California's dairy sector.
Key Features
- MS in Animal Science: 2-year thesis-based master's degree. Dairy research focus available. Industry or PhD preparation.
- PhD in Animal Science: 4-5 year doctoral degree. Original dissertation research. Faculty or senior research preparation.
- GSR/TA Positions: Graduate Student Researcher or Teaching Assistant positions. Stipend plus fee remission.
- World-Ranked Faculty: Internationally recognized researchers in nutrition, welfare, reproduction, and management.
- California Industry Access: Nation's largest dairy state. Large-scale operation research. $7+ billion industry.
- Animal Welfare Leadership: National recognition in dairy cattle welfare research. Applied and regulatory impact.
Advanced Features
- Nutrition Research: Precision nutrition, metabolic health, environmental footprint, feed efficiency.
- Welfare Science Program: Dairy cattle welfare assessment, housing research, behavior. Regulatory influence.
- Large-Scale Research: Unique access to 1,000+ cow operations. Commercial dairy research partnerships.
- Sustainability Focus: Methane reduction, carbon footprint, environmental compliance research.
- California Extension: Research connected to statewide dairy advisor network. Applied impact.
- International Collaborations: Faculty connections worldwide. International conference support. Global networks.
Ideal For
Farm Types: Research-focused professionals, Large-scale dairy focus, Animal welfare researchers
Competitive Advantages
What sets UC Davis Animal Science MS/PhD - Dairy apart from alternatives:
- World-ranked (top-5) animal science program
- Nation's largest dairy state (California)
- Animal welfare research leadership
- Large-scale dairy operation access
- California Extension industry connections
- Sustainability and environmental research
- International student community
- Strong faculty mentorship
- Career placement globally
- UC system research resources
Pricing Information
Here is the pricing information for UC Davis Animal Science MS/PhD - Dairy:
Most students receive GSR or TA positions covering fees and providing stipend. UC Davis offers competitive packages. Self-funded positions uncommon.
Pricing Model: GSR/TA-funded education
Contact potential advisors about funding. Most admitted students receive full support.
Pros & Considerations
- Premier Western dairy research
- Excellent faculty and resources
- Strong industry connections
- California dairy relevance
- Comprehensive graduate training
- Competitive admission
- Graduate commitment required
- California cost of living
- Academic orientation
Implementation & Setup
How to implement UC Davis Animal Science MS/PhD - Dairy on your dairy operation:
Implementation Timeline: MS: 2 years. PhD: 4-5 years. Application deadline: December 1 for Fall admission.
Training & Support
Training and support options available for UC Davis Animal Science MS/PhD - Dairy:
Evaluation Questions
Key questions to consider when evaluating UC Davis Animal Science MS/PhD - Dairy:
- What dairy research area interests me?
- Which UC Davis faculty aligns with my interests?
- Am I interested in welfare or sustainability focus?
- Would California industry access benefit my research?
- Is international recognition important for my career?