University UW-Madison Dairy Science MS/PhD
By University of Wisconsin-Madison
Last reviewed: December 2025
Complete guide to UW-Madison's graduate dairy science programs offering MS and PhD degrees. Learn about research areas, faculty, assistantships, and career...
The University of Wisconsin-Madison Department of Dairy Science offers Master of Science (MS) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees for students pursuing research careers. The department is consistently ranked #1 nationally, with faculty expertise spanning dairy cattle nutrition, genetics and genomics, reproduction, and dairy foods science.
Graduate students work directly with faculty mentors on original research projects. MS students typically complete their degrees in 2 years, while PhD students require 4-5 years. Both degrees require coursework, research, and thesis/dissertation defense. The department graduates approximately 6-8 MS and 2-3 PhD students annually.
Research areas include precision nutrition and feed efficiency, genetic improvement and genomics, reproductive biology and management, milk quality and mastitis, and dairy product development through the Center for Dairy Research. Industry partnerships fund applied research, while federal grants support basic science investigations.
Most graduate students receive assistantships providing stipend ($25,000-$35,000/year) and tuition remission. Assistantships may be research-based (working on faculty projects) or teaching-based (assisting with undergraduate courses). Additional fellowships are available for exceptional applicants.
Career outcomes include faculty positions at universities, research scientist roles in industry, consulting positions, and leadership roles with dairy organizations. The strong alumni network provides mentorship and networking throughout careers.
Key Features
- MS in Dairy Science: 2-year thesis-based master's degree. Original research with faculty mentor. Preparation for industry or PhD study.
- PhD in Dairy Science: 4-5 year doctoral degree. Dissertation research. Preparation for faculty or senior research positions.
- Research Assistantships: Most students receive $25,000-$35,000/year stipend plus tuition remission. Work on faculty research projects.
- World-Class Faculty: Nationally and internationally recognized experts in nutrition, genetics, reproduction, and dairy foods.
- Research Facilities: Dairy Cattle Center, Emmons Blaine Dairy Research Center, USDA Dairy Forage Research Center, Center for Dairy Research.
- Industry Partnerships: Strong relationships with dairy industry for funded research. Applied research with real-world impact.
Advanced Features
- Nutrition Research Focus: Precision feeding, metabolic health, feed efficiency, rumen microbiome. Industry-funded applied projects.
- Genomics & Genetics Research: Dairy cattle genomics, selection indexes, genetic evaluation methods. CDCB partnerships.
- Reproduction Research: Fertility improvement, reproductive management, embryo biology. Applied and basic science.
- Center for Dairy Research: Nation's premier dairy foods research facility. Cheese, cultured products, dairy ingredients.
- Teaching Opportunities: TA positions provide teaching experience for academic careers. Graduate teaching certificate available.
- International Collaborations: Faculty connections worldwide. International conference travel support. Global research networks.
Ideal For
Farm Types: Research-focused professionals, Future faculty, Industry scientists
Competitive Advantages
What sets UW-Madison Dairy Science MS/PhD apart from alternatives:
- #1 ranked graduate dairy science program
- World-class research facilities
- Strong assistantship funding (most students funded)
- Center for Dairy Research for dairy foods focus
- World Dairy Expo annual networking
- Strong faculty-to-student ratio
- Industry partnerships for applied research
- International student community
- Strong career placement in academia and industry
- Wisconsin dairy industry proximity
Pricing Information
Here is the pricing information for UW-Madison Dairy Science MS/PhD:
Most graduate students receive assistantships covering tuition and providing stipend. Unfunded positions rare. Fellowship supplements available for exceptional applicants.
Pricing Model: Assistantship-funded education
Contact potential faculty mentors about funding availability. Most admitted students receive assistantships.
Pros & Considerations
- World-renowned dairy science program
- Outstanding faculty and research
- Unmatched industry connections
- Midwest dairy epicenter
- Comprehensive graduate experience
- Highly competitive admission
- Graduate school commitment
- Academic research focus
- Time and investment required
Implementation & Setup
How to implement UW-Madison Dairy Science MS/PhD on your dairy operation:
Implementation Timeline: MS: 2 years. PhD: 4-5 years. Applications reviewed year-round; most students start in Fall. Apply by December 1 for best consideration.
Training & Support
Training and support options available for UW-Madison Dairy Science MS/PhD:
Evaluation Questions
Key questions to consider when evaluating UW-Madison Dairy Science MS/PhD:
- What research area am I most interested in?
- Which faculty member's research aligns with my interests?
- Am I pursuing academic or industry career?
- Would MS be sufficient or is PhD needed for my goals?
- Can I commit to 2-5 years of graduate study?