University UW-Madison Dairy Science BS
By University of Wisconsin-Madison
Last reviewed: December 2025
Complete guide to UW-Madison's #1 ranked undergraduate dairy science program. Learn about curriculum, Badger Dairy Club, World Dairy Expo connections, and...
The University of Wisconsin-Madison Department of Dairy Science has educated dairy leaders since 1891. The Bachelor of Science in Dairy Science is a four-year program producing approximately 4-6 graduates annually—a targeted approach ensuring exceptional faculty attention and career placement.
The curriculum covers dairy cattle nutrition, genetics and genomics, reproduction, herd management, dairy foods science, and agribusiness. Students choose from emphasis areas including Production, Dairy Foods, or Business/Industry depending on career interests. All students complete core dairy science courses plus general education and electives.
Hands-on learning occurs at university dairy research facilities including the Dairy Cattle Center and Emmons Blaine Dairy Research Center. Students can work as student employees, gaining practical experience with 1,000+ dairy cattle across university facilities.
The Badger Dairy Club is among the nation's most active student organizations. Activities include dairy judging team, dairy challenge competition, farm tours, and professional development events. The club's annual World Dairy Expo involvement—held in Madison each October—provides unmatched industry networking.
Career outcomes are exceptional: over 95% of graduates are employed or in graduate school within six months of graduation. Typical positions include herd manager, nutritionist, genetics sales, dairy cooperative employee, and farm owner/operator.
Key Features
- BS in Dairy Science Degree: Four-year bachelor's degree with 120+ credits. Core dairy science courses plus emphasis area. Strong preparation for dairy careers or graduate school.
- Multiple Emphasis Options: Production emphasis for farm management. Dairy Foods emphasis for processing careers. Business/Industry emphasis for agribusiness.
- University Dairy Facilities: Dairy Cattle Center, Emmons Blaine Dairy Research Center, and USDA partnerships. 1,000+ cattle for hands-on learning.
- Badger Dairy Club: Active student organization with judging team, Dairy Challenge, tours, and professional development. Strong alumni mentorship.
- World Dairy Expo Access: Annual Expo held in Madison each October. Volunteer opportunities, networking, career fair, and industry immersion.
- Internship Requirements: Required industry internship. Extensive placement network with farms, genetics companies, and agribusinesses.
Advanced Features
- Dairy Cattle Judging Team: Competitive team travels to regional and national contests. Industry judge networking. Cattle evaluation skill development.
- North American Intercollegiate Dairy Challenge: Team competition evaluating real dairy operations. Industry professional mentorship. National competition exposure.
- Undergraduate Research: Opportunities to work with faculty on research projects. Preparation for graduate school or industry R&D.
- Study Abroad Programs: International dairy programs in New Zealand, Ireland, and other dairy regions. Global perspective on dairy production.
- Pre-Veterinary Track: Dairy science provides excellent preparation for DVM applications. Strong veterinary school acceptance rates.
- Center for Dairy Research Connections: CDR is the nation's premier dairy foods research facility. Exposure to cheese science, cultured products, and dairy innovation.
Ideal For
Farm Types: Future dairy producers, Dairy industry career seekers, Pre-graduate school students
Competitive Advantages
What sets UW-Madison Dairy Science BS apart from alternatives:
- #1 ranked undergraduate dairy science program
- Located in America's Dairyland (Wisconsin)
- World Dairy Expo held in Madison annually
- 1,000+ cattle at university dairy facilities
- 95%+ career placement rate
- Badger Dairy Club nationally recognized
- 130+ years of dairy education excellence
- Strong alumni network globally
- Affordable in-state tuition for Wisconsin residents
- Minnesota reciprocity agreement available
Pricing Information
Here is the pricing information for UW-Madison Dairy Science BS:
Wisconsin residents receive significant in-state benefit. Non-residents pay higher rate but scholarships available. CALS has numerous dairy-specific scholarships.
Pricing Model: University tuition by residency
FAFSA required for all financial aid. Work-study and on-campus employment widely available.
Pros & Considerations
- World-renowned dairy program
- Unmatched industry connections
- Outstanding faculty
- Research excellence
- Midwest dairy hub
- Four-year commitment
- Competitive admission
- Academic rigor
- Cost considerations
Implementation & Setup
How to implement UW-Madison Dairy Science BS on your dairy operation:
Implementation Timeline: 4 years (8 semesters). Fall admission preferred. Transfer students accepted with prerequisite evaluation.
Training & Support
Training and support options available for UW-Madison Dairy Science BS:
Evaluation Questions
Key questions to consider when evaluating UW-Madison Dairy Science BS:
- Am I committed to a dairy industry career?
- Which emphasis area (Production, Foods, Business) matches my interests?
- Do I qualify for Wisconsin residency or reciprocity?
- Would World Dairy Expo proximity benefit my networking?
- Am I considering graduate school after my BS?