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Exploring dairy cow biology and management can enhance milk production, animal care, human health, and ecological sustainability. Dairy science students master these concepts while adopting cutting-edge technologies to fulfill industry demands. The Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, which houses the dairy science undergraduate program, develops capable professionals who tackle issues in livestock well-being, resource conservation, smart farming, food security, and medical progress.
With a favorable 10:1 student-to-professor ratio and intimate class sizes, students form impactful relationships. Hands-on learning through farm internships or agribusiness placements equips students with modern career skills. Additional practical experience is available in research laboratories or at the student-run Dairy Cattle Center.
UW-Madison maintains an on-campus dairy herd. The Dairy Cattle Center's proximity to academic buildings lets students work directly with livestock during labs. However, dairy science extends beyond milking—it encompasses genetics, animal nutrition, milk production, and emerging biological and digital tools applicable across agriculture. Experiential learning is standard for dairy science majors, with every student completing an internship or fieldwork requirement.
Applicant must have high school record should demonstrate both rigor and breadth in the types of course work you pursue. A competitive academic record should show some of the most challenging advanced-level work offered at or through your school in as many areas as possible, while maintaining a strong GPA. The following chart shows the number of years that most admitted students studied in each subject area; English 4 years, Math 4 years, Social Studies 3-4 years, Science 3-4 years, Single Foreign Language 3-4 years and Additional Academic/Fine Arts 2 years. Applicant must have ACT score of 30 and overall SAT score of 1395.
English Language Requirement
Applicant must have TOEFL score of 100 on internet based test, 603 on the paper-based test or IELTS score of 6.5