Brookings Main Campus
Produce milk to feed the world.
Dairy products are vital components of nutritious diets around the world. This major focuses on the production of high quality milk, with an emphasis on lactation, nutrition, breeding and farm management, leading to numerous exciting and diverse job opportunities all around the country.
A commercial internship experience is required. Graduates will become leaders in milk production and allied industries.
Scholarships Awarded Annually
Starting Salaries
Is it for you?
This program will be a good fit if you:
- Are interested in how a cow's nutrition and genetics impacts her milk production and future generations.
- Have a passion in caring for the well-being and health of dairy cattle.
- Have a desire to lead and collaborate with others.
- Desire to grow personally and professionally in herd and farm management best practices.
- Are fascinated by the multiple facets of the dairy and food industry from farm to table.
Career Opportunities
- Technical sales and business developer
- Hersman manager/supervisor
- Veterinarian
- Breeding and genetics specialist
- Pharmaceutical associate
- Nutrition consultant
- Dairy field support specialist
- Equipment specialist and manufacturer
- State or federal inspector/auditor
- Marketing and communications specialist
Recent Employers
- Family farm
- Alltech
- Trans Ova
- DHIA
- Accelerated Genetics
- DeLaval
- Zoetis
- Diamond V
- Midwest Dairy
- Land O' Lakes
Internship Opportunities
- Zoetis
- Land O' Lakes
- Cargill
- Extension
- Dairy farm operations
Suggested Certificates
Suggested Dual Majors
- Dairy Manufacturing (B.S.)
- Agricultural Education, Communication and Leadership (B.S.) - Leadership Specialization
- Agricultural Science (B.S.)
- Animal Science (B.S.) - Production Management Specialization
- Animal Science (B.S.) - Industry Relations Specialization
- Animal Science (B.S.) - Science Specialization
- Pre-Veterinary Medicine
Suggested Minors
Undecided or still deciding on a major and future career?
If you are uncertain about your major and have questions about career planning, you are not alone. Choosing a major or career can be a very difficult decision. The exploratory studies program may be a good fit if you are unsure of your major and career focus. Entering the university in the exploratory studies program will help you gain confidence and valuable insights on majors and minors available at SDSU and future career choices.
In addition, FOCUS 2 Career, a self-guided assessment, education and career planning program, will help you reflect on your values, interests, personality traits and skills to provide valuable insight as you explore major and career choices. SDSU students may access FOCUS 2 Career by using their student email and password. After completing FOCUS 2 Career, you may find it helpful to discuss your results with a career coach in the Office of Career Development.