Dairy Science Technology

Agriculture and Animal Sciences

You will graduate from one of the nation's top-tier dairy science programs and develop your knowledge of operations and advanced technologies at our on-site, nationally recognized Iowa's Dairy Center. Your studies include building a dairy herd feeding program, constructing milk harvest protocols, creating a bio-secure environment to house dairy cattle and designing a dairy herd breeding program. A combination of experiential and hands-on learning with a dairy herd will develop your skills including; artificial insemination (AI); vaccinations and treatments including IV, Sub-Q and IM; ration evaluation, balancing, mixing and delivery; feed harvest, storage and nutrient testing; genomics and sire selection; milk sampling, culturing and milk harvest prep procedures; milk marketing and feed purchasing; facility design of parlors, freestalls, and manure storage; neonatal care of dairy calves and replacement heifers; and financial analysis, including cost of production and profitability return.

Many graduates return to manage and implement new strategies on their family farms, or advance their careers locally and nationally. Your credits transfer into four-year bachelor's degree programs. If you want hands-on learning with a real dairy operation, this program is the perfect fit for you. Your education and training also includes national certification in OSHA, artificial insemination and both dairy and beef quality assurance. Enrich your classroom study by competing on the Dairy Judging team or completing an internship at area dairy operations.

Award: Associate of Applied Science
Credits: 70
Locations: Calmar
Entry: Fall, Spring, Summer

Paying for the Program

$16,156*

Out-of-State Tuition & Fees: $18,466*
Program Supplies: $335

There are many options available for tuition savings. Contact the Admissions or Financial Aid office for more information.

Financial Aid Info
  1. Apply for admission.
  2. Submit official high school, high school equivalency and/or college transcripts to the Admissions Office of the campus you plan to attend.
  3. Complete ACCUPLACER® reading and writing assessment and ALEKS® math assessment for course placement. Assessments may be waived based on previous college coursework or submission of valid ACT®, or SAT® test scores. Reading and writing scores are valid for three years, and math scores are valid for two years. 
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View a sample 1st year schedule for this program of study.

Review program courses, admissions and academic requirements.

Related Student Organizations

  • Post Secondary Agriculture Students

Facilities

  • Iowa's Dairy Center

The Dairy Science Technology degree currently has transfer agreements in place with the institution(s) listed below. Students are encouraged to speak with their transfer college or university to verify that their planned courses at NICC will meet necessary requirements. Learn more about transferring from NICC.

Dave Lawstuen

David Lawstuen
Agriculture Instructor

  • Email: lawstuend@nicc.edu
  • Phone: 844.642.2338, ext. 8112
  • Location: Calmar