Dairy Science Technology

Agriculture and Animal Sciences
Award
Associate of Applied Science
Credits
70
Locations
Calmar
Entry
Fall, Spring, Summer
Time to Complete
24 Months
Dairy students listen to an instructor

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.


Paying for the Program

Tuition and Fees

$16,156*

Out-of-State Tuition and Fees

$18,466*

Program Supplies

$335
* Approximate cost. Amount reflects the estimated tuition and student fees based on rates at the time of publication. These rates do not include additional expenses (books, tools, supplies, living expenses, licensures, remedial or pre-requisite coursework or partnership tuition and fees, etc.) related to your NICC education. Rates are subject to change.

Financial Aid & Tuition Assistance

There are many options available for tuition savings. Credit programs may have opportunities for Financial Aid eligibility, while non-credit programs have separate tuition savings available on a per-program basis.

Last-Dollar Scholarship

This state funded scholarship is for Iowa residents enrolled in specific high-demand career programs and pays remaining tuition costs after all other federal and state aid has been applied. The FAFSA is required and the award is based on need.

NICC Scholarship Eligible

Any student enrolled in this program is eligible for NICC scholarships. The NICC Foundation offers a wide range of scholarship award amounts and all students are encouraged to apply.

Vo-Tech Grant Eligible

This scholarship is for Iowa residents enrolled in specific career/technical programs. It provides a maximum award of $1,000 per year for up to two years. The FAFSA is required and the award is based on need.

Learn more about Financial Aid.

Career Outlook


Enrollment Process

  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. 

Program Information

View a sample 1st year schedule for this program of study.

Review program courses, admissions and academic requirements.

Additional Information

Related Student Organizations

  • Post Secondary Agriculture Students

Facilities

  • Iowa's Dairy Center

Transfer Information

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.

Program Contacts

Dave Lawstuen
David Lawstuen
Agriculture Instructor
  • Email: lawstuend@nicc.edu
  • Phone: 844.642.2338, ext. 8112
  • Location: Calmar