Dairy Industry Minor

Program Coordinator/Contact

Joseph Cassady, Interim Department Head
Department of Dairy and Food Science
Alfred Dairy Science Hall 136
605-688-4116

Program Information

Dairy science is an application of the sciences, engineering and technology, and business for the study of milk production and processing. Dairy Production is the study of production of milk, management of the farm, feeding, breeding and herd health. Dairy Manufacturing is the study of processing and merchandising of milk and milk products. SDSU is unique nationwide in that it offers programs that cover the dairy industry from the farm to product. The Dairy Industry Minor is designed to provide students the knowledge and skills in both the farm and product aspect and thereby enhance their employment opportunities. This will enable employment opportunities in a growing industry.  Students will be able to select elective courses based on their interests.

Student Learning Outcomes

In the Dairy Industry Minor students will:

• Demonstrate a general understanding of dairy farm management and operations.
• Demonstrate a general understanding of dairy plant management and operations.
• Demonstrate a general understanding of milk composition and dairy products.
• Demonstrate the ability to communicate a general understanding of the dairy industry through written reports and oral presentations.

Academic Requirements

Dairy Production and Dairy Manufacturing majors are not eligible to complete the Dairy Industry Minor.

Course Delivery Format

The program offers instruction through lecture, discussion, laboratory exercises and hands-on practical training.