Biological Sciences (Ph.D.) - Dairy Science Specialization

Location(s): Brookings Main Campus

Student kneeling next to a calf.

Program Coordinator/Contact

Londa Nwadike, Department Head
Department of Dairy and Food Science
Alfred Dairy Science Hall 136, Box 2104
605-688-4116

Program Information

The Dairy and Food Science Department provides research opportunities leading to Masters and PhD degrees. SDSU is one of two universities in the US with a Dairy Science Program that offers Dairy Production and Manufacturing majors. It is equipped with excellent laboratories, and a state-of-the-art dairy processing plant which has the capability of processing fluid milk, cheese, butter, ice cream, concentrated and dried products, and other products.

Metabolism and surgical facilities in the Animal Science Complex, and specialized laboratory equipment in Chemistry and Biochemistry, Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Health and Human Sciences departments, and the Edgar S. McFadden Biostress laboratories, are also available. Graduate students accepted into the program will have opportunities to utilize these facilities to develop basic and/or applied research programs in dairy product processing and development, microbiology, chemistry, food safety, dairy cattle nutrition, management, and metabolism, while interacting with well qualified faculty. The Food Science specializations offer research opportunities in analytical methods for nutrient measurement, new food processing methods and carbohydrate chemistry.

The SDSU Dairy Science Program, in collaboration with the Food Science and Nutrition Program at the University of Minnesota and the Food Science and Human Nutrition Program at Iowa State University, comprise the Midwest Dairy Foods Research Center. This provides graduate students in the manufacturing area a unique opportunity to be involved with current issues and research needs.

Course Delivery Format

Biological Sciences courses are delivered face-to-face and enhanced with web-based instruction. Online delivery may be offered for specific courses.

Student Learning Outcomes

Exhibit knowledge concerning dairy science, either manufacturing or production, at a level appropriate to a Ph.D. holder.
Demonstrate adequate presentation and communication skills, including dissertation and journal article writing, poster and oral presentation skills, and grant/proposal writing skills.
Demonstrate information literacy for science-based inquiry and critical review of existing knowledge sources.
Demonstrate an understanding of scientific methods and application of analytical techniques for solving research problems.
Develop a deep understanding of experimental design, statistical analysis and use of inferential statistics to make valid judgements based on scientific data.
Specialize research focus in some area such as dairy manufacturing, dairy microbiology or dairy production, but still be broadly based in knowledge of dairy science.
Be able to conduct and publish scholarly research.
Demonstrate professional development and competence so that they may enter the work force in academia or industry.

Available Options for Graduate Degrees

Doctor of Philosophy	60 Credit Plan
	90 Credit Plan

Core Requirements

For details see specific program: Biological Sciences (Ph.D.) .

The student, major advisor and Advisory Committee select the discipline specific emphasis area of the biological sciences. The courses will be identified on the student’s Plan of Study no later than the end of the first year of study.

DS 731 - Laboratory Techniques in Dairy Science Credits: 3
DS 790 - Seminar (COM) Credits: 1-3 (2 credits required)
DS 796 - Field Experience (COM) Credits: 1-3 (1 credit required)
DS 898D - Dissertation (COM) Credits: 1-12 (30-40 credits required)
GSR 601 - Research Regulations Compliance Credits: 1
STAT course 500-level or higher Credits: 3
Electives (as needed to reach 60 or 90 credits) Credits: 11-34

Select from the following

Select at least two courses from the following list of DS courses. Credits: 6-9

Discipline Specific – Dairy Manufacturing

DS 500 - Dairy Chemistry and Analysis Credits: 3
DS 500L - Dairy Chemistry and Analysis Lab Credits: 2
DS 542 - Dairy Product and Process Development Credits: 3
DS 560 - Dairy Product Processing I Credits: 4
DS 560L - Dairy Product Processing I Lab Credits: 1
DS 561 - Dairy Product Processing II Credits: 4
DS 561L - Dairy Product Processing II Lab Credits: 1
DS 722 - Advanced Dairy and Food Microbiology Credits: 3

Discipline Specific – Dairy Production

DS 513 - Physiology of Lactation Credits: 3
DS 513L - Physiology of Lactation Lab Credits: 1
DS 580 - Dairy Farm Operations I Credits: 3
DS 580L - Dairy Farm Operations I Lab Credits: 1
DS 581 - Dairy Farm Operations II Credits: 3
DS 581L - Dairy Farm Operations II Lab Credits: 1
DS 711 - Ruminology Credits: 3

Additional Admission Requirements

GRE: Not required
TOEFL: 79-80 Internet-based
TOEFL Essentials: 8.5
IELTS: 6.5
Duolingo: 110

At least two letters of reference and a personal statement that includes a description of the applicants’ involvement in research, the applicant’s research interest, and career goals will be required.

General Requirements

Graduate students must consult with their advisor before registering for graduate coursework. For additional information, refer to the Doctor of Philosophy Degree Requirements .