By Scout Nelson
South Dakota State University is expanding its dairy education opportunities with the launch of a new two-year dairy technology associate degree program. The new program is designed to help students prepare for careers in the growing dairy industry while gaining practical experience in production and manufacturing.
South Dakota State University shared that the new program supports the continued growth of the state’s dairy sector and responds to industry demand for more trained workers. The Department of Dairy and Food Science encourages students interested in dairy careers to explore the new educational opportunities beginning this year.
The new dairy technology associate degree includes two study tracks. One focuses on dairy products and teaches students about manufacturing dairy foods such as cheese, butter, and ice cream. The second track focuses on dairy production and helps students learn about dairy cattle care and milk production systems.
Students in both programs take part in classroom instruction and hands on learning experiences. These opportunities include working at the Davis Dairy Plant and helping with projects at the SDSU Dairy Research and Training Facility in Brookings. The programs are designed to provide real world training that prepares students for future jobs in the dairy industry.
“Dairy Month celebrates dairy’s important role in our economy and society, and this new degree program can help to strengthen the dairy industry in our state and region,” said Londa Nwadike, David A. Thompson Endowed Department Head of Dairy and Food Science.
“I am excited to offer this new program,” Nwadike said. “It will allow more students the opportunity to obtain a degree and help meet the needs of the dairy and food industry by providing additional qualified graduates.”
The first cohort of students in the two-year degree programs will begin in August. Interested students are encouraged to apply using the standard SDSU undergraduate application or reach out to Cheyenne Edmundson, department recruiter, for more information. Additional information about the two-year programs, the Department of Dairy and Food Science and the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences can be found online.
Photo Credit: south-dakota-state-university
Categories: South Dakota, Education