Students eligible: Current University of Illinois graduate students
Semesters of course offerings: Spring, Fall
Program length: 2 semesters (9 total credit hours)

The Illinois Dairy Science Certificate (I-Dairy) would be the first large animal production certificate in the Animal Sciences Department. By completing the certificate, students would receive a well-rounded education in current topics of the dairy industry. The Illinois Dairy Science Certificate (I-Dairy) will not only introduce you to dairy cattle biology and management, but also provide you with a greater understanding of dairy cattle nutrition, mammary health, and livestock farm management. The courses offered in the I-Dairy program are structured to help students succeed in a wide array of dairy science and livestock production fields, whether that be working in the industry or continuing their professional school path. 

Much of the I-Dairy curriculum is focused on providing hands-on learning experiences. Students in the program will have the opportunity to attend classes at the University of Illinois Dairy Research Farm and take class trips to dairy farms within Illinois. Classes at dairy farms will allow students to apply what they are learning in the classroom to real-world scenarios. 

Courses in the I-Dairy program will allow graduate students in the thesis program to better understand the scientific nature of their research. The I-Dairy program will also provide insight to the impact their research will have not only to the dairy industry but all of animal agriculture. The overall goal of the I-Dairy program is to introduce students to dairy cattle and production. No dairy background or experience is needed to enroll.