Dairy Management Concentration

The Master of Professional Studies (MPS) in Animal Science concentration in Dairy Management is designed for individuals interested in gaining exposure to dairy business management in order to enhance their career potential in agribusiness. Students in this area of focus learn the methods and tools necessary to manage a dairy farm as a successful business.

Additional coursework in strategic thinking, communications and leadership, combined with a capstone project, provide students with practical problem-solving skills. The skills developed can be applied to numerous emerging applications and careers in dairy management, such as:

• Dairy Financial Consultant
• Dairy Manager
• Extension Educator
• Environmental Steward
• Facilities Manager
• Human Resource Manager
• Nutrition Consultant
• Technical Services Provider
• Training Consultant

Dairy Management in today’s market requires a whole-farm approach, with farm management skills needed in a wide range of areas including: nutrition and feeding, reproduction performance, health assessments, data collection, incorporation of the latest technologies, and financial management.

Students in the MPS program will learn the necessary skills, both through courses and applied, hands-on experience to successfully manage a dairy business.

The MPS is a NY state accredited, one-year, course-based master’s degree program that prepares individuals for the 21st century workplace through knowledge development and career skillset refinement. The specialized, course-based instruction led by world-class faculty broadens expertise and expands versatility.

The CALS MPS degree program has two main components:

1. Coursework: Students work with a faculty advisor to customize their course of study based on their area(s) of interest.  While the majority of the courses (20 of the required 30 credits) will be in CALS, students have the flexibility to take electives across Cornell.
2. MPS team project: With the guidance of a faculty advisor, students work on solving a real-world problem, building project management and team leadership skills sought by employers.

MPS students are part of a cohort of CALS professional master’s students specializing in diverse fields of study. The program is fast-paced and rigorous. Professional master’s students have a dedicated support organization, offering career guidance and professional skill development.