University of Illinois
Dairy Certificate Program

A Professional Development Sequence in Dairy Science

The Dairy Certificate Program in Dairy Science includes a series of structured courses delivered by the Internet using an interactive course delivery system and supplemented by CDROM modules. A certificate will be awarded to students who successfully complete the series of online classes for credit. This unique program offers undergraduate and graduate credit, continuing credit for veterinarians, professional in-service training for feed industry representatives and cutting-edge information for dairy farm managers on the University of Illinois campus, the State of Illinois, the United States and international clientele.

These courses fill a unique and emerging need in the Department of Animal Sciences, as they reach out to non-traditional students with diverse backgrounds, knowledge, experience and focus. They are the only outreach courses offered by the Department of Animal Sciences. Course material focuses on applied research and knowledge while reviewing basic concepts, which allows all students to reach similar levels of understanding. Weekly assignments include a case study problem and 2-4 specific CDROM-based questions. The case study problem allows the instructor to determine if students can apply principles learned in class, and answers to the questions reveal whether or not the materials have been studied and reviewed.