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Iowa State University students are “Cyclones in the making.” As graduates, they make an impact in the world – thanks to the best-value, significant return on investment education they get here. The kind filled with hard work and energy, opportunities at every turn, and never a dull day.
That was Torri Burch’s experience at the Department of Animal Science. Here, she spent just as much time outside the classroom as she did within. Looking back, she’s grateful she joined one of the best programmes for students to receive experiential learning.
“I graduated from Iowa State University this past spring, majoring in dairy science, and I certainly took advantage of the extracurricular activities available to me,” says Burch. “I was an active member of the ISU Dairy Science Club, the Dairy Judging Team, Dairy Challenge, and Dairy Challenge Social Media Corp. I also participated in a study abroad trip, internships, the URUS Dairy Consulting Experience, and acted as a teaching assistant. These activities were all worth the effort to squeeze into my schedule.”
Going beyond her comfort zone was scary but enlightening. If it had not been for these novel experiences, she would have stuck with the same career goals. It was the early exposure to the industry that showed her where her strengths lay, better preparing her for a new career path within the dairy industry. “The biggest takeaway I received from my experiences was learning more about myself,” she says.
Your success is the curriculum at Iowa’s #1 university for student outcomes in the Wall Street Journal/College Pulse 2025 Best Colleges in the US rankings.
Burch’s reflections are common among Department of Animal Science graduates. Here, education is a hands-on experience, seamlessly integrating rigorous academic coursework with unparalleled real-world application. It’s one of the main factors that make it an internationally leading department, part of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, which ranks in the top 4% worldwide among other agriculture institutions.
The location makes it all the better. Iowa is a leading state in agricultural production in the US, therefore being based here allows you to be part of the animal industries. You’ll immerse yourself in a federally inspected meat laboratory, explore a wide variety of farms with all major animal species, and connect with research facilities and agribusinesses in the area.
In addition to hands-on classroom and laboratory experiences, the Department of Animal Science hosts several clubs and organisations for students to cultivate their life skills beyond academics. Source: Iowa State University
Start in Iowa, succeed everywhere
The department has a 99% career placement upon graduation rate. Many graduates enter gratifying careers in animal production, veterinary medicine and the diverse areas of animal business and industry, all fields that enrich the lives of humans through animals.
Others choose to contribute new knowledge to the field. Just ask Brady Goetz, who completed his PhD programme here in 2023. His research revolved around immune activation and various feed additives and how they affect cow health and production. Today, he’s an Independent Dairy Nutritionist and Management Consultant with GPS Dairy Consulting, working with farms across the Midwest. A “dietitian for cows,” Goetz creates nutrition plans, helps manage facilities, and optimises farm operations.
His workdays are fulfilling – driven by a passion for learning forged at Iowa State University. As a graduate student, Goetz was active in the Dairy Science Club, intramural sports, and the Dairy Challenge Programme, even coaching for a year as a graduate student. He completed an internship and even briefly stepped in to manage the feeding centre at the Iowa State Dairy farm. Though his schedule was packed, he gained something priceless: the ability to turn challenges into new opportunities.
Nicole Wardenburg, a double major in Animal Science and Agricultural Communications, is set to achieve the same. She’s involved in Iowa State agricultural community through several organisations – there’s Block and Bridle Club, Sigma Alpha, Swine Production Advocates, and CALS Student Council – and serves as an Animal Science Peer Mentor.
Wardenburg is no stranger to internships either – she’s taken on roles with Schwartz Farms, Inc. as a Swine Production Intern, the Iowa Pork Producers Association as a Communications and Promotions Intern, and Elanco Animal Health as a US Farm Animal Sales Intern.
With everything she’s done, Wardenburg has built a CV filled with hard skills and soft skills few companies can resist. Though she has yet to graduate, she has already landed a full-time position with Cargill Animal Nutrition as a Business Management Associate.
“I chose Iowa State University for its strong agricultural heritage and renowned Animal Science Department,” she says. “It has been a truly exceptional experience and has given me everything I need to succeed in the industry.”
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