Frequently Asked Questions

• DO I HAVE TO GO TO GAINESVILLE OR ANOTHER SPECIFIC LOCATION TO TAKE THE CLASSES?

  No. The courses are offered entirely online, except the optional Capstone Experience, offered at the end of the course at University of Florida campus in Gainesville, FL.

• IS IT REQUIRED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE CAPSTONE EXPERIENCE IN GAINESVILLE?

  No. This activity is optional, but highly encouraged because of the unique experience and one-on-one contact with instructors.

• IS THIS COURSE EQUIVALENT TO AN ANIMAL SCIENCE OR SIMILAR BACHELOR DEGREE?

  No. FIDA is an education program offered through UF/IFAS Extension.

• DO I HAVE TO TAKE ALL THE COURSES TO GET A CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION?

  No, there is a minimum of 12 units to graduate with a certificate of completion for the FIDA Professional Program and to participate in the capstone experience.

• WHAT ARE THE PREREQUISITES TO APPLY TO THE FIDA?

  There are no specific prerequisites. Previous background or experience with dairy cattle or other livestock species is encouraged.

• IF I AM AN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT, DO I HAVE TO TAKE AN ENGLISH TEST (I.E. TOEFL) TO APPLY TO FIDA?

  An English test is not necessary; however, students must be able to understand English in order to be able to complete the courses.

• DOES THE COURSE INCLUDE INSTRUCTOR – STUDENT INTERACTION TIME?

  Yes. Regular Interactive Sessions are held to provide Instructor – Student interactions. Students are encouraged to participate, ask questions and bring their own day-by-day issues related to the cattle industry to the classroom environment. Interactions via emails or any other media are also encouraged.