Equine Science (BS)

The Equine Science bachelor's degree program offers a rigorous science curriculum combined with equine-specific academic classes and experience-based equine management labs. The equine-specific academic classes include focused study of anatomy, physiology, nutrition, genetics and diseases, as well as practical knowledge of lameness assessment, ration analysis and preventative herd health programs. The equine labs concentrate on horse handling, medical skills and farm management practices that are necessary to be successful in the equine industry. Elective credits offer some opportunity for riding classes as well. The Equine Science curriculum design aligns prospective students for pre-veterinary medicine study or future graduate studies in science.

Upon completion of the program, graduates are expected to:

Demonstrate a working knowledge of biology, chemistry and physics.
Design a comprehensive health plan that addresses the interaction between nutrition and disease and predicts the needs of different classes of horses.
Identify, analyze and apply knowledge of equine behavior to justify best practices in equine management and handling.
Recognize ethical concerns pertinent to equine science and determine ethical practices.
Perform basic preventive measures and therapeutic skills on a horse.
Apply the scientific method and critical thinking skills to address equine science questions.

Equine Science students take science courses from the College of Arts & Sciences designed to provide a strong foundation in the fundamental principles of biology. The biology courses allow students to explore the molecular and cellular basis of life, the structure and function of organisms, and the ecological interactions of organisms.