Black Hawk College
Kewanee, IL
www.bhc.edu
Degree: A.A.S. Equestrian Science
Intercollegiate Team: None
Accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

Bluegrass Community and Technical College
Lexington, KY
www.bluegrass.kctcs.edu
Degree: A.A.S. Equine Studies
Intercollegiate Team: None
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools

Centenary College
Hackettstown, NJ
www.centenarycollege.edu
Degree: A.S. Equine Studies; B.S. Communication for the Equine Industry; B.S. Equine Science; B.S. Equine Business Management; B.S. Riding Instruction and Training
Intercollegiate Team: IHSA Hunt Seat; IDA Dressage; ANRC Hunt Seat
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Central Texas College
Killeen, TX
www.ctcd.edu
Degree: A.A.S. Equine Management
Intercollegiate Team: None
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools

Central Wyoming College
Riverton, WY
www.cwc.edu
Degree: A.A.S. Horse Management; A.S. Horse Science
Intercollegiate Team: NIRA Rodeo
Accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

Colby Community College
Colby, KS
www.colbycc.edu
Degree: A.S. Equine Science; A.A.S. Equine Science; A.S. Farm and Ranch Management
Intercollegiate Team: NIRA Rodeo; IHSA Hunt Seat; IHSA Western
Accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

College of Central Florida
Ocala, FL
www.cf.edu
Degree: A.S. Equine Studies
Intercollegiate Team: IHSA Western; IDA Dressage
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools

College of Southern Idaho
Twin Falls, ID
www.csi.edu
Degree: A.S. Equine Business Management; A.A. Equine Studies
Intercollegiate Team: NIRA Rodeo
Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

Colorado Northwestern Community College
Rangely, CO
www.cncc.edu
Degree: A.A.S. Horsemanship and Management
Intercollegiate Team: None
Accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

Connors State College
Warner, OK
www.connorsstate.edu
Degree: A.A.S. Equine Science
Intercollegiate: NIRA Rodeo
Accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

Dodge City Community College
Dodge City, KS
www.dccc.cc.ks.us
Degree: A.A.S. Equine Science; A.A.S. Farm and Ranch Management
Intercollegiate Team: NIRA Rodeo
Accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

Ellsworth Community College
www.iavalley.cc.ia.us
Degree: A.A.S. Equine Management; A.A.S. Equine Science; A.A.S. Farm Management; A.A. Veterinary Medicine
Intercollegiate Team: None
Accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

Feather River College
Quincy, CA
www.frc.edu
Degree: A.S. Equine Studies
Intercollegiate Team: NIRA Rodeo
Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges

Findlay, University of
Findlay, OH
www.findlay.edu
Degree: A.A. Equestrian Studies; B.S. Equestrian Studies; B.S. Equine Business Management
Intercollegiate Team: IHSA Hunt Seat; IHSA Western; ANRC Hunt Seat
Accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

Harford Community College
www.harford.edu
Harford, MD
Degree: A.A.S. Equine Business Management
Intercollegiate Team: None
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Hocking College
Nelsonville, OH
www.hocking.edu
Degree: A.A.S. Equine Health and Complementary Therapies; A.A.S. Farrier Science and Business; A.A.S. Wilderness Horsemanship
Intercollegiate Team: None
Accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

Guelph, University of
Guelph, Ontario
www.uoguelph.ca
Degree: A.A. Agriculture; B.S. Equine Management
Intercollegiate Team: None

Kirkwood Community College
Kirkwood, IA
www.kirkwood.edu
Degree: A.A.S. Horse Science Technology
Intercollegiate Team: None
Accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

Lamar Community College
Lamar, CO
www.lamarcc.edu
Degree: A.A.S. Horse Training & Management
Intercollegiate Team: NIRA Rodeo
Accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

Laramie County Community College
Laramie, WY
www.lccc.wy.edu
Degree: A.S. Equine Studies
Intercollegiate Team: IHSA Western, IHSA Hunt Seat; NIRA Rodeo
Accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

Linn Benton College
Albany, OR
www.linnbenton.edu
Degree: A.A.S. Animal Technology Horse Management
Intercollegiate Team: None
Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

Massachusetts, University of
Amherst, MA
www.umass.edu
Degree: A.S. Equine Industries; B.S. Animal Science – Equine Studies; M.S. Animal Biotechnology; Ph.D. Animal Biotechnology
Intercollegiate Team: IHSA Hunt Seat; IDA Dressage; Polo
Accreditation: New England Association of Schools and Colleges

Martin Community College
Williamston, NC
www.martincc.edu
Degree: A.S. Equine Technology
Intercollegiate Team: IHSA Hunt Seat; IHSA Western
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools

Minnesota Community College
Fergus Falls, MN
www.minnesota.edu
Degree: A.A.S. Equine Science
Intercollegiate Team: None
Accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

Montana Western, University of
Dillon, MT
www.umwestern.edu
Degree: A.A.S. Equine Studies; A.A.S. Natural Horsemanship; B.S. Natural Horsemanship; B.S. Business Administration – Equine Management
Intercollegiate Team: IHSA Hunt Seat; IHSA Western; NIRA Rodeo
Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

New Hampshire, University of
Durham, NH
www.unh.edu
Degree: A.A.S. Equine Management; B.S. Equine Industry Management; B.S. Therapeutic Riding; B.S. Equine Science; M.S. Animal Science
Intercollegiate Team: IHSA Hunt Seat; IDA Dressage
Accreditation: New England Association of Schools and Colleges

North Central Texas College
Gainesville, TX
www.nctc.edu
Degree: A.A.S. Equine Science; A.A.S. Equine Business Management
Intercollegiate Team: IHSA Hunt Seat; IHSA Western
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools

Northwest College
Powell, WY
www.northwestcollege.edu
Degree: A.S. Animal Science; A.A.S. Equine Business Management; A.A.S. Equine Riding & Training; A.A.S. Farm and Ranch Management; A.A.S. Farrier Business Management; A.A.S. Veterinary Assistant
Intercollegiate Team: NIRA Rodeo
Accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission

Ohio University
Ironton, OH
www.southern.ohiou.edu
Degree: A.A.S. Equine Studies
Intercollegiate Team: IHSA Hunt Seat; IHSA Western
Accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

Pierce College
Woodland Hills, CA
www.piercecollege.edu
Degree: A.S. Equine Science
Intercollegiate Team: None
Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges

Redlands Community College
El Reno, OK
www.redlandscc.edu
Degree: A.S. Equine Science; A.S. Farm and Ranch Management
Intercollegiate Team: IHSA Western
Accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

Rochester Community and Technical College
Rochester, MN
www.rctc.edu
Degree: A.S. Equine Business Management; A.A.S. Horse Husbandry; A.A.S. Riding/Training
Intercollegiate Team: IHSA Hunt Seat; IHSA Western
Accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

Santa Rosa Junior College
Santa Rosa, CA
www.santarosa.edu
Degree: A.S. Equine Science
Intercollegiate Team: None
Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges

Scottsdale Community College
Scottsdale, AZ
www.scottsdalecc.edu
Degree: A.A.S. Equine Science
Intercollegiate Team: None
Accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

Shasta College
Redding, CA
www.shastacollege.edu
Degree: A.S. Equine Science
Intercollegiate Team: None
Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges

Sierra College
Rocklin, CA
www.sierracollege.edu
Degree: A.S. Equine Studies
Intercollegiate Team: None
Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges

Southern Utah University
Cedar City, UT
www.suu.edu
Degree: A.A.S. Equine Science
Intercollegiate Team: None
Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

Sul Ross State University
Alpine, TX
www.sulross.edu
Degree: A.A.S. Farrier Technology; M.Ag. Animal Science; B.S. Equine Science; M.S. Animal Science
Intercollegiate Team: NIRA Rodeo
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools

Weatherford College
Weatherford, TX
www.wc.edu
Degree: A.S. Equine Production and Management; A.A.S. Equine Production and Management
Intercollegiate Team: NIRA Rodeo
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools

The post Equine Studies Associate Degree Programs appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Asbury University
Wilmore, KY
www.asbury.edu
Degree: B.S. Equine Management; B.S. Equine Facilitated Therapies
Intercollegiate Team: None
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools

Auburn University
Auburn, AL
www.auburn.edu
Degree: B.S. Animal Science – Equine Science
Intercollegiate Team: NCAA Hunt Seat; NCAA Western
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools

Averett College
Danville, VA
www.averett.edu
Degree: B.S. Equestrian Studies
Intercollegiate Team: IHSA Hunt Seat; IDA Dressage
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools

Bethany College
Bethany, WV
www.bethanywv.edu
Degree: B.S. Equine Management
Intercollegiate Team: IHSA Hunt Seat; IHSA Western; IDA Dressage
Accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

California, University of
Davis, CA
www.ucdavis.edu
Degree: B.S. Animal Science and Management
Intercollegiate Team: IHSA Hunt Seat; IHSA Western; IDA Dressage
Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges

California State University
Fresno, CA
www.csufresno.edu
Degree: B.S. Equine Science; M.S. Animal Science; Pre-Vet
Intercollegiate Team: NCAA Hunt Seat; NCAA Western
Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges

Cazenovia College
Cazenovia, NY
www.cazenovia.edu
Degree: B.S. Equine Business Management
Intercollegiate Team: IHSA Hunt Seat; IHSA Western; IDA Dressage
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Centenary College
Hackettstown, NJ
www.centenarycollege.edu
Degree: A.S. Equine Studies; B.S. Communication for the Equine Industry; B.S. Equine Science; B.S. Equine Business Management, B.S. Riding Instruction and Training
Intercollegiate Team: IHSA Hunt Seat; IDA Dressage; ANRC Hunt Seat
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Clemson University
Clemson, SC
www.clemson.edu
Degree: B.S. Animal Science
Intercollegiate Team: IHSA Hunt Seat

Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO
www.colostate.edu
Degree: B.S. Equine Science; M.S. Equine Nutrition; Ph.D. Equine Nutrition
Intercollegiate Team: USPA Polo
Accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

Cornell University
Ithaca, NY
www.cornell.edu
Degree: B.S. Animal Science; M.S. Animal Science; Ph.D. Animal Science
Intercollegiate: NCAA Hunt Seat; IHSA Hunt Seat
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Delaware State University
Dover, DE
www.desu.edu
Degree: B.S. Equine Business Management
Intercollegiate Team: NCAA Hunt Seat; NCAA Western
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Delaware Valley College
Doylestown, PA
www.delval.edu
Degree: B.S. Equine Science and Management; Equine Studies
Intercollegiate Team: IHSA Hunt Seat; IHSA Western; IDA Dressage; ANRC Hunt Seat
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Findlay, University of
Findlay, OH
www.findlay.edu
Degree: A.A. Equestrian Studies; B.S. Equestrian Studies; B.S. Equine Business Management
Intercollegiate Team: IHSA Hunt Seat; IHSA Western; ANRC Hunt Seat
Accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

Georgetown College
Georgetown, KY
www.georgetowncollege.edu
Degree: B.S. w/Equine Scholars Program
Intercollegiate Team: IHSA Hunt Seat
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools

Georgia, University of
Athens, GA
www.uga.edu
Degree: B.S. Animal Science – Equine Science; M.S. Animal Science – Equine Science
Intercollegiate Team: NCAA Hunt Seat; NCAA Western; IHSA Hunt Seat; IHSA Western
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools

Houghton College
Houghton, NY
www.houghton.edu
Degree: B.S. Equestrian Studies
Intercollegiate Team: None
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Johnson & Wales University
Providence, RI
www.jwu.edu
Degree: B.S. Equine Business Management; B.S. Equine Business Management/Riding
Intercollegiate Team: IHSA Hunt Seat; IDA Dressage
Accreditation: New England Association of Schools and Colleges

Judson College
Marion, AL
www.judson.edu
Degree: B.S. Equine Studies
Intercollegiate Team: IHSA Hunt Seat; IHSA Western
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools

Guelph, University of
Guelph, ON
www.uoguelph.ca
Degree: A.A. Agriculture; B.S. Equine Management
Intercollegiate Team: None

Keiser University
West Palm Beach, FL
www.keiseruniversity.edu
Degree: B.S. Biomedical Sciences – Equine Studies Concentration; B.A. Business Administration – Equine Studies Concentration
Intercollegiate Team: None
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools

Kentucky, University of
Lexington, KY
www.uky.edu
Degree: B.S. Equine Science and Management; M.S. Animal Science – Equine Science; Ph.D. Animal Science
Intercollegiate Team: IHSA Hunt Seat; IHSA Western; IDA Dressage
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools

Lake Erie College
Painesville, OH
www.lec.edu
Degree: B.S. Equine Entrepreneurship; B.S. Equine Business & Facility Management; B.S. Equestrian Teacher/Trainer
Intercollegiate Teams: IHSA Hunt Seat; IHSA Western; IDA Dressage
Accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

Maine, University of
Orono, ME
www.umaine.edu
Degree: B.S. Animal & Veterinary Science; M.S. Animal Science
Intercollegiate Team: IHSA Hunt Seat
Accreditation: New England Association of Schools and Colleges

Maryland, University of
College Park, MD
www.maryland.edu
Degree: B.S. Animal Science – Equine Science
Intercollegiate Team: IHSA Hunt Seat
Accreditation:  Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Massachusetts, University of
Amherst, MA
www.umass.edu
Degree: A.S. Equine Industries; B.S. Animal Science – Equine Studies; M.S. Animal Biotechnology; Ph.D. Animal Biotechnology
Intercollegiate Team: IHSA Hunt Seat; IDA Dressage; Polo
Accreditation: New England Association of Schools and Colleges

Midway University
Midway, KY
www.midway.edu
Degree: B.S. Equine Studies
Intercollegiate Team: IDA Dressage; IHSA Hunt Seat; IHSA Western
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges

Minnesota, University of
Crookston, MN
www.umn.edu
Degree: B.S. Equine Science
Intercollegiate Team: IHSA Hunt Seat; IHSA Western; NCAA Hunt Seat; NCAA Western
Accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

Montana Western, University of
Dillon, MT
www.umwestern.edu
Degree: A.A.S. Equine Studies; A.A.S. Natural Horsemanship; B.S. Natural Horsemanship; B.S. Business Administration – Equine Management
Intercollegiate Team: IHSA Hunt Seat; IHSA Western; NIRA Rodeo
Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

Morrisville State College
Morrisville, NY
www.morrisville.edu
Degree: B.Tech. Equine Science
Intercollegiate Team: IHSA Hunt Seat; IHSA Western

Mount Ida College
Newton, MA
www.mountida.edu
Degree: B.S. Equine Management
Intercollegiate Team: IHSA Hunt Seat
Accreditation: New England Association of Schools and Colleges

Murray State University
Murray, KY
www.murraystate.edu
Degree: B.S. Animal/Equine Science
Intercollegiate Team: IHSA Hunt Seat; IHSA Western; NIRA Rodeo; ANRC Hunt Seat
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools

New Hampshire, University of
Durham, NH
www.unh.edu
Degree: A.A.S. Equine Management; B.S. Equine Industry Management; B.S. Therapeutic Riding; B.S. Equine Science; M.S. Animal Science
Intercollegiate Team: IHSA Hunt Seat; IDA Dressage
Accreditation: New England Association of Schools and Colleges

North Dakota State University
Fargo, ND
www.ndsu.edu
Degree: B.S. Equine Studies; M.S. Animal Science; Ph.D. Animal Science
Intercollegiate Team: IHSA Hunt Seat; IHSA Western
Accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College
Miami, OK
www.neo.edu
Degree: B.S. Equine Management; B.S. Equine & Ranch Management
Intercollegiate Team: NIRA Rodeo
Accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

Otterbein University
Westerville, OH
www.otterbein.edu
Degree: B.S. Equine Business and Facility Management; B.S. Equine Pre-Vet; B.S. Equine Vet Technology
Intercollegiate Team: IHSA Hunt Seat; IDA Dressage; ANRC Equitation
Accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

Post University
Waterbury, CT
www.post.edu
Degree: B.S. Equine Business Management
Intercollegiate Team: IHSA Hunt Seat; IDA Dressage
Accreditation: New England Association of Schools and Colleges

Purdue University
West Lafayette, IN
www.purdue.edu
Degree: B.S. Animal Science; M.S. Animal Science; Ph.D. Animal Science
Intercollegiate Team: IHSA Hunt Seat; ANRC Hunt Seat
Accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

Rocky Mountain College
Billings, MT
www.rocky.edu
Degree: B.S. Equestrian Studies
Intercollegiate Team: IHSA Hunt Seat; IHSA Western
Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

Savannah College of Art and Design
Savannah, GA
www.scad.edu
Degree: B.A. Equestrian Studies
Intercollegiate Team: IHSA Hunt Seat; ANRC Hunt Seat
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools

St. Andrews Presbyterian College
Laurinburg, NC
www.sapc.edu
Degree: B.S. Equine Science; B.A. Equine Science
Intercollegiate Team: IHSA Hunt Seat; IHSA Western; IDA Dressage; ANRC Hunt Seat
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools

St. Mary of the Woods College
St. Mary of the Woods, IN
www.smwc.edu
Degree: A.S. Equine Studies; B.S. Equine Business Management; B.S. Equine Studies; B.S. Equine Training and Instruction
Intercollegiate Team: IHSA Hunt Seat; IHSA Western
Accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

Stephens College
Columbia, MO
www.stephens.edu
Degree: B.S. Equestrian Studies
Intercollegiate Team: None
Accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

Sul Ross State University
Alpine, TX
www.sulross.edu
Degree: A.A.S. Farrier Technology; B.S. Equine Science; M.Ag. Animal Science; M.S. Animal Science
Intercollegiate Team: NIRA Rodeo
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools

Texas A&M
College Station, TX
www.tamu.edu
Degree: B.S. Animal Science – Equine Science; M.S. Animal Science; Ph.D. Animal Science
Intercollegiate Team: NCAA Hunt Seat; NCAA Western
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools

Tiffin University
Tiffin, OH
www.tiffin.edu
Degree: B.B.A. Equine Business Management
Intercollegiate Team: IHSA Hunt Seat; IHSA Western
Accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

Vermont, University of
Burlington, VT
www.uvm.edu
Degree: B.S. Animal Science – Equine Science
Intercollegiate Team: IHSA Hunt Seat; IDA Dressage
Accreditation: New England Association of Schools and Colleges

Vermont Technical College
Randolph, VT
www.vtc.edu
Degree: B.S. Equine Studies
Intercollegiate Team: None
Accreditation: New England Association of Schools and Colleges

Virginia Intermont College
Bristol, VA
www.vic.edu
Degree: B.S. Equine Studies; B.A. Equine Studies
Intercollegiate Team: IHSA Hunt Seat; IDA Dressage; ANRC Hunt Seat
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools

Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VA
www.apsc.vt.edu
Degree: B.S. Animal and Poultry Science – Equine Emphasis
Intercollegiate Team: IHSA Hunt Seat; IHSA Western; IDA Dressage
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools

West Texas A&M
Canyon, TX
www.wtamu.edu
Degree: B.S. Equine Industry and Business; M.S. Animal Science
Intercollegiate Team: IHSA Hunt Seat; IHSA Western; NCAA Hunt Seat; NCAA Western
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools

William Woods University
Fulton, MO
www.williamwoods.edu
Degree: B.S. Equestrian Science; B.S. Equine Administration
Intercollegiate Team: None
Accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

Wilmington College
Wilmington, OH
www.wilmington.edu
Degree: B.S. Agriculture – Equine Studies
Intercollegiate Team: IHSA Hunt Seat; IHSA Western
Accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

Wisconsin, University of
River Falls, WI
www.uwrf.edu
Degree: B.S. Animal Science – Equine Emphasis
Intercollegiate Team: IHSA Hunt Seat; IHSA Western
Accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

Wilson College
Chambersburg, PA
www.wilson.edu
Degree: B.S. Equestrian Studies; B.S. Equine Facilitated Therapeutics; B.S. Equine Journalism
Intercollegiate Team: IHSA Hunt Seat; IHSA Western; IDA Dressage; ANRC Hunt Seat
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education

The post Equine Studies Bachelor’s Degree Programs appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Why Go to College?

Horse sense can only be learned through hands-on experience with horses, but the 21st century horse industry demands more from its professionals than just skill with horses. Horse trainers, riding instructors and barn managers must have skills in marketing, communication and business management in addition to knowledge of horses. A good college equine studies program gives students the opportunity to learn hands-on skills in the barn alongside classroom lessons.

For recent graduates looking at entering one of the toughest job markets in recent history, having a wide variety of skills is an invaluable asset. Many careers in the horse industry require a degree, including nutritionists, veterinary technicians, marketers and even customer service representatives at some equine companies. Even if you want to train horses for a living, having another set of skills will give you a safety net during a down economy when training jobs are hard to come by.

Additionally, a college program has a network of professors, alumni and fellow students, which will help you land internships and jobs that you might not find elsewhere.

Which is the Degree for Me?

There are several options for equine-related degrees. The one you choose will depend on your career goals and finances.

Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.):

This is a two-year, vocational degree that typically does not include a lot of general education classes. Students in A.A.S. programs learn the skills necessary for their chosen career without the need to complete a Bachelor’s degree.

Associate of Science (A.S.) and Associate of Art (A.A.):

These are also two-year degrees, but unlike the A.A.S., they are usually meant to be the first steps toward a Bachelor’s degree and will probably include some general education requirements in addition to courses related to the major. Completing an A.S. at a community, technical or junior college is often a less-expensive option than taking the full four years at a university.

See the list of Equine Studies Associate Degree Programs >>

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) or Bachelor or Arts (B.A.):

A Bachelor’s degree is designed to be completed in four years for full-time students. Degree requirements usually include extensive general education courses in addition to specialized classes. A Bachelor’s degree meets or exceeds the formal education requirements for most careers within the horse industry.

See the list of Equine Studies Bachelor’s Degree Programs >>

Master of Science (M.S.) or Master of Arts (M.A.):

Master’s degrees usually take an additional one or two years after the completion of a Bachelor’s degree. These degrees are designed to give students experience conducting original research in a specific field of study. For equine science students, advanced degrees usually fall under the category of Animal Science and require a concentration such as nutrition or genetics.

See the list of Equine Science post-graduate degree programs >>

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.):

This degree is the highest level of achievement in the American system of formal education. A Ph.D. is a requirement only for advanced researchers and some university professors. Some equine veterinarians may also pursue advanced degrees in a specific area of interest.

Does Accreditation Matter?

The United States Department of Education recognizes certain accrediting agencies as “reliable authorities as to the quality of postsecondary education.” Those agencies in turn award accredited status to colleges and universities that meet a certain set of standards. You may be able to get a good education from an unaccredited school. However, in most cases your credits will not transfer should you choose to continue your education and if potential employers require a degree, an unaccredited one may not count.

If you’re seeking an accredited school, make sure that it is accredited by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Use caution, especially with online degree programs, and use the Department of Education’s search function to make sure your chosen school is recognized. 

Intercollegiate Riding

If you are pursuing an equine degree, chances are you’ll want to ride through college, too. Most colleges with equine programs will have opportunities for you to do so. Some schools that don’t have intercollegiate teams still have plenty of riding opportunities in the form of lessons and competing at open shows.

• The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) offers varsity competition for hunt seat equitation on the flat and over fences up to 3’6″, and western horsemanship and reining. NCAA equestrian teams are open to women only and require an application and/or tryout. Riders use horses owned by the host school in competition, so horse ownership is not necessary. Learn more at VarsityEquestrian.comSee the list of current NCAA equestrian teamshere.
• The Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association (IHSA) offers competition for riders of all experience levels, from walk and trot or jog only to 3’3″ hunt seat equitation and advanced reining. IHSA competitions use horses loaned by the host school, so riders can have the experience of competing up to the national level without owning their own horse. Learn more at IHSAinc.comSee the list of current IHSA teamshere.
• The Intercollegiate Dressage Association (IDA) gives dressage riders the opportunity to compete individually and as teams from Intro to First Level. Like the IHSA, IDA welcomes riders of all abilities and experience levels. Learn more at TeamDressage.comSee the list of current IDA teamshere.
• The American National Riding Commission (ANRC) differs from the other teams in that riders are permitted to compete with their own horses. ANRC exists to “promote the highest quality of educated riding and related services within schools, colleges and universities.” The program is hunt seat only, up to 3′ fences.See the list of current ANRC teamshere.
  
• National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA) provides a competition and scholarships for riders in the major rodeo events. Men can compete in tie-down roping, team roping, steer wrestling, bull riding and bronc riding. Women compete in team roping, breakaway roping, goat tying and barrel racing. Learn more at CollegeRodeo.comSee the list of current NIRA teamshere.
  
• The United States Polo Association (USPA) has an active intercollegiate program. These programs are usually open to anyone with an interest, but may require a tryout to compete on the team. Learn more at US-Polo.orgSee the list of current USPA intercollegiate teamshere.

Resources

Equine Studies Associate’s Degree Programs

Equine Studies Bachelor’s Degree Programs

Equine Studies Advanced Degree Programs

Featured Veterinary Schools

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