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Program Description
The Equine Science minor is designed for students who wish to supplement their academic major with studies in equine science. Students are required to complete a minimum of 22 credits. The core prescribed courses develop a foundation in the basic disciplines of animal science and equine science. Additional courses may be selected by the student to allow further specialization and expertise in exercise physiology and training principles, business/farm management, animal genetics and breeding, nutrition, physiology, and using horses for human therapy. With completion of this minor, students will have a foundation of theoretical and practical knowledge along with skills for adapting to changes in equine industry. Courses in the minor are appropriate for students with and without prior academic or practical experience with horses. The University Horse Farms and the Agricultural Arena are used extensively for supplementing classroom work with hands-on laboratories. Completion of this minor will enhance a student's ability to work directly in horse production and management and allied industries, or continue academic studies in graduate or professional school.
What is Equine Science?
Equine science is a branch of animal science focused on the scientific study of horses and related equids. Areas of study include nutrition, physiology, reproduction, genetics, growth, behavior, and management. The integration of these individual disciplines forms the basis for horse care and management. The business side of equine science includes farm management, marketing, and public relations.
You Might Like This Program If...
- You are passionate about horses.
- You would like to develop a specialization within Animal Science.
- You want to understand why we choose certain management strategies.
- You want to pursue a career related to horses.
Program Requirements
| Requirement | Credits |
|---|---|
| Requirements for the Minor | 22 |
Requirements for the Minor
A grade of C or better is required for all courses in the minor, as specified by Senate Policy 59-10. In addition, at least six credits of the minor must be unique from the prescribed courses required by a student's major(s).
Some selections may require prerequisites not required by the minor.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Prescribed Courses | ||
| Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better | ||
| ANSC 107 | Introduction to Equine Science and the Equine Industry  | 3 |
| ANSC 201 | Animal Science | 4 |
| ANSC 217 | Introduction to Horse Judging | 2 |
| ANSC 327 | Horse Production and Management | 4 |
| Additional Courses | ||
| Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better | ||
| Select 3 credits of the following: | 3 | |
| Equine Facilitated Therapy | ||
| Equine Exercise Physiology | ||
| Equine Reproduction and Breeding Farm Management | ||
| Equine Nutrition and Feeding | ||
| Select 6-7 credits from the following (3 credits must be at the 400-level): | 6-7 | |
| Forage Crop Management | ||
| Equine Marketing | ||
| Horse Handling and Training | ||
| Companion Animal Behavior | ||
| Nutrient Management in Agricultural Systems | ||
| Applied Animal Welfare | ||
| Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology | ||
| Comparative Physiology of Domestic Animals | ||
| Milk Secretion | ||
| Physiology of Animal Reproduction | ||
| Equine Facilitated Therapy | ||
| Equine Exercise Physiology | ||
| Equine Reproduction and Breeding Farm Management | ||
| Equine Nutrition and Feeding | ||
ANSC 477 | ||
| Principles of Animal Disease Control | ||
Academic Advising
The objectives of the university's academic advising program are to help advisees identify and achieve their academic goals, to promote their intellectual discovery, and to encourage students to take advantage of both in-and out-of class educational opportunities in order that they become self-directed learners and decision makers.
Both advisers and advisees share responsibility for making the advising relationship succeed. By encouraging their advisees to become engaged in their education, to meet their educational goals, and to develop the habit of learning, advisers assume a significant educational role. The advisee's unit of enrollment will provide each advisee with a primary academic adviser, the information needed to plan the chosen program of study, and referrals to other specialized resources.
READ SENATE POLICY 32-00: ADVISING POLICY
University Park
Ann L. Macrina
Teaching Professor
322 Agricultural Sciences & Industries Building
University Park, PA 16802
814-863-4202
alm106@psu.edu
Career Paths
Penn State students with an Equine Science minor have successfully established careers in a wide array of fields. Their in-depth study in one or more subject areas demonstrates expertise valued by employers. Students are encouraged to participate in internships, externships, work experiences, and departmental research, all of which provide hands-on learning. Many of these opportunities are publicized through the Animal Science Student Services office.
Careers
Career opportunities in equine science are limited only by your imagination. If you think of anything related to a horse or horse management, there’s a career related to it. Some examples include veterinarian, research scientist, stable manager, feed industry sales/service, pharmaceutical sales/service, breeding lab manager, ag finance, equipment sales/service, animal caretaker, marketing director, public relations, sales preparation/management, trainer, cooperative extension, and retail sales.
Opportunities for Graduate Studies
Equine Science students who wish to pursue graduate studies can find opportunities at numerous institutions. These include Master's, Ph.D., and D.V.M./V.M.D. programs at land-grant institutions, veterinary schools, and other institutions with equine and animal science areas of study.
Contact
University Park
DEPARTMENT OF ANIMAL SCIENCE
109 Animal, Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences Building
University Park, PA 16802
814-983-3665
AskDAS@psu.edu