Equine Science, Minor

Program Code: EQSC_UMNR

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.

Prescribed Courses
Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better
ANSC 107Introduction to Equine Science and the Equine Industry Keystone/General Education Course3
ANSC 201Animal Science4
ANSC 217Introduction to Horse Judging2
ANSC 327Horse Production and Management4
Additional Courses
Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better
Select 3 credits of the following:3
Equine Facilitated Therapy
Equine Exercise Physiology Keystone/General Education Course
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 Keystone/General Education Course
Equine Reproduction and Breeding Farm Management
Equine Nutrition and Feeding
Riding Instructor Training
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.

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT OPPORTUNITIES FOR GRADUATE STUDIES

Contact

University Park

DEPARTMENT OF ANIMAL SCIENCE
109 Animal, Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences Building
University Park, PA 16802
814-983-3665
AskDAS@psu.edu

https://animalscience.psu.edu