Bachelor of Science in Equine Studies
Earn Your Equine Studies Degree On-Campus or Online at Post!
Whether you have always loved horses or you developed an affinity for these magnificent animals over time, you know you want to keep them in your life. At Post University, we are here to support you as you work on turning this passion into a future. Our equine studies bachelor’s degree program is designed to help you explore any aspect of the industry, from equine science to horse management, safe barn practices, equine nutrition, and facility operation in a range of settings.
Coursework for your on-campus or online equine studies degree places a program-wide emphasis on interpersonal communication to help you better collaborate with established professionals in the equine industry. The curriculum is designed to offer the learning opportunities you could use to prepare for ethical and professional practice in the equine care industry by balancing practical, legal, fiscal, and humane concerns with a clear set of personal values. Your program also covers business-management tools such as marketing, management, accounting, and law as they apply to the equine industry.
In addition to the core curriculum, our BS in Equine Studies offers several concentrations to customize your education to your personal interests or professional goals. And it offers elective courses that could help you prepare for micro-credentialing opportunities outside of the University, such as the Instructor Certification Program offered by the American Riding Instructor’s Association (ARIA). The ARIA is a highly regarded program that promotes excellence in the profession of horseback riding instruction. We encourage our students to pursue micro-credentials such as this outside of their academic studies. There are requirements for the credential outside of the education offered in these courses.
What Could I Do with a BS in Equine Studies Degree?
An equine studies degree offers the insights and skills you could use to prepare for leadership roles in a variety of equestrian settings. At Post University, our goal is to equip you with the necessary knowledge and skills to pursue an equine future throughout Connecticut and the nation, and we are committed to being with you every step of the way of your educational journey.
Industry-Focused Curriculum for Professional Skills
Coursework for your program is designed to help you build the foundation of insights necessary to:
- Analyze, interpret, and evaluate information about the equine species and its surrounding industry
- Apply ethical thought and actions directly to concerns within the equine industry
- Build professionals skills—such as communication, critical thinking, and decision making—that transcend equine disciplines
- Evaluate complex problems affecting the equine industry and develop relevant solutions
- Communicate the benefits of the equine-human connection
- And more!
Equine Studies Concentrations
In addition to core coursework covering safe and effective horse management, stable management, and more, you will have the opportunity to customize your degree to your future goals with one of these concentrations:
Business Management – Campus and Online
Though business principles are covered throughout the major, this concentration offers a more in-depth look at what it takes to start and manage an equine business. Courses include a range of basic and advanced business topics to support your goals in the horse industry.
Equestrian Coaching – Campus and Online
With an emphasis on safe and productive teaching, as well as equine and human biomechanics, the equestrian coaching concentration explores how to teach horsemanship to pupils of all abilities. This concentration also can help you to prepare for one of the many instructor certifications that are available outside of Post.
Equine Wellness – Campus Only
Whether you are interested in barn management or physical rehabilitation, working hands-on with horses requires a deep understanding of their biology and well-being. The equine wellness concentration covers equine locomotion and medical management. Complete your coursework with electives from the sciences, hoof trimming, equine massage, or veterinary assisting.
Interdisciplinary - Campus and Online
This concentration lets you customize your courses to focus on the areas that interest you most.
Benefits of an Online Equine Studies Degree
From the admissions process to the day you graduate, we are with you every step of the way.
- Receive support from a personal Post team of advisors focused on your academic success
- Learn from industry-experienced professionals in interactive courses
- No class times or strict login times for your online equine studies degree coursework
- Courses emphasize experiential learning for the development of practical skills
Note: The Bachelor of Science in Equine degree is not designed to fulfill the educational requirements for any professional credential.
Pursue Your Bachelor of Science in Equine Studies at Post!
At Post University, we are focused on your success, in and out of the classroom. A student success advisor will work with you one-on-one to answer your questions and help you address challenges throughout your degree program—on campus or online. We are here to help you achieve your personal and professional goals.
Ready for a degree that offers a better understanding of what it takes to pursue a future in the equine industry? Contact us to learn more about our BS in Equine Studies.
A Word from Our Program Chair
“I have always said that most things a person can do in the larger economy, they could find a way to do within the horse industry. There are a lot of different ways to engage with the industry. If they are interested in marketing or accounting, those opportunities exist right within our industry. Our degree curriculum offers different concentrations that allows them to branch off into different areas of study in the industry.”
Abby Nemec, MEd
Program Chair, Equine Studies
Equine Studies FAQs
What is an equine studies degree?
An equine studies degree explores what it takes to pursue a future in the equine industry. At Post University, our program explores many aspects of the horse industry to provide personalized instruction in safe and effective horse management and extend your understanding of horses, donkeys, or mules into an area of specialty that will support your goals.
How long does it take to get an equine studies degree?
Typically, a BS in Equine Studies takes around four years to complete. Before enrolling in our accelerated degree program, prospective online students must prove they have independent access to hands-on work with a horse for the core Stable Management Experience course. Campus students will attend hands-on lab classes instead.
Can I major in equine studies?
At Post University you can. Students in the Bachelor of Science in Equine Studies program benefit from a broad study of the equine industry and build robust skills and a knowledge base in equine care and barn/stable management. As a student in the program, you will have the opportunity to develop critical thinking and communication skills that could be of use in the professional environment.
Do I need a degree to work with horses?
While a degree is not always necessary to work with horses, an equine studies degree can provide the opportunity to develop skills used in the equine industry.
The curriculum is designed to help students balance practical, legal, fiscal, and humane concerns with a clear set of personal values to better apply ethical thought to action in the field. Coursework also covers how to evaluate information and use it effectively for better industry practices.
Can I earn an online equine studies degree?
Sure. With Post’s online platform, those working in the industry can fulfill their current workplace obligations while broadening their understanding of the equine field, from equine-assisted activities to facilities management.
Post also offers four equine studies concentrations, both online and on campus, to help customize your studies to your goals: Business Management, Equestrian Coaching, and Interdisciplinary. An additional Equine Wellness concentration is available to main-campus students.
What classes are required for equine studies?
Post’s equine studies degree requires a total of 120 program credits including: 60 general education credits, 54 major, core, and concentration credits, and 6 college-to-career core credits.
Courses involved cover topics such as the equine industry as a whole, equine nutrition, facility design and operation, horse care and management, business ethics, and more.
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