If you have always loved horses and are trying to find a way to transform your passion into a career, you might be wondering, “What can I do with an equine science degree?” or “What can I do with an equine studies degree?” While these terms are often used interchangeably, they refer to different programs. An equine science degree focuses more on the biological and scientific aspects of horse care and management, while an equine studies degree, like the one offered at Post University, combines both scientific knowledge and business principles tailored to the equine industry. Equestrian science typically emphasizes training and care in competitive and performance environments, and equestrian degrees are often focused on riding and coaching. Understanding these distinctions will help you choose the right path based on your specific interests.
What Can You Do With an Equine Studies Degree?
Have you ever asked, what can you do with an equine degree? It is a fair question, and the answer might surprise you. This industry-specific degree is surprisingly versatile, allowing you the opportunity to develop the knowledge and skills required to pursue a variety of positions in the equine industry.
Introduction to Equine Studies
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, equine studies is defined as the study of horses, including the management, breeding, and care of work, athletic, and show horses. The equine studies program is an interdisciplinary program, focusing both on the biology of horses and the business of managing equine industry organizations.
Diverse Career Opportunities With an Equine Science Degree
Given the broad scope of the equine science degree and the fact that students are required to complete coursework on a variety of topics, it is not surprising that there are opportunities to develop the skills required to pursue a range of careers. Students who complete an equine science degree may have the opportunity to hone the scientific, practical, technical, and business skills required to pursue careers in equine management or training.
Careers in Equine Management
Careers in equine management appeal to individuals who are passionate about working with and caring for horses on a daily basis. While these roles are accessible with a bachelor’s degree in equine studies, they may require additional experience, certifications, or training to reach their full potential. Some of the careers in equine management include:
- Horse facility manager
- Equine nutritionist
- Sales representative for equine products
- Equine broker
- Equine researcher
Educational and Training Roles
Those who are interested in a hands-on career in the equine industry may be interested in the educational and training roles that are available, such as:
- Riding instructor
- Equestrian coach
- Equine therapist
- Veterinary Behaviorist
Specialized Concentrations to Enhance Your Career Prospects
The equine science degree is a unique degree designed specifically for those interested in horse care and management. However, students can further carve out their niche within this industry by choosing a specialized concentration that aligns with their personal interests and career goals.
These are a few of the specialized concentrations that are available within the equine studies degree program:
Business Management in the Equine Industry
The business management concentration allows students to focus more specifically on the business principles that anchor the equine industry. Coursework for this concentration covers a variety of advanced business topics, and students begin to develop an advanced understanding of how to start, manage, and grow an equine business. This concentration may equip individuals with the business skills needed for marketing and management roles in the equine industry. It may also prepare them for specialized accounting and finance positions within equine businesses.
Concentrations in Equestrian Coaching and Wellness
The equestrian coaching and wellness concentrations are ideal for those interested in developing the skills required to work directly with horses and horse riders. For example, the equestrian coaching concentration places a heavy emphasis on safe and effective teaching strategies for both horses and their riders. By selecting this concentration, students may pursue coaching certifications after graduation, such as the certifications available through the American Riding Instructors Association.
The wellness concentration focuses primarily on horse care and maintenance, giving students an opportunity to complete coursework in equine locomotion and medical management. By selecting this concentration, students may develop the skills required to pursue barn management or horse physical rehabilitation specialist positions.
Skills Gained from an Equine Studies Degree
The equine studies degree is an interdisciplinary program rooted in science and business principles. As a result, students may develop a comprehensive skill set that allows them to pursue many different types of positions in the equine industry.
Core Skills for Success in the Equine Industry
Some of the most crucial skills that are required to succeed in the equine industry include:
- Communication—You will need to be able to communicate effectively with the horses and with your coworkers.
- Critical Thinking — Being able to weigh numerous options and make ethical decisions is necessary in the equine industry.
- Problem-Solving—You will need to develop innovative and effective solutions to increasingly complex problems.
- Enthusiasm and Motivation—Employers look for candidates who are passionate about the job, proactive, self-motivated, and willing to work hard.
- Organization and Self-Management—Being punctual, managing your workload, prioritizing tasks, and working well under pressure are essential for career success in this industry.
- Resilience—The ability to recover from setbacks, learn from mistakes, and show flexibility in your approach is highly valued by employers.
- Teamwork—Working effectively in a team is crucial, as you will need to collaborate with others in the equine industry to achieve common goals.
Experiential Learning and Practical Applications
While it is essential to select an equine studies degree program that offers coursework taught by experienced professionals in the industry, it is also important to choose a program that offers opportunities for experiential learning. Hands-on experience allows you to hone the skills required to work directly with horses and manage an equine business.
Advantages of Earning Your Degree Online
Online learning is becoming the preferred option for many college students today, largely because it allows them a greater sense of flexibility as they pursue their degrees.
Flexible Learning Environment
An online equine studies degree allows you to customize your learning environment, giving you more freedom and flexibility than a traditional, in-person degree program. The online environment allows you to get the live support you need while also giving you the chance to complete your coursework at a time and place that is convenient for you.
Preparing for Leadership Roles
Recognizing the demand for qualified professionals and thoughtful leaders in the equine industry, this program was uniquely designed to promote the development of leadership skills. There is personalized guidance available for all students, allowing every student to develop the skills required to take on a variety of roles in the equine industry.
What Can You Do With an Equine Studies Degree? Learn More at Post University
At Post University, we offer an online Bachelor of Science in Equine Studies degree that is designed for individuals who are passionate about horses and who want to develop the skills required to succeed in the equine industry. This bachelor’s degree program offers four concentration areas, including business management, equestrian coaching, equine wellness, and interdisciplinary studies. It allows students to tailor their programs to accommodate their professional interests and personal goals.
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Please note jobs and/or career outcomes highlighted in this blog do not reflect jobs or career outcomes expected from any Post program. To learn more about Post’s programs and their outcomes, please fill out a form to speak with an admissions advisor.
