Equine Science

The equine science program includes course work in equestrian styles, nutrition and physiology, selection and management of the horse enterprise. The roles of the horse in society—recreational, therapeutic and performance—are discussed.  The department offers programs of study and extra-curricular activities that facilitate the development of the student in the horse industry at many diverse entry points.

The equine science major is designed to provide a strong overall background with supporting course work in the sciences, humanities and general education. The student will be prepared in equine production and management.  The choice of a minor in equine science offers the student diversity in his or her educational program while preparing the participant for recreational endeavors involving horsemanship. A minor in equine science can accompany essentially any major offered at North Dakota State University.  A minor in equine assisted activities and therapies provides students with a background in therapeutic horsemanship. This minor can accompany essentially any major offered at NDSU.

Equine science students are qualified to become involved in many diverse occupations. These include such varied activities as training horses, managerial support, sales of pharmaceuticals and livestock products, and other agribusiness professions. Graduates are likely to obtain employment at academic institutions, government stations, foreign assignments and private industry. Specific areas of employment are 4-H Extension opportunities, university and community college teaching, horse exhibitions and horse breeding operations. Animal feed sales, equine magazine publications and public relations for breeding operations provide many different avenues of opportunity.

Plan of Study

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: This guide is not an official curriculum. This guide is a sample four-year degree plan of how students might plan this major with other degree requirements to complete their education in four years.Student plans will vary from this sample due to a variety of factors, such as, but not limited to, start year, education goals, transfer credit, and course availability. To ensure proper degree completion, enrolled students should utilize Degree Map and Schedule Planner in Campus Connection and consult regularly with academic advisors to ensure graduation requirements are being met.