Degrees offered: B.A. or B.S.
The B.A. or B.S. in Equine Studies will provide an outlet of learning and exploration for those with a strong interest in the field of equitation and provide a sound and academically rigorous, yet flexible, course of study for students. Graduates will be prepared to achieve in a variety of areas: barn management, business, horse racing, therapy, and graduate study.
The Major in Equine Science consists of the following 32-34 hours:
EQS 201 Introduction to Equine Studies (3 hours)
EQS 232 Equine Management (3 hours)
EQS 331 Equine Disease Management (3 hours)
EQS 333 Animal Nutrition (3 hours)
EQS 400 Seminar (1-3 hours)
EQS 402 Small Business Management (3 hours)
EQS 431 Principles of Light Horse Training (3 hours)
EQS 432 Rider Instructor Training - Beginning (1 hour)
EQS 471 Internship (3 hours)
EQS Riding Classes (3 hours)
BIO 310 Parasitology (3 hours)
PSY 402 Exceptional Children (3 hours)
Equine Studies majors are required to take following as prerequisites:
BUS 101 Principles of Macroeconomics (3 hours)
BIO 103 Foundations of Biology OR
BIO 104 Principles of Biology (4 hours)
PSY 201 General Psychology (3 hours)
The Minor in Equine Science consists of the following 19 hours:
EQS 201 Introduction to Equine Studies (3 hours)
EQS 232 Equine Management (3 hours)
EQS 331 Equine Disease Management (3 hours)
EQS 333 Animal Nutrition (3 hours)
EQS 431 Principles of Light Horse Training (3 hours)
EQS 432 Rider Instructor Training - Beginning (1 hour)
EQS Riding Classes (3 hours)
Equine-Facilitated Mental Health Emphasis
A student interested in pursuing an Equine Therapy may do so as part of a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology (B.S.) or, when available, as part of the Bachelor of Social Work (B.S.W.) degree program. Students wishing to become a Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH – previously NARHA) Registered Instructor will have the opportunity to perform volunteer work and to complete a Therapeutic Horsemanship Internship at a PATH Premier Accredited Center in the Birmingham or Montgomery area. For an emphasis in Equine Therapy, in addition to the core requirements of the student’s major field of study, the following academic coursework is recommended:
BIO 205 Human Anatomy (4 hours)
HPE 214 First Aid & CPR (2 hours)
EQS 232 Equine Management (3 hours)
EQS 311 Animal Partnership (3 hours)
EQS 431 Principles of Light Horse Training (3 hours)
EQS 432 Riding Instructor Training – Beginning (1 hour)
PSY 204 Human Growth & Development (3 hours)
PSY 402 Exceptional Children (3 hours)
