Equine Studies - B.S.

Effective May 17, 2024 FYS1020 and CAR0010 will no longer be requirements in our undergraduate programs.

The Equine Studies bachelor's degree program introduces students to all facets of the equine field. Students have the opportunity to complete a general course of study or focus their education on equine business management or equine-assisted services specialization. By combining a foundation of comprehensive equine courses with a solid business or equine therapeutic-focused core curriculum, students are prepared for a diversity of careers working with horses. Students learn how to select, care for and manage horses involved in all aspects of the equine industry.

Foundational equine classes develop their understanding of horses with study in anatomy, physiology, behavior, lameness, sports therapy, genetics, nutrition, diseases and reproduction. Further classes develop the ability to evaluate horses for sport and develop skills in equine facilities design, operation and event management.

Students gain hands-on experience in all aspects of horse husbandry, including handling and health maintenance, nutrition, facilities management and equipment usage.

All students participate in the internship program, which allows them to work in the equine industry at approved establishments.

Core and elective courses in the College of Arts & Sciences provide the critical thinking and communication skills that are considered essential by employers along with the chance for students to explore areas of personal interest.

Upon completion of the program, graduates are expected to:

  • Design a comprehensive health plan that addresses the needs of different classes of horses, integrating best practices in disease prevention, nutrition and management.
  • Evaluate the conformation, anatomy and movement of sport horses to determine the most appropriate use for each individual horse.
  • Apply basic learning theory and implement ethical equine training practices.
  • Evaluate the impact of various international influences on the historical development of the modern equine industry.

Specialization in Equine Business Management

Students choosing a specialization in equine business management take a suite of courses from the College of Business designed to provide them with up-to-the-minute business skills. Students develop financial literacy, strategic planning, entrepreneurship, operations management and total quality management skills alongside traditional business majors. Students completing this specialization are prepared to manage all aspects of the equine industry. Examples of careers include farm manager, equine advertising account manager, equine business entrepreneur, sales representative, insurance agent, horse show personnel, and horse/breed association publicist.

Upon completion of the Equine Business Management specialization, students are expected to:

  • Develop a comprehensive business plan for the management and marketing of various aspects of an equine-related business.

Specialization in Equine-Assisted Services

Students choosing an emphasis in equine-assisted activities and therapies take a suite of courses that enhance and strengthen the qualifications of graduates interested in equine-assisted activities and therapies. This specialization gives students the opportunity to gain additional knowledge and skills in the expanding field of therapeutic riding and equine-assisted learning. Students completing this specialization can pursue careers in therapeutic riding instruction, therapeutic horse management, therapeutic riding program management, and equine-assisted learning and therapy.

Upon completion of the Equine-Assisted Services specialization, students are expected to:

  • Demonstrate the skills and knowledge requisite for pursuing a career in equine-assisted services.

To participate in the Equine Studies program, each student, with or without reasonable accommodations, must be able to safely (including the safety of the animal, where applicable) meet minimum technical standards as described for this program.

Equine Studies

A four-year program leading to the bachelor of science degree

Credits
Major Courses
EQN1001Introduction to Equine Studies3
EQN1006Introduction to Equine Studies Laboratory1
EQN1030Equine Anatomy and Physiology3
EQN2000Equine Diseases and Conditions3
EQN2001Foundations of Horsemanship and Riding Theory (Equine Lameness & Sports Threapy)3
EQN2030Equine Lameness and Sports Therapy Laboratory1
EQN3010Equine Reproduction and Genetics3
EQN3025Equine Nutrition3
EQN3040Sport Horse Evaluation and Judging3
EQN3350Equine Facility Design and Operation Management3
EQN4410Equine Behavior and Training3
Major Electives or Specialization
Choose 27 credits of the following* (maximum of three credits in horseback riding) or Specialization listed below:†27
Financial Accounting
Managerial Accounting
Marketing Communications
Principles of Animal Behavior and Training
Perspectives in Animal-Assisted Interventions
Animal Welfare, Health and Wellness
Special Topics in Animal Science I
Special Topics in Animal Science II
Special Topics in Animal Science III
General Biology - Cellular
and General Biology Laboratory - Cellular
General Biology - Organismal
and General Biology Laboratory - Organismal
Introduction to Business and Management
Foundations in Chemistry
and Foundations in Chemistry Laboratory
Introduction to Digital/Social/Mobile Media
Macroeconomics
Microeconomics
World Economic Geography
Managerial Economics
Contemporary Economic Issues
Sports Writing
Introduction to Entrepreneurship
Pitching & Planning New Ventures
Small Business Management
Growth and Sustainability for Small Business
Marketing for Entrepreneurs
Financing New Ventures
Collegiate Horseback Riding
Methods of Horseback Riding Instruction
Equine Competition Management and Course Design
Introduction to Equine-Assisted Services
Application of Equine-Assisted Services
Horse Farm Management and Business Planning
Equine International Experience
Special Topics in Equine Studies I
Special Topics in Equine Studies II
Special Topics in Equine Studies III
Equine Industry Experience
Introduction to Event Management
The Business of Event Management
Fairs and Festivals
Spreadsheet Design for Business Solutions
Finance
Orientation to the Hospitality Industry
Exploring the Private Club Industry
The Legal Environment of Business I
Introduction to Media & Communication
Writing for Radio, Television and Film
Introduction to Media Production
Foundations of Digital Photography
Media Texts
Writing for Publication
Human Resource Management
Marketing Foundations
Workshop in Acquiring Social Research Skills
Undergraduate Laboratory and Field Research
Undergraduate Research Experience
Environmental Science
Introduction to Exercise Physiology
Anatomy and Physiology
Introduction to the Sports, Entertainment and Event Management Industry
Sporting Activities in Private Clubs
Athletic Coaching and Administration
International Sports, Entertainment, Event and Venue Management
Adventure, Sport and Nature-Based Tourism
Applied/Experiential Learning
Choose 12 credits from the following:12
College of Arts & Sciences Internship Ic
Directed Experiential Education D
Undergraduate Research Experience
Honors Directed Academic Experience
Study Abroad Sa
Related Professional Studies
CAR0010Career Management1
FYS1020First-Year Seminar1
A&S Core Experience
Communications Foundation Courses9
Rhetoric & Composition I
Rhetoric & Composition II
Communication Skills
Integrative Learning6
Two ILS courses, one at the 2000 level, one at the 4000 level
Arts and Humanities6
Two courses from different disciplines: ART, HIST, HUM, LIT, PHIL, or REL
Mathematics6
Fundamentals of Algebra
Statistics I
Science3
Introduction to Life Science
Social Science6
Introductory Psychology
One course from ANTH, ECON, GEND, LEAD, PSCI, RES or SOC
A&S electives6
Two courses with EASC attribute
Free Electives #
12 credits selected from 1000-4999 numbered offerings within the university12
Total Credits124.0
*

Students are responsible for meeting prerequisites.

Credits
†Specialization in Equine-Assisted Services
Students must select 11-12 additional Major Elective credits if selecting this specialization.
EQN3001Methods of Horseback Riding Instruction3
EQN3280Introduction to Equine-Assisted Services3
EQN3290Application of Equine-Assisted Services3
PSYC2002Abnormal Psychology3
Choose one from the following:3-4
Kinesiology
and Kinesiology Laboratory
Anatomy and Physiology
Total Credits15.0-16.0
Credits
†Specialization in Equine Business Management
Students must select 3 additional Major Elective credits if selecting this specialization.
ACCT1210Financial Accounting3
ECON1001Macroeconomics3
ENTR2001Introduction to Entrepreneurship3
or ENTR3015 Small Business Management
EQN4050Horse Farm Management and Business Planning3
FIT1040Spreadsheet Design for Business Solutions3
FISV2000Finance3
LAW2001The Legal Environment of Business I3
MRKT1001Marketing Foundations3
Total Credits24.0

IcTypically, internships require a minimum of six credits. Students interested in a 9 or 12-credit internship can apply additional experiential learning and free elective credits, if available. Students are strongly encouraged to contact a faculty advisor before scheduling internship and free elective credits.

D Directed Experiential Education (DEE) opportunities are based on project availability with community partners and student eligibility. For more information, visit Experiential Education & Career Services (EE&CS). 

SaTo be eligible to count toward Applied/ Experiential Learning, a Study Abroad offering must meet certain requirements. Contact JWU Global to discuss eligible Study Abroad options for this degree program.

#  In addition to classes, free elective credits may be applied to a number of options such as internship, study abroad, Directed Experiential Education courses and courses in a specialization or minor as relevant. For students who qualify for the J2 program, up to four graduate courses may apply. Students are strongly encouraged to contact a faculty advisor before scheduling free elective credits.

Note: Students must pass MATH0010 Pre-Algebra or have equivalent placement scores to enroll in required math courses.

Note: Students must pass ENG0001 Writing Workshop or have equivalent placement scores to enroll in ILS 2000-level courses.

In collaboration with academic colleges across all JWU campuses, JWU Global Study Abroad programs offer a variety of international, domestic, and digital options for major, minor, free electives, experiential learning, and transferable courses. There are many affordable options for students during a semester, winter session, spring and/or summer breaks.  Faculty-led, exchange, affiliate, and direct-enroll programs range in duration from one week to a full semester or full year. Financial aid may be applied, and some partners offer external scholarships.  Premiere programs do not qualify for JWU scholarships or grants; however federal aid is available.  Visit the study abroad website for information, program descriptions and online applications. Where will you go? Wherever you decide, make the best of your educational journey!

J2 Program

The JWU J2 program allows qualified students enrolled in a matriculating undergraduate program to take graduate level courses at JWU. Students interested in pursuing this option should meet with their academic advisor to discuss their interest, qualifications, and plans. The undergraduate student may take up to four graduate courses (maximum 12 credits) and are limited to 6 credits a semester and 3 credits per session (Fall Session I and Fall Session II). 

The completion of graduate credits to fulfill undergraduate program requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the graduate program after completion of the baccalaureate degree. Matriculating undergraduate students who wish to formally enroll in a graduate program, must fulfill all requirements for entrance into the intended graduate program and complete a graduate program application. 

Note: Not all graduate courses are included as part of this policy. Courses offered as part of the Masters of Arts in Teaching, Masters of Education, Masters of Science in Physician Assistant Studies and doctoral courses are excluded from this policy and are restricted to program majors only. Additional courses and/or programs as determined by individual colleges may also have restricted access.

Eligibility Criteria:

To be eligible to enroll in graduate level courses (excludes: Masters of Arts in Teaching, Masters of Education, Masters of Science in Physician Assistant Studies, doctoral courses and other programs as outlined by the colleges).

Undergraduate students must meet the following criteria:

·       Undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher

·       Completed & registered undergraduate credits at least 90 credits

·       Meet the individual course prerequisites

Appeal to Eligibility Criteria: College Dean or designee will receive a copy of the Petition Form, Student's GPS and email requesting appeal if the student requests to appeal the GPA or earned/registered credit criteria. College Dean / designee will review and determine approval.  

These courses carry graduate credit and will replace undergraduate degree requirements when applicable, traditionally free-electives (maximum of 12 credits). The course will be applied to the undergraduate degree in the order in which they are taken (if required) and will also be applied towards both the students undergraduate and graduate GPA.

Students should maintain enrollment in at least 12 credits of undergraduate coursework to maintain full-time status; graduate course enrollment is not calculated into undergraduate full-time status. For students already attending full-time as undergraduates (12 credits or more) and paying the full-time tuition, the graduate credits will be included in full-time tuition fee. Students attending part-time (11 credits or less) will pay the cost per-credit undergraduate tuition for the graduate course.

Course registration will be based on space availability and students enrolled in graduate level courses will be required to maintain good academic standing at the undergraduate and graduate level.