Equine Studies - B.S.
Please note that this program will not be offered as of the Spring 2026 Semester.
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 | ||
| EQN1001 | Introduction to Equine Studies | 3 |
| EQN1006 | Introduction to Equine Studies Laboratory | 1 |
| EQN1035 | Equine Anatomy and Physiology | 3 |
| EQN2000 | Equine Diseases and Conditions | 3 |
| EQN2001 | Foundations of Horsemanship and Riding Theory (Equine Lameness & Sports Threapy) | 3 |
| EQN2035 | Equine Lameness and Sports Therapy Laboratory | 1 |
| EQN3010 | Equine Reproduction and Genetics | 3 |
| EQN3025 | Equine Nutrition | 3 |
| EQN3040 | Sport Horse Evaluation and Judging | 3 |
| EQN3350 | Equine Facility Design and Operation Management | 3 |
| EQN4410 | Equine Behavior and Training | 3 |
| 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 | ||
| 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 | ||
| University Core Curriculum | ||
| Communicating | 9 | |
| Rhetoric & Composition I | ||
| Rhetoric & Composition II | ||
| Communication Skills | ||
| Connecting | 6 | |
Two courses with the Connecting attribute (ECNG), one at the 2000 level, one at the 4000 level | ||
| Experiencing | 6 | |
Two courses with the Experiencing attribute (EEXP), different disciplines | ||
| Measuring | 6 | |
| Fundamentals of Algebra (or higher, based on student's placement) | ||
| Statistics I | ||
| Exploring | 3 | |
| Introduction to Life Science | ||
| Interacting | 6 | |
| Introductory Psychology | ||
Additional course with the Interacting attribute (EINT) in a different discipline | ||
| A&S electives | 6 | |
Two courses with the Arts & Sciences elective attribute (EASC) | ||
| Free Electives # | ||
| 12 credits selected from 1000-4999 numbered offerings within the university | 12 | |
| Total Credits | 122.0 | |
- *
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. | ||
| EQN3001 | Methods of Horseback Riding Instruction | 3 |
| EQN3280 | Introduction to Equine-Assisted Services | 3 |
| EQN3290 | Application of Equine-Assisted Services | 3 |
| PSYC2002 | Abnormal Psychology | 3 |
| Choose one from the following: | 3-4 | |
| Kinesiology and Kinesiology Laboratory | ||
| Anatomy and Physiology | ||
| Total Credits | 15.0-16.0 | |
Credits †Specialization in Equine Business Management | ||
| Students must select 3 additional Major Elective credits if selecting this specialization. | ||
| ACCT1210 | Financial Accounting | 3 |
| ECON1001 | Macroeconomics | 3 |
| ENTR2001 | Introduction to Entrepreneurship | 3 |
| or ENTR3015 | Small Business Management | |
| EQN4050 | Horse Farm Management and Business Planning | 3 |
| FIT1040 | Spreadsheet Design for Business Solutions | 3 |
| FISV2000 | Finance | 3 |
| LAW2001 | The Legal Environment of Business I | 3 |
| MRKT1001 | Marketing Foundations | 3 |
| Total Credits | 24.0 | |
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 Study Abroad offer several options, direct enroll with international universities, domestic and digital options meet with a Study Abroad Advisor to learn more about how your major, minor, free electives, experiential learning and transferable courses would benefit by a Study Abroad program. There are many options for students during a semester, spring and/or summer breaks. Faculty-led, exchange, 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. 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!
Undergraduate
Johnson & Wales University holistically reviews all elements of a student’s application to identify those students most likely to succeed at the university.
For first-year applicants, a completed application and high school transcript(s) are required. For transfer applicants, a completed application and high school and/or college transcript(s) are required. Completion of optional materials is encouraged.
Successful candidates for first year admission have taken a high school, college preparatory academic program including English, mathematics, science, social science and foreign language. Admissions decisions may also consider individual experiences and particular circumstances unique to each student. Other considerations are made based upon recommendations, writing ability and extracurricular activities.
Visiting campus, both in‐person or virtually, and interacting with admissions staff are all valuable ways of assuring that JWU is the right university for you.
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 Master of Arts in Teaching, Master of Education, Master 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 and 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.