Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Science - Equine Studies Major

This program offers students the opportunity to increase their knowledge of horses and develop marketable skills. The horse industry is highly diverse and offers a variety of employment opportunities. With this diversity of opportunities and areas of interest in mind, the major has been designed accordingly.

All Equine Studies students take a required core of equine courses, which have both a classroom based and a hands on component, which provides a solid foundation in theory and practice. The equine core courses are followed by a choice of several equine electives. After completing the core courses and equine electives, the student, in consultation with her/his academic advisor, will be able to customize the remainder of the program in accordance with the student’s goals and interests in regard to the equine field by using a set of “open” electives.

This provides the student with a primary focus in one area to gain an in depth education in that aspect of the equine field. For example, a student with a strong interest in riding instruction who completed the sequence of riding instruction courses would have the background to sit for the Massachusetts Riding Instructor certification. Alternatively, a student interested in graduate studies would be able to use some of the elective credits to fulfill prerequisites for specific graduate level programs in the sciences, or develop cross-disciplinary interests, such as animal behavior. Others might elect to focus on equine facilities/stable management, or to take courses in several areas to keep their employment options broad.

An internship during the senior year provides the student with the opportunity to gain valuable work experience in an environment which provides continued support to the learning process.

An additional fee of $650 will be charged for courses involving riding instruction and training of horses.

Entrance Requirements: See Becker College admissions information. A tetanus toxoid booster is required within the ten years preceding entrance. It is the student’s responsibility to keep this vaccine current. A prophylactic rabies vaccine is recommended, but should the student choose not to get the vaccine then a waiver must be signed before the student is allowed to participate in any courses involving direct contact with animals or the equine facility. Students must be able to lift a minimum of 50 Lbs without assistance and work around 1000 Lb animals in small quarters, as well as haul feed and bedding. Therefore, students with limitations to movement, sight or hearing may find it difficult to meet all course requirements. A student must be able gauge an animal‘s body language and hear the animal coming up behind them. Students are advised to discuss their plans for entrance into this major with their family physician if they have severe allergies to hay, straw, shavings and/or other limitations of concern.

A precautionary note: Since horses can be unpredictable in their behavior a degree of risk is inherent to working with these animals. A waiver of liability is required to be signed at the time the student enters the program. Students may need to consider the cost of sturdy work shoes or boots that can be easily cleaned, and coveralls when working in the facility. Students involved with any of the equitation or riding classes will need to supply their own helmets and riding boots (specifications to be discussed by course instructors). Equitation/riding classes have an additional fee not covered by the tuition fee. Students should keep in mind that transportation provided by the College to the riding facility may not always be available when needed.

Horses used in class: Any student entering the program with a physical requirement for a certain type or size of horse will be accommodated as much as possible. However, if the school is unable to find the appropriate horse to meet a student‘s physical needs, the student may not be able to complete the Program.

This sample curriculum sequence illustrates how a student might progress through the program. Course sequencing may vary as long as prerequisites are met.

Freshman Year

Sophomore Year

Junior Year

Senior Year

*Students may test out of EQST1001 with a combination of in-saddle skills demonstration and written examination.  These students will be required to take EQST1002.