Equine Studies

The equine studies program includes course work in equestrian styles, nutrition and physiology, selection and management of the horse enterprise. The role of the horse in society--recreational, therapeutic and performance--are discussed.

The Program

The department offers programs of study and co-curricular activities that facilitate the development of the student in the horse industry at many diverse entry points.

The Curriculum

Equine studies offers two levels of study.

• Major -- This option 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.
• Minor -- The choice of a minor in equine studies offers the student diversity in his or her educational program while preparing the participant for recreational endeavors involving horsemanship. A minor in equine studies can accompany essentially any major offered at North Dakota State University.

Career Opportunities

Equine studies 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.

Co-Curricular Activities

Equine Club -- the NDSU Equine Club supports a variety of horse-related activities, including the Intercollegiate Horse Show Team and the Intercollegiate Judging Team.  The Equine Club also sponsors the NDSU Horse Fair held each spring.

 

Rodeo Club -- the NDSU Rodeo Club provides students the opportunity to gain experience and knowledge of the sport of rodeo.  The club supports the Intercollegiate Rodeo Team and also sponsors the NDSU Rodeo held each fall.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Part-time work and work-study programs in several different livestock units, highly functional animal science laboratories and a myriad of other employment opportunities exist. Numerous college awards and departmental scholarships are competitively available and typically are awarded in the spring semester. The College of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Natural Resources awards additional scholarships each year. Contact the Office of the Dean, College of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Natural Resources, NDSU, for more information. Student loan, grant and work-study information is available from the NDSU Office of Student Financial Services.

Sample Curriculum

This sample curriculum is not intended to serve as a curriculum guide for current students, but rather an example of course offerings for prospective students. For the curriculum requirements in effect at the time of entrance into a program, consult with an academic adviser or with the Office of Registration and Records.

Contact Information

Department of Animal and Range Sciences

North Dakota State University
Hultz Hall 100
Fargo, ND 58105

Tel: (701) 231-7641
Fax: (701) 231-7590
E-mail: ndsu.equinestudies@ndsu.edu
Web:  http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/ars/equine_studies/

Office of Admission

North Dakota State University
124 Ceres Hall
Fargo, ND 58105

Tel: (701) 231-8643
Fax: (701) 231-8802
Email: NDSU.Admission@ndsu.edu
Web: http://www.ndsu.edu/prospective/students/

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