Feb 17, 2026  
2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog

Equine Science and Management, B.S.


Suggested Four-Year Plan for the B.S. in Equine Science and Management  

 

The equine industry is composed of a dynamic and diverse set of career paths and professional opportunities that encompass not only the breeding, raising and training of horses but also the development of activities for the horse in sports, recreation, education, and healthcare. The activities included in equine agriculture have a significant economic impact across the U.S. and worldwide.

Equine Science and Management involves the study and application of knowledge, strategies, and technologies that enable success in the horse industry and equine-affiliated businesses. Additional course work supports learning in areas that aid in breeding and management of horses as well as marketing, operations, and management of equine facilities and organizations. Students come from varied equine backgrounds but have a common interest in the horse. Regardless of which breed of horse or activity focus students have, Equine Science and Management majors will have the opportunity to combine their interest in the horse with the knowledge and skill sets necessary to become active participants and leaders in equine agriculture and growing equine-associated initiatives in new areas.

Students in Equine Science and Management considering career paths in veterinary medicine, other professional schools or graduate degree programs can meet those goals as well. Interested students need to consult with an advisor to ensure all specific academic requirements are met.

Career Opportunities

The equine industry is continually changing and growing into new domains. Equine Science and Management graduates are needed in all aspects of the industry including production, business management, other related support industries, and new emergent opportunities.

Graduation Requirements

To earn the Bachelor of Science in Equine Science and Management, the student must earn a minimum of 120 credit hours with at least a 2.0 grade-point average. A minimum of 45 credit hours must be from upper division courses (300 level and above). Remedial courses may not be counted toward the total hours required for the degree.

Students must complete the following:

UK Core Requirements


See the UK Core section of this Catalog for the complete UK Core requirements . The courses listed below are (a) recommended by the college, or (b) required courses that also fulfill UK Core areas. Students should work closely with their advisor to complete the UK Core requirements.

I. Intellectual Inquiry in Arts and Creativity


II. Intellectual Inquiry in the Humanities


III. Intellectual Inquiry in the Social Sciences


IV. Intellectual Inquiry in the Natural, Physical, and Mathematical Sciences


V. Composition and Communication I


VI. Composition and Communication II


IX. Community, Culture and Citizenship in the USA


X. Global Dynamics


UK Core hours: 30-33


Graduation Composition and Communication Requirement (GCCR)


Subtotal: Graduation Composition and Communication Requirement hours (GCCR): 3


Subtotal: Premajor hours: 18-23


Subtotal: Major hours: 31


Emphasis Areas


Students must have one emphasis area. In order to have an emphasis area, students must take 12 credits in one area. Students will then select 9 additional credits from any emphasis area. 21 credit hours in emphasis area courses must be completed.

Specialty Support Requirement


The student will choose, in consultation with an advisor, at least 18 hours of courses at the 200 level or above that will strengthen the program in an area of importance to the student. Specialty support courses can be used to meet graduate school, professional school, or University Scholars Program prerequisites, as well as requirements towards a minor and/or certificate. To aid in developing this area of study, a list of suggested courses is available from your advisor. The list includes courses in agricultural economics, animal sciences, community and leadership development, marketing, management, finance, plant and soil sciences plus other areas of study at UK.

Subtotal: Specialty Support: 18


Electives


Electives should be selected by the student to lead to the minimum total of 120 hours required for graduation

Subtotal: Electives: minimum of 3


Total Minimum Hours for Program: 120