Students interested in entering the equine nutrition field have program options at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Relevant programs may be found at community colleges, equestrian colleges and 4-year colleges and universities.
10 Schools with Equine Science Programs
This table provides a general overview of ten schools with Equine Science programs.
| College/University | Location | Institution Type | Degree Offered | Undergraduate Tuition (2018-2019)* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cornell University | Ithaca, NY | 4-year, Private | Bachelor's, Master's, Doctorate | $55,188 |
| University of Florida | Gainesville, FL | 4-year, Public | Bachelor's, Master's, Doctorate | $6,381 in-state, $28,659 out-of-state |
| University of Georgia | Athens, GA | 4-year, Public | Bachelor's, Master's, Doctorate | $11,830 in-state, $30,404 out-of-state |
| University of California - Davis | Davis, CA | 4-year, Public | Bachelor's, Master's, Doctorate | $14,402 in-state, $43,394 out-of-state |
| Michigan State University | East Lansing, MI | 4-year, Public | Bachelor's, Master's, Doctorate | $14,460 in-state, $39,766 out-of-state |
| Iowa State University | Ames, IA | 4-year, Public | Bachelor's, Master's, Doctorate | $8,988 in-state, $23,392 out-of-state |
| Kansas State University | Manhattan, KS | 4-year, Public | Bachelor's, Master's, Doctorate | $10,383 in-state, $25,887 out-of-state |
| North Carolina State University | Raleigh, NC | 4-year, Public | Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's, Doctorate | $9,101 in-state, $28,444 out-of-state |
| Pennsylvania State University | University Park, PA | 4-year, Public | Bachelor's, Master's, Doctorate | $18,454 in-state, $34,858 out-of-state |
| Purdue Global | West Lafayette, IN | 4-year, Public | Bachelor's, Master's, Doctorate | $9,992 in-state, $28,794 out-of-state |
Source: *National Center for Education Statistics
School Selection Criteria
Below are some considerations when selecting an equine nutritionist school:
- Because students have a few majors to choose from, they'll want to ensure that their program of choice includes nutrition courses and practical experience opportunities.
- Investigate research opportunities and on-campus facilities to determine if a program can facilitate their interests in nutrition.
- Students might also check on the availability of scholarships specific to animal or equine science majors.
- Consider schools with equine centers or farms, which can provides hands-on and research opportunities in different areas of the industry.
Associate's Degree in Equine Science or Equine Studies
These programs require general education courses in basic math, business and communications. Students considering equine studies programs should also ensure that the program they choose includes science-related courses. Internships are common program requirements.
Bachelor's Degree in Animal Science
Many animal science programs offer an equine science concentration with courses in both management and science. Some programs require students to complete an internship or practicum prior to graduation.
Master's Degree in Equine Nutrition
In addition to the equine nutrition curriculum, students usually must complete advanced coursework in laboratory methods and statistics and may have specific focus concentrations. Programs may offer thesis and non-thesis options to students depending on whether or not the student is interested in completing a research project.
Doctoral Degree in Equine Nutrition
Students interested in teaching or conducting research at the university level can consider doctoral programs. These programs allow students to pursue original research in equine nutrition that will lead to their doctoral dissertation.
Educational opportunities for equine nutrition are typically found at bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree levels. Specialized course work, internships and research opportunities are common characteristics of these programs.