The Animal Science and Equine Science and Management degrees both provide a foundation in biology and physiology. While the Animal Science degree encompasses livestock, poultry, horses, and companion animals, the Equine Science and Management degree focuses on horses. Both degrees provide extensive opportunities for hands-on learning. The Equine Science and Management degree also requires courses in management, leadership, and communication.

The equine industry is extensive - in 2023, a study by the American Horse Council found that the equine industry supported 2.2 million jobs. The Equine Science and Management degree is designed to provide students with the knowledge and practical skills needed to succeed in the equine industry, in careers such as breeding farm manager, equine journalism/publications, equine nutrition, sales and marketing (horses and horse-related products), etc.

No, at this time, classes are not available online.

Yes. There is no specific major required to apply for vet school. Any student that has taken the required pre-requisite courses may apply to vet school.

No, we do not offer a certificate in Equine Science and Management at this time.

Some credits from other institutions may transfer into the program. Transfer credits are assessed by the Admissions Office. For more information, please see here: https://admissions.uconn.edu/apply/transfer/transfer-credit/

We are working to have the Equine Science and Management program approved for the NEBHE tuition break program. Please check back for updated information as it becomes available. Currently, the AAS, MS, and PhD programs in Animal Science are eligible for this program. (https://db.nebhe.org/fmi/webd/TuitionBreak)

The Equine Science and Management program does not have a Living-Learning Community. Students living on campus will be housed according to Res Life policies (see here for more information: https://campushousing.uconn.edu/living-on-campus/housing-options/)

We have a large herd of horses that support our teaching, riding, extension, and research activities. Students working with our breeding herd work with our stallions, broodmares, and foals. Our riding herd includes Warmbloods, Thoroughbreds, Morgans, Quarter Horses and other horses suited for hunter/jumper, dressage, and polo. Students in our training classes work with our young horses (weanlings through 4-year-olds).

No. Riding lessons are strongly encouraged but not required as part of the Equine Science and Management degree.

Students will have at least one class each semester at the barn but may often have more depending on their electives and optional riding lessons and team participation.

We do not board student horses on campus, but we do consider horses for lease to the program. If you think your horse might be suitable for the lesson program, please contact our farm manager (horseunitoffice@uconn.edu). If you’d like to board your horse in the area, here is a list of local boarding facilities.

To learn more about joining a riding team, please reach out to the team you’re interested in by visiting this page: https://animalscience.uconn.edu/equine-teams-clubs/

There are MANY clubs and organizations to participate in! Of particular interest to our students include the Equine Club and the Pre-Vet Club.

Internships are strongly recommended for our students but are not required. The Department of Animal Science offers a Summer Management Internship on campus. For more information on internships, see your Equine Science and Management advisor.