Equine Animal Science

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Address the Challenges and Improve the Wellfare of Equines

This fully online program blends animal science with ethical equine care. Giving students the tools to lead in equine health, training, and facility management.

Graduates are prepared for careers in training, animal behavior, policy, facility operations, and equine advocacy. They stand out by combining evidence-based practices with a deep understanding of how to protect horses and the environments they depend on.

CAREER OUTLOOK

What Can I Do With a Bachelor’s in
Equine Animal Science?

857 K

Agricultural Manager jobs in the U.S., 2023*

$ 88 K

Median salary for Agricultural Manager, U.S. 2024*

86 K

Projected job openings for Agricultural Manager, 2033*

*Source: ONet Online/U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Unity cannot guarantee employment. Salary data represents averaged earnings for occupations listed and includes workers at all levels of education and experience.

In the BS in Equine Animal Science Program
You’ll Learn To:

Learn to apply animal genetics, nutrition, and environmental science to develop responsible, evidence-based equine care practices.
Compare anatomy and physiology across domestic species to inform sound, science-based equine care decisions.
Use best practices in equine behavior, handling, and health management to ensure sustainable and ethical care.
Practice scientific methods to collect data, form predictions, and develop actionable solutions in equine science.
Design effective, research-informed facility management plans that prioritize equine well-being and operational sustainability.

Apply Now

A farmer looks over a herd of horses on a ranch.

What Will You Study

Equine Animal Science
Course Examples

Animal Comparative Anatomy

This course involves the study of the different structural systems found in the global spectrum of animals. These differences will be explored via individual examples, comparison between different animals and exploration of the underlying evolutionary relationships among the groups.

Animal Husbandry and Genetics

This course provides an in-depth look at the design, implementation, and optimization of breeding animals, with a particular focus on conservation of genetic diversity. Students will explore the principles of genetic and breeding productivity, inheritance patterns and genetic drift, as well as the basics of quantitative and molecular genetics.

Horse Facility Management

Students will learn the importance of properly managing the natural environment and built facilities to optimize the health of horses, including concepts related to natural ecosystems, ecosystem services, and beneficial management practices.

White horses feeding in a green pasture.

FAQ

Learn More About Degrees and Careers in Equine Animal Science

Equine Animal Science is the study of horse biology, care, and management. It combines principles of animal science with specialized knowledge in equine anatomy, behavior, nutrition, reproduction, and health. This field prepares students for careers in horse training, farm and stable management, equine-assisted services, and veterinary support. It also emphasizes responsible breeding, sustainable facility operations, and the ethical treatment of horses across diverse equine industries, from recreation to therapy.

The BS in Equine Animal Science offers a specialized education focused on the unique needs and management of horses and other equines. This program applies principles of animal biology, chemistry, nutrition, and physiology to the study of their breeding and genetics, growth, behavior, and management within the diverse equine industry. Students will develop a strong understanding of equine-specific care, training, and management practices, preparing them for careers in stable management, equine health, and other equine-related professions, as well as for advanced studies in equine science or veterinary medicine.

Your online education should be affordable and manageable. Thanks to our promise to keep tuition flat through 2030, you won’t be burdened with unexpected increases or fees.

Our team of Distance Education concierges will work with you through the admissions process to help you plan and pay for your degree. Learn more about the costs here.

Our comprehensive 120-credit program can be tailored to fit your schedule and goals! Completion time is flexible, determined by the number of credits you choose to take each term (8 terms/year) and less time with transfer credits. Without transfer credits, you can anticipate the following completion times:

24 credits/year: Complete in just 5 years
30 credits/year: Achieve your degree in 4 years
48 credits/year: Fast-track your education in only 2.6 years

General Education Core: 36 credits
Environmental Professional Core: 13 credits
Elective Courses: 32 credits
Program Core: 39 credits

ANIM 205: Animal Nutrition
ANIM 301: Animal Husbandry and Genetics
ANIM 302: Animal Comparative Anatomy
ANIM 304: Animal Comparative Physiology
ANIM 315: Equine Health, Nutrition, and Care
ANIM 415: Horse Facility Management
BIOL 301: Animal Behavior: The Evolution, Ecology, and Social Behavior of Animals
BIOL 310: Microbiology
BIOL 315: Cell Biology
CHEM 103: Chemistry II
CHEM 104: Chemistry II Laboratory
CHEM 201: Organic Chemistry I
CHEM 202: Organic Chemistry I Laboratory
CHEM 301: Biochemistry
CHEM 302: Biochemistry Laboratory

For course requirements and a better look into your program, view our full course catalog. Then apply online for free to get started.

Bachelor’s in Equine Animal Science Academic Information

Degree Requirements and Courses Needed

The equine animal science degree requires 120 credits. You may transfer in up to 90 credits from outside institutions. View our full course catalog for a better look into your program. Then apply online for free to get started.

Realizing Your Potential. Protecting Your Planet.

Why Unity Distance Education?

High Educational Value

Nationally recognized educational quality at an affordable price.

Sustainability Core

Committed to sustainable practices to prepare for a future of environmental awareness.

Personalized Guidance

Dedicated to turning career and academic aspirations into tangible achievements.

Transfer-Friendly

Accepting up to 90 transfer credits to graduate sooner and save money.

Inspiring Faculty

Connect with experts who share your passion for working in the animal industry.

Future Success

Ranked #1 independent university in the U.S. by the Social Mobility Index.

Multiple Start Dates

With up to 8 terms a year, you can take a break without jeopardizing financial aid.

Learning Flexibility

Balance life, work, and education by studying when and where you want

Real Students, Real Impact

Real Students, Real Impact

“I chose Unity because I felt like it aligned with me…”

Amanda P.
Bachelor of Science in Animal Science

Read Full Testimonial

Amanda P.
Bachelor of Science in Animal Science

“I chose Unity because I felt like it aligned with me more after doing research. I liked that I had the option to finish my education completely online and that it offered prevet courses unlike other universities.”

Learn from Leaders

Learn from Leaders

MS and BS in Animal Sciences

Elizabeth Share
Global Expert in Equine Care and Management

Read More About Professor Share

Elizabeth Share
Global Expert in Equine Care and Management

Elizabeth “Lizz” Share is an Adjunct Faculty member at Unity Environmental University. She received a M.S. and BS in Animal Sciences from the Ohio State University. Lizz has been involved in horse care and management for over 15 years. Besides working in academia, she has worked for Extension using her expertise to help horse owners across the nation. She is primarily an equine nutritionist but works extensively with welfare and behavior as well as the practical management of horses. She is passionate about student-focused learning and the practical application of knowledge to real-world situations. In her spare time, she enjoys competitively sorting cattle with her Quarter Horses.

Learn from Leaders

Ph.D. in Animal Science with a specialty in Equine Nutrition

Dr. Toree Williams
Global Expert in Equine Digestive Health, Reproduction, and Exercise Physiology

Learn More About Dr. Williams

Dr. Toree Williams
Global Expert in Equine Digestive Health, Reproduction, and Exercise Physiology

Dr. Williams has an Ph.D. in Animal Science with a specialty in Equine Nutrition, a Masters in Natural and Applied Science, and a B.S. in Animal Science. In graduate school, Dr. Williams created the first and only band of dually cannulated ponies to examine nutritional and microbial aspects of the digestive tract. For her Masters, Dr. Williams developed an equine curriculum for high school and college level students across the state of Missouri. She has research in equine nutrition, reproduction, and exercise physiology.

Dr. Williams has worked in many equine industries, including reining, cutting, working cow horse, pleasure, hunters, polo, and even spent time on the grand prix jumping circuit. She has coached IHSA and Ranch horse teams at a collegiate level after riding with both programs during her time as an undergraduate.

Outside of horses, Dr. Williams has publications in caprine, bovine, poultry, veterinary, and even engineering journals. She loves teaching anything from biology to Agronomy to business. She loves Agriculture and spends time promoting it anyway she can.

Currently, Dr. Williams has taken a break from riding much, as she recently had two babies (2.5 and 1.5) and is soaking up every moment. She enjoys spending time hiking, camping, and traveling. She has been to 45 of the 50 states and hopes to have the others checked off the list.

Learn from Leaders

BS, MS

Holly Greene
Global Expert in Equine Research and Altitude Effects

Read More About Professor Greene

Holly Greene
Global Expert in Equine Research and Altitude Effects

Holly M. Greene has been working in higher education for over 3-decades. Her background includes 20 years as an equine research lab manager, technician for the university livestock veterinarian, and adjunct faculty supporting equine educational courses at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. Holly received her M.S. degree from Cal Poly Pomona studying the effects of high altitude (3800 meters) on respiratory gases, pulmonary artery pressures and acid-base balance in horses. She was part of a team from Cal Poly Pomona that studied high altitude effects in burros and mules. Ms. Greene enjoys mentoring undergraduate students on equine research encompassing a whole animal physiology model approach.

Holly is very knowledgeable on USDA Animal Welfare regulations for cattle, goats, horses, sheep, and swine. Ensuring both animals and students are safe, and the welfare of the animals is paramount for any class or research activity.

Teaching philosophy: The role of a teacher in students’ lives is a significant one. If students are taught how to learn in a positive environment this will encourage future continuing education and knowledge. Teaching impacts the lives of so many and demands nothing less than best efforts. Student success is not just measured within the classroom and her teaching extends well beyond the confines of the classroom. For many students, there are powerful lessons learned with informal discussions. Sharing with peers and working on problems during (or outside) office hours is very beneficial. Helping students understand the invaluable ability to think critically is part of student success.