Equine Science Master's and PhDs: Degrees at a Glance
If you're interested in equine science, or the study of horses, master's degree programs in this field are available. But before you enroll, you might want to consider the fact that the majority of jobs in the horse industry only require a bachelor's degree at most. On the plus side, completing a graduate program can prepare you for a position as a postsecondary teacher, a job field that was projected to experience an average 17% increase in employment opportunities between 2010 and 2020, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
If you pursue a PhD in Equine Science, you could become an animal scientist who specializes in horse genetics or nutrition. However, a less-than-favorable employment growth of 10% was projected for these professionals over the same period. If your long-term career goal is to work as an agricultural college dean, job opportunities for postsecondary education administrators were expected to increase 19%.
| Master's | Doctorate | |
|---|---|---|
| Who is this degree for? | Individuals interested in teaching equine science or conducting research for universities and agribusinesses | Individuals who want to advance their education careers or become animal scientists specializing in horses |
| Common Career Paths (with approximate mean annual salaries) | - Postsecondary agricultural sciences teacher ($83,000)* - Research assistant (salary unavailable) | - Animal scientist ($74,000)* - Postsecondary agricultural sciences teacher ($83,000)* - Postsecondary education administrator ($97,000)* |
| Time to Completion | 2 years full time | 3-4 years full time after earning a master's degree |
| Common Graduation Requirements | - 30-36 credit hours - A master's thesis or internship | - Roughly 70-90 credit hours beyond a bachelor's degree - Dissertation - Qualifying and final examinations |
| Prerequisites | - Bachelor's degree - Undergraduate coursework in equine science or animal science could also be required | - Bachelor's or master's degree |
| Online Availability | None found at this time | None found at this time |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2011).
Master's in Equine Science
Equine science programs are available as stand-alone degrees or as specializations within schools' animal science curricula. Many allow you to tailor your coursework to fit your career goals. In addition to general industry practices, you can study such areas as equine nutrition, equine breeding and reproduction, equine physiology, industry management and equine education.
Regardless of the career track, expect to spend a significant amount of time working with horses in laboratory facilities and research barns. Graduate students also have opportunities to publish their work in scientific journals or participate in outreach programs through university cooperative or equine extension services.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- A graduate program's teaching and research experiences can expose you to a variety of professional and industrial agricultural settings
- Earning a master's degree in equine science can qualify you to teach for a college or extension service
- The flexible schedule of a postsecondary teacher can allow you take summers off to pursue your research interests
Cons
- Although many jobs are available in the equine industry, the majority of them do not require a master's degree
- Research involving animals can require long workweeks and irregular hours
- Available research topics might be limited due to a lack of funding
Courses and Requirements
Students seeking a master's degree in equine science take core courses that can include topics in research methods, statistics and nutrition. The remaining electives vary depending on the area of specialization you pursue. You might also need to complete a research or thesis project. In some programs, you can undertake an internship or field experience in lieu of this requirement. Courses available to you include the following:
- Equine endocrinology
- Equine reproduction
- Biochemistry
- Livestock genetics
- Equine competition coaching and teaching
- Equine facilities management
Online Degree Options
Equine science programs provide students with hands-on training. As a result, online master's degrees from an accredited university are not available.
Getting Ahead with This Degree
Volunteer on the local horse scene while acquiring your master's degree in equine science. In addition to providing work experience for your resume, volunteering can help you make contacts with other professionals in the industry.
Consulting faculty who have conducted research in your area of interest could help you get an edge as well. To get a well-rounded education, work with students who are pursuing specialties other than your own.
PhD in Equine Science
Doctoral studies in equine science are largely available as specializations in universities' animal science programs. You'll complete most of your core coursework in the first couple of years. The remaining time in the program is spent juggling teaching responsibilities and preparing to write and defend your doctoral dissertation. You'll also work with faculty members and mentors to make sure your research is headed in the right direction.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Some programs fund travel opportunities to present your research
- An animal science career could give you the freedom to work in the field, instead of being tied to a desk
- A PhD with a focus on equine science could prepare you for a position as dean of an agricultural college
Cons
- It could take you 3-4 years of additional education to complete your PhD in equine science
- If you work as an animal scientist for a university, you'll be expected to seek out grants to fund your research.
- Animal scientists must be willing to travel to ranches or farms, as well as stand animal odors and waste
Courses and Requirements
If you enter a PhD program in equine science, expect to take about 50-60 credit hours beyond the requirements for a master's degree. These can include seminar and independent study courses that allow you to focus on your research interests. You'll likely be expected to also pass preliminary and final exams in addition to researching your doctoral dissertation. Other requirements could include the publication of your findings in professional journals. You might teach undergraduate courses as well.
Online Degree Options
Program requirements for PhDs must be completed on campus. Online programs from an accredited university aren't available at this time.
Getting Ahead with This Degree
As with a master's degree program, acquiring experience in the local horse community can allow you to network with others in the industry. Working with faculty and pursuing research or extension activities outside your area of interest can also ensure that you're exposed to as many facets of the agricultural industry as possible.
