Program Details
Program Details
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Program Details

Bachelor of Science in Equestrian Studies

Bachelor of Science
Averett University

The mission of the Equestrian Studies Department at Averett University is to provide an educational program leading to a bachelor’s degree, which is recognized in the equine industry for its quality and which prepares students to fill a variety of positions within the equestrian fields. The department seeks to promote a love and understanding of the horse, an appreciation of the theory and practice of dressage and combined training, and the sportsmanship that is reflected in those principles. We strive to instill ethical principles and humane treatment of the horse in its environment and career, and the work ethic and responsibility necessary for their care.

Outcomes

Equestrian Studies (ES) classes are taught at the Equestrian center and main campus to give students a broad education on equine-related topics. Although a diverse education continues throughout the program, majors must choose one of six areas of concentration. The Equine Management Concentration is for students most interested in allied equine businesses, facility, and show management. The two Teaching Concentrations, in dressage and eventing, focus on the theory, and instruction, involved in those disciplines. Students participate in industry recognized instructor certification programs and graduate with external licensure, as well as their bachelor’s degree. The Equine Assisted Psychotherapy Concentration prepares students to be equine specialists who participate in treatment teams, helping individuals with emotional and behavioral issues. Students participate in certification trainings and are able to be certified as equine specialists in the EAP field. The concentration in Equine Science is available for students interested in pursuing graduate degrees in equine science programs such as nutrition, breeding, animal science and those who may pursue veterinary degrees. The Equine Sports Communication Concentration offers students an education in the growing field of sports communication. Students are able to gain hands on experience during practicum courses to provide promotion to sports teams, including the equestrian teams.


Program Overview & Guidance
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Program Web Page
External Link
Delivery Mode
In-Person
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Delivery Mode
Online
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Delivery Mode
Hybrid
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Program Guidance Element What You Need to Know
Considerations for Selecting Degree
Considerations When Selecting Courses

  • Create a schedule for all required courses, pay attention to prerequisites and when courses are offered, complete your first math and English courses in your first year
  • Connect with an advisor at your community college and Averett University within your first year via College Connect
Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses
Doing More With Your Degree
Program Successes & Highlights
Program Credit Requirements
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Please look above to see if a Transfer Guide is available for this program. lf you are a current Virginia Community College student or are planning to start at a Virginia Community College before transferring to this institution and program, please follow the Transfer Guide to plan your courses at the community college.

The table below provides the requirements to complete this program if you are not following a Transfer Guide. If you have an account and have created a Portfolio, the table includes the "Applied Credits" column. This column shows how the credits you earned based on the experiences you entered may be applied to satisfy these requirements. You can find schools where you can take courses that will transfer and apply to this degree using the Where Can I Find An Equivalent Course feature in the Transfer Tools menu.

The program map provided below is an estimate based on courses identified as a result of reviewing your portfolio and the requirements for the selected program.

A formal determination of credits awarded for your prior learning and their applicability to the degree requirements can only be made by the institution. The formal determination and resulting map may reflect higher or lower number of credits to be completed to achieve this program.
Requirements
Required Credits
Bachelor of Science in Equestrian Studies
120
BS Equestrian Studies
120
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
AND
Transfer credits will be evaluated, and as applicable, up to 90 credits may be applied to this program.
General Education Requirements
30
Fundamental Written Communication
6
Written Communication
6
Earn 6 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Society & Culture
6
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
Student must take minimum 6 hours up to 12 hours. If following BA, up to intermediate foreign language is required.
Earn 6 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Society & Culture Requirement
6
Earn 6 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Humanities & Creativity
6
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
Student must take minimum of 3 hours in Humanities and up to 9 additional hours in Humanities & Creativity.
Humanities Requirement
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Humanities & Creativity Requirement
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Category list:
Scientific & Quantitative
7
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
Student must take 1 Lab Science and 1 Mathematics for minimum 7 credits, up to 13 credits.
Lab Science
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Mathematics
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Other Degree Requirement
3
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
If student is transferring 15 or more credits, this requirement is waived.
Interdisciplinary Studies
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Major and Elective Studies
90
Equestrian Core Requirements
28
Concepts of Equine Care
2
Earn 2 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Horsemastership III
2
Earn 2 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Careers: Integrating Personal Goals
1
Earn 1 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Stable Management
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Lunge Theory & Application
1
Earn 1 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Principles of Equine Behavior
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Equine Anatomy & Physiology
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Teaching Elementary Riding
2
Earn 2 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Teaching Elementary Riding Lab
1
Earn 1 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Equine Lameness & Disease
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Equine Nutrition
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Internship
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Concentrations in Equine Studies
62
Management Concentration Requirements
62
Business Communication
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Principles of Accounting I
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Principles of Management
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Principles of marketing
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Business Finance
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Organizational Behavior
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Human Resources Management
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Business Law
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Principles of Microeconomics
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Rider Fitness
1
Earn 1 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Advanced Stable Management
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Strategies for Equine Business Management
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Electives
28
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
Students are encouraged to take a second major, a minor, or electives to meet graduation requirements of 120 credits.
Earn 28 credits by completing any available course
Equine Sports Communication Concentration Requirements
62
Advanced Stable Management
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Rider Fitness
2
Earn 2 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Organizational Communication
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Sport Communication
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Multimedia Writing
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Digital and Social Media
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Introduction to Broadcasting
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Crisis Communication
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Sports Field Reporting
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Sports Information and Public Relations
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Practicum in Sports Communication
2
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
Must Complete at least 2 semesters
Earn 2 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Electives
31
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
Students are encouraged to take a second major, a minor, or electives to meet graduation requirements of 120 credits.
Earn 31 credits by completing any available course
Dressage Concentration Requirements
62
Principles of Accounting I
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Horsemastership IV
2
Earn 2 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Rider Fitness
1
Earn 1 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Dressage 1st Level
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Advanced Stable Management
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Dressage 2nd Level
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Advancing Dressage Horse
2
Earn 2 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Riding Instruction Programs
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Strategies for Equine Business Management
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Instructor Certification Programs
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Instructor's Apprentice I
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Sport Psychology
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Fundamentals fo Eventing
2
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
Select one of these 3 courses
Earn 2 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Electives
28
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
Students are encouraged to take a second major, a minor, or electives to meet graduation requirements of 120 credits.
Earn 28 credits by completing any available course
Equine Assisted Psychotherapy Concentration Requirements
62
Rider Fitness
1
Earn 1 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Intro to Equine Assisted Therapy
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Advanced Stable Management
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Equine Assisted Psychotherapy Practicum I
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Equine Assisted Psychotherapy Practicum II
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Psychology as a Social Science
9
Earn 9 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Strategies for Equine Business Management
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Research Design and Analysis
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Electives
33
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
Students are encouraged to take a second major, a minor, or electives to meet graduation requirements of 120 credits.
Earn 33 credits by completing any available course
Eventing Concentration Requirements
62
Principles of Accounting I
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Horsemastership IV
2
Earn 2 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Rider Fitness
1
Earn 1 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Fundamentals of Eventing
2
Earn 2 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Advanced Stable Management
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Training Event Horse I
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Strategies for Equine Business Management
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Training Event Horse II
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Instructor Certification Programs
2
Earn 2 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Instructor's Apprentice I
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Sport Psychology
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Dressage 1st Level
2
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
Select one course
Earn 2 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Electives
32
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
Students are encouraged to take a second major, a minor, or electives to meet graduation requirements of 120 credits.
Earn 32 credits by completing any available course
Equine Science Concentration Requirements
62
General Chemistry I
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
General Chemistry II
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Major Specific Electives
22
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
Minimum 22 hours from combination of Biology, Chemistry, Equestrian, and Physical Science courses. No more than 7 hours in EQS courses and riding classes do not count in these hours.
Earn 22 credits by completing courses from the following Subject list:
Electives
32
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
Students are encouraged to take a second major, a minor, or electives to meet graduation requirements of 120 credits.
Earn 32 credits by completing any available course
Applicable Admissions Agreements
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There are no Applicable Admission Agreements for the Program.

What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?
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Transfer Guidance Element What You Need to Know
Associate Transfer Degree Completion If student has earned an Associate of Arts or an Associate of Science from the community college setting, it will be accepted for transfer credit. Ds will be awarded transfer credit, except for a D in ENG111.

Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School Students who complete an Associate of Arts or an Associate of Science through dual enrollment credits are treated as first time freshman but have the same rights and privileges of transfer direct from the community college setting. If student has earned an Associate Degree, Ds will be awarded transfer credit, except for a D in ENG111.
Credit for Prior Learning Averett accepts CLEP, DANTES, AP, IB and Cambridge credits for students who meet specified scores. Students also have an option to complete a Portfolio course to request consideration to earn University credits for other prior learning.
Did You Know That...
  • Completing your Associate transfer degree post-high school satisfies all lower division general education requirements and increases the chance of completing your bachelor's degree?
  • Exceeding 3 years or 90 credits at your community college means you may have exhausted your financial aid at that college and have limited your future financial aid at: Averett University
College Level Information
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Transfer Center
External Link
Transfer Admission Application
External Link
Transfer Student Aid
External Link
Number of Transfer Students
94
Percent of Accepted Transfer Students
34.3% of 842 Transfer students who applied were accepted.
College Fit Guidance What You Need to Know
Is This College Right For Me?
Transfer Student Catalog Year Catalog year determined by first semester of attendance
First Year Student Catalog Year Catalog year determined by first semester of attendance
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions
Where Can This Degree Transfer
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This section displays degrees most closely related to this program and to which you may be able to transfer. So, you can use this list to find the next degree you can complete in your major. Please click the degree name to visit that program page.

Institution Title Degree Award Name Award Level Delivery Mode
Emory & Henry UniversityEquine Assisted Therapy (BA)BachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Emory & Henry UniversityEquine Studies (BA)BachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Emory & Henry UniversityEquine Studies (BS)BachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Careers Where This Degree Applies
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O*Net Code Name Description Parent
25-1041.00Agricultural Sciences Teachers, PostsecondaryTeach courses in the agricultural sciences. Includes teachers of agronomy, dairy sciences, fisheries management, horticultural sciences, poultry sciences, range management, and agricultural soil conservation. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.Educational Instruction and Library Occupations
39-2011.00Animal TrainersTrain animals for riding, harness, security, performance, or obedience, or for assisting persons with disabilities. Accustom animals to human voice and contact, and condition animals to respond to commands. Train animals according to prescribed standards for show or competition. May train animals to carry pack loads or work as part of pack team.Personal Care and Service Occupations
29-1129.01Art TherapistsPlan or conduct art therapy sessions or programs to improve clients' physical, cognitive, or emotional well-being.Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations
25-1071.00Health Specialties Teachers, PostsecondaryTeach courses in health specialties, in fields such as dentistry, laboratory technology, medicine, pharmacy, public health, therapy, and veterinary medicine.Educational Instruction and Library Occupations
29-1129.02Music TherapistsPlan, organize, direct, or assess clinical and evidenced-based music therapy interventions to positively influence individuals' physical, psychological, cognitive, or behavioral status.Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations
29-1129.00Therapists, All OtherAll therapists not listed separately.Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations
45-2021.00Animal BreedersSelect and breed animals according to their genealogy, characteristics, and offspring. May require knowledge of artificial insemination techniques and equipment use. May involve keeping records on heats, birth intervals, or pedigree.Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations
25-9021.00Farm and Home Management EducatorsInstruct and advise individuals and families engaged in agriculture, agricultural-related processes, or home management activities. Demonstrate procedures and apply research findings to advance agricultural and home management activities. May develop educational outreach programs. May instruct on either agricultural issues such as agricultural processes and techniques, pest management, and food safety, or on home management issues such as budgeting, nutrition, and child development.Educational Instruction and Library Occupations
11-9013.00Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural ManagersPlan, direct, or coordinate the management or operation of farms, ranches, greenhouses, aquacultural operations, nurseries, timber tracts, or other agricultural establishments. May hire, train, and supervise farm workers or contract for services to carry out the day-to-day activities of the managed operation. May engage in or supervise planting, cultivating, harvesting, and financial and marketing activities.Management Occupations
45-1011.00First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry WorkersDirectly supervise and coordinate the activities of agricultural, forestry, aquacultural, and related workers.Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations
13-1011.00Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and AthletesRepresent and promote artists, performers, and athletes in dealings with current or prospective employers. May handle contract negotiation and other business matters for clients.Business and Financial Operations Occupations
27-3011.00Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc JockeysSpeak or read from scripted materials, such as news reports or commercial messages, on radio, television, or other communications media. May play and queue music, announce artist or title of performance, identify station, or interview guests.Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occ
25-1122.00Communications Teachers, PostsecondaryTeach courses in communications, such as organizational communications, public relations, radio/television broadcasting, and journalism. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.Educational Instruction and Library Occupations
27-2099.00Entertainers and Performers, Sports and Related Workers, All OtherAll entertainers and performers, sports and related workers not listed separately.Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occ
27-3023.00News Analysts, Reporters, and JournalistsNarrate or write news stories, reviews, or commentary for print, broadcast, or other communications media such as newspapers, magazines, radio, or television. May collect and analyze information through interview, investigation, or observation.Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occ
27-3031.00Public Relations SpecialistsPromote or create an intended public image for individuals, groups, or organizations. May write or select material for release to various communications media. May specialize in using social media.Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occ
Cost To Complete
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This section provides you with a very high-level estimate of your costs and is purely intended as a guide. You should consult the institution via College Connect to get a more detailed estimate based on the totality of your circumstances. The selections below are based on information gathered from your Profile and the estimated costs are calculated based on the 120 credits remaining to be completed

Please select the "Cumulative Months of Service" that determine your Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits.
Estimated Cost for the Bachelor of Science in Equestrian Studies at Averett University
These costs are based on an estimated 8 semesters or 4 years remaining to complete this degree (assuming a full-time load of 16 hours per semester)
Category Cost Basis Cost (To You) Estimated Benefits Net Cost Notes
Tuition $19,200 Per Semester $153,600 $0 $153,600 Undergraduate
Fees
Enrollment Deposit $300 Per Semester $2,400 0 $2,400 One time fee to hold place in the incoming class
Technology Fee $75 Per Semester $600 0 $600
Technology Fee $150 Per Semester $1,200 0 $1,200
*Please note that the above estimated costs do not include all Federal, State or other financial aid, grants, scholarships, etc. for which you may qualify. All such aid could substantially reduce these costs.
Tuition & Fee Notes:
  • Additional Fees
    • Additional Fees may include graduation fee ($125), lab fees (varies), program specific fees (aviation, equestrian, nursing, etc) (varies), housing (varies), mean plans (varies)
Other Financial Aid to Pay for College:
  • You may be eligible for additional financial aid from Federal, State, and Local sources. Military education benefits are not considered in determining eligibility for federal financial aid. Everyone is therefore encouraged to apply for federal financial aid by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), because many will qualify for additional educational funds like Pell Grants, worth over $5,500/yr.