Equine Studies: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Equine Studies is a comprehensive academic discipline centered on the scientific, practical, and historical aspects of horses and their integration into human activities. This program equips students with the knowledge and hands-on expertise needed to excel in equine care, training, and management across diverse environments—from competitive sports to recreational and professional settings.
- Horse Breeding and Genetics: Explores the principles of selective breeding, genetic inheritance, and reproductive technologies to enhance equine performance and health.
- Nutrition and Feeding Management: Focuses on dietary planning, nutrient requirements, and feeding strategies tailored to different life stages and activity levels of horses.
- Equine Health and Veterinary Science: Covers preventive care, common diseases, lameness evaluation, and collaborative practices with veterinary professionals to maintain optimal animal welfare.
- Horsemanship and Riding Technique: Develops proficiency in balance, coordination, and communication with horses through classical and modern riding disciplines.
- Horse Training and Behavior: Investigates learning theory, behavioral modification, and progressive training methods to build trust, responsiveness, and performance.
- Stable and Facility Management: Teaches operational planning, sanitation protocols, space utilization, and safety standards for barns, paddocks, and riding arenas.
- Equipment Maintenance and Saddle Fitting: Provides instruction in the selection, care, repair, and proper fitting of saddles, bridles, and other riding gear to ensure comfort and safety.
- History and Culture of the Horse: Examines the evolution of equine-human relationships across civilizations, including roles in transportation, warfare, sport, and art.
Equine Studies Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Equine Studies Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Equine Studies degrees, including Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary and Animal Trainers. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 28,810 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1041 | $86,350 | $49,080 - $160,870 | 8,700 | N/A |
| Animal Trainers 39-2011 | $38,750 | $29,120 - $70,800 | 20,110 | $18.63 |
Equine Studies Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $31,520 in Louisiana to $101,080 in Virginia—a 221% difference. The highest-paying states include Virginia, Maryland, and Michigan. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 28,810 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Equine Studies by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 46 institutions offering Equine Studies programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Equine Studies is found at College of Central Florida (CF) (61 graduates), Post University (58 graduates), Colorado State University (CSU), Fort Collins (50 graduates), The University of Findlay (UF) (50 graduates), and Bluegrass Community and Technical College (BCTC) (31 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 658 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| College of Central Florida (CF) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
61 | Ocala, Florida | Public | cf.edu |
| Post University |
Bachelor's
Other Award
|
58 | Waterbury, Connecticut | Private | post.edu |
| Colorado State University (CSU) |
Bachelor's
|
50 | Fort Collins, Colorado | Public | colostate.edu |
| The University of Findlay (UF) |
Associate's
Bachelor's
|
50 | Findlay, Ohio | Private | findlay.edu |
| Bluegrass Community and Technical College (BCTC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
31 | Lexington, Kentucky | Public | bluegrass.kctcs.edu |
| University of Missouri (Mizzou) |
Other Award
|
30 | Columbia, Missouri | Public | missouri.edu |
| Lamar Community College (LCC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
27 | Lamar, Colorado | Public | lamarcc.edu |
| Asbury University |
Bachelor's
|
24 | Wilmore, Kentucky | Private | asbury.edu |
| The University of Montana (UMW) |
Associate's
Bachelor's
|
23 | Dillon, Montana | Public | umwestern.edu |
| William Woods University (WWU) |
Bachelor's
|
20 | Fulton, Missouri | Private | williamwoods.edu |
| West Texas A & M University (WTAMU) |
Bachelor's
|
20 | Canyon, Texas | Public | wtamu.edu |
| Centenary University |
Associate's
Bachelor's
|
17 | Hackettstown, New Jersey | Private | centenaryuniversity.edu |
| Hocking College |
Associate's
|
15 | Nelsonville, Ohio | Public | hocking.edu |
| Johnson & Wales University |
Bachelor's
|
14 | Providence, Rhode Island | Private | jwu.edu |
| Midway University |
Bachelor's
|
13 | Midway, Kentucky | Private | midway.edu |
| Texas A & M University |
Bachelor's
|
13 | Commerce, Texas | Public | tamuc.edu |
| Northeastern Junior College (NJC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
12 | Sterling, Colorado | Public | njc.edu |
| Northwest College (NWC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
12 | Powell, Wyoming | Public | nwc.edu |
| Black Hawk College (BHC) |
Associate's
|
11 | Moline, Illinois | Public | bhc.edu |
| Rowan College of South Jersey (RCSJ) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
11 | Sewell, New Jersey | Public | rcsj.edu |
| New Mexico Junior College (NMJC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
11 | Hobbs, New Mexico | Public | nmjc.edu |
| Texas Tech University (TTU) |
Other Award
|
11 | Lubbock, Texas | Public | ttu.edu |
| Central Arizona College (CAC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
10 | Coolidge, Arizona | Public | centralaz.edu |
| SUNY Morrisville (SUNY Morrisville) |
Associate's
|
10 | Morrisville, New York | Public | morrisville.edu |
| Northern Wyoming Community College District (NWCCD) |
Other Award
|
10 | Sheridan, Wyoming | Public | sheridan.edu |
| St. Andrews University (SAU) |
Bachelor's
|
8 | Laurinburg, North Carolina | Private | sa.edu |
| Miles Community College |
Associate's
|
7 | Miles City, Montana | Public | milescc.edu |
| North Dakota State University (NDSU) |
Bachelor's
|
7 | Fargo, North Dakota | Public | ndsu.edu |
| Yavapai College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
6 | Prescott, Arizona | Public | yc.edu |
| Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) |
Bachelor's
|
6 | Savannah, Georgia | Private | scad.edu |
| Rocky Mountain College (RMC) |
Bachelor's
|
6 | Billings, Montana | Private | rocky.edu |
| Emory & Henry University (E&H) |
Bachelor's
|
6 | Emory, Virginia | Private | ehc.edu |
| Central Wyoming College (CWC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
6 | Riverton, Wyoming | Public | cwc.edu |
| Martin Community College (MCC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
5 | Williamston, North Carolina | Public | martincc.edu |
| Wilmington College |
Bachelor's
|
5 | Wilmington, Ohio | Private | wilmington.edu |
| Delaware Valley University (DelVal) |
Associate's
Bachelor's
|
5 | Doylestown, Pennsylvania | Private | delval.edu |
| Laramie County Community College (LCCC) |
Other Award
|
5 | Cheyenne, Wyoming | Public | lccc.wy.edu |
| Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC) |
Bachelor's
|
4 | Saint Mary of the Woods, Indiana | Private | smwc.edu |
| Averett University (AU) |
Bachelor's
|
4 | Danville, Virginia | Private | averett.edu |
| Stephens College |
Bachelor's
|
3 | Columbia, Missouri | Private | stephens.edu |
| Lake Erie College (LEC) |
Bachelor's
|
3 | Painesville, Ohio | Private | lec.edu |
| Otterbein University |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Westerville, Ohio | Private | otterbein.edu |
| Connors State College (CSC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
2 | Warner, Oklahoma | Public | connorsstate.edu |
| Wilson College |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Chambersburg, Pennsylvania | Private | wilson.edu |
| Highland Community College (HCC) |
Other Award
|
1 | Freeport, Illinois | Public | highland.edu |
| Nueta Hidatsa Sahnish College (NHSC) |
Associate's
|
1 | New Town, North Dakota | Public | nhsc.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Equine Studies programs
How much can I earn with a Equine Studies degree?
Salaries for Equine Studies graduates vary by role and location. Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary earn a median of $86,350 annually, while Animal Trainers earn around $38,750. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Virginia average $101,080 compared to $31,520 in Louisiana. Approximately 28,810 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Equine Studies programs?
Currently 46 accredited institutions offer Equine Studies degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include College of Central Florida (CF) (61 graduates), Post University (58 graduates), and Colorado State University (CSU), Fort Collins (50 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Equine Studies growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 670 in 2010 to a peak of 701 in 2020, before declining slightly to 658 in 2023-24. This represents a 2% decrease overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with consistent demand, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Equine Studies degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, Animal Trainers, . Related occupations employ approximately 28,810 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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