Equine Science

Equine Degree, Equine Science Program, horse training, jobs that work with horses, equine program

The horse industry is highly diverse, supporting a wide variety of activities in all regions of the country. Of the approximately 9.2 million horses in the United States, nearly one million of those reside right here in Texas. This makes our great state one of the top places for training, breeding, showing, or teaching horses. There is no better place than NCTC’s Gainesville, Texas campus to make your dreams of working in the Equine Science field a reality. 

With our hands-on Equestrian-focused programming, you will learn all there is to know about training, breeding and management, while also deep diving into classroom instruction on the science and business aspects of the horse industry. You will walk away from our program with an in-depth understanding of every aspect of the horse industry, with the ability to secure a job that puts your skills and passions to the test.

Equine Science Degrees & Certificates

In our program, you may choose to earn a Basic Certificate, a Level 1 Certificate, or an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Degree from NCTC. Certificate courses easily transfer into the AAS Degree Program. From there, the AAS degree will transfer to several North Texas universities through AAS to BAAS transfer programs. These pathways ensure that your knowledge will continue to grow without losing any of the credit hours you have worked hard on over your time at NCTC. 

Upon graduation from our program, you will be able to aid in running an equine facility, comprehend farm management, utilize various programs needed to run equine facilities or programs, understand wildlife preservation and best practices, and even diagnose and treat the various diseases or ailments of horses.

Equine Science Basic Certificate

Equine Science Basic Certificate curriculum focuses on the business and managerial aspects of running an equine facility, whether this is as a sole proprietor or for a public, working ranch, or private equine facility. Coursework may also be applied to the Equine Science Certificate as well as the Equine Science AAS Degree program. The program is designed to take 16 weeks to complete.

Equine Science Certificate

Equine Science Certificate curriculum focuses on the physiology of reproduction as well as the business and management aspects of this side of the equine industry. This certificate is only offered in face-to-face delivery. The program is designed to take 32 weeks to complete.

Equine Science AAS

Course work in the Equine Science Degree focuses on the physiological and behavioral science aspects of the horse and related industry professions. The curriculum also prepares students for further academic study and transfer of credits toward a bachelor’s degree in an equine or Agriculture-related degree. This degree is completed primarily face-to-face; however, some of the core curriculum requirements may be completed online or at other NCTC campuses. The program is designed to take two years to complete.

Career Outlook

Places of Employment

  • Private or Corporate Owned Farms/Ranches

  • Horse Farm Input Suppliers/Resalers

  • Real Estate Agency/Broker

  • Horse Breeding Farms

  • Government Agencies

  • Equine Marketing Firms

  • Agribusiness Entities

  • Colleges & Universities

Jobs

  • Veterinarian/Veterinary Technician

  • Extension Horse Specialist

  • Horse Trainer/Riding Instructor

  • College Professor

  • Pedigree Analyst

  • County Agriculture Agent

  • Bloodstock Agent

  • Farm & Ranch Manager

  • Equine Nutritionist

Want to Learn and Compete?

This is where your passions and area of study will meet at an exciting crossroad! 

NCTC has Equestrian teams for both men and women, and we currently have spaces open to join our team in various capacities. Whether you are interested in riding, training, or caring for the horses, we may very well have a space for you! 

Throughout the year, we host three equestrian teams who compete against other two and four-year colleges throughout Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana; IHSA Western Show Team, Stock Horse Team, and Horse Judging Team. If this sounds like something you would be interested in, please check out our Equestrian team page here.

Ready to ride into your future?

Our Success Coaches are here to help you make decisions that will best align with your interests and future goals. Contact us today to get started on your Equine Science degree as soon as next semester!

Get Started

at NCTC

questions? send me a message

Ellen Black - Agriculture Instructor