Majors and Minors

Equine Science Majors and Minor

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• Equine Business Management

  This program is designed for the student whose primary interest is pursuing a career managing an equine facility, and/or being involved in other equine-related businesses, including equine insurance adjusters, bloodstock agents, editors and writers, administrators of racing and breeding organizations, racetrack and breeding farm administrators, and those involved in the marketing of horses or horse-related products.

  This course of study prepares you for careers in the business and facility management aspects of the 112 billion dollar equine industry. The intensively horse-centered curriculum is balanced by strong business preparation.

  Detailed information about the curriculum of this major (PDF).

  Possible careers include:

  • Facility Operator, Farm/Ranch Manager
  • Specialized Insurance Agent
  • County Agriculture Agent
  • Lobbyist
  • Equine Journalist, Writer or Publisher
  • Administrator of Sport Disciplines and Breed Organizations
  • Racetrack Industry Participant
  • Bloodstock Agent
  • College Instructor
  • Auctioneer
  • Farrier
  • Breeding manager
  • International Horse Tour Guide
  • Competition Facility Manager
  • Youth Director
  • Equine Therapy Counselor, Assistant, Coordinator
  • Program Coordinator
  • Horse Show Event Manager
  • Advertising Sales Manager
  • Equestrian Artist, Photographer
  • Equine Industry Marketer
  • Equestrian Clinician
  • Distributor of Horses and Horse-Related Products

  Students wishing to pursue graduate degrees will be well prepared to apply to law, MBA, architecture and accounting schools. EBM major students will be encouraged to follow one of the following minors:

  • General Business
  • Management
  • Pre- MBA

  The Equine Business Management Minor (EBMM) is available to majors from other departments who wish to further their knowledge of the equine industry. Students have the option of classes ranging from those with little horse contact to those that emphasize horse handling and equestrian skills, in line with their interests or career goals.

   

• Equine Preveterinary Medicine/Pregraduate Studies

  This program prepares students for entry into graduate school programs and colleges of veterinary medicine. Many undergraduate research opportunities are available. This major provides a unique opportunity for preveterinary medicine students to work with horses at our Austin E. Knowlton Center for Equine Science, producing horse-experienced veterinary students.

  This major is an excellent, hands-on learning experience for pre-veterinary medicine students and students interested in pursuing graduate studies emphasizing horses.

  This major provides a unique opportunity for preveterinary medicine students and students interested in pursuing graduate studies to work with horses at the Knowlton Center, producing horse-experienced veterinary students.

  In addition to fulfilling the specific requirements for entry into a graduate or veterinary program, students study the horse in depth, one body system at a time, learning about the normal anatomy and physiology, diseases and disorders, current diagnostic modalities, treatments, prognosis and prevention. Farrier science courses are also included in the curriculum.

  The students are prepared for entry into graduate school programs, including veterinary medicine. Students work closely with their advisors to fulfill specific prerequisites of each individual science-related graduate program including veterinary medicine. Many undergraduate research opportunities are available and internship experiences in their areas of interest are strongly recommended.

  Detailed information about the curriculum of this major (PDF).

• Equine Veterinary Technology

  This program offers a career as a Registered Veterinary Technician with an emphasis on horses.

  This course of study prepares students for careers as Registered Veterinary Technicians, the nurses of veterinary medicine. Although students work with several animal species, Otterbein’s Austin E. Knowlton Center for Equine Science provides a variety of opportunities to learn specific equine-related skills. Graduates are qualified to work as a veterinary technician at any veterinary clinic or hospital, rehabilitation center, or breeding facility.

  This major is derived from an articulation agreement between Columbus State Community College’s Veterinary Technology Program, fully accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association, and Otterbein’s Department of Equine Science. Students pay tuition to Columbus State when taking courses there, and to Otterbein when courses are taken here. Ohio residency status will affect the Columbus State tuition.

  Students complete half of their clinical experience at The Ohio State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital and half at a veterinary medical practice. They acquire skills in hematology, parasitology, microbiology, surgical techniques, and anesthesia, to name a few.

  At the end of four years, with the successful completion of requirements from both institutions, the student earns the Associate of Applied Science degree in Veterinary Technology from Columbus State Community College and the Baccalaureate degree in Equine Veterinary Technology from Otterbein University. Once the Veterinary Technician National Examination is successfully completed, the graduate is recognized as a Registered Veterinary Technician. Specific state exams will allow students to practice in states other than Ohio.

  Detailed information about the curriculum of this major (PDF).

• Equine Studies Minor

  This program provides a venue for those students majoring in another department, but who wish to further their knowledge of the equine and its care, with the option of furthering their equestrian skills. Students taking this minor will broaden their perspectives through their experiences working with horses.