COLLEGE STATION – The Department of Animal Science has established a new equine certificate that lays out a curriculum designed for students with a strong interest in equine science and industry.

Beginning this fall, students of any major can complete 22 credits in select equine courses and receive the equine certificate in addition to their bachelor’s degree.

“The equine certificate provides a structured curriculum for students with a strong interest in equine science, said Dr. David Forrest, associate head for academic programs.

“The equine industry offers significant employment opportunities for qualified graduates. Texas leads the nation with more than 1 million horses and over 500,000 people involved in the diverse components of the horse industry. The requirement to complete an equine internship will enhance the experiential learning of students to prepare them for a successful career.”

The coursework includes many existing courses as well as three new equine courses:  equine industry and career preparation, equine disease and epidemiology, and issues in the equine industry.  Upon completion, students will have knowledge in equine nutrition, reproduction, disease, handling, management, career preparation and industry issues.

“Students  have the opportunity to learn from equine expert faculty here at Texas A&M and use the facilities and animals already available. Now they will get recognition for a strong, solid equine education, which can potentially enhance their career opportunities and increase their exposure as being part of the equine science program at Texas A&M,” said Dr. Martha Vogelsang, senior lecturer in the Department of Animal Science.

For more information on seeking an equine certificate, contact the Department of Animal Science advising office at (979) 845-7616.

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For more information regarding news from the Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Texas A&M University, please contact Courtney Coufal at cacoufal@tamu.edu or (979) 845-1542.