Equine Administration Degree

Welcome to the Division of Equestrian Studies

WWU boasts an EQS Division that is instilled with history and success. The riding program started in 1924, and the four-year degree was instituted in 1972. The EQS Division offers students a traditional American approach to horsemanship which includes exposure to Saddle Seat, Hunt Seat, Western and Dressage. WWU graduates benefit from a broad foundation in horsemanship as well as a strong liberal arts education.

About the EQA Degree
The Equine Administration major was instituted by the Division of Equestrian Studies at William Woods University in 1992, where it joined an already established and nationally recognized program in Equestrian Science. Recognizing that the equine industry is made up of many diverse aspects, the university decided a major was needed that went beyond the strengths of the traditional equestrian major.The Equine Administration program at WWU is designed for those students who wish to pursue a career in the equine industry within the areas of business organizations, breed associations, facility managers or event managers and entrepreneurs.

Required Coursework
Students enrolled in the program receive both theoretical and applied experience through required course work. Course work in the major is started the first semester that the student is on campus. Applied course work includes techniques of both equine and facility management, show and event management and a minimum of three semesters of applied riding. Applied riding credits may be earned from any combination of the four disciplines taught at WWU: Dressage, Hunter/ Jumper, Saddle Seat and Western. Theoretical course work incorporates topics such as economics, entrepreneurship, promotion and public relations, law and taxation in equine specific formats. There are also five additional business and computer courses required to intensify the major. Go to the current academic catalog to check out the requirements for the EQA major.

Proficiency Exams
Beginning in the Fall 2009 semester, students in Equine Administration must demonstrate a required level of proficiency by the conclusion of their sophomore year in order to declare the major.

Collateral Coursework
Students enrolled in Equestrian Administration have the opportunity to take advantage of other programs taught at WWU. Of special interest to EQA students are courses in the area of accounting, business, computer and information science, equestrian science, mass communications, legal studies, sports medicine and the foreign languages.

Horse Shows
EQA students have the opportunity to participate in the numerous horse shows in which WWU participates throughout the academic year. Students are responsible for their entries, stabling and hauling fees as well as their own expenses when showing. Additional information on horse show cost is available.

EQA Minor
The Division of Equestrian Studies also offers a minor in Equine Administration.