M.S. in Horse Science at MTSU

Master of Science in Horse Science

The Master of Science in Horse Science (MSHS) program at MTSU centers a curriculum designed to prepare graduates trained for the multifaceted equine industry. The MSHS tailors a program to match a student's interest and produce graduates that are able to adapt to and thrive in this dynamic field. Horse Science faculty mentor students in their curriculum development, training in scientific methods, principles of equine student education and instruction, and general industry practices. All M.S. degree candidates share a common core of course work in statistics, research methods, and multiple disciplines within Horse Science and Animal Science. In addition, a significant number of elective credit hours are available, thus permitting each student the opportunity to customize his or her individual program by taking courses offered by other departments. This interdisciplinary approach strengthens graduates' training in specific areas of interest and career trajectories.

Students may choose one of three concentrations: Equine Physiology, Industry Management, or Equine Education. The Equine Physiology concentration emphasizes an interdisciplinary, science-based curriculum structured to build knowledge of scientific principles and apply these principles to a thesis research project related to equine science. In the Industry Management concentration, students will structure their curriculum for a specific industry-related career. Students enrolled in the Equine Education concentration will acquire a skill set needed to teach and provide instruction at a post-secondary equine program or within the Cooperative Extension Service. The MSHS program will provide a depth of knowledge in equine science and increase a graduate's comprehension of disciplines that interface with the equine industry.

The M.S. in Horse Science requires completion of a 15 credit core and 21 credits in a concentration as shown below.

Core Requirements (15 credit hours):
STAT 5140	Probabilistic and Statistical Reasoning	3 hrs
ABAS 5420	Genetics of Domestic Livestock	3 hrs
ABAS 6440	Advanced Equine Nutrition	3 hrs
ABAS 6170	Issues in Equine Industry	2 hrs
ABAS 6000	Research Methods in Agricultural Science	3 hrs
ABAS 6100	Graduate Seminar	1 hr

Equine Physiology Concentration (21 credits):
BIOL 5170	Endocrinology	3 hrs
CHEM 6500	Intermediate Biochemistry	3 hrs
STAT 6020	Introduction to Biostatistics	3 hrs
BIOL 6330	Principles of Physiology	4 hrs
ABAS 6090	Equine Reproductive Physiology	3 hrs
ABAS 6640	Thesis Research	3 hrs
	Electives	2 hrs

Equine Education Concentration (21 credit hours):
ABAS 5450	Coaching and Teaching for Equine Competitions	3 hrs
LSM 6500	Legal Issues and Risk Management in Physical Education, Sport, and Leisure Services	3 hrs
LSM 6630	Philosophy and Principles of Human Performance	3 hrs
ABAS 6500 OR ABAS 6640	Equine Experiential Learning OR Thesis Research	3 hrs
	Electives	9 hrs

Industry Management Concentration (21 credit hours):
ABAS 6040	Advanced Equine Event and Facility Management	3 hrs
MKT 6000*	Marketing Concepts	3 hrs
MGMT 6000*	Management and Operations Concepts	3 hrs
LSM 6510*	Sports Management	3 hrs
LSM 6520*	Sport Event Planning, Promotion, and Fundraising	3 hrs
ABAS 6500 OR ABAS 6640	Equine Experiential Learning OR Thesis Research	3 hrs
	Electives	9 hrs
*Students must choose two of the four courses as part of the industry management core.

For additional information about the program, please contact Dr. Patrick Kayser.

Admission Criteria:

College of Graduate Studies Admission Criteria:

1. A baccalaureate degree.

2. An undergraduate gpa of at least 2.75.

3. Approval of the Dean of Graduate Studies

M.S. in Horse Science program Admission Criteria:

In addition to the College of Graduate Studies Admission Criteria above, the following are required for admission into the M.S. in Horse Science program:

4. Three letters of recommendation from professors or professionals that address the applicant's potential to successfully complete a M.S. curriculum in Horse Science.

5. Official scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Miller Analogies Test (MAT).

6. Official transcripts of previous college work reflecting a 3.0 GPA (scale 0-4) from a minimum of 12 credits of undergraduate, upper-division Animal Science and/or Equine Science courses or equivalent industry experience as approved by the Horse Science Graduate Committee.

7. Applicants must participate in an interview with the Horse Science Graduate Committee at the applicant's expense prior to final acceptance into the program.

Application deadlines: October 1 (for spring semester), April 15 (for fall semester).

Apply for Graduate Admission

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