How Working Adults Are Earning Animal Science Degrees on Their Own Schedule
Are you interested in horse behavior studies but can’t afford to leave your job?
You have company. Thousands of people earn animal science degrees every year from the comfort of their home. Better yet? They’re doing it without ever setting foot on a campus. Here’s the crazy part.
They’re doing it entirely on their own time.
The Problem
If you’re interested in horse behavior studies, chances are you already have a full-time job. Maybe you work at a stable. Maybe you’ve got a small equine-related business. Or perhaps you’re working in vet support? Whatever the case, taking time away from what you do to sit in a classroom isn’t feasible.
Until now.
The Solution?
Distance learning.
What’s Inside:
- Why Horse Behavior Studies Are In Demand
- How Distance Learning Makes It Possible
- Things To Look For In A Horse Behavior Studies Program
- Job Opportunities After Graduation
Why Horse Behavior Studies Are In Demand
Horses are big business.
In fact, the entire equine industry generates $177 billion in total value and provides jobs for 2.2 million Americans. That’s a lot of horsies. And for every person who works with horses, there’s a need for qualified professionals who understand their behavior. Putting someone in charge of caring for horses without the right education and experience is a recipe for disaster.
That’s why horse behavior studies are so important. Horse trainers, breeders, veterinarians and stable managers all benefit from an education focused on equine behavior. When it comes to caring for these sensitive animals, understanding how they think, behave and respond to stimuli is key.
By enrolling in an equine science degree online that offers horse behavior studies, working professionals can gain the qualifications they need without losing their current income.
Interested yet?
How Distance Learning Makes It Possible
Online learning used to be looked at as something of a last resort. It was never really considered a “real” college. But that could not be further from the truth. Right now, nearly 25% of all students are enrolled in programs that exist exclusively online. For working learners and parents juggling kids, that number is significantly higher.
It’s also worth noting that these numbers continue to grow. According to recent data from the National Student Clearinghouse, enrollment for the Fall of 2024 by “nontraditional” students (21 years or older) increased anywhere from 17-20% year-over-year. Traditional “freshman” enrollment actually declined during this same timeframe.
Traditional college as we know it is slowly dying.
Guess who’s picking up the slack?
Students who don’t want schooling to interfere with their jobs or family responsibilities are driving the online education industry. And schools are listening. When you take a look at leading online animal science programs, you’ll notice that almost all of them are built from the ground up with working adults in mind. Asynchronous coursework. Flexible deadlines. Night and weekend “classrooms” via discussion boards. If you can log in to your student portal, you can earn your degree.
Makes sense, right?
Things To Look For In A Horse Behavior Studies Program
Curious about how to find the right program for you? Online degrees can be tricky to evaluate, especially since not all universities will market their programs as “horse behavior studies.” Here’s what you should look for when seeking out the right program:
Accreditation – You’ve heard this one a thousand times and that’s because it’s important. Accreditation ensures your degree will be valued by employers and industry professionals. Additionally, accreditation holds the program to specific criteria and ensures your coursework is up-to-date and relevant.
Equine Education – Does the school offer equine-specific courses? Will you be learning about nutrition? Behavior? Welfare? Reproduction? As mentioned before, a general animal science degree is great. But if your heart is set on horses, you’ll want to make sure the school offers equine-specific education.
Hands-On Training – Most universities will require their students to complete hands-on training in some capacity. Again, the specifics should be determined by accreditation standards and school resources. But will you spend time training under vets? Facilities? Breeders? This training will help you take what you learn online and put it to real-world use.
Other things to consider:
- Experienced professors who work or have worked in the equine industry
- Flexible start dates and self-paced course options
- Student support services designed for working adults
- Career support and job placement after graduation
Job Opportunities After Graduation
Got kids? They aren’t the only ones with dreams of what they want to be when they grow up. As an adult learner, you may be wondering if earning your degree is really worth it. Will it lead to a better job? Will it advance a career?
The answer is (mostly) yes. Not only does an animal science degree open new opportunities, but it also helps you stand out among your peers. Here are some careers you can pursue with a horse behavior studies degree:
Equine Behaviorist – An animal behaviorist works directly with horse trainers and owners to help analyze and improve behaviors.
Equine Nutritionist – An equine nutritionist develops personalized feeding programs for horses based on need and activity level.
Stable or Facility Manager – Work at a breeding farm, competition venue, or other equine facilities managing day-to-day operations.
Equine Therapy Specialist – Horses can be used as therapy for mental health and rehabilitation. Specialists work with horses to provide programs for those in need.
Veterinary Technician with an Equine Focus – Support veterinarians with diagnoses and patient care with a specialization in horses.
Picking just one of these careers is hard. But think about this…
You don’t have to pick just one.
The knowledge you learn from horse behavior studies will help you in any aspect of the equine industry. Employers are also realizing the value that comes with online education. Instead of writing it off as someone who wasn’t accepted to “real college,” more hiring managers are recognizing the determination it takes to balance school and full-time employment.
Conclusion
So there you have it.
Earning your animal science degree with horse behavior studies as your focus doesn’t mean you have to put your life on hold. Not only can working adults earn their degrees online, but they can do so without compromising their current jobs.
The horse industry is booming, there are jobs available and students who want to pursue a career related to horses need help from qualified professionals. By enrolling in an online program that offers horse behavior studies, you can help educate tomorrow’s horse professionals.
Here’s your takeaway:
- The horse industry provides jobs for over 2 million Americans and generates billions of dollars.
- Enrollment in online programs for adult learners continues to skyrocket.
- Look for accredited programs that offer equine-specific coursework.
- There are numerous careers focused solely on horses and many others that can benefit from horse behavior knowledge.
