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Horse Science

Why should you study Horse Science at MTSU? What careers are available? Most people consider the obvious ones first: horse trainer, riding teacher, groom, barn manager, breeding/foaling manager, veterinarian, farrier—careers that require hands-on work directly with horses. Many people do not consider the depth and scope of the U.S. horse industry. According to a 2018 survey by the American Horse Council, there are 7.2 million horses in the United States today. The horse industry contributes $122 billion to the gross domestic product and pays over $2 million in taxes annually. Over 1.3 million people own horses; 38 million people are horse enthusiasts who participate in horse activities but do not own a horse, and tens of millions of spectators enjoy horse events annually. The U.S. horse industry supports approximately 454,000 full-time-equivalent jobs directly involved with horses, and 988,000 full-time indirect horse industry jobs that do not include hands-on work with horses but instead provide support to the industry.

At MTSU, students study with faculty who have a wide range of expertise as they find their niche and prepare for a future in the multi-billion-dollar horse industry. All levels of students are welcome, from beginner to world champion—we will teach you, one stride at a time.

Live outside of Tennessee? You could be eligible for in-state tuition and save thousands of dollars.


What We're Doing

The House of Horse

The House of Horse

Located seven miles from the main campus and part of the 125-acre Tennessee Miller Coliseum complex, the state-of-the-art MTSU Horse Science Center is home to our lesson horses, breeding herd, two master classrooms, an equine clinic and reproduction laboratory, faculty offices and conference room, heated barn with 60 climate-controlled stalls, the enclosed 105' x 230' Anne Brzezicki teaching arena, and five nationally ranked horse science faculty who are available daily. An additional outdoor arena, jump course, free-stall horse exerciser, and two training round pens are also on site. Future plans include completion of the 2500-square-foot horse science annex, to include a scientific laboratory, graduate student offices, tack storage area, and locker room.

Equestrian, Stock Horse and Horse Judging Teams

Equestrian, Stock Horse and Horse Judging Teams

Compete at the collegiate level in our nationally recognized teams: the MTSU Equestrian Team, the MTSU Stock Horse Team, and the MTSU Horse Judging Team.  The MTSU Equestrian Team competes in the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) in hunter seat equitation on the flat and over fences, western horsemanship, and reining. All levels are welcome, from walk–trot to open riders. The Equestrian Team has qualified riders for the IHSA National Championship for every year (except one) since 1988. Over the years, Equestrian Team riders have earned 18 National Champion titles. The MTSU Stock Horse Team is our newest team, but it is already a two-time Division II Collegiate National Champion team. Students compete in and host American Stock Horse Association certified shows and open ranch shows, with classes in Stock Horse Pleasure, Trail, Reining, and Working Cow Horse. The MTSU Horse Judging Team has competed at regional and national contests for over 35 years. The group has won the World Championship Quarter Horse Show contest twice. The group has won the World Championship Quarter Horse Show contest twice and the Quarter Horse Congress judging contest three times.


Related Media

  • MTSU True Blue Preview: Horse Science

    MTSU True Blue Preview: Horse Science

  • Stock Horse and Equestrian Teams' Win Big | "Out of the Blue" June 2021

    Stock Horse and Equestrian Teams' Win Big | "Out of the Blue" June 2021

  • MTSU | The University of Opportunities

    MTSU | The University of Opportunities

 
 
 

As is true of most multi-billion-dollar industries, there are plenty of career opportunities that involve hands-on interaction with horses; however, there are even more careers that do not—that function more in a support role. Career examples include:

  • Journalist for any of the major horse publications (breed or discipline-specific magazines); editor of horse publications; photographer; ad or website designer for horse publications or organizations; realtor specializing in horse properties; equine sales and marketing
  • Sales and marketing of support supplies: trucks, trailers, fencing, stables, tack and equipment, health supplies, riding attire, feed, hay, etc.; pharmaceutical representative selling products to equine veterinarians and horse owners
  • Licensed horse show officials including inspectors, judges, show managers, show stewards, show announcers, regional representatives and other designated qualified persons
  • Course designer for horse events (jumping, trail, eventing, combined driving, etc.); trailer designer; architect or engineer specializing in equine facilities, coliseums, riding arenas and stables; agricultural engineer; racing regulator, racing steward, timing official, handicapper, tattoo inspector, racing secretary
  • Lawyer specializing in equine law, liability, equine contracts, environmental law, equine syndication
  • Public relations for a breed or discipline-specific association; breed registry official; blood typing specialist
  • Equine scientist; equine geneticist; equine exercise physiologist; immunologist; formulation and testing of equine vaccines; equine behaviorist; equine reproductive physiologist; specialist in artificial insemination and embryo transfer
  • Equine nutritionist, equine feed specialist or nutrition laboratory technician; feed development specialist, pasture management specialist
  • Therapist specializing in therapeutic riding and equine assisted therapies
  • Financial planner specializing in equine businesses; credit agent for horse properties; equine insurance agent
  • Horse extension specialist or extension agent (people who teach best management practices regarding horses to new owners); rangeland management specialist, Bureau of Land Management official; mounted police officer
  • University professor specializing in horses, technical school teacher, high school FFA teacher, 4-H program coordinator
  • Equine or large animal veterinarian or board-certified veterinarian specializing in surgery, ophthalmology, radiology, pathology, pharmacology, clinical nutrition, gastroenterology, osteopathy, theriogenology, and others; equine sports medicine and rehabilitation specialist; veterinary technician, radiography technician, laboratory technician

You may know already the horse career of your choice, or you may still be searching. MTSU’s Horse Science Program provides a variety of course experiences that will help you decide and provides the tools you need to be successful in the horse industry.

Employers of MTSU alumni include

  • American Quarter Horse Association
  • American Paint Horse Association
  • Dechra Veterinary Products
  • Farm Credit Services Mid-America
  • Merck Animal Health
  • MWI Veterinary Supply
  • National Institute of Health
  • Nolensville Equine Hospital
  • Purdue University
  • Purina
  • Shenandoah Mills
  • Tractor Supply Company
  • Taylor Farms
  • Tennessee Department of Agriculture
  • Tennessee Farm Bureau
  • Tennessee Farmers Coop
  • Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders and Exhibitors Association
  • Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency
  • University of Tennessee Extension Service
  • Walking Horse Owners Association

The MTSU Horse Science program offers a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Horse Science. Other majors in the School of Agriculture leading to a B.S. are Animal ScienceAgribusiness, Fermentation Science and Plant and Soil Science.

For complete curriculum details, click on the REQUIREMENTS button to the right.

Students may also choose to follow the pre-veterinary medicine path of study. Undergraduate and graduate minors are available in Agriculture.

In addition to a major area of study, MTSU students also choose a minor to support their career goals. Some minors commonly chosen include Entrepreneurship, Business Administration, Marketing, Management, Recreation, Writing, and Leadership Studies, but the choices are endless. Alternately, some students choose to major in another area of study, and then take primarily Horse Science courses for their Agriculture minor.

Graduate students in the Horse Science program at MTSU can pursue a Master of Science (M.S.) with one of three concentrations: Equine Education, Equine Physiology, or Industry Management.

Horse Science, B.S.

Agriculture 
Alyssa Logan, program coordinator
615-494-8849
Alyssa.Logan@mtsu.edu
 

The B.S. in Horse Science is designed to enhance preparation of students for careers in the multidisciplinary U.S. horse industry. The Horse Science major provides comprehensive course work in horse care and health, horsemanship equitation, selection and evaluation, behavior and training, genetic, nutrition, reproductive physiology, exercise physiology, equine event and facility management, and equine-assisted activities and therapies.

Academic Map

Following is a printable, suggested four-year schedule of courses:

Horse Science, B.S., Academic Map  

Degree Requirements

General Education41 hours
Major Requirements46-47 hours
Supporting Courses16 hours*
Electives16-25 hours
TOTAL120 hours

*This program requires courses that can also fulfill requirements of the General Education curriculum. If program requirements are also used to fulfill General Education requirements, the number of elective hours will increase.

General Education (41 hours)

General Educationrequirements (shown in curricular listings below) include courses in Communication, History, Humanities and/or Fine Arts, Mathematics, Natural Sciences, and Social/Behavioral Sciences.

The following courses required by the program meet General Education requirements:

Major Requirements (46-47 hours)

  • AGBS 1210 - Principles of Agribusiness

    3 credit hours

    An overview of the food and agriculture industry, agricultural markets, agriculture supply chains, and the structure of agribusinesses.

  • AGRI 1000 - Orientation in Agriculture

    1 credit hour

    Covers topics related to agriculture including career opportunities, industry trends, and controversial issues. Familiarizes students with School of Agriculture facilities, extracurricular activities, faculty, and academic programs.

 

  • ANSC 1410 - Introduction to Animal Science  3 credit hours  
    OROR  dotslash:OR title:OR 
    OR 

    ANSC 1410 - Introduction to Animal Science

    3 credit hours

    Overview of the science, production, and management of domestic animal species, including beef cattle, dairy cattle, sheep, goats, swine, poultry, horses, and companion animals. Topics include reproduction; breeds, breeding, and genetics; nutrition and feeding; animal health; management; and products processing and marketing.

  • ANSC 1401 - Introduction to Animal and Veterinary Sciences

    3 credit hours

    Focuses on the introduction and overview of the animal and veterinary sciences disciplines. Reproduction, breeding and genetics, nutrition and feeding, animal health, management, and products processing and marketing of beef cattle, dairy cattle, sheep, goats, swine, poultry, horses, and companion animals included. 

 

  • PLSO 1610 - Elements of Plant Science

    3 credit hours

    Fundamental plant processes; plant tissues, structures, environment, growth, development, reproduction, and propagation. Lecture/Lab.

  • ANSC 3440 - Livestock Management

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisites: ANSC 1410; junior or senior standing. Management practices for farm animal species. Practices include animal handling, restraint techniques, feeding, milking, castrations, identification methods, and herd health problems. Lecture/lab.

 

  • PLSO 3340 - Fundamentals of Soil Science  3 credit hours  
    OROR  dotslash:OR title:OR 
    OR 

    PLSO 3340 - Fundamentals of Soil Science

    3 credit hours

    Introduces soil science with emphasis placed on soil physical, biological, and chemical properties. Relates soil conditions to land use applications, plant growth, and environmental quality. Lecture/Lab.

  • PLSO 4310 - Forage Crops  3 credit hours  

    PLSO 4310 - Forage Crops

    3 credit hours

    Adaptation, distribution, establishment, management, culture, and utilization of forage legumes and grasses. Lecture/lab.

 

  • HORS 2400 - Fundamentals of Horsemanship

    3 credit hours

    Behavior, philosophy, and language for communicating with and influencing the equine athlete. Develops basic control skills, balance and coordination, gaits; use of equipment; understanding equestrian competition. Two-hour lecture and two-hour laboratory each week.

  • HORS 2480 - Equine Evaluation and Selection

    3 credit hours

    Individual parts, conformation, and gaits of the horse as they relate to selecting and judging horses for production, recreation, and sport.

 

  • HORS 3040 - Stable Management  3 credit hours  
    OROR  dotslash:OR title:OR 
    OR 

    HORS 3040 - Stable Management

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: HORS 2400 or approval of instructor. Business aspects of horse facility management and ownership emphasized. Practical approaches to management of horses and responsible horse ownership also covered. Lecture/lab.

  • HORS 3430 - Horse Production  3 credit hours  

    HORS 3430 - Horse Production

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: HORS 1110 or ANSC 1410 or approval of instructor. Scientific principles relevant to production requirements of horses as related to behavior, exercise physiology, reproductive physiology, growth, age, and clinical support. Facilities management, marketing, legal aspects of horse ownership, and career opportunities covered. Lecture/lab.

 

  • HORS 3300 - Equine Health  3 credit hours  

    HORS 3300 - Equine Health

    3 credit hours

    Familiarizes students with normal physiologic parameters and how to recognize and deal with health issues of horses. Topics include care of the pregnant broodmare, foal care, routine health maintenance, infectious diseases, commonly used medications, dentistry, lameness, neurological diseases, colic, parasites, ophthalmology, dermatology, reproduction, geriatrics, and alternative therapies. Lecture/lab.

  • HORS 3410 - Horse Breeds and Genetics

    3 credit hours

    A review of the history of the horse from the prehistoric era to present day with a focus on the development and contributions of horse breeds in the U.S. and state horse industry. Roles of breed associations, principles of genetics, selection of desired traits, genetic abnormalities associated with specific breeds, and matching breeds to disciplines discussed.

 

  • HORS 4090 - Equine Reproduction and Breeding  3 credit hours  
    OROR  dotslash:OR title:OR 
    OR 

    HORS 4090 - Equine Reproduction and Breeding

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: HORS 2110 or HORS 3040 or HORS 3430 or approval of instructor. Reproductive anatomy and physiology of the stallion and mare as they relate to modern breeding practices. Vocational training in semen handling, artificial insemination, and neonatal care. Two hours lecture and two hours laboratory each week.

  • HORS 4550 - Equine Exercise Physiology

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: HORS 2400 or approval of instructor. Applied aspects of equine exercise physiology, including physical, physiological, metabolic and mental adaptation to athletic training, exercise metabolism, thermoregulation, biomechanics of movement, effects of surface and footing, common unsoundnesses observed during training and competition, exercising testing, and an overview of shoeing for performance.  

 

  • ANSC, AGBS, HORS, or PLSO elective 3 credit hours
  • HORS 4440 - Equine Nutrition and Feeding

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisites: HORS 1110 and HORS 2110 or HORS 2400 and CHEM 1020/CHEM 1021 or CHEM 1120/CHEM 1121 with grades of C- or better, or approval of instructor. Equine digestion and utilization of nutrients, appropriate feeds and feeding management, and diseases with a nutritional component. Nutrient requirements for the horse at various stages, including maintenance, reproduction, growth, performance, age, and clinical support discussed.

 

  • HORS 4040 - Equine Event and Facility Management  3 credit hours  
    orOR  dotslash:OR title:or 
    OR 

    HORS 4040 - Equine Event and Facility Management

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: HORS 3040 or ANSC 3440 or approval of instructor. Fundamentals of managing equine and other livestock events and facilities covered. Involves active participation in preparing for and conducting equine events held on campus. Lecture/lab.

  • HORS 4170 - Equine Industry  3 credit hours  
    OROR  dotslash:OR title:OR 
    OR 

    HORS 4170 - Equine Industry

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisites: AGBS 1210 or AGBS 3130 and HORS 3040 or approval of instructor. Operational strategies and management issues facing the equine enterprises. Financial, legal, and taxation issues pertaining to the U.S. and international equine industry. Lecture/lab.

  • HORS 4450 - Techniques of Teaching Horsemanship  3 credit hours  
    OROR  dotslash:OR title:OR 
    OR 

    HORS 4450 - Techniques of Teaching Horsemanship

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisites: HORS 2400, HORS 3400, and HORS 4400 or approval of instructor. Development of communication, evaluation, and presentation skills for teaching horsemanship. Two-hour lecture and two-hour laboratory each week.

  • HORS 4460 - Behavior and Training of Horses  4 credit hours  
    OROR  dotslash:OR title:OR 
    OR 

    HORS 4460 - Behavior and Training of Horses

    4 credit hours

    Prerequisites: HORS 2400, HORS 3400, HORS 4400, and approval of instructor. The psychology, theory, and practice of training and behavior modification in horses. Students assigned a project horse for the semester. Two hours lecture and four hours laboratory per week.

  • HORS 4540 - Equine Assisted Therapy  3 credit hours  
    OROR  dotslash:OR title:OR 
    OR 

    HORS 4540 - Equine Assisted Therapy

    3 credit hours

    Focuses on the effective modality of the horse/human bond as it relates to various forms of equine-assisted therapy with an emphasis on therapeutic riding for people with disabilities. Management of a NARHA-approved therapeutic program and instructor certification also covered. One hour classroom lecture, online, and experiential learning components.

  • HORS 4545 - Equine Assisted Activities and Therapies II  3 credit hours  
    OROR  dotslash:OR title:OR 
    OR 

    HORS 4545 - Equine Assisted Activities and Therapies II

    3 credit hours

    In-depth education for equine assisted activities and therapies (EAAT), including business planning and administration, lesson planning and structure, and equine selection and management. Offers preparation for those seeking a career within EAAT services and organizations. Two one-hour lectures and one two-hour laboratory per week.  

  • HORS 4580 - Advanced Judging of Horses

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: HORS 2480. Systems of judging for current horse show disciplines and exercises for students who aspire to become professional judges. Ethics, contracts with management, and procedures for becoming a judge are part of focus.

Supporting Courses (16 hours)

  • BIOL 1110 - General Biology I

    4 credit hours

    Prerequisite: MATH 1710 with C- or better of MATH ACT of 19 or higher. Corequisite: BIOL 1111. Primarily for Biology majors and minors and other science-oriented students. Biological principles and processes, including introduction to the nature of science, cells (structure, function, metabolism, division), genetics, evolution, viruses, bacteria, protists, and fungi. Three hours lecture and one three-hour laboratory. While BIOL 1110 can be used to fulfill half the 8-hour General Education requirement for Natural Sciences, it is the first semester of a two-semester sequence primarily designed for science majors. TBR Common Course: BIOL 1110

  • BIOL 1111 - General Biology I Lab  0 credit hours  
    (may be counted)(may be counted in General Education)  dotslash:(may be counted in General Education) title:(may be counted) 
    (may be counted in General Education) 

    BIOL 1111 - General Biology I Lab

    0 credit hours

    Corequisite: BIOL 1110. TBR Common Course: BIOL 1111

 

  • BIOL 1120 - General Biology II  4 credit hours  
    ANDAND  dotslash:AND title:AND 
    AND 

    BIOL 1120 - General Biology II

    4 credit hours

    Prerequisite: BIOL 1110/BIOL 1111. Corequisite: BIOL 1121. Primarily for Biology majors and minors and other science-oriented students. Survey of plants and animals emphasizing evolution, structure, function, reproduction, growth, and ecology. Three hours lecture and one three-hour laboratory. TBR Common Course: BIOL 1120

 

  • CHEM 1010 - Introductory General Chemistry I

    4 credit hours

    Corequisite: CHEM 1011. For students with no prior courses in chemistry; to be taken before CHEM 1110/CHEM 1111. Fundamental concepts of chemistry: measurements, matter, chemical bonds, chemical reactions, nuclear chemistry, states of matter, solutions, and electrolytes. Three hours of lecture and one three-hour laboratory. Will not count toward a major or minor in Chemistry. TBR Common Course: CHEM 1010

  • CHEM 1011 - Intro to General Chemistry I Lab  0 credit hours  
    (may be counted)(may be counted in General Education)  dotslash:(may be counted in General Education) title:(may be counted) 
    (may be counted in General Education) 

    CHEM 1011 - Intro to General Chemistry I Lab

    0 credit hours

    Corequisite: CHEM 1010. TBR Common Course: CHEM 1011

OR

  • CHEM 1110 - General Chemistry I

    4 credit hours

    Prerequisites: High school chemistry and MATH 1710 with grade of C (2.0) or better or MATH ACT score of 19 or higher or CHEM 1010 with grade of C (2.0) or better. Corequisite: CHEM 1111. Fundamental concepts of atomic structure, molecular structure and bonding, chemical reactions, stoichiometric relationships, periodic properties of the elements, thermochemistry, and properties of gases. Three hours of lecture and one three-hour laboratory. TBR Common Course: CHEM 1110.

 

  • CHEM 1020 - Introductory General Chemistry II  4 credit hours  
    ANDAND  dotslash:AND title:AND 
    AND 

    CHEM 1020 - Introductory General Chemistry II

    4 credit hours

    Prerequisite: CHEM 1010/CHEM 1011. Corequisite: CHEM 1021 Topics include hydrocarbons, organic functional groups, isomerism, carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids and proteins, enzymes, and metabolism. Three hours of lecture and one three-hour laboratory. Will not count toward a major or minor in Chemistry. TBR Common Course: CHEM 1020

OR

  • CHEM 1120 - General Chemistry II  4 credit hours  
    ANDAND  dotslash:AND title:AND 
    AND 

    CHEM 1120 - General Chemistry II

    4 credit hours

    Prerequisite: C- or better in CHEM 1110/CHEM 1111. Corequisite: CHEM 1121. Chemical equilibrium, solid and liquid states of matter, chemistry of acids and bases, principles of chemical kinetics, precipitation reactions, elementary thermodynamics, electrochemistry, and nuclear chemistry. Three hours of lecture and one three-hour laboratory. TBR Common Course: CHEM 1120

Electives (16-25 hours)

  • Upper-division hours to make 36

Curriculum: Horse Science

Curricular listings include General Education requirements in Communication, History, Humanities and/or Fine Arts, Mathematics, Natural Sciences, and Social/Behavioral Sciences categories. 

Freshman

 

  • ANSC 1410 - Introduction to Animal Science  3 credit hours  
    OROR  dotslash:OR title:OR 
    OR 

    ANSC 1410 - Introduction to Animal Science

    3 credit hours

    Overview of the science, production, and management of domestic animal species, including beef cattle, dairy cattle, sheep, goats, swine, poultry, horses, and companion animals. Topics include reproduction; breeds, breeding, and genetics; nutrition and feeding; animal health; management; and products processing and marketing.

  • ANSC 1401 - Introduction to Animal and Veterinary Sciences

    3 credit hours

    Focuses on the introduction and overview of the animal and veterinary sciences disciplines. Reproduction, breeding and genetics, nutrition and feeding, animal health, management, and products processing and marketing of beef cattle, dairy cattle, sheep, goats, swine, poultry, horses, and companion animals included. 

 

  • AGBS 1210 - Principles of Agribusiness

    3 credit hours

    An overview of the food and agriculture industry, agricultural markets, agriculture supply chains, and the structure of agribusinesses.

  • AGRI 1000 - Orientation in Agriculture

    1 credit hour

    Covers topics related to agriculture including career opportunities, industry trends, and controversial issues. Familiarizes students with School of Agriculture facilities, extracurricular activities, faculty, and academic programs.

  • PLSO 1610 - Elements of Plant Science

    3 credit hours

    Fundamental plant processes; plant tissues, structures, environment, growth, development, reproduction, and propagation. Lecture/Lab.

  • Mathematics 3 to 4 credit hours (MATH 1710 recommended)
  • ENGL 1010 - Expository Writing  3 credit hours  
    (Comm)(Comm)  dotslash:(Comm) title:(Comm) 
    (Comm) 

    ENGL 1010 - Expository Writing

    3 credit hours

    The first General Education English course. Emphasis on learning to adapt composing processes to a variety of expository and analytic writing assignments. Minimum grade of C- required to meet degree requirements.

  • ENGL 1020 - Research and Argumentative Writing  3 credit hours  
    (Comm)(Comm)  dotslash:(Comm) title:(Comm) 
    (Comm) 

    ENGL 1020 - Research and Argumentative Writing

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: ENGL 1010. The second General Education English course. Emphasis on analytic and argumentative writing and on locating, organizing, and using library resource materials in the writing. Minimum grade of C- required to meet degree requirements.

 

  • BIOL 1110 - General Biology I  4 credit hours  
    (Nat Sci) AND(Nat Sci) AND  dotslash:(Nat Sci) AND title:(Nat Sci) AND 
    (Nat Sci) AND 

    BIOL 1110 - General Biology I

    4 credit hours

    Prerequisite: MATH 1710 with C- or better of MATH ACT of 19 or higher. Corequisite: BIOL 1111. Primarily for Biology majors and minors and other science-oriented students. Biological principles and processes, including introduction to the nature of science, cells (structure, function, metabolism, division), genetics, evolution, viruses, bacteria, protists, and fungi. Three hours lecture and one three-hour laboratory. While BIOL 1110 can be used to fulfill half the 8-hour General Education requirement for Natural Sciences, it is the first semester of a two-semester sequence primarily designed for science majors. TBR Common Course: BIOL 1110

  • BIOL 1111 - General Biology I Lab  0 credit hours  
    (Nat Sci)(Nat Sci)  dotslash:(Nat Sci) title:(Nat Sci) 
    (Nat Sci) 

    BIOL 1111 - General Biology I Lab

    0 credit hours

    Corequisite: BIOL 1110. TBR Common Course: BIOL 1111

 

  • BIOL 1120 - General Biology II  4 credit hours  
    ANDAND  dotslash:AND title:AND 
    AND 

    BIOL 1120 - General Biology II

    4 credit hours

    Prerequisite: BIOL 1110/BIOL 1111. Corequisite: BIOL 1121. Primarily for Biology majors and minors and other science-oriented students. Survey of plants and animals emphasizing evolution, structure, function, reproduction, growth, and ecology. Three hours lecture and one three-hour laboratory. TBR Common Course: BIOL 1120

Subtotal: 30-31 Hours

 

Sophomore

 

  • HORS 2400 - Fundamentals of Horsemanship

    3 credit hours

    Behavior, philosophy, and language for communicating with and influencing the equine athlete. Develops basic control skills, balance and coordination, gaits; use of equipment; understanding equestrian competition. Two-hour lecture and two-hour laboratory each week.

  • HORS 2480 - Equine Evaluation and Selection

    3 credit hours

    Individual parts, conformation, and gaits of the horse as they relate to selecting and judging horses for production, recreation, and sport.

  • Humanities and/or Fine Arts 3 credit hours
  • Social/Behavioral Sciences 3 credit hours
  • COMM 2200 - Fundamentals of Communication  3 credit hours  
    (Comm)(Comm)  dotslash:(Comm) title:(Comm) 
    (Comm) 

    COMM 2200 - Fundamentals of Communication

    3 credit hours

    Introduces principles and processes of effective public oral communication including researching, critical thinking, organizing, presenting, listening, and using appropriate language. Counts as part of the General Education Communication requirement. TBR Common Course: COMM 2025

 

  • ENGL 2020 - Themes in Literature and Culture  3 credit hours  
    OR(Hum/FA) OR  dotslash:(Hum/FA) OR title:OR 
    (Hum/FA) OR 

    ENGL 2020 - Themes in Literature and Culture

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisites: ENGL 1010 and ENGL 1020. Traces a specific theme or idea through a number of literary texts that reflect different historical and cultural contexts. Subject will vary.

  • ENGL 2030 - The Experience of Literature  3 credit hours  
    OR(Hum/FA) OR  dotslash:(Hum/FA) OR title:OR 
    (Hum/FA) OR 

    ENGL 2030 - The Experience of Literature

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisites: ENGL 1010 and ENGL 1020. The reading of a variety of literary types which illuminate themes and experiences common to human existence.

  • HUM 2610 - World Literatures  3 credit hours  
    (Hum/FA)(Hum/FA)  dotslash:(Hum/FA) title:(Hum/FA) 
    (Hum/FA) 

    HUM 2610 - World Literatures

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisites: ENGL 1010 and ENGL 1020. Representative works of French, German, and Hispanic authors in English translation. No foreign-language proficiency required. Carries General Education credit.

 

  • CHEM 1010 - Introductory General Chemistry I  4 credit hours  
    (Nat Sci)(Nat Sci) AND  dotslash:(Nat Sci) AND title:(Nat Sci) 
    (Nat Sci) AND 

    CHEM 1010 - Introductory General Chemistry I

    4 credit hours

    Corequisite: CHEM 1011. For students with no prior courses in chemistry; to be taken before CHEM 1110/CHEM 1111. Fundamental concepts of chemistry: measurements, matter, chemical bonds, chemical reactions, nuclear chemistry, states of matter, solutions, and electrolytes. Three hours of lecture and one three-hour laboratory. Will not count toward a major or minor in Chemistry. TBR Common Course: CHEM 1010

  • CHEM 1011 - Intro to General Chemistry I Lab  0 credit hours  
    (Nat Sci)(Nat Sci)  dotslash:(Nat Sci) title:(Nat Sci) 
    (Nat Sci) 

    CHEM 1011 - Intro to General Chemistry I Lab

    0 credit hours

    Corequisite: CHEM 1010. TBR Common Course: CHEM 1011

OR

  • CHEM 1110 - General Chemistry I  4 credit hours  
    (Nat Sci) AND(Nat Sci) AND  dotslash:(Nat Sci) AND title:(Nat Sci) AND 
    (Nat Sci) AND 

    CHEM 1110 - General Chemistry I

    4 credit hours

    Prerequisites: High school chemistry and MATH 1710 with grade of C (2.0) or better or MATH ACT score of 19 or higher or CHEM 1010 with grade of C (2.0) or better. Corequisite: CHEM 1111. Fundamental concepts of atomic structure, molecular structure and bonding, chemical reactions, stoichiometric relationships, periodic properties of the elements, thermochemistry, and properties of gases. Three hours of lecture and one three-hour laboratory. TBR Common Course: CHEM 1110.

  • CHEM 1111 - General Chemistry I Lab  0 credit hours  
    (Nat Sci)(Nat Sci)  dotslash:(Nat Sci) title:(Nat Sci) 
    (Nat Sci) 

    CHEM 1111 - General Chemistry I Lab

    0 credit hours

    Corequisite: CHEM 1110. TBR Common Course: CHEM 1111

 

  • CHEM 1020 - Introductory General Chemistry II  4 credit hours  
    ANDAND  dotslash:AND title:AND 
    AND 

    CHEM 1020 - Introductory General Chemistry II

    4 credit hours

    Prerequisite: CHEM 1010/CHEM 1011. Corequisite: CHEM 1021 Topics include hydrocarbons, organic functional groups, isomerism, carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids and proteins, enzymes, and metabolism. Three hours of lecture and one three-hour laboratory. Will not count toward a major or minor in Chemistry. TBR Common Course: CHEM 1020

OR

  • CHEM 1120 - General Chemistry II  4 credit hours  
    ANDAND  dotslash:AND title:AND 
    AND 

    CHEM 1120 - General Chemistry II

    4 credit hours

    Prerequisite: C- or better in CHEM 1110/CHEM 1111. Corequisite: CHEM 1121. Chemical equilibrium, solid and liquid states of matter, chemistry of acids and bases, principles of chemical kinetics, precipitation reactions, elementary thermodynamics, electrochemistry, and nuclear chemistry. Three hours of lecture and one three-hour laboratory. TBR Common Course: CHEM 1120

Choose 6 hours from:

  • HIST 2010 - Survey of United States History I

    3 credit hours

    Survey of the political, economic, social, cultural, and diplomatic phases of American life in its regional, national, and international aspects. Discusses the era from the beginning to 1877. May be used to satisfy one part of the General Education History requirement. HIST 2010 is NOT a prerequisite for HIST 2020. TBR Common Course: HIST 2010

  • HIST 2020 - Survey of United States History II

    3 credit hours

    Survey of the political, economic, social, cultural, and diplomatic phases of American life in its regional, national, and international aspects. Discusses the era from 1877 to the present. May be used to satisfy one part of the the General Education History requirement. HIST 2010 is NOT a prerequisite for HIST 2020. TBR Common Course: HIST 2020

  • HIST 2030 - Tennessee History

    3 credit hours

    The role of the state in the development of the nation. May be used to satisfy one part of the General Education History requirement. TBR Common Course: HIST 2030

  • HIST 2040 - Survey African American History I

    3 credit hours

    The role of African Americans in establishing and shaping the American nation. Covers their historical development and contributions to American art, music, literature, and religion. May be used to satisfy one part of the General Education History requirement.

    NOTE: HIST 2040 is not a prerequisite for HIST 2050.

  • HIST 2050 - Survey African American History II

    3 credit hours

    The role of African Americans in shaping the American nation and creating a twentieth-century racial identity. Covers their historical development and examines their contributions to American art, music, literature, and religion. May be used to satisfy one part of the General Education History requirement.

Subtotal: 32 Hours

 

Junior

 

  • ANSC, AGBS, HORS, or PLSO elective 3 credit hours
  • Humanities and/or Fine Arts 3 credit hours
  • HORS 3300 - Equine Health  3 credit hours  

    HORS 3300 - Equine Health

    3 credit hours

    Familiarizes students with normal physiologic parameters and how to recognize and deal with health issues of horses. Topics include care of the pregnant broodmare, foal care, routine health maintenance, infectious diseases, commonly used medications, dentistry, lameness, neurological diseases, colic, parasites, ophthalmology, dermatology, reproduction, geriatrics, and alternative therapies. Lecture/lab.

  • HORS 4440 - Equine Nutrition and Feeding

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisites: HORS 1110 and HORS 2110 or HORS 2400 and CHEM 1020/CHEM 1021 or CHEM 1120/CHEM 1121 with grades of C- or better, or approval of instructor. Equine digestion and utilization of nutrients, appropriate feeds and feeding management, and diseases with a nutritional component. Nutrient requirements for the horse at various stages, including maintenance, reproduction, growth, performance, age, and clinical support discussed.

 

  • PLSO 3340 - Fundamentals of Soil Science  3 credit hours  
    OROR  dotslash:OR title:OR 
    OR 

    PLSO 3340 - Fundamentals of Soil Science

    3 credit hours

    Introduces soil science with emphasis placed on soil physical, biological, and chemical properties. Relates soil conditions to land use applications, plant growth, and environmental quality. Lecture/Lab.

  • PLSO 4310 - Forage Crops  3 credit hours  

    PLSO 4310 - Forage Crops

    3 credit hours

    Adaptation, distribution, establishment, management, culture, and utilization of forage legumes and grasses. Lecture/lab.

 

  • ANSC 3440 - Livestock Management

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisites: ANSC 1410; junior or senior standing. Management practices for farm animal species. Practices include animal handling, restraint techniques, feeding, milking, castrations, identification methods, and herd health problems. Lecture/lab.

  • Social/Behavioral Sciences 3 credit hours
  • Elective/Minor courses 6 credit hours
  • Upper-division elective 3 credit hours

Subtotal: 30 Hours

 

Senior

 

  • HORS 3040 - Stable Management  3 credit hours  
    OROR  dotslash:OR title:OR 
    OR 

    HORS 3040 - Stable Management

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: HORS 2400 or approval of instructor. Business aspects of horse facility management and ownership emphasized. Practical approaches to management of horses and responsible horse ownership also covered. Lecture/lab.

  • HORS 3430 - Horse Production  3 credit hours  

    HORS 3430 - Horse Production

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: HORS 1110 or ANSC 1410 or approval of instructor. Scientific principles relevant to production requirements of horses as related to behavior, exercise physiology, reproductive physiology, growth, age, and clinical support. Facilities management, marketing, legal aspects of horse ownership, and career opportunities covered. Lecture/lab.

 

  • HORS 3410 - Horse Breeds and Genetics

    3 credit hours

    A review of the history of the horse from the prehistoric era to present day with a focus on the development and contributions of horse breeds in the U.S. and state horse industry. Roles of breed associations, principles of genetics, selection of desired traits, genetic abnormalities associated with specific breeds, and matching breeds to disciplines discussed.

 

  • HORS 4090 - Equine Reproduction and Breeding  3 credit hours  
    OROR  dotslash:OR title:OR 
    OR 

    HORS 4090 - Equine Reproduction and Breeding

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: HORS 2110 or HORS 3040 or HORS 3430 or approval of instructor. Reproductive anatomy and physiology of the stallion and mare as they relate to modern breeding practices. Vocational training in semen handling, artificial insemination, and neonatal care. Two hours lecture and two hours laboratory each week.

  • HORS 4550 - Equine Exercise Physiology

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: HORS 2400 or approval of instructor. Applied aspects of equine exercise physiology, including physical, physiological, metabolic and mental adaptation to athletic training, exercise metabolism, thermoregulation, biomechanics of movement, effects of surface and footing, common unsoundnesses observed during training and competition, exercising testing, and an overview of shoeing for performance.  

 

  • Elective/Minor courses 9 credit hours
  • Upper-division electives 6 to 7 credit hours
  • HORS 4040 - Equine Event and Facility Management  3 credit hours  
    OROR  dotslash:OR title:OR 
    OR 

    HORS 4040 - Equine Event and Facility Management

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: HORS 3040 or ANSC 3440 or approval of instructor. Fundamentals of managing equine and other livestock events and facilities covered. Involves active participation in preparing for and conducting equine events held on campus. Lecture/lab.

  • HORS 4170 - Equine Industry  3 credit hours  
    OROR  dotslash:OR title:OR 
    OR 

    HORS 4170 - Equine Industry

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisites: AGBS 1210 or AGBS 3130 and HORS 3040 or approval of instructor. Operational strategies and management issues facing the equine enterprises. Financial, legal, and taxation issues pertaining to the U.S. and international equine industry. Lecture/lab.

  • HORS 4450 - Techniques of Teaching Horsemanship  3 credit hours  
    OROR  dotslash:OR title:OR 
    OR 

    HORS 4450 - Techniques of Teaching Horsemanship

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisites: HORS 2400, HORS 3400, and HORS 4400 or approval of instructor. Development of communication, evaluation, and presentation skills for teaching horsemanship. Two-hour lecture and two-hour laboratory each week.

  • HORS 4460 - Behavior and Training of Horses  4 credit hours  
    OROR  dotslash:OR title:OR 
    OR 

    HORS 4460 - Behavior and Training of Horses

    4 credit hours

    Prerequisites: HORS 2400, HORS 3400, HORS 4400, and approval of instructor. The psychology, theory, and practice of training and behavior modification in horses. Students assigned a project horse for the semester. Two hours lecture and four hours laboratory per week.

  • HORS 4540 - Equine Assisted Therapy  3 credit hours  
    OROR  dotslash:OR title:OR 
    OR 

    HORS 4540 - Equine Assisted Therapy

    3 credit hours

    Focuses on the effective modality of the horse/human bond as it relates to various forms of equine-assisted therapy with an emphasis on therapeutic riding for people with disabilities. Management of a NARHA-approved therapeutic program and instructor certification also covered. One hour classroom lecture, online, and experiential learning components.

  • HORS 4545 - Equine Assisted Activities and Therapies II

    3 credit hours

    In-depth education for equine assisted activities and therapies (EAAT), including business planning and administration, lesson planning and structure, and equine selection and management. Offers preparation for those seeking a career within EAAT services and organizations. Two one-hour lectures and one two-hour laboratory per week.  

  • HORS 4580 - Advanced Judging of Horses

    3 credit hours

    Prerequisite: HORS 2480. Systems of judging for current horse show disciplines and exercises for students who aspire to become professional judges. Ethics, contracts with management, and procedures for becoming a judge are part of focus.

Subtotal: 28 Hours

 

Our adjunct faculty bring outstanding professional experience to our programs. Many are industry leaders with decorated careers and honors. Importantly, they are innovative educators who offer hands-on learning to our students to prepare them to enter and thrive in a dynamic, and oftentimes emerging, industry and professional world. They inspire, instruct, and challenge our students toward academic and professional success.

Horse Science

HORS 1110 - Introduction to Horse Care and Use
3 credit hours

Survey of basic equine care, breeds, use, management, and behavior.

HORS 2110 - Basic Horsemanship
1 credit hour

Preparation and orientation for students interested in taking horse science courses with an animal handling component. Topics include facility safety, horse control and handling, grooming, saddling, daily care considerations, and facility maintenance. Lecture and one two-hour laboratory each week. NOTE: For Horse Science majors, Animal Science majors, Agriculture minors, or permission of instructor.

HORS 2400 - Fundamentals of Horsemanship
3 credit hours

Behavior, philosophy, and language for communicating with and influencing the equine athlete. Develops basic control skills, balance and coordination, gaits; use of equipment; understanding equestrian competition. Two-hour lecture and two-hour laboratory each week.

HORS 2480 - Equine Evaluation and Selection
3 credit hours

Individual parts, conformation, and gaits of the horse as they relate to selecting and judging horses for production, recreation, and sport.

HORS 3040 - Stable Management
3 credit hours

Prerequisite: HORS 2400 or approval of instructor. Business aspects of horse facility management and ownership emphasized. Practical approaches to management of horses and responsible horse ownership also covered. Lecture/lab.

HORS 3300 - Equine Health
3 credit hours

Familiarizes students with normal physiologic parameters and how to recognize and deal with health issues of horses. Topics include care of the pregnant broodmare, foal care, routine health maintenance, infectious diseases, commonly used medications, dentistry, lameness, neurological diseases, colic, parasites, ophthalmology, dermatology, reproduction, geriatrics, and alternative therapies. Lecture/lab.

HORS 3400 - Horsemanship-Equitation
3 credit hours

Prerequisite: HORS 2400 and approval of instructor. Understanding, recognizing, and producing lateral control in the horse. Lateral exercises; lateral movements; developing lateral balance and control, track, gait, pace, impulsion, and rhythm. Two hour lecture and two-hour laboratory each week.

HORS 3410 - Horse Breeds and Genetics
3 credit hours

A review of the history of the horse from the prehistoric era to present day with a focus on the development and contributions of horse breeds in the U.S. and state horse industry. Roles of breed associations, principles of genetics, selection of desired traits, genetic abnormalities associated with specific breeds, and matching breeds to disciplines discussed.

HORS 3430 - Horse Production
3 credit hours

Prerequisite: HORS 1110 or ANSC 1410 or approval of instructor. Scientific principles relevant to production requirements of horses as related to behavior, exercise physiology, reproductive physiology, growth, age, and clinical support. Facilities management, marketing, legal aspects of horse ownership, and career opportunities covered. Lecture/lab.

HORS 3900 - Horses and Horsemanship
3 credit hours

Basic requirements of horse ownership, care and associated expenses, inherent risks and safety around horses, and resources available in the horse industry. For non-horse-science majors. Lecture/lab.

HORS 4040 - Equine Event and Facility Management
3 credit hours

Prerequisite: HORS 3040 or ANSC 3440 or approval of instructor. Fundamentals of managing equine and other livestock events and facilities covered. Involves active participation in preparing for and conducting equine events held on campus. Lecture/lab.

HORS 4090 - Equine Reproduction and Breeding
3 credit hours

Prerequisite: HORS 2110 or HORS 3040 or HORS 3430 or approval of instructor. Reproductive anatomy and physiology of the stallion and mare as they relate to modern breeding practices. Vocational training in semen handling, artificial insemination, and neonatal care. Two hours lecture and two hours laboratory each week.

HORS 4170 - Equine Industry
3 credit hours

Prerequisites: AGBS 1210 or AGBS 3130 and HORS 3040 or approval of instructor. Operational strategies and management issues facing the equine enterprises. Financial, legal, and taxation issues pertaining to the U.S. and international equine industry. Lecture/lab.

HORS 4400 - Advanced Horsemanship-Equitation
3 credit hours

Prerequisites: HORS 2400 and HORS 3400 and approval of instructor. Coordination and refinement of skills from previous horsemanship courses. Understanding, recognizing, and producing longitudinal flexion in the horse. Collection, extension, and stride control. Two-hour lecture and two-hour laboratory each week.

HORS 4440 - Equine Nutrition and Feeding
3 credit hours

Prerequisites: HORS 1110 and HORS 2110 or HORS 2400 and CHEM 1020/CHEM 1021 or CHEM 1120/CHEM 1121 with grades of C- or better, or approval of instructor. Equine digestion and utilization of nutrients, appropriate feeds and feeding management, and diseases with a nutritional component. Nutrient requirements for the horse at various stages, including maintenance, reproduction, growth, performance, age, and clinical support discussed.

HORS 4450 - Techniques of Teaching Horsemanship
3 credit hours

Prerequisites: HORS 2400, HORS 3400, and HORS 4400 or approval of instructor. Development of communication, evaluation, and presentation skills for teaching horsemanship. Two-hour lecture and two-hour laboratory each week.

HORS 4460 - Behavior and Training of Horses
4 credit hours

Prerequisites: HORS 2400, HORS 3400, HORS 4400, and approval of instructor. The psychology, theory, and practice of training and behavior modification in horses. Students assigned a project horse for the semester. Two hours lecture and four hours laboratory per week.

HORS 4470 - Advanced Western Competition
3 credit hours

Prerequisites: HORS 2480 and HORS 4400. Preparation for students interested in competing in a variety of western horse show events such as trail, pleasure, reining, cowhorse, horsemanship and showmanship; understanding of rules, scoring, performing, and preparing for each event. Two hours of lecture and two hours of lab per week.

HORS 4540 - Equine Assisted Therapy
3 credit hours

Focuses on the effective modality of the horse/human bond as it relates to various forms of equine-assisted therapy with an emphasis on therapeutic riding for people with disabilities. Management of a NARHA-approved therapeutic program and instructor certification also covered. One hour classroom lecture, online, and experiential learning components.

HORS 4545 - Equine Assisted Activities and Therapies II
3 credit hours

In-depth education for equine assisted activities and therapies (EAAT), including business planning and administration, lesson planning and structure, and equine selection and management. Offers preparation for those seeking a career within EAAT services and organizations. Two one-hour lectures and one two-hour laboratory per week.  

HORS 4550 - Equine Exercise Physiology
3 credit hours

Prerequisite: HORS 2400 or approval of instructor. Applied aspects of equine exercise physiology, including physical, physiological, metabolic and mental adaptation to athletic training, exercise metabolism, thermoregulation, biomechanics of movement, effects of surface and footing, common unsoundnesses observed during training and competition, exercising testing, and an overview of shoeing for performance.  

HORS 4580 - Advanced Judging of Horses
3 credit hours

Prerequisite: HORS 2480. Systems of judging for current horse show disciplines and exercises for students who aspire to become professional judges. Ethics, contracts with management, and procedures for becoming a judge are part of focus.

Agribusiness and Agriscience

Animal Science

ANSC 1401 - Introduction to Animal and Veterinary Sciences
3 credit hours

Focuses on the introduction and overview of the animal and veterinary sciences disciplines. Reproduction, breeding and genetics, nutrition and feeding, animal health, management, and products processing and marketing of beef cattle, dairy cattle, sheep, goats, swine, poultry, horses, and companion animals included. 

ANSC 1410 - Introduction to Animal Science
3 credit hours

Overview of the science, production, and management of domestic animal species, including beef cattle, dairy cattle, sheep, goats, swine, poultry, horses, and companion animals. Topics include reproduction; breeds, breeding, and genetics; nutrition and feeding; animal health; management; and products processing and marketing.

ANSC 1411 - Introduction to Animal Science Lab
1 credit hour

Focuses on applied learning concepts presented at the introductory animal science level. Topics include livestock, poultry, and companion animal breed identification; animal nutrition, feeds, and forages; reproductive science and management techniques; animal breeding and genetics; and basic experiential aspects of beef cattle, dairy cattle, swine, sheep, goats, horses, poultry, and companion animal production and management.

ANSC 3000 - Careers in Animal and Veterinary Science
2 credit hours

Prerequisite: Sophomore standing. Explores career opportunities in various areas of animal agriculture, allied fields, and some non-traditional career paths in the animal and veterinary sciences.

ANSC 3310 - Animal Care and Welfare
3 credit hours

Prerequisite: ANSC 1410 or permission of the instructor. Applied aspects of animal care and welfare, including physical condition, feeding, proper housing, and environmental adaptation of animals to human interaction.

ANSC 3420 - Animal Breeding and Genetics
3 credit hours

Prerequisites: ANSC 1410; BIOL 1110/BIOL 1111, BIOL 1120/BIOL 1121; junior-level classification or higher. Basic principles of genetics, crossbreeding, inbreeding, and molecular genetics. Animal breeding topics include use of quantitative traits, prediction of breeding value, methods of selection, and genetic evaluations including genomic-enhanced selection. Offered fall only.

ANSC 3440 - Livestock Management
3 credit hours

Prerequisites: ANSC 1410; junior or senior standing. Management practices for farm animal species. Practices include animal handling, restraint techniques, feeding, milking, castrations, identification methods, and herd health problems. Lecture/lab.

ANSC 3450 - Anatomy and Physiology of Domestic Animals
3 credit hours

Prerequisites: BIOL 1110/BIOL 1111, BIOL 1120/BIOL 1121; ANSC 1410; junior or senior level. The parts, functions, and anatomical relationships of various organs and systems of domestic animals. Lecture/lab.

ANSC 3470 - Beef Cattle Production
3 credit hours

Prerequisites: ANSC 1410; junior-level classification or higher. Management practices essential for economic beef production including breeding, feeding, and herd health. Purebred, commercial, stocker, feedlot, and processing segments evaluated. Lecture/lab. Offered fall only.

ANSC 3480 - Swine Production
3 credit hours

Prerequisites: ANSC 1410; junior-level classification or higher. Understanding management of the pig's environment and genetics to maximize profits. Includes nutrition, reproduction, genetics, housing, herd health, and management practices. Lecture/lab.

ANSC 3500 - Small Ruminant Production
3 credit hours

Prerequisite: ANSC 1410. The study of efficient sheep and goat production and management in the U.S. Topics include genetics and selection, reproduction, health and parasite control, nutrition, forages and grazing management, and product quality and marketing. Lecture/lab.

ANSC 3540 - Dairy Production
3 credit hours

Prerequisite: ANSC 1410; juniors and seniors only. Feeding and management, ruminant digestion, physiology of milk secretion, production testing and official records, sanitary regulations, handling and marketing of raw milk. Lecture/lab.

ANSC 3550 - Animal Feeds and Feeding
3 credit hours

Prerequisites: ANSC 1410/ANSC 1411; junior-level classification or higher. Focuses on practical application of nutrition to the feeding of domestic animal species. Topics include identification and characteristics of common feedstuffs; computer ration formulation procedures; life cycle nutritional management of beef cattle, dairy cattle, swine, small ruminants, poultry, and companion animals; feed stuff composition analysis procedures; feed processing, evaluation, and grading; feed control laws; and nutrition research methodology.

ANSC 3710 - Rabbit Production
3 credit hours

Principles of rabbit production and management focused on the commercial, show, and pet sectors. Topics include rabbit breeds and genetics; nutrition and feeding; reproduction; management; health and diseases; and rabbit products.

ANSC 3810 - Milk Processing and Marketing
3 credit hours

Prerequisite: PSCI 1030/PSCI 1031 or CHEM 1010/CHEM 1011 and CHEM 1020/CHEM 1021, or CHEM 1110/CHEM 1120. Biological, chemical, and physical properties of cow's milk and its value as an animal food source; techniques of processing and marketing; governmental regulations; laboratory testing. Lecture/lab.

ANSC 4260 - Behavior of Domestic Animals
3 credit hours

Behavior aspects of raising and managing domestic animals to include equine, swine, goats, cattle, sheep, dogs, and cats. Communication, ingestive, sexual, social, aggressive, and abnormal behaviors emphasized. Lecture/lab.

ANSC 4410 - Animal Nutrition
3 credit hours

Prerequisites: ANSC 1410; CHEM 1020/CHEM 1021 or CHEM 1120/CHEM 1121; junior-level classification or higher. Advanced study of the processes of digestion and nutrient utilization in domestic animal species. Topics include monogastric and ruminant digestive anatomy and physiology; carbohydrate, lipid, protein, vitamin, and mineral utilization.

ANSC 4430 - Internship in Animal Science
3 to 6 credit hours

Prerequisite: Approval of instructor. In-depth practical experience in a specific area of animal science pertinent to the individual's interest. Students work with producers and agencies that have agreed to cooperate in the program and to provide adequate salary and guidance.

ANSC 4470 - Advanced Beef Production
3 credit hours

Prerequisites: ANSC 1410 and ANSC 3470 or approval of instructor. In-depth analysis of various systems of beef production. Extensive field trips to cow-calf, feedlot, stocker, and purebred operations. Offered Spring only.

ANSC 4490 - Livestock Evaluation
3 credit hours

Prerequisite: Approval of instructor. Comparative evaluation of beef cattle, swine, sheep, and horses. Develops defense of placing through an organized set of reasons involving terms describing the animal's characteristics. Importance of these characteristics to the animal function stressed. Lecture/lab.

ANSC 4500 - Reproductive Management Techniques for Livestock
1 credit hour

Prerequisite: ANSC 1410; junior or senior standing. Training in artificial insemination (A.I.) techniques for livestock species, including certification in cattle A.I. Includes study of estrous synchronization methods and embryo transfer.  Lecture and lab activities.

ANSC 4510 - Domestic Animal Reproductive Physiology
3 credit hours

Prerequisites: ANSC 1410; BIOL 1110/BIOL 1111, BIOL 1120/BIOL 1121; junior-level classification or higher. Advanced study of the anatomy, physiology, and endocrinology of reproduction in domestic animal species. Topics include male and female reproductive anatomy, hormonal control of reproductive processes, reproductive development, the estrus cycle, male physiology, and lactation. Current techniques to control animal reproduction described. Offered Spring only.

ANSC 4520 - Companion Animal Management
3 credit hours

A comprehensive study of dog and cat management. Topics include canine and feline history; selective breeding; functional anatomy; reproductive physiology and management; nutrition and feeding management; diseases and health management; behavior, communication, and training. Service role of the dog and cat highlighted.

ANSC 4860 - Meat Science and Technology
3 credit hours

Prerequisites: ANSC 1410 and sophomore-level classification or higher. Selecting, inspecting, grading, fabricating, packaging, preserving, and cooking red meat products. Other topics include anatomy, structure, and composition of muscle, food safety, and microbiology. Offered Spring only.

ANSC 4900 - Undergraduate Research in Animal Science
1 to 3 credit hours

Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing. Faculty-student collaboration to gain independent research experience in an animal science discipline area.

Plant and Soil Science

PLSO 1101 - Introduction to Ornamental Horticulture
3 credit hours

Ornamental horticulture from the scientific basis to commercial operations and management systems. Emphasis on the role of horticulture in everyday living through the introductory study of growing, maintenance, and utilization of plants to benefit people and the environment. Topics include basis of plant science and history, scope, and nature of ornamental horticulture including coverage of such diverse topics as production, craftsmanship, and business management skills.

PLSO 1610 - Elements of Plant Science
3 credit hours

Fundamental plant processes; plant tissues, structures, environment, growth, development, reproduction, and propagation. Lecture/Lab.

PLSO 3330 - Field Crop Production
3 credit hours

Economic importance, adaptation, origin, and history; botanical characteristics; cultural methods, uses, breeding, and pests of field crops. Lecture/Lab.

PLSO 3340 - Fundamentals of Soil Science
3 credit hours

Introduces soil science with emphasis placed on soil physical, biological, and chemical properties. Relates soil conditions to land use applications, plant growth, and environmental quality. Lecture/Lab.

PLSO 3350 - Soil Fertility and Fertilizer
3 credit hours

Fundamentals of managing plant nutrients in soils for crop, horticulture, and other plant production. Nutrient requirements, nutrient availability in soils, soil acidity and liming, organic and inorganic fertilizers, and environmental effects of fertilizers. Lecture/Lab.

PLSO 3360 - Irrigation and Drainage
3 credit hours

Prerequisite: PLSO 3340. Comparative evaluation and interpretation of irrigation and drainage systems; water supply development; interrelationships of the environment and plants; scheduling irrigation; examination of economic and legal factors. Lecture/lab.

PLSO 3370 - Soil Analysis
3 credit hours

Prerequisite: PLSO 3340. Analysis of soils in laboratory. Lecture/lab.

PLSO 3600 - Horticulture in Our Lives
3 credit hours

Emphasis on the role of horticulture in everyday living, through principles of growing plants in the home, floral design, home landscaping, and gardening. Lecture/lab.

PLSO 3630 - Agroforestry
3 credit hours

Culture, conservation, management, and utilization of forest stands. Lecture/lab.

PLSO 3640 - Woody Landscape Plants
3 credit hours

Distribution, characteristics, relationships, and adaptation of native and exotic trees shrubs, and vines for landscape use. One-hour lecture and four-hour lab.

PLSO 3660 - Vegetable Gardening
3 credit hours

Principles of home and commercial vegetable production; adaptation, culture, fertility, diseases, and insects of vegetables. Lecture/lab.

PLSO 3670 - Fruit Production
3 credit hours

Prerequisite: PLSO 1610 or 4 hours of biology. Introduces art and science of fruit production in the United States. Focuses on temperate fruit production, but also includes a general overview of citrus production. Conveys a general understanding of fruit production in the United States including propagation, orchard management, pollination, harvest, cultural practices, pests, and trends in the industry.

PLSO 3700 - Fundamentals of Precision Agriculture
3 credit hours

Prerequisite: PLSO 1610. Fundamental concepts and principles of site-specific farming, current technology, and its capabilities and limitations in precision agricultural practices.

PLSO 3850 - Wine Science and Industry
3 credit hours

(Same as FERM 3850.) The science and marketing of wine, including grape production, fruit processing, and fermentation technologies. Explores wine marketing in Tennessee, the U.S., and the world. Student must be 21 years of age to enroll. Lecture/lab.

PLSO 4000 - Agroecosystems Remote Sensing Using UAS
3 credit hours

Multidisciplinary course to train students on the key concepts of agricultural remote sensing using unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). Precision agriculture and remote sensing concepts and the use of some open-source image processing software for analyzing UAS-based remote sensing data. 

PLSO 4200 - Fruit and Vegetable Marketing
3 credit hours

(Same as AGRI 4200.) Prerequisite: BIOL 1030/BIOL 1031 or CHEM 1010/CHEM 1011 or CHEM 1020/CHEM 1021 or CHEM 1110/CHEM 1111 or CHEM 1120/CHEM 1121 or PSCI 1030/PSCI 1031 or approval of instructor. Basic biochemistry of respiration, handling techniques and practices, quality assessment and marketing of fruit and vegetable crops. Both domestic and international marketing of fruit and vegetable products discussed. Examines the economic impact of improper handling on both the local producer and the end user.

PLSO 4300 - Plant Protection
3 credit hours

Prerequisite: PLSO 1610 or 4 hours of biology. Principles of protecting crop plants from damage by weeds, insects, diseases, and other biotic factors. Pest control by chemical, cultural, and biological methods with an emphasis on integrated pest management.

PLSO 4310 - Forage Crops
3 credit hours

Adaptation, distribution, establishment, management, culture, and utilization of forage legumes and grasses. Lecture/lab.

PLSO 4320 - Plant Physiology
4 credit hours

(Same as BIOL 4500.) Prerequisites:BIOL 1110/BIOL 1111, BIOL 1120/BIOL 1121, CHEM 1020/CHEM 1021, PLSO 3340. Plant mineral nutrition, photosynthesis, growth, development, and metabolism at the cellular and whole plant levels. Three hours lecture and three hours laboratory.

PLSO 4330 - Turf Management
3 credit hours

Prerequisite: PLSO 1610 or BIOL 1120/BIOL 1121 or PLSO 1101. Establishment and management of turf grasses for lawns, golf courses, and parks. Lecture/lab.

PLSO 4340 - Genesis of Soil Landscapes
3 credit hours

Prerequisite: PLSO 3340 or instructor approval. The co-evolution of soil landscapes, important morphological soil properties, and influence of geologic and geomorphic settings on soil development. The role of water in the development of soil horizons. Factors and processes of soil genesis. Lecture/Lab.

PLSO 4350 - Soil Survey and Land Use
3 credit hours

Prerequisite: PLSO 3340 or instructor approval. Soil properties used to determine the suitability of soils for various uses.Tasks and reports involved in soil survey. Methods of soil evaluation and interpretation. Use of electronic database for land use decisions. Lecture/Lab.

PLSO 4370 - Soil and Water Conservation
3 credit hours

History of soil conservation/soil problems in ancient civilizations. Conservation practices with respect to topsoil, soil productivity, and fertility. Land management practices for soil and water conservation. Current issues in soil and water conservation and environmental sustainability. Lecture/Lab.

PLSO 4380 - Interior Landscaping
3 credit hours

Principles and practices of designing, installing, and maintaining landscapes in malls, public buildings, and other indoor environments. Lecture/lab.

PLSO 4390 - Urban and Sports Turf Soils
3 credit hours

Describe, design, manage, and evaluate urban and sports turf soils. Lecture/lab.

PLSO 4500 - Agroecology
3 credit hours

Prerequisites: PLSO 1610 or 4 hours of biology. Theories of agroecology; focuses on sustainable agricultural practices and concepts. The impact of specific agricultural technologies and land use practices on the productivity of agricultural ecosystems, environmental quality, and human health. Examines the environmental science and agronomy of both conventional and alternative sustainable practices including benefits and limitations. Lecture/lab.

PLSO 4610 - Arboriculture
3 credit hours

Prerequisite: PLSO 1610 or BIOL 1120/BIOL 1121. The culture of trees, shrubs, and vines in the landscape. Planting, transplanting, fertilizing, irrigation, pruning, problem diagnosis, and damage repair included. Lecture/lab.

PLSO 4620 - Greenhouse Management
3 credit hours

Prerequisite: PLSO 1610 or BIOL 1120/BIOL 1121. Analysis of soils, fertilizers, irrigation techniques, container preparation, ventilation, growth regulation, and carbon dioxide enrichment for greenhouse operation. Two-hour lecture and two-hour lab.

PLSO 4630 - Floriculture
3 credit hours

Propagation and other cultural practices for the production and maintenance of plants and flowers in the home. Two-hour lecture and two-hour lab.

PLSO 4640 - Landscaping
3 credit hours

Application of the principles of design, the use of proportionate-sized woody landscape plants, and other practices to produce low-maintenance-cost landscapes. One-hour lecture and four-hour lab.

PLSO 4660 - Nursery Management
3 credit hours

Prerequisite: PLSO 1610 or BIOL 1120/BIOL 1121. Principles and practices of nursery management as a business. Nursery administration, financial management, and marketing. Cultural management of field- and container-grown nursery plants. Lecture/lab.

PLSO 4670 - Plant Propagation
3 credit hours

Prerequisite: PLSO 1610 or BIOL 1120/BIOL 1121. Anatomical features and physiological principles involved in propagating plants from seed and by division, cutting, budding, and grafting. Use of growth regulators and environmental factors. Two-hour lecture and two-hour lab.

PLSO 4680 - Internship in Plant and Soil Science
3 to 6 credit hours

Prerequisite: Approval of instructor. Practical experience in a specific area of agronomy, horticulture, or soils. Classroom material related to practical application.

PLSO 4690 - Crop Ecophysiology
3 credit hours

Focuses on crop/plant physiology and crop/plant-environment interaction. Topics include plant canopy architecture, plant root morphology, physiology of growth and yield, photosynthesis and crop yield, source-sink relationships and crop yield, carbon dioxide and crop yield, physiology of drought in crop plants, and physiology of mineral nutrition.

PLSO 4730 - Soil Physical Properties
3 credit hours

Prerequisites: PLSO 3340; MATH 1010, MATH 1530, or MATH 1710; junior or standing level. Study of concepts related to soil physical properties and processes important for crop productivity and environmental quality. Topics include soil water content and energy, water infiltration, transport of solutes, gas, and heat.

PLSO 4750 - Agricultural Biotechnology
3 credit hours

Prerequisites: BIOL 1110/BIOL 1111, BIOL 1120/BIOL 1121, BIOL 3250/BIOL 3251; PLSO 1610. Introduces the process and reasoning behind the human manipulation of plant and animal species for agricultural purposes. Focuses on plant biotechnology with an introduction to animal biotechnology. Topics include plant tissue culture, plant cell transformation, general molecular biology techniques, and molecular marker-assisted breeding techniques. Three hours lecture and two hours lab.

PLSO 4760 - Herbs, Spices, and Medicinal Plants in Our Lives
3 credit hours

Prerequisite: PLSO 1610 or BIOL 1120/BIOL 1121. The history, traditional uses, biological basis, botany, cultivation, and applications of specialized plants used as culinary herbs, spices, and in medicine.

Online or Hybrid Programs at a Glance

This program is available .


For More Information or Explore Your Options​

Contact your department / program coordinator or advisor for more details about the program OR work one-on-one with your advisor to explore your options.


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The Online Advantage​

With over 25 years of experience in online teaching and learning, MTSU Online offers students access to innovative, high-quality programs. Designed with students in mind, our courses allow maximum flexibility for those unable to participate in person. ​

Resources and services for online students are available from MTSU Online or contact us at distance@mtsu.edu.

Contact Information

Renee Dunn
Horse Science administrative assistant
Renee.Dunn@mtsu.edu
P: 615-898-2832 | F: 615-494-8768

 

Jeremy Carlton
Horse Barn Manager
Jeremy.Carlton@mtsu.edu
615-898-2413

Who is My Advisor?

Jessica Lance
Jessica.Lance@mtsu.edu
615-898-2031 | DSB 120

Rhonda Hoffman
Horse Science Faculty Mentor
Rhonda.Hoffman@mtsu.edu
615-898-2908 | HSC 101B

Mailing Address

MTSU Horse Science Program
Middle Tennessee State University
314 West Thompson Lane
Murfreesboro, TN 37129

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