Rutgers University

The emphasis is on the science, giving the “why” not just “how to” information to our students. Many of our students go on to veterinary school. Four didactic courses (Horse Management, Equine Nutrition, Advanced Equine Management, Topics in Equine Science, Equine Research Techniques, and Exercise Physiology) are devoted solely to equine issues; other courses, such as Animal Reproduction and Animal Nutrition, include equine topics. A practicum course and a fitting and handling class offer “hands-on” experience, and there are many opportunities for independent study and more “hands on” experience in equine research and cooperative education. There are four full-time faculty solely devoted to equine research with whom the students can work on a wide variety of research projects, plus many other faculty members with interest in equine-related issues (ie: waste management, reproduction, parasite control). A cooperative agreement with Delaware Valley College allows students to take some of their more "hands on" courses and gives Del Val students and opportunity to get involved with Rutgers Research. There are no riding programs on campus, other than a limited Student Mounted Patrol, that uses three college-owned horses. There is a very active Rutgers University Equestrian Team, which trains at a local stable, and an Equine Science Club that organizes a wide variety of activities throughout the school year. Sixty to 90 percent of pre-vet majors that apply to veterinary school with good GPAs (>3.2) are accepted. There is a strong Pre-Vet Club on campus for interested students. Despite that there is no school of Veterinary Medicine in New Jersey there are many opportunities for our students to do internships with local practitioners and veterinary clinics through our SPIN program.