Animal Science, A.A.S. Tracks
THOROUGHBRED MANAGEMENT, Associate in Applied Science degree
(Application Curriculum Code - 0697)
SUNY Cobleskill's Thoroughbred curriculum was developed in cooperation with the New York Thoroughbred Breeders, inc., and is immersion intensive, with industry experience and the development of contacts as a definitive objective. The Saratoga Race Course offers superior racing and advantage is taken of SUNY Cobleskill's proximity to the track.
Students spend one morning a week during their first semester at the well known Oklahoma Training Track. In addition, the summer between the student's first and second year is spent working at the Saratoga Race Course. The student's third semester involves significant bloodstock sale experiences. Finally, the fourth semester of study is completed on location in industry centers such as Lexington, KY., Ocala, FL., and Camden, S.C.
Degree Requirements
- To fulfill requirements for the Associate in Applied Science degree, the candidate in the major field of Animal Science–Thoroughbred Management must complete a minimum of 66 credit hours of academic work with a GPA of not less than 2.00.
- These include 40 credits of major field requirements, 22 credits in prescribed areas of liberal arts and sciences and 4 credits of general electives.
EQUINE STUDIES, Associate in Applied Science degree
SUNY Cobleskill's Equine Studies program is the oldest curriculum of its kind in the state. It has been successfully training students to work in the fields of equine care management and related agribusinesses for over 25 years. Opportunities for graduates of this program are excellent and varied.
Students are encouraged to elect an area of study in one of the four fields listed below.
Horse Farm Management: A Grass Roots Approach
- This curricular offering provides a broad-based approach to horse farm management. Suggested electives include additional course work in agricultural business, agricultural engineering, and in plant science. The student receives classroom and hands-on experience in building farm structures, determining and maintaining soil fertility, growing field crops, agricultural business management, and the operation of field farm machinery and tractors.
This curricular area offers the student a diverse and thorough science-based approach to horse training. Course work in physiology, reproduction, conventional and alternative training methodologies, agricultural business principles, and equine health are supplemented and enhanced by opportunities available through the Student Horseman's Club, and the Intercollegiate Riding Teams, including the Dressage Team, the Hunter Seat Equitation Team, and the Stock Seat Team.
- This curricular offering centers around SUNY Cobleskill's community-based assisted intervention program. Students gain practical experience by assisting the riding instructor and/or therapist while they use the horse to enhance physical, emotional, social, language, or cognitive development of children with special needs. Therapeutic riding is a dynamic field of study and is experiencing significant growth and development of new opportunities.
- SUNY Cobleskill's Thoroughbred curricula was developed in cooperation with the New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc., and is immersion intensive, with industry experience and the development of contacts as a definitive objective. The Saratoga Race Course offers superior racing, and advantage is taken of SUNY Cobleskill's proximity to the track. Students spend one morning a week during their first semester at the well-known Oklahoma Training Track. In addition, the summer between the student's first and second year of study is spent working at the Saratoga Race Course. Finally, the fourth semester of study is completed on location in Lexington, Kentucky. Students are enrolled in the Kentucky Equine Management Internship program.
Degree Requirements for Equine Studies
Degree Requirements for Thoroughbred Management
Click here for additional information about the programs, activities, and facilities in Equine Studies at SUNY Cobleskill.
DAIRY PRODUCTION AND MANAGEMENT, Associate in Applied Science degree
The Dairy Production and Management curriculum at SUNY Cobleskill is designed to provide a well-rounded education in the efficient and profitable management of dairy operations. The dairy industry is recognized as one of the largest and most important industries in New York State. The need for well-trained and competent workers in this growing business is consistently greater than the number of graduates available for placement. SUNY Cobleskill is considered a leader in two-year education and is committed to meeting the future needs of the dairy industry in the northeastern United States.
Students gain necessary skills, knowledge and experience through classroom instruction, laboratory training, on-farm experience and field visits. Students also will be provided with the knowledge to enable them to continue their education in bachelor’s degree programs or to enter closely related occupations in the dairy industry.
BEEF AND LIVESTOCK STUDIES, Associate in Applied Science degree
The changing profile of the New York animal livestock industry toward increased grassland farming and the enlargement of marketing facilities in the Northeast have greatly influenced livestock production. Students are trained in practical, hands-on situations using the College cow/calf, stocker and feeder programs as well as the College sheep and goat flock. Applied knowledge in livestock production related to selection, care and management, nutrition, breeding, health and opportunities in the industry are emphasized.
Modern technology has created a demand for trained specialists in this branch of livestock management and the agribusiness field. Responding to the demands of the job market, the College offers a concentration in Beef and Livestock Studies.
