In response to the horse industry’s call for education for youth and adults, the Michigan State University Institute of Agriculture Technology (MSUIAT) Applied Horse Science certificate was born.

“The Applied Horse Science Program will be revised from the My Horse University online course curriculum,” indicated Christine Skelly, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Animal Science at Michigan State University.

Montcalm Community College, in Sidney and Greenville, and Southwestern Michigan College, in Dowagiac, are sites for the new hybrid on-line, off-campus horse education program.

Skelly stated, “Partnering with MSUIAT allows us to create a new learning experience for college students across the state in the area of Applied Horse Science. Students who may not be able to come to the MSU campus can take our horse science courses through their community college. We hope to offer students an opportunity to study horse science within their own community. Nontraditional students that have families or jobs can use the online courses to fit in their education into their busy schedules and responsibilities.”

The Institute of Agricultural Technology at MSU (MSUIAT) has been conducting practical plant, animal and technology certificate courses on its East Lansing campus for more than 100 years. In addition to local access to MSU academic programs serving agriculture, the community college collaboration enables students to obtain an Associate’s Degree through supplemental coursework. MSUIAT is housed in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at Michigan State University.

To obtain information about off-campus MSUIAT certificate programs and admission requirements, visit the website, or contact one of the staff listed below.

• Southwestern Michigan College, Stacey Rocklin, 269-782-1291, rocklin@msu.edu
• Montcalm Community College, Merry Kim Meyers, 989-328-2111, Ext. 398, meyersm6@msu.edu

 “Depending on a student’s horse background, equestrian abilities and strengths, jobs in horse farm management, riding instruction and horse related sales like feed and equipment will be a good fit for most students graduating from the Applied Horse Science Program,” says Skelly of career options.

The off-campus presence allows for building relationships with the local horse community through the community college program and expansion of Michigan State University Extension offerings, according to Skelly.

For more information about MSUIAT programs, please contact Dr. Randy Showerman, Director, at 517-355-0190 or by E-mail at showerma@anr.msu.edu.