Lakeland College is restructuring its animal science technology program, introducing a new equine major for students looking to get into the horse business.
The program also includes majors in beef, dairy and livestock, but the changes will allow students to go more in-depth so they can enhance their studies in an industry of their choice.
“This is a way to really define their education for them,” said Geoff Brown, associate dean of agricultural sciences.
Lakeland is doing away with the one-year western ranch and cow horse certificate program, though the equine major will cover cattle handling.
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As well, like the other majors, the equine program includes a student-managed farm component, allowing them to work with the animals directly and run the business.
Brown said the equine major will include two streams — one will focus on the training business while the other will look at things like breeding.
“It’s not so much about owning a horse, but about running a horse business,” Brown said. “These are transferable business skills that allow for proper decision making.”
The programs will also have timetables that help the students get the most out of their studies, he said.
“The beef, the dairy and the equine majors would be for students who really want the in-depth education in that species,” he said. “The livestock major is the one if they want to go into multi-disciplinary or want more breadth in their education.”
Brown said Lakeland surveyed students to see if the program should change, later finding that students wanted an in-depth approach.
“The feedback was resounding in that they wanted more in-depth studies,” he said. “It informed us to make these changes.”
Diploma certificates will state the major.
The diploma programs also allow students to transfer their credits to a degree program at other post-secondary institutions.
