Alfred University News

Alfred University Equine Business Management degree takes off with NYS approval

The New York State Education Department this week granted its approval of Alfred University’s new major in Equine Business Management, offered through the University’s College of Business. Mark Lewis, Dean of the College of Business, said he is “very enthusiastic” about students whom the Business College will serve through the new program. 


The New York State Education Department this week granted its approval of Alfred University’s new major in Equine Business Management, offered through the University’s College of Business. Mark Lewis, Dean of the College of Business, said he is “very enthusiastic” about students whom the Business College will serve through the new program. 

 “We have had equestrian students in the College of Business for nearly two decades,” Lewis said, “and offered an equine business minor to go along with their major in Accounting, Business Administration, Business Analytics, Finance, Healthcare Planning & Management, or Marketing.  When we knew there was demand for a full equine business management major, we did our research and crafted a major based on national best practices.  Our new Equine Business Management students will take the same professional core business classes that all our business students take, as well as specialized classes in equine business.  Alfred University can now offer students the chance to earn their AACSB-accredited Bachelor of Science business degree and also compete in our varsity dressage, hunt seat or western teams.  We think our unique combination of academics and extracurricular opportunities will be very attractive for students interested in pursuing their interests in the equine industry.”

 Alfred University has offered minors in Equestrian Business and Equestrian Studies since the opening in 2005 of the Bromeley-Daggett Equestrian Center, a state-of-the-art facility at the Maris Cuneo Equine Park.  Students majoring in Equine Business Management will receive the bachelor of science degree with a focus on the business aspects of the equestrian world. It is estimated that horse owners and professional and amateur equestrian enthusiasts contribute more than $50 billion to the GNP of the US.

 Alfred University undergraduates may begin declaring a major in Equine Business Management effective for the Fall semester of 2023.  They anticipate between five and ten students in the major in Fall 2023, with new students entering every year right out of high school.

 According to Steve Shank, Director of the Equestrian Program, future employment prospects for EBM majors include working in the horseracing sector; managing brood mare and equestrian programs/facilities; equestrian therapy; rescue and sanctuary management; and teaching in equine academic institutions.

 Alfred University’s Bachelor of Science in Equine Business Management will require a combination of core credits in equine management, business and liberal arts. For further information regarding the Bachelor of Science Equine Business Management program, visit this site.