Distance learning in agriculture and animal sciences is on the rise.
The days of earning an Equine Animal Science Degree requiring a student to move across the country to a large university are over. These days, students can take their coursework in horse nutrition, breeding genetics, and stable management all from the comfort of their own living room.
Pretty neat, huh?
Statistics support this statement. Online learning has grown 900% globally since 2000, and it is the fastest-growing educational sector. Agriculture is no exception.
The reality is…
Students in rural communities and working professionals have traditionally been excluded from higher education. Those barriers are breaking down. Whether an individual aspires to earn an equine science degree online or wishes to become a sustainable farming expert, the opportunities have never been greater.
This Guide Includes:
-
Why Distance Learning Works for Agriculture Students
-
The Growth of Online Animal Science Programs
-
Benefits of Studying Agriculture Remotely
-
How Technology is Changing Agricultural Education
Why Distance Learning Works for Agriculture Students
The typical agriculture student is unique.
They often come from rural areas where local universities are scarce. Many are already employed by farms or ranches. Others manage horses or livestock operations that require their full-time attention.
Attending a traditional college does not work for this student profile.
Distance learning bridges that gap by bringing the classroom to the student. Courses can be completed:
-
Early in the morning before farm chores
-
Late at night after the animals are settled
-
During slow seasons when the workload is lighter
-
Anywhere that has an internet connection
The flexibility of online agriculture programs has led to their soaring popularity. Students no longer have to choose between their education and their livelihood.
Plus, the quality of education has not been compromised. Online programs now deliver the same rigorous curriculum found in on-campus programs.
The Growth of Online Animal Science Programs
The equine industry contributes an astonishing 2.2 million jobs to the U.S. economy. That includes trainers, veterinarians, farm managers, and a host of other equine industry professionals who require a solid education.
Universities are recognizing this demand.
Online Equine Animal Science Degree programs have expanded in great numbers over the last ten years. Students today can specialize in:
-
Equine nutrition and health management
-
Breeding and genetics
-
Stable and facility operations
-
Animal behavior and training
-
Agricultural business management
Online animal science programs are made up of theory-based classes but they also require hands-on components to be completed. Many students take advantage of local facilities to complete that portion of their coursework. Some schools even require an intensive on-campus session once per semester to help students gain real-world experience.
The outcome? Graduates who are both knowledgeable in the classroom and ready to hit the field.
Benefits of Studying Agriculture Remotely
The number of students choosing distance learning as the medium for their agricultural education continues to increase. Why?
The list of benefits is long.
Students Save Money
Online programs are almost always less expensive than traditional degree programs. Students can save money by:
-
Not having to relocate or pay for off-campus housing
-
Cutting down on daily commuting costs
-
Skipping campus fees and parking permits
-
Not taking time away from paid work
Over the course of an entire degree program, those little money-savers really add up.
Career Advancement Without Career Interruption
Working professionals have the ability to earn their Equine Animal Science Degree without having to leave their current job. This is a game-changer.
Think about it…
A stable manager can further their education while still managing the operation. A ranch hand can work toward earning a degree while still getting a paycheck. An equine therapist can add professional credentials to their resume while still serving clients.
It's a win-win.
Geographic Freedom
Distance learning removes geographical barriers entirely. A student in Montana has access to the same high-quality education as a student in Kentucky. Rural students no longer have fewer options.
Geographic freedom also allows students to learn from a diverse group of other learners. Online classrooms mix and match students from different areas of the country with varied experiences in agriculture and animal sciences.
Technology Skills Development
Precision agriculture, genetic tracking systems, barn management software, and so much more. The agricultural world of today and tomorrow is highly reliant on technology.
Students who earn their degree through online programs will naturally develop a higher level of technology skills. They will be comfortable with digital tools, video conferencing, and online collaboration. All those skills translate directly to the technology-driven agricultural operations of today.
How Technology is Changing Agricultural Education
The technology being used for distance learning continues to get better and better.
Virtual labs can simulate real-life scenarios. Students can practice diagnosing animal health issues or calculating nutritional requirements through interactive software. Video demonstrations show students the correct methods for hoof care or facility design, for example.
Some online programs feature:
-
Live virtual classroom sessions with industry professionals
-
Recorded lectures that students can pause and rewind
-
Discussion forums that connect students across time zones
-
Digital simulations that put students in farm management scenarios
-
Video assessments that have students demonstrate practical skills
The tools are creating rich learning experiences that rival (and in some ways, surpass) traditional classroom experiences. In fact, they're probably surpassing in-person instruction.
The flexibility of asynchronous learning allows students to pause and rewatch lectures and lessons. They can study when their brain is at its sharpest instead of when a course just happens to be scheduled.
The Future Looks Bright
Distance learning in agriculture and animal sciences is not slowing down anytime soon.
As technology continues to improve, so will online programs. Soon, virtual reality may enable students to "tour" a barn and examine animals without ever leaving home. Artificial intelligence may be able to provide instant, personalized feedback on assignments and assessments.
For any student considering an Equine Animal Science Degree, the timing couldn't be better. The number of options available to learners continues to grow. The quality of those programs is high. Flexibility is embedded into each program's design.
The agricultural industry requires educated, skilled professionals to meet their needs. Online education is supplying them in large numbers.
Wrapping Things Up
Distance learning has changed the face of agricultural education forever.
Students interested in degrees in animal sciences, equine studies, and agricultural management have more options than ever before. They can earn a respected credential without sacrificing their current career or uprooting their family.
The simple takeaways are:
-
Online agriculture programs provide the same quality education as traditional programs
-
Flexibility makes education accessible to students who work full-time
-
Technology is improving the learning experience
-
The agricultural industry needs educated, skilled professionals
Whether the career goal is stable management, animal health, breeding expertise, or agricultural business leadership… Distance learning can take students there.
The growth of online learning in agriculture and animal sciences is a true paradigm shift for how future industry professionals will be trained. And that shift is a positive one.
