Emory & Henry College Launches New Major in Equine Assisted Therapy
(Emory, Va.) – Emory & Henry College will begin offering a new bachelor’s of art degree in Equine Assisted Therapy, starting in Fall 2021.
The Equine Assisted Therapy major is an interdisciplinary major blending psychology and equine studies courses, designed to provide students with a thorough knowledge of human psychology and psychopathology and how horses may be used in order to improve the psychological functioning of a wide range of individuals.
“This interdisciplinary program blends the college’s expertise in equine studies and psychology to create an opportunity for students who are interested in utilizing their knowledge and love of horses in order to offer therapeutic services to children and adults,” says Jessica Denniston, Clinical Assistant Professor of Equine Studies. “This major provides an excellent path for students interested in receiving graduate training in various mental health fields as well as allied fields such as occupational therapy.”
The program will be based on the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA) model of practice, so students will be prepared to become an EAGALA certified therapist. EAGALA is recognized as the standard-setting organization in this field.
Graduates will be prepared for careers such as equine specialist for a therapeutic center, mental health specialist, working in a residential therapy setting, managing a therapy program as well as graduate studies in programs such as Emory & Henry’s master’s of Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
For more information, please visit www.ehc.edu/equinetherapy. To apply, visit www.ehc.edu/apply.
About Emory & Henry College:
Located in the Highlands of Virginia, Emory & Henry offers a community filled with engaged students who choose to contribute to society and make a difference. Consistently ranked among the nation’s best private liberal arts institutions, Emory & Henry has more than 80 academic majors and tracks, including the new Schools of Nursing and Business, and an average class size of 14 students making individualized education a priority. Students are connected to the world of work through our distinctive van Vlissingen Center for Career and Professional Development and Student Success Centers. Through integrated liberal arts learning and hands-on experiences all students are supported to connect their classroom experiences and projects with domestic or global travel, internships and civic engagement. Visit www.ehc.edu for more information.
