Racetrack Management - Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College

The equine facility with several horses heads out the stall windows and a blue sky.

Associate of Science (A.S.) in Equine Racetrack Management Overview

The associate degree in equine racetrack management is offered online and is designed to give you the knowledge and skills needed for success in the racing industry, including racetrack management, event coordination, facility maintenance, and more. Plus, with a focus on both Quarter Horse and Thoroughbred racing, students will gain a deep understanding of the distinct characteristics, training methods and management practices associated with each breed.

This program provides a unique blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills taught by experienced faculty who are dedicated to student success and provide extensive backgrounds in the horse racing industry. You will learn such topics as track surface management, race planning and scheduling, regulatory compliance and marketing strategies.Through virtual simulations, case studies and practical exercises, students will have the opportunity to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios, gaining valuable hands-on experience in racetrack management.

Associate curriculum – 60 credit hours

Q&A with Dr. Ferguson

Edward Ferguson, Ph.D., chair of the Equine Department

1. How long will it take to complete this degree?
The A.S. in Equine Racetrack Management is a 2-year degree and students will take SMWC Woods A.S. core courses (30 credit hours) along with classes (30 credit hours) focused on racetrack management. Currently, there are only two other options for formal training for racetrack management; one is a four-year bachelor’s degree and a 2-year online certificate in Thoroughbred Racetrack Management. SMWC wanted to find a place in between by providing an A.S. (2-year degree), but unlike a certificate, these courses can be used to complete a B.S. (4-year degree) at a later date. This program can provide training that is applicable for both Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse Tracks.

2. What will I learn in the racetrack management courses?
Chris Warren has designed these courses to cover what a racetrack is, how many and where Thoroughbred and Quarter horse racetracks are operating in the US, how the racetrack works, its importance to the local community, the functional offices within the racing administration as well as the roles within each of those offices and how their duties are executed. Students will also be required to do an internship at a racetrack as part of their educational training – this will provide a measure of on-the-job experience.

3. How will these courses be taught?
This degree will be an online degree – so there will be no need for a prospective student to reside in Indiana or take a course on campus. SMWC is one of the oldest online education providers in the country and excels in online education. Therefore, the SMWC core curriculum will be available online as well as the racetrack management courses. The racetrack management online courses will provide each student with the course information and include recorded and live discussions with Chris Warren. Also, the instructors will all have available office hours for virtual office appointments.

4. How can I get an internship at a racetrack if I don’t know anyone in racetrack administration?
Chris Warren, with his extensive racetrack experience and wealth of current contacts at racetracks across the country, will help students set up internship experiences. These can be at the nearest track to the student’s residence, or if they are willing to travel can be at preferred places of employment.

5. What racetracks would I be qualified for employment?
After completing this degree plan, students will be qualified to work at any racetrack in North America that has Thoroughbred, Quarter Horse or a mixed meet. Students may be qualified to work at harness racetracks if students are willing to complete some additional training with the tracks.

6. Do I need previous horse experience?
Although previous horse experience would help students relate better with many of the people they will encounter at a racetrack, previous horse experience will not be required to work in the racing office.

7. Will Federal Financial Aid apply to this degree plan?
Yes, SMWC is a fully accredited College with degree plans evaluated by the Higher Learning Commission and enrolled students (including online students) will be eligible for federal financial assistance.

8. What happens if I work in the racing administration and later on want to further my education by completing a Bachelor of Science?
That is exactly what this degree plan was designed to facilitate! If a student is employed and decides they would like to obtain a bachelor’s degree to improve their salary or expand their employment opportunities, they already have a 2-year A.S. degree, and we have included some business administration courses relevant to racing office experience. Therefore, graduates can complete their B.S. in Business Management from SMWC online by completing additional credit hours to earn their bachelor’s degree.

9. With this degree, are there opportunities to broaden my employment options at a racetrack outside of horse racing administration?
When I was at Delta Downs, I discussed with John Simon (Director of Racing for Delta and Evangeline Downs) that graduates of this program with a few years of experience in the racing office would have chances to apply for management positions at track-based casinos. Thus, there can be a large number of employment avenues at the track that don’t “have to be” in the racing office.

10. Do I need to be a citizen of the United States to complete this degree?
This degree plan is completely online, and SMWC is a private college with no out-of-state fees for attending. Therefore, potential students can be citizens anywhere in the world can earn an A.S. in Racetrack Management.

FAQs

What is equine racetrack management?
Equine racetrack management is the day-to-day operations of any equine racetrack. This can include scheduling races, coordinating events at the track, maintaining the different facilities and making sure regulations are being followed. An associate degree in equine racetrack management from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods provides you with a broad base of powerful racetrack knowledge in order to prepare you for all aspects of the equine racing industry.

Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College is one of the best colleges for management degrees because we also overlay a values-based curriculum with a strong foundation in leadership, so you aren’t just learning the basics of racetrack management — you’re learning to be a leader.

Why get a degree in equine racetrack management?
Through practical experiences and faculty with an extensive background in equine racetrack management, you will come out of this degree program with a wealth of knowledge above your peers. Plus, as an online program, students have the flexibility to balance their studies with other commitments, allowing you to pursue your equine racetrack management degree without interrupting your careers.

What can you do with a degree in equine racetrack management?
Earning this degree can make a difference in your life. The equine racetrack management degree will prepare you for all different kinds of careers within the equine racing industry.
Possible jobs include:

Assistant Racing Secretary
Entry Clerk
Publicity and Marketing Coordinator
ID Judge
Paddock Judge
Placing Judge
Clocker
Program Coordinator

With additional experience and training:

Racing Steward
Racing Secretary

What is the average annual salary of someone with an equine racetrack management degree?
As you look at starting salaries, keep in mind that the cost of living and opportunities to move with a career or industry sector should also factor into your decision. Earnings for someone with an equine racetrack management degree average $53,495, according to Payscale.com.

What support and resources are provided at SMWC?
The Learning Resource Center (LRC) provides exceptional, personalized learning resource services to encourage student success. The LRC offers help with a range of academic support services, including a writing center, tutoring, college success courses and more.

Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College is routinely ranked by US News and World Report among the Best Regional Universities in the Midwest and the Best Value Schools. Our departments are also routinely ranked for their individual degree programs.
See the SMWC Difference:

Rankings