The RTIP degree allows students to focus their studies on the area of racing in which they are most interested. Students choose either a Business Path – designed for careers in management, marketing and regulation or an Equine Management Path – designed for careers in training, the bloodstock industry or farm management.
The University of Arizona requires the completion of 120 credit hours for a Bachelor of Science degree. This includes the general education requirements set forth for all university students.
Course Listings
ACBS 142–Introduction to Animal Racing Industry
(2 Units) An overview of the history, terminology, personnel, equipment and breeds of animals utilized in the racing industry.
Usually Offered: Fall
Prerequisites: None
ACBS 271a–Training and Management of the Weanling
(3 Units) The course will focus on the management of the young growing horse. Students will acquire hands on instruction in handling and training foals and information regarding current management practices in all aspects of raising young horses.
Usually Offered: Fall, Spring
Prerequisites: None
ACBS 272–Introduction to Horsemanship Programs
(2 Units) Course focuses on establishing a program that develops the secure, balanced seat in the beginning rider. Students will gain information that allows them to interact with clientele in a professional manner and to develop a program that encourages future learning.
Usually Offered: Fall, Spring
Prerequisites: None
ACBS 273–Developing the Training Foundation in Yearlings
(3 Units) This course will focus on the handling and management of the Thoroughbred yearling. Students will acquire hands-on knowledge of how to prepare the yearling animal for future training under saddle.
Usually Offered: Spring
Prerequisites: None
ACBS 301–Financial and Economic Strategy
(3 Units) The course offers a presentation of financial and economic organizational strategic decision making. Class subject matter relates these general business practices to animal racing and animal science/production organizations. This course will not count toward a Business Minor.
Usually Offered: Fall
Prerequisites: None
ACBS 302–Management and the Human Side of Organizations
(3 Units) The course offers a presentation of organizational and human asset management practice and theory in small to large businesses. Class subject matter relates these general business practices to animal racing and animal science/production organizations. This course will not count toward a Business Minor.
Usually Offered: Spring
Prerequisites: None
ACBS 316–Equine Reproductive Physiology and Management
(3 Units) The course will provide a review of basic equine reproductive physiology and introduce students to the common reproductive management practices found in the industry today. Lecture-based sections include mare reproductive anatomy, Hormones and how they affect the mare in estrus, good breeding confirmation, methods to assist in reproductive success. Signs of a successful insemination, signs of labor and foaling, the beginning of life mare, and foal care.
Usually Offered: Spring
Prerequisites: ANS 315R
ACBS 340–Marketing, Media, and Communications
(3 Units) Concepts and issues related to the marketing and promotion of the animal racing facility and industry.
Usually Offered: Spring
Prerequisites: ACBS 142
ACBS 342–Organization and Administration of the Racing Department
(3 Units) Basic duties and functions of the racing office and department. Personnel required and procedures utilized in developing the racing program.
Usually Offered: Fall
Prerequisites: ACBS 142
ACBS 345–Racing Laws and Enforcement
(3 Units) Presentation of the regulatory framework of the Constitution, federal and state statutes, administrative rules and their relationship to the regulation of pari-mutuel racing.
Usually Offered: Fall
Prerequisites: ACBS 142
ACBS 370–Form and Function of the Equine Athlete
(3 Units) This course will consist of lecture and live evaluation of equine conformation as it relates to athletic ability and soundness. Equine physiology, therapy for injuries and preventive techniques (sports medicine) will be discussed.
Usually Offered: Spring
Prerequisites: ACBS 270
ACBS 371–Sales and Strategies for Performance and Race Horse Prospects
(3 Units) Lecture-based material: Discuss feed management, possible exercise regimens, and other ways to strengthen/improve the horse. They also included a brief confirmation overview and pedigree analysis.
Usually Offered: Fall
Prerequisites: None
ACBS 372–Intermediate Horsemanship and Training Techniques
(2 Units) Course focuses on establishing a program that develops the secure, balanced seat in the beginning rider. Students will gain information that allows them to interact with clientele in a professional manner and to develop a program that encourages future learning.
Usually Offered: Spring
Prerequisites: ANS 272
ACBS 433–Advanced Animal Racing Laws and Enforcement
(3 Units) Building on the framework presented in "Racing Laws and Enforcement" course, an in-depth presentation of select components of the regulation of the pari-mutuel industry. The course will also involve presentation and discussion of the current and evolving regulatory issues and challenges facing the industry
Usually Offered: Spring
Prerequisites: ACBS 345
ACBS 441–Race Track Organization, Structure and Financial Management
(3 Units) Organizational structure and management issues involved in the administration of the animal racing facility.
Usually Offered: Spring
Prerequisites: ACCT 200, ACBS 142, ACBS 301
ACBS 442–Racing Business Strategies and Global Perspective
(3 Units) Strategies and management issues involved in the operations and administration of the animal racing facility. The focus is on the operation and financial management of facilities, distribution channels, interactive media and other uses for the facilities.
Usually Offered: Fall
Prerequisites: ACBS 345, ACBS 433, ACBS 441
ACBS 444–Development and Management of Racing Animals
(3 Units) Presentation of theoretical and applied management practices in the development and marketing of racing animals in the commercial sector.
Usually Offered: Fall
Prerequisites: ACBS 142, ACBS 270
ACBS 446–Human Resource Management
(3 Units) This course will examine the importance of human resources as a competitive advantage. The course will also familiarize students with the essential human resource managerial issues in today's business world. The purpose of the course is to assist students in understanding the principles, policies, and practices related to procurement, development, maintenance and utilization of human resources. Topics include: overview - human resources in perspective; human resource management and the law; personnel planning and recruiting; interviewing; candidate training & development of employees; performance evaluation - retention, compensation & benefits/services; employee safety & health labor relations - unions and negotiations.
Usually Offered: Spring
Prerequisites: Open only to juniors and seniors, or sophomores with consent of instructor.
ACBS 447–Legal Environment of Business
(3 Units) The necessary foundation and a working knowledge of the legal system, regulatory law, employment law, consumer law and international law will be presented and studied. Case studies are used extensively.
Usually Offered: Fall
Prerequisites: None
ACBS 493–Internship
(3 Units) Specialized work on an individual basis, consisting of training and practice in actual service in a technical, business, or governmental establishment.
Usually Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Prerequisites: None
ACBS 497A–The Joe Hirsch Speaker Forum
(1 Unit) Guest professors from the racing industry discuss their background in racing and discuss timely topics from their area of expertise.
Usually Offered: Spring
Prerequisites: None
ACBS 498B–Senior Capstone: Current Issues in the Animal Racing Industry
(1 Unit) A culminating experience for majors involving a substantive project and presentation that demonstrates a synthesis of learning accumulated in the major, including broadly comprehensive knowledge of the discipline.
Usually Offered: Fall
Prerequisites: ACBS 441
ACBS 499–Independent Study
(1-5 Units) Qualified students working on an individual basis with professors who have agreed to supervise such work.
Usually Offered: Fall, Spring and Summer
Prerequisites: None