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The Masters of Science (MS) degree program provides students with foundational content in exercise physiology, research methods and statistics and offers flexibility to select coursework in specific areas of interest.
March 2, 2026 | Erin Bluvas, bluvase@sc.edu
Abby Steiner knows the human body. She’s seen its possibilities, and she’s bumped up against its limitations.
During her seven years as a collegiate and professional athlete (and the dozen-plus year she spent working to reach those levels), Steiner achieved countless personal and competition bests – pushing her body to optimal performance. She also experienced its limits – enduring four foot surgeries and numerous lesser injuries.
With those competition days on pause, Steiner has set a new career course using strength and conditioning to help others improve their own health. She’s preparing for this career with a master’s degree from the Arnold School’s Department of Exercise Science followed by a Doctor of Physical Therapy.
“I am interested in how structured physical training can improve physical function, reduce chronic disease risk and support overall well-being across diverse populations,” Steiner says. “My interest in this area developed through my own experience in competitive sport, where I witnessed firsthand the significant physical and mental health benefits of evidence-based training.”
Steiner’s journey began at the University of Kentucky where the Ohio native studied kinesiology and psychology while running track full time (except for freshman year when the dual athlete also played soccer). She supported her studies with both athletic and merit-based scholarships and gained research experience in a lab where the team studied velocity-based training.
In 2022, she graduated with multiple (often recurring) honors, including magna cum laude, NCAA Track & Field Champion (all four years), Dean’s List and SEC Honor Roll, USTFCCCA All-Academic Athlete, SEC Indoor/Outdoor Track & Field Scholar Athlete of the Year (2022), Indoor USTFCCCA National Women’s Athlete of the Year (2022), and Bowerman Award winner (2022). Steiner’s next move saw her signing with Puma to compete professionally. In just three years, she won two World Athletics Championships in team relays and became the American record holder for 200m indoor and 300m indoor as well as the 2022 U.S. Champion in 200m outdoor.
“As someone with such strong hands-on experience in sports performance, I wanted a program that would not only refine my practical skills but also challenge me to think critically about the science behind them,” Steiner says of choosing the Arnold School. “USC stood out to me as an environment where I could grow both intellectually and personally, surrounded by faculty and peers who are equally driven. I knew this program would provide the rigorous foundation I need to become a thoughtful, evidence-based provider who can meaningfully impact the health of others.”
Since enrolling in the M.S. in Exercise Science program last fall, Steiner has gotten involved with the department as a teaching assistant for undergraduate exercise physiology labs. She’s also gaining experience as a graduate research assistant with the USC Sport Science Lab. Directed by department chair Shawn Arent, the lab is a state-of-the art research, fitness testing, and training facility where researchers use the latest science to improve health and human performance.
“I have been inspired by Dr. Arent’s passion for his research and have learned an incredible amount about sports and human performance as a whole,” Steiner says. “Through his mentorship, coursework and lab experience, I have gained a greater appreciation for the role that research plays in advancing the field of health and performance.”
Recently, she picked up a third avenue for amassing hands-on experience by joining Salerno Sports Therapy as a Certified Sports and Conditioning Coach. It’s been one more pathway for applying what she’s learning through her classes and assistantship – one more way to bridge research and clinical practice.
“Stepping away from competition for the sake of my long-term health forced me to reassess my identity and future beyond athletics,” Steiner says. “Transitioning back into academics has allowed me to rediscover my passions outside of sport and grow in new ways. USC has provided me with opportunities to explore diverse areas within exercise science and public health, helping me build a sense of purpose beyond competition. These challenges have ultimately strengthened my resilience and shaped my commitment to supporting others in their own health journeys.”
One of those new experiences has been living in the South. As a lifelong Midwesterner, the palm trees, lizards, and Carolina summers were a bit of an adjustment but the culture and charm of the region more than made up for the heat.
Beyond the landscape, Steiner knows she’s in the right place.
“This program truly equips students with the tools to become well-rounded professionals, no matter which area of exercise science or public health they pursue after graduation,” she says. "My advice to prospective students would be to take initiative and connect with faculty early. The professors in this program are not only knowledgeable and accomplished in their fields but are also genuinely invested in mentoring students. The staff here are extremely approachable and willing to guide you, and taking advantage of those relationships can help you get the most out of your experience.”