Exercise Science is an interdisciplinary field tying together traditional disciplines as biology, physiology, psychology, chemistry, physics, neuroscience, genetics, nutrition, and sociology to facilitate an understanding of the links between physical activity, exercise, fitness, performance, diet, and health.
Exercise Science has become an increasingly valued discipline within public health, the medical community, and even high-performance environments. Exercise has even been acknowledged for its role in the treatment of heart disease, hypertension, obesity, type II diabetes, cancer, depression, anxiety, and other chronic diseases & stress related disorders.
The mission of the Department of Exercise Science (EXSC) is to promote an environment of excellence and achievement in human health and performance. As part of our forward-thinking vision, EXSC is used as a resource to train the next generation of scientists and practitioners in the latest techniques and technologies in the field. In addition to advancing the science, we emphasize translation of this research for greater integration into practice and application.
The department’s Ph.D. program, which is ranked #1 in the United States by the National Academy of Kinesiology, prepares graduates for entry into positions in universities, colleges, research oriented settings, and industry. Specific areas of research specialties correspond to those listed for the departmental faculty.
In addition to the bachelor degree in exercise science, we offer four advanced degrees. Each graduate degree has specific application deadlines and requirements.
UofSC features exercise science assistant professor and Breakthrough Star Christine Pellegrini, who uses technology to inform behavioral interventions that target diet, physical activity, sedentary behavior and weight loss in target populations, including people with mobility limitations.
UofSC features exercise science professor and 2022 Breakthrough Leadership in Research Award winner Sara Wilcox and her work with faith-based and community groups to create and implement healthy lifestyle interventions for their members.
Mark Sarzynski, associate professor of exercise science and director of the FLEX Laboratory, has led the publication of a review of the lessons learned from the HERITAGE Family Study over the past three decades.
Weaver will use the five-year R01 grant to assess the validity and utility of consumer-based wearable fitness trackers in monitoring free-living physical activity energy expenditure and sleep in children ages 5-12 years old.
The Arnold School is proud to announce the recipients of the 2022 Faculty Awards: Rachel Davis (James A. Keith Excellence in Teaching Award), Mark Sarzynski (Faculty Research Award), and James Hardin (Faculty Service Award).
Kara Whitaker has been awarded the Gerry Sue Arnold Alumni Award, which honors an alumna/us who graduated in the past 10 years. Susan Bolick is the recipient of the Norman J. Arnold Alumni Medal, which is bestowed upon an alumna/us who has graduated more than 10 years ago.
The Arnold School has been a home to Gaye Christmus for three decades and counting. An alumna of the Master of Public Health program, Christmus has served as the pre-award grants manager and technical editor for the Department of Exercise Science for 22 years.