Exercise Science is an inherently interdisciplinary field that ties together such traditional disciplines as biology, physiology, psychology, chemistry, physics, neuroscience, genetics, nutrition, and sociology in order to facilitate an understanding of the links between physical activity, exercise, fitness, diet, health, and performance.
Exercise Science has become an increasingly valued discipline within public health, the medical community, and even high-performance environments. Given the trends in heart disease, hypertension, obesity (both adolescent and adult), type II diabetes, cancer, and other chronic diseases, the role of physical activity in the prevention and treatment of these conditions has received considerable attention and support. Exercise has even been acknowledged for its role in the treatment of depression, anxiety, and other stress related disorders. The U.S. Centers for Disease Prevention and Control estimate that $76 billion in annual direct medical costs can be attributed to physical inactivity. The research developed within exercise science has shaped the guidelines for physical activity promoted by the US Surgeon General, NIH, the Institutes of Medicine, and the Centers for Disease Control. Exercise and sport science has also continued to garner attention and be recognized for its contributions to the health and performance of athletes, emergency personnel (i.e., police, firefighters), military personnel, and special populations of all ages.
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 will be 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.
Career opportunities exist in health and wellness fields: corporate wellness, cardiac rehabilitation, physical rehabilitation, neuro-rehabilitation, clinical exercise physiology, research, academia, athletic training, sport science, strength and conditioning, and performance nutrition. The program also provides preparation for additional graduate training (i.e., MS, PhD, DPT, MD, and PA, among others).
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 institutes, research oriented clinical settings, and industry. Areas of specialization are applied physiology, health aspects of physical activity, and motor behavior/rehabilitation. Specific research emphases correspond to those listed for the departmental faculty. The M.S. program allows students to emphasize professional and clinical aspects of the field related to human performance, sport science, cardiac rehabilitation, corporate wellness, athletic training, physical rehabilitation, and disease prevention/treatment among others, or to expand their research competence if they might plan on pursuing a Ph.D. or further graduate study.
The goal of the department’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program is to produce graduates
who possess the skills necessary to be reflective practitioners and who can conduct
clinical research and scholarly activity necessary for the advancement of physical
therapy as an evidence-based profession.
In addition to the bachelor degree in exercise science, we offer four advanced degrees. Each graduate degree has specific application deadlines and requirements.
Following her May 2021 graduation, Victoria Simpson headed north to begin the first step in her career: a seasonal athletic training internship with the New York Jets where she also participates in the organization's community outreach efforts.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have awarded $1.2 million to Christine Pellegrini and Sara Wilcox at the UofSC Prevention Research Center to lead a three-year special interest project to improve arthritis through a phone-based walking program.
Researchers from the Department of Exercise Science have published new research on impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on children’s health-related behaviors (e.g., physical activity, diet, screen time, sedentary behavior, sleep).
UofSC's first-ever Staff Senate is up and running, and the Arnold School is well represented with Dwaun Sellers as the school's senator and Andrenette Hudley serving as secretary on the executive committee.
A study led by researchers at the University of South Carolina's Department of Exercise Science has found increases in body mass index (BMI) scores among school-age children - likely a result of school closures, food insecurity and fewer outdoor activity opportunities.