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About the Program
The Department of Exercise Science offers the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in exercise science in a sophisticated academic environment. Our undergraduates receive extensive laboratory experience in exercise sciences and clinical experience in fitness and motor development programs. Exercise scientists study the relationships among exercise participation, physical activity, and human health and focus on the development and delivery of preventive and rehabilitative physical activity programs that promote health and prevent disease. The mission of the department is to expand and disseminate the body of knowledge concerning the relationships between exercise participation, physical activity, and human health.
Career Opportunities
Possible career settings include academic institutions, hospitals, medical and clinical settings, research laboratories and public health agencies. Exercise science provides many exciting career opportunities, including:
• health fitness specialist
• wellness and cardiac rehabilitation specialist
• community fitness program coordinator
• corporate fitness program leader
• physical or occupational therapist
• research assistants
• clinical exercise specialist
• sales representative for health-related firms
The University Career Center is available to assist you in choosing a career direction and in increasing your marketability upon graduation. For additional information, call the center at 803-777-7280.
Admission/Progression Requirements
To be admitted into the degree program in exercise science, you must meet all University and School of Public Health admission requirements. University requirements for freshmen include a completed application, specified nonrefundable application fee, high-school record complete up to the time of application (including record of at least 20 academic units of study earned as required by the University), and entrance examination scores (either SAT or ACT). Details for all applicant categories can be found in the Undergraduate Bulletin.
Program of Study (120 to 122 hours)
Our undergraduate program is science-based and is designed primarily to prepare you for entry into postbaccalaureate and graduate programs in health-related fields. Our departmental core curriculum provides comprehensive mastery of exercise science. You’ll select one of four cognates: health fitness, motor development, public health, or scientific foundations. The undergraduate program in exercise science is designed to prepare you for entry into a wide range of health-related postbaccalaureate, graduate, and professional programs. The baccalaureate curriculum requires 54 hours of general education requirements and 21 hours of exercise science core requirements. Depending on which cognate you choose, you are required to earn 45 hours in health fitness, motor development, or public health. If you select the scientific foundations cognate, you will be required to complete 47 hours of cognate requirements. The scientific foundations cognate requires 122 hours, while health fitness, motor development, and public health require 120 hours. As an exercise science major, you also have the option of pursuing minors that are offered by other academic units within the University.
Of Special Interest
The Arnold School of Public Health is one of only 36 accredited schools of public health in the United States and is one of three schools of public health named for an individual (Norman J. Arnold). We are committed to improving people’s health statewide and worldwide and offering outstanding educational opportunities in a progressive environment. While you prepare for your career in public health, our award-winning faculty will work closely with you to assist you in pursuing your personal interests and career goals.The Department of Exercise Science is housed in the Blatt P.E. Center, which includes facilities for a vast array of physical activities. Our research and instructional activities are centered in our Exercise Science Laboratory Complex, also in the Blatt center. The complex consists of seven distinct research laboratories and clinical service centers. You can access our undergraduate student handbook at www.sph.sc.edu/exsc/exsc_undergrad.html
Excercise Science Department's Web site
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