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 has consistently been ranked as one of the top 5 programs in the United States by the National Academy of Kinesiology. Our program 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.
A Gamecock at heart, Cole knew that studying at South Carolina's flagship university would cement her ties to the state, and she chose the Arnold School's B.S. in Exercise Science program as her major due to its strong scientific foundation.
The Office of the Vice President for Research has selected exercise science associate professor Xuewen Wang as one of the 2025 recipients of the Distinguished Research Service Awards.
Three exercise science faculty members have been selected to receive the Most Distinguished Athletic Trainer Award from the National Athletic Trainers' Association: Toni Torres-McGehee, Jim Mensch, and Susan Yeargin.
The USC Office of Development of Development sits down for a Q&A with Caleb Morris. Learn why the exercise science instructor/advisor gives back to his employer/alma mater.
Five projects supported by Prisma Health Research Seed Grants will be led by Arnold School researchers in 2025. Marta Bornstein (HPEB), Devin Bowes (ENHS)), Brian Chen (HSPM), Melissa Nolan (Epidemiology), and Elizabeth Regan (EXSC) each received up to $20,000.
Sten Stray-Gundersen has joined the Department of Exercise Science with research interests in cardiovascular exercise physiology with special emphasis on hypoxia, blood flow restriction training, and endothelial function.