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.
When long-time health promotion, education, and behavior professor Daniela Friedman officially took on the Arnold School's Associate Dean for Research position in 2025, the role came with an extended title and a pioneering charge rarely seen in academic units.
Emma Worley has been working with the Miami Dolphins as an assistant sports scientist since April. She believes her doctoral degree has provided her with a strong foundation in both research and applied practice to prepare her for this role.
Taylor Harding's journey began with an interest in clinical care, then broadened to focus on community-level health. After two degrees and several years as a public health professional, she's bringing it all together as physical therapist.
Over the past decade, Olivia Finnegan has built a strong research portfolio in children’s health behavior research – particularly the technologies that can be used to more accurately measure daily activities such as sleep, screen time and movement.
A multi-year research project led by members of the Children's Physical Activity Research Group has illuminated an array of factors related to the decline in children's physical activity as they move from elementary to middle and then high school.
The Arnold School's M.S. in Exercise Science program stood out to Alexander Andersen as an opportunity to grow as an independent researcher, deepen his knowledge, and gain hands-on experience with advanced technology and data.