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.
Arnold School alumni Adam Mayer (Exercise Science, '15) and Jamiko Cooper (Public Health, '11; MHA, '13) have been selected by the Young Alumni Council as part of Gamecock35 — a cohort of outstanding USC graduates under the age of 35.
While her specialty was working with children and their motor development, Williams looked at movement across the lifespan and was also known for her work in preventing and reducing falls among older adults.
The top master's and doctoral students were honored at the annual Hooding Ceremony. Julie Warren (M.S. in Advanced Athletic Training) received the Jeffrey Keith Mattison Award, and Hannah Parker (Ph.D. in Exercise Science) won the Doctoral Achievement Award.
Outstanding Exercise Science Student Award winner Hailey Karns found her home away from home in the Honors College and completes her tenure at USC this month with Graduation with Leadership Distinction and a 4.0 GPA.
Kersten Cope, Alicia Flach, Myriam Torres and Yanan Zhang were recognized by the Student Disability Resource Center with 2025 Two Thumbs Up Awards for going above and beyond to support students with disabilities.
Through his educational and clinical experiences Taisei Chiba has adopted a holistic approach to patient care - which he will begin applying after graduating in May when he will rejoin the Miami Dolphins as an athletic trainer.