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Arnold School of Public Health

  • Students taking measurements while another student works out in a gym

Exercise Science

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.


Degrees Offered

In addition to the bachelor degree in exercise science, we offer four advanced degrees. Each graduate degree has specific application deadlines and requirements


Exercise Science News 

potato sack race

New research finds free summer programming reduces BMI gains, promotes health equity among children

A recent study showed that free summer programming successfully reduced children's Body Mass Index (BMI), whereas participants in the control group experienced increases in their BMIs during the summer months.

governor's proclaimation

Athletic trainers recognized for improving profession, patient care through legislative lobbying

The National Athletic Trainers' Association recently honored the South Carolina Athletic Trainers' Association with the Governmental Affairs Dan Campbell Legislative Award, and the Board of Certification, Inc. selected them to receive the Dave Montgomery Advocacy Award.

Gianna Mastrofini

Doctoral student awarded funding to improve performance of tactical personnel

Earlier this year, Gianna Mastrofini was selected by the National Strength and Conditioning Association Foundation to receive the organization's Women's Scholarship. More recently, they awarded her a $15,000 Graduate Research Grant.

prevention research center

Prevention Research Center receives five more years of funding to conduct applied public health research

2024 has been a banner year for the USC Prevention Research Center, which received its highest funding award to date (nearly $5 million) plus additional funding for two special interest projects. 

James Stampley

Research assistant professor examines how high-stress populations adapt to exercise, diet, medicine

James Stampley's expertise focuses on the metabolic and bioenergetic adaptations humans make in response to exercise, dietary and medical interventions. He's particularly interested in changes in skeletal muscle for high-stress populations (e.g., athletes, military, first responders).

Katie Hirsch

Katie Hirsch wins Nutritional Research Achievement Award from National Strength and Conditioning Association

The NSCA has selected exercise science assistant professor Katie Hirsch as the winner of the 2024 Nutritional Research Achievement Award for breakthroughs and contributions to the field of athlete nutritional research.

 

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