Hitting the slopes can boost your brain — if you protect it
USC features exercise science chair Shawn Arent, who explains how downhill skiing sharpens cognition — and the four steps that reduce concussion risk.
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.
- Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science (BS)
- Master of Science in Exercise Science (MS)
- Master of Science in Performance Nutrition and Dietetics (MS)
- Master of Science in Advanced Athletic Training (MS)
- Master of Public Health in Physical Activity and Public Health (MPH)
- Doctor of Philosophy in Exercise Science (PhD)
- Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
Exercise Science News
Free summer camp helps close the gap in healthy behaviors for kids, study finds
Researchers from the Arnold Healthy Kids Initiative and Research Center for Child Well-Being have continued publishing results from their three-year study examining the health effects of providing free summer camp for children from low-income households.
Staff Spotlight: Janna Borden
As the project coordinator for TecHealth, Janna Borden provides administrative support to the faculty and research staff associated with the Center. She also oversees the iREACH Study for TecHealth director and exercise science professor Delia West
Exercise science major and swim team member to serve athletes as physical therapist
During her undergraduate tenure, Jill Smiley interned or shadowed at several physical therapy and other health care clinics - gaining insight into a variety settings and specialties. She also joined the Exercise Science Club and volunteered at local nonprofits.
Exercise science graduate Sierra Brent shares favorite moments at USC
"USC helped me find my confidence and purpose. Through being a University 101 Peer Leader, serving as vice president of Collegiate Curls, and studying exercise science, I discovered a community that challenged and supported me in ways I never expected." —Sierra Brent
50 Careers for 50 Years: Adam Mayer
MUSC CFO and 2015 B.S. in Exercise Science Alumnus Adam Mayer says the best part about being a Gamecock student was how much faculty and staff – especially advisors – truly cared about students, academically and personally.