50 Careers for 50 Years: Dom Francis
Dom Francis’ interest in human physiology brought him to the Arnold School, but he stayed for the population-level impact.
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
Ten athletic training students complete NFL summer internships
The list of students and their placements reveal a diverse set of locations and experiences the students can learn from both individually and collectively as they've returned to campus for the fall semester after completing their six-week commitments.
50 Careers for 50 Years: Harry Cintineo
Harry Cintineo was drawn to the Ph.D. in Exercise Science program due to its top ranking among the nation’s best and its home in a school of public health.
Clinical practice teaching award winner: Zachary Winkelmann
Winkelmann is the 2025 recipient of the University of South Carolina’s clinical practice teaching award, which recognizes a faculty member for outstanding clinical teaching, practice, advising and mentoring of health science students.
Exercise science graduate joins Doctor of Physical Therapy program
A lifelong Gamecock, going to USC was a forgone conclusion for Michael Paslawski. Still, the smalltown South Carolinian found the flagship university's size (both its population and sprawling campus) to be a bit of an adjustment his freshman year.
50 Careers for 50 Years: Jeff Woods
After graduating with his Ph.D. in 1992, Jeff Woods has led a three-decade career in research and administration at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.