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.
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.
A team of health sciences students, including exercise science alumna and current athletic training student Amanda Trujillo, have won third place in CLARION National Student Case Competition.
Benjamin White is wrapping up his exercise science degree with a sports performance internship, and it's the perfect segue into the next phase of his USC journey: enrolling in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program.
A Gamecock at heart, Cole knew that studying at South Carolina's flagship university would cement her ties to the state, and she chose the Arnold School's B.S. in Exercise Science program as her major due to its strong scientific foundation.
The Office of the Vice President for Research has selected exercise science associate professor Xuewen Wang as one of the 2025 recipients of the Distinguished Research Service Awards.
Three exercise science faculty members have been selected to receive the Most Distinguished Athletic Trainer Award from the National Athletic Trainers' Association: Toni Torres-McGehee, Jim Mensch, and Susan Yeargin.