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.
In this role, the exercise science/physical therapy professor will provide strategic leadership and direction for Student Health and Well-Being and its operating units, including Student Health Services, Counseling and Psychological Services, Campus Recreation, and many others.
In one of the first longitudinal studies to measure physical activity changes in children ages six to 36 months, Arnold School researchers found a 45 percent increase in physical activity during this time period.
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.
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.
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.
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.