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.
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.
After graduating this month, Lemir Lira plans to specialize in orthopedics and become a Physical Therapy Officer in the U.S. Army to serve the military members who sacrifice so much and work tirelessly to keep the country safe.
Kinsey Brantley will launch her career as a physical therapist at McLeod Outpatient Rehabilitation Services Cheraw, returning to Chesterfield County to serve her rural hometown community.
Papers published by researchers in the Department of Exercise Science have been selected as the nationwide winners of outstanding manuscript awards from two major athletic training journals.
Exercise science associate professor and athletic training expert Susan Yeargin describes how extreme heat can be dangerous for runners, cyclists and anyone spending time outdoors. Plus, six tips for staying safe.
Donna Arnett, executive vice president for academic affairs and provost, is pleased to announce the selection of a highly accomplished public health leader, Tara Sabo-Attwood, as the new dean beginning August 1.