Exercise Science
The exercise science program prepares students for entry into a wide range of health-related, post-baccalaureate graduate and professional programs. The program features three areas of emphasis: health fitness, motor development and scientific foundations.
What to Expect
Exercise science majors will have unique hands-on opportunities, including involvement in clinical and community programs that provide exercise-related services to children, teens, young adults and adults.
Through your courses, you will develop the knowledge needed to describe the relationship among physical activity, functional capacity, health and disease across the lifespan. You will also be able to demonstrate laboratory proficiency through written and practical evaluations. You will also receive your first-aid certificate through core requirements.
Undergraduate Degree
B B.S. in Exercise Science
The Department of Exercise Science in the Arnold School of Public Health offers three areas of emphasis for the Bachelor of Science degree in exercise science: health fitness, motor development and scientific foundations. The undergraduate degree is designed to prepare students for entry into a wide range of health-related post-baccalaureate graduate and professional programs.
The following courses fulfill some of the requirements for a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science:
- Physical Activity and Health
- Anatomy and Physiology I and II
- Acquisition of Motor Skills
- The Physiology of Muscular Activity (and Lab)
- Principles of Epidemiology
Apply for Undergraduate Admission
Our Office of Undergraduate Admissions provides the most current information on the application process so you can check the requirements based on your current status and find university scholarships.
Graduate Degrees
The Department of Exercise Science in the Arnold School of Public Health offers two advanced degrees in exercise science: a Master of Science and a Ph.D. with three areas of concentration — applied physiology, health aspects of physical activity and rehabilitation sciences.
The master of science degree in exercise science is designed to provide in-depth, scientific and research-based study in exercise science. The program requires 39 credit hours, including either three credit hours of project or six credit hours of thesis. The curriculum provides advisor-approved electives that provide flexibility to meet career objectives. The degree is excellent preparation for admission to professional schools in biomedical science and allied health.
Graduate Director: Jennifer O'Neill, oneilljr@mailbox.sc.edu
Graduate Coordinator: Barbara Reager, breager@mailbox.sc.edu
Application information for this degree is available through The Graduate School.
The Master of Public Health in Physical Activity and Public Health (M.P.H.-P.A.P.H.) degree offers specializations in two areas: programmatic and surveillance. This degree is designed to prepare health professionals who have a career interest in physical activity.
Graduate Director: Jennifer O'Neill, oneilljr@mailbox.sc.edu
Graduate Coordinator: Barbara Reager, breager@mailbox.sc.edu
Application information for this degree is available through The Graduate School.
The Doctor of Philosophy degree in exercise science is designed to prepare students for research careers in the exercise sciences. Students complete an approved program that contains 60 hours beyond the undergraduate level and includes a specific cognate of interest, independent study (research) hours and dissertation hours.
Graduate Director: Sheri P. Silfies, silfies@mailbox.sc.edu
Graduate Coordinator: Latoya Townes, ljfrazi@mailbox.sc.edu
Application information for this degree is available through The Graduate School.
Apply to Graduate School
Learn more about The Graduate School, degree options and how to apply for admission to doctoral, master’s, certificate and combination degree programs at South Carolina.