Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Exercise Science
The Ph.D. in Exercise Science, housed in the Department of Exercise Science, is a doctoral program for students who want to become researchers, scholars and leaders in exercise science. The program prepares graduates for research careers in universities, colleges, research institutes, research-oriented clinical settings and industry.
This doctoral program is a strong fit for students who are want to conduct research about how physical activity, exercise, nutrition, rehabilitation, movement, performance and physiology shape human health. Students work closely with faculty mentors to build advanced research skills, contribute to active research projects and develop a program of study that reflects their interests and career goals.
The department’s Ph.D. program has been ranked No. 1 in the United States by the National Academy of Kinesiology and is known for its mentor-based approach, individualized training and commitment to advancing research that improves health and performance.
Curriculum
The Ph.D. in Exercise Science offers an individualized course of study built around each student’s prior training, research interests and faculty mentorship. Students complete an approved plan of study in consultation with their mentor, with coursework in exercise science, statistics, research design, public health, electives and dissertation hours.
Students may complete up to 60 credit hours beyond the baccalaureate degree or a minimum of 30 credit hours beyond a qualifying graduate or professional degree. The plan of study is tailored to the student’s area of specialization and supports steady progress toward research milestones, dissertation development and scholarly dissemination.
Doctoral students are actively involved in research throughout the program, attend and present at research seminars, and develop the skills needed to conduct and communicate original research.
View the Academic Bulletin for the full curriculum.
Admissions Requirements
Applicants must have an earned baccalaureate degree in exercise science or a related discipline from an accredited institution, a grade point average of 3.00/4.00 or higher, and an identified Ph.D. mentor. GRE scores are optional. International applicants must meet English proficiency requirements unless they qualify for a waiver.
View the Exercise Science application requirements and the Academic Bulletin for full details.
Where Our Grads Work
Graduates of the Ph.D. in Exercise Science are prepared for research, teaching and leadership roles in settings such as universities and colleges, research institutes, research-oriented clinical settings health and performance organizations and industry.
Graduate Assistantships
A graduate assistantship is a part-time position that allows graduate students to work in a variety of roles while completing their degree.
Graduate assistants may support faculty research, assist with grant-funded projects, help with teaching or support departmental, administrative or program-related work.
Graduate assistants must be admitted to a degree program and enrolled as full-time students. At the Arnold School, graduate assistantships typically require 10 to 20 hours of work per week, depending on the position.
Graduate assistantships may provide a stipend and a special tuition rate. Assistantship funding can vary by position, faculty mentor, department and funding source.
Students interested in assistantships should contact the program to which they are applying and talk with potential faculty mentors about available research funding. Opportunities may also be posted through MySPH Opportunity Manager.
Learn more about graduate financial aid and assistantships.
Tuition
Tuition and fees are subject to change and vary based on enrollment status, residency and assistantship eligibility. Students are encouraged to explore financial aid options, scholarships, fellowships and assistantships to help support their education.
Learn more from the Arnold School’s financial aid information and USC’s Tuition and Fees resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. The Ph.D. in Exercise Science is a mentor-based program. Prospective students should identify a potential Ph.D. mentor whose research aligns with their interests before applying. Identification of a Ph.D. mentor is listed as part of the program’s admission requirements.
View members of our Exercise Science faculty.Yes. Students may enter after completing a baccalaureate degree in exercise science or a related discipline. Students entering with a bachelor’s degree may complete up to 60 credit hours beyond the baccalaureate degree.
Yes. Students entering with a master’s degree or qualifying clinical doctorate may complete a minimum of 30 credit hours beyond that degree. This includes students entering with a master’s in athletic training or a master’s/doctorate in physical therapy.
GRE scores are optional for admission to the Ph.D. in Exercise Science.
Students complete coursework in exercise science, public health, research and statistical methods, electives and dissertation research. Each plan of study is developed with a faculty mentor and tailored to the student’s research focus.
Graduates are prepared for research and faculty roles in universities and colleges, as well as positions in research institutes, research-oriented clinical settings and industry.
Request Information
Request to learn more information about the Ph.D. in Exercise Science.
Contact Us
If you have questions about the Ph.D. in Exercise Science, please contact Jill Stewart, PhD, Graduate Director for the Ph.D. program at 803-777-6583 or jcstewar@mailbox.sc.edu