MS in Exercise Science
Exercise science is where human movement, physiology and performance come together. In USC’s MS in Exercise Science program in the Department of Exercise Science, students build a strong foundation in exercise physiology, research methods and statistics while tailoring their coursework to interests such as applied physiology, neuro-rehabilitation and sports performance.
This program is built for students who want research and applied training that can lead to careers in sport science, rehabilitation, clinical exercise physiology, health and wellness, strength and conditioning, research or further graduate study.
What You’ll Study
You’ll learn to evaluate scientific literature, create a research plan and analyze and interpret research results. Students develop foundational knowledge in exercise physiology, biostatistics and research design while gaining flexibility to explore coursework and experiences in areas such as applied physiology, neuro-rehabilitation and sports performance.
Curriculum
The MS in Exercise Science is a 33-credit-hour program. Students complete required coursework in biostatistics, public health, exercise physiology and research methods, along with electives selected to support their interests and goals. The program offers the option to complete either a thesis, which emphasizes research training, or a project, which emphasizes clinical or applied skills training.
View the full curriculum in the Graduate Academic Bulletin.
Admissions
Applicants apply through the USC Graduate School. The program admits students for fall and spring entry.
Learn about complete admission requirements and application deadlines.
Where our Grads Work
Graduates are prepared for careers across rehabilitation, conditioning, sport science, research and health and wellness settings as strength and conditioning coaches, sport scientists, exercise physiologists, research assistants, project coordinators, educators, rehabilitation specialists and more. The program also prepares students for additional graduate training, including Ph.D., DPT, MD and PA pathways.
Workplace settings may include athletic teams, sport science organizations, cardiac rehabilitation, corporate fitness, health and wellness settings and research environments. Our graduates work at places including the Greenville Health System, PRISMA Health, Lexington Medical Center, MUSC Health and the University of South Carolina.
Graduate Assistantships
Yes! The Department of Exercise Science offers competitive graduate fellowships and graduate teaching assistantships.
A graduate assistantship is a part-time position that allows graduate students to work in a variety of roles, depending on the source of funding.
Graduate assistants may be hired by a faculty member to support research on a grant-funded project or by a department to assist with clerical, administrative or other program-related duties.
Graduate assistants must be enrolled as full-time students. Assistantships are typically classified as quarter-time, which is 10 hours per week, or half-time, which is 20 hours per week.
Tuition
Tuition and fees are subject to change and vary based on enrollment status and residency. Students are encouraged to explore financial aid options, graduate fellowships and teaching assistantships to help support their education. Learn more from the Office of Graduate Student Services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. The MS provides research-methods and statistics training and includes the option to complete a thesis for students who want focused research training. Students may also complete a project option that emphasizes clinical or applied skills.
The program requires 33 credit hours.
GRE scores are not required but are recommended.
Yes. Students can select coursework in areas such as applied physiology, neuro-rehabilitation and sports performance.
Applicants apply through the USC Graduate School.
Request Information
Learn more about the MS in Exercise Science.
Contact Us
Please contact Jennifer O’Neill, Ph.D., MPH, Graduate Director, at 803-777-9333 or oneilljr@mailbox.sc.edu, or Barbara Reager, Program Coordinator, at 803-777-9333 or breager@mailbox.sc.edu with questions about the MS in Exercise Science program.