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Arnold School of Public Health

Athletic Training students

Exercise Science

At USC, the Department of Exercise Science prepares future scientists, researchers and practitioners to lead in health and human performance. With one of the nation’s top-ranked Ph.D. programs, we combine cutting-edge research, advanced training, and real-world application to turn discovery into impact.

Our research and practice explore how movement, fitness, nutrition, and performance shape human health. Drawing from biology, physiology, psychology, neuroscience, and more, we are working to prevent and manage chronic disease while improving health, wellbeing and performance.

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Degree Programs

 

This is a place where our passion for health, movement and human performance becomes our purpose. Whether your goals include improving athletic performance, advancing wellness, supporting rehabilitation, promoting lifelong health, or pursuing careers in clinical or research settings, you will find the knowledge, mentorship, and opportunities at USC so you can move forward with confidence.

Shawn Arent, Professor and Chair
Shawn Arent

Meet Abby Steiner

Collegiate and professional track star Abby Steiner is pursuing an M.S. in Exercise Science so she can use strength and conditioning to help others improve their own health.

Read Abby’s Story
Abby Steiner
Runner sprinting

Exercise Science Research

Our faculty are developing innovative preventive and rehabilitative programs designed to promote wellness, reduce disease risk and improve lives across diverse populations.

Explore Department Research

 

Department News

View more news.

Summer Camp Improves Healthy Behavior

Decades of prior research have shown that children are at risk for health regressions and unhealthy behaviors during summer vacation.

Read this Story
Fruits and Vegetables

Undergraduate Program in Exercise Science

An undergraduate education in Exercise Science prepares you to pursue careers and graduate pathways focused on health, physical activity, fitness, rehabilitation, and human performance.

BS in Exercise Science
Physical Therapy students looking at a spine

Faculty Spotlight: Katie Hirsch, PhD

Prof. Katie Hirsch investigates women’s health by advancing a more precise understanding of how hormonal variation across the menstrual cycle and lifespan influences exercise, performance, and overall well-being. Her work helps modernize the field through more sophisticated hormone-monitoring approaches and emerging wearable technologies, addressing longstanding gaps in research that have historically marginalized women’s physiology.

Learn more about this research
Katie Hirsch

Leading Clinical & Professional Programs

Our clinical and professional graduate programs will prepare you to build in-demand clinical skills, work directly with patients and performers, and launch a rewarding career improving health, nutrition, recovery, and human performance.

Clinical Programs
Dpt program student photo

By The Numbers

  • #2

    Sport Science Program

    Shanghai Ranking

  • Top 5

    Exercise Science PhD Program in the nation

    National Academy of Kinesiology

  • $10.3 million+

    in extramural support

    in FY 2024-2025

Lead What's Next

Prepare to make a difference. Apply to a graduate program today.

Apply

Request Information

Athletic Training students practicing their craft

More to Explore

Learn more about the Department of Exercise Science

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Arnold School of Public Health

My Arnold School
Arnold School of Public Health
921 Assembly Street
Columbia, SC 29208