Arnold School of Public Health

Prepare for a future in health, movement, performance and rehabilitation with a science-based degree focused on how the human body moves, adapts and responds to physical activity. 

The B.S. in Exercise Science at the University of South Carolina is designed for students interested in careers in medicine, health care, health and wellness, sports performance, rehabilitation and related fields. The program gives students a flexible, science-based curriculum that can be tailored to their goals. Students learn about the human body, exercise training, chronic disease prevention, rehabilitation, exercise testing, health assessment, nutrition, physical activity and lifestyle interventions. 

What You’ll Study 

Exercise science is the study of how movement, physical activity and exercise affect the body across the lifespan. Students learn how the body works, how exercise can improve health and performance, and how physical activity can support prevention and rehabilitation. 

The curriculum includes coursework in anatomy and physiology, exercise physiology, biomechanics of human movement, psychology of physical activity or biomechanics, motor skills, practicum preparation and a six-credit exercise science practicum. Students also complete supporting coursework in biology, chemistry, physics, epidemiology, public health, physical activity and health, sociology and statistics.  

Students also complete cognate coursework that supports the major and enhances their area of interest. The Academic Bulletin notes that EXSC cognate courses must be 300-level or above and approved by the student’s academic advisor.  

View the full B.S. in Exercise Science curriculum and major map.

 

Why Study Exercise Science at USC?

The B.S. in Exercise Science is a strong choice for students who are interested in health care, movement, the human body and helping people improve their quality of life.  

Career Pathways 

This degree can prepare students for careers and graduate programs connected to health, movement, performance, rehabilitation and wellness -- there is no single path for an exercise science graduate! 

 

The B.S. in Exercise Science may be a strong fit for students interested in: 

• Physical therapy 

• Occupational therapy 

• Athletic training 

• Medicine 

• Physician assistant programs 

• Exercise physiology 

• Strength and conditioning 

• Sports performance 

• Health and wellness 

• Rehabilitation 

• Fitness assessment 

• Clinical exercise testing 

• Research 

• SGraduate study in exercise science, physical activity, public health or related fields 

 

Program Highlights 

• Flexible, science-based curriculum that can be tailored to student goals. 

• Coursework focused on the human body, exercise training, chronic disease prevention, rehabilitation and sport performance. 

• Training in exercise testing, health assessment and exercise prescription. 

• Practicum opportunities that provide experiential learning outside the classroom. 

• Opportunities to participate in research conducted by Exercise Science faculty. 

• Student involvement through organizations including the Exercise Science Club. 

• Professional advisors who help guide students toward their goals.  

• A 120-credit-hour degree program with major coursework in anatomy and physiology, exercise physiology, biomechanics or psychology of physical activity, motor skills, practicum preparation and exercise science practicum.  

 

• Information Sessions

  Join a prospective student information session to learn more about the B.S. in Exercise Science at USC and ask questions from program faculty and advisors.

• Campus Tours

  There’s so much more to an Exercise Science degree at USC. Join us on our 400+ acre campus and see for yourself.

Contact Us 

Our undergraduate director, Ray Thompson, Ph.D., is here to answer any questions you may have at 803-777-0820 or rwthomps@mailbox.sc.edu.