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Exercise Science, B.S.

Arnold School of Public Health

Are you interested in medicine, health, wellness or sports performance? A degree in exercise science prepares you for a variety of careers or advanced degrees in these areas.

Exercise science students study the human body, how the body works in health and disease states, how the body responds to exercise, and how lifestyle can prevent disease. Our science-based curriculum can be tailored to meet your needs and career goals, and all students complete a supervised clinical experience during their senior year.

Program Highlights

  • Athletic shoe in motion icon.

    Real Experiences

    Complete a practicum learning course your senior year that aligns with your professional interests.

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    Growth Opportunities

    Take advantage of opportunities to study abroad, participate in research and join student organizations or clubs.

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    Standards-Based Program

    Study in an undergraduate exercise science program that is recognized by the National Strength and Conditioning Association.

  • Medical stethoscope icon.

    STEM Major Assistance

    Qualify for the $2,500 annual LIFE Scholarship Enhancement for eligible S.C. LIFE scholarship recipients.

What You’ll Study

Exercise science majors study the links between physical activity, exercise, fitness, performance, diet and health. You'll study anatomy, exercise physiology, psychology of physical activity, biomechanics of movement and more. Learn to conduct disease risk factor screening, physical fitness assessments and exercise testing.

Program WebsiteDegree DetailsAdmissions Info

Building Skills

Gain the professional and personal intelligence it takes to have a successful career.

  • Analytical Reasoning

    Breaking down complex problems or situations to identify patterns, connections and solutions

    Examine Evidence

    Gathering and analyzing information for decision-making or problem-solving purposes

    Performance

    Presenting oneself creatively through a specific medium to an audience

  • Continuous Improvement

    Identifying and implementing incremental changes to enhance quality, efficiency and effectiveness

    Medical Terminology

    Understanding and using specialized language and vocabulary in health care settings

    Therapeutic Intervention

    Using proven strategies to help individuals or groups achieve positive outcomes

Using your degree

Make your college experience the foundation for a successful future.

Learn how alumni use degrees with outcome data from Gamecock GradStats, a service of the University of South Carolina Career Center.

Potential Careers

  • Physician
  • Physical Therapist
  • Athletic Trainer
  • Physician Assistant
  • Strength and Conditioning Coach
  • Personal Trainer

Job Titles of Alumni

  • Registered Nurse
  • Medical Assistant
  • Physical Therapist Assistant
  • Exercise Physiologist
  • Physical Therapy Technician

Average Alumni Salary

Five to 10 years after graduation without additional education $65,326

Workplace Settings

  • Medicine
  • Health Care
  • Athletics
  • Occupational Health
  • Exercise Science

Employers of Alumni

  • Greenville Health System
  • Medical University of South Carolina
  • Lexington Medical Center
  • Drayer Physical Therapy Institute

Advanced Degrees

Advance your career or options with post-graduate education.

I felt that the exercise science major was the best fit for my career goals while also including classes and electives that were extremely interesting. I knew that South Carolina was the place for me and that they helped their students succeed, regardless of their major or career choices.

Ana Jukic
Portrait of Ana Jukic

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Is USC Right For You?

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Degree content is provided for informational purposes only. The Academic Bulletin is the source of record for all degree information.
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