Graduate Degrees in Exercise Science
- Exercise Science Programs
- Grad School Exercise Science Program
- Grad School Options For Exercise Science Majors
Our exercise science programs will help you expand and disseminate the body of knowledge concerning the relationships between exercise participation, physical activity and human health.
As chronic disease rates increase across the globe, the need to study the relationship between physical activity and human health is at a forefront of these challenging issues. The Department of Exercise Science prepares students to examine the complex relationships between exercise participation, physical activity and human health and focus on the development and delivery of preventive and rehabilitative physical activity programs that promote health and prevent disease.
A Master of Science or Doctor of Philosophy (ranked No. 1 in the U.S.) degree in Exercise Science will lead to careers in academia, research, clinical settings, rehabilitation/therapy facilities and more.
Exercise science is the scientific study of how human movement influences health, fitness, performance and disease prevention. Nutrition science explores the complex relationship between the body, nutrients and health. For instance, an exercise science masters program may take a more in-depth look at biomechanic concepts that a certificate program. Speak with potential department faculty for more details. Exercise Science Masters Programs. Masters programs in kinesiology encourage students to practically apply their exercise science abilities. This could mean.
Master of Science in Exercise Science (MS)
The Master of Science (MS) degree in Exercise Science prepares students for careers in academia and multiple health-related specialties and professions within the broad scope of Exercise Physiology, such as exercise physiologist, fitness coordinator, rehabilitation coordinator, and many more. Additionally, the curriculum and related research opportunities prepare students for pursuing additional graduate work (e.g., PhD, MD, DPT). The curriculum includes coursework in exercise physiology, clinical exercise testing, epidemiology, research methods and statistics, physical activity and health, and motor control and development. Elective coursework is also embedded within this framework to allow for individual interests, examples include skeletal muscle physiology, endocrinology in exercise and health, neural repair and rehabilitation, and community-based interventions for physical activity. There are countless opportunities to participate in ongoing research through assistantships and independent study courses. Students have the option of completing a thesis (focus on research training) or a project (focus on clinical or applied skills training). For more information, view the Master of Science in Exercise Science Curriculum [pdf].
Exercise Science Programs
Ph.D. in Exercise Science
The purpose of the doctoral program is to prepare students for research and academic careers in the area of Applied Physiology. The Ph.D. curriculum includes coursework in advanced exercise science, statistics, research design and research seminar. The student will also be required to form a cognate of specialization, which can include electives from areas, such as biology, physiology, immunology and biochemistry as well as independent study and dissertation hours. For more information, view the Applied Physiology Program of Study [pdf].
Are you interested in a research and an academic career in the area of physical activity and health? If this is your aspiration, then the Ph.D. degree in Exercise Science with an emphasis in Health Aspects of Physical Activity may be the degree program for you. Our flexible curriculum will be tailored to individual students, with courses selected from exercise physiology, exercise psychology, biostatistics, epidemiology and population health, nutrition, or other areas deemed to provide a solid foundation sufficient to understand and conduct research in this area. This approach will provide you with the essential knowledge, skills and experiences that will prepare you for scholarly research and teaching in this area.
Our most recent graduates are in assistant professor positions either at a teaching-based university (e.g., Citadel) or at a research-based university (e.g., Iowa State University, Tennessee State University, Kentucky State University). Others continue on for post-doctoral work prior to establishing independent research programs at domestic and international institutions, such as Brown University and Curtin University. Still others have opportunities for employment in adult fitness, corporate fitness, military fitness, or sales and management in corporate fields (e.g., sports nutrition, athletic footwear, fitness equipment, sports clothing weight control programs). If you desire to be among those who are well prepared for research-focused careers in these areas, come join us. For more information, view the Health Aspects of Physical Activity Program of Study [pdf].
As the rates of chronic disability increase across the globe, the need to develop novel rehabilitation treatments that can reduce disability and increase engagement in physical activity is vital for improving the health and wellness of individuals with chronic disabilities. The Rehabilitation Sciences emphasis prepares students to examine how the development and delivery of rehabilitation therapies can be used to reduce disability, promote health and prevent further disease. A Ph.D. degree in Exercise Science with an emphasis on Rehabilitation Sciences will lead to careers in academia, research, clinical settings, rehabilitation/therapy facilities, and more. For more information, view the Rehabilitation Sciences Ph.D. Program of Study [pdf].
Our departmental graduate directors are also here to help with any program specific questions you may have.
Master's Program
Jennifer O'Neill, Ph.D, MPH.
Phone: 803-777-2185
Email:oneilljr@mailbox.sc.edu
Doctoral Program
Mark Sarzynski, Ph.D.
Phone: 803-777-2185
Email:sarz@mailbox.sc.edu
Graduate applicants, be sure to review important information on admission tests, deadlines and other requirements before you apply.
Applicants must apply through the USC Graduate School.
The Graduate Student Handbook includes detailed degree requirements, including admission requirements, pre-requisites and course information.
TA and RA appointments
TA and RA appointments are made at the time a prospective graduate student is accepted into the Exercise Science graduate program. Students are informed, in writing, at the time of acceptance that they have been awarded a TA or an RA.
If all TA and RA positions are not filled by Exercise Science graduate students, the department will post a listing of available TA and RA positions. The posting will include a description of the position (TA or RA), qualifications required for the position, application deadline, and contact person. Applicants will be required to complete an application describing their background and qualifications for the position. Within 1 week of application deadline, the contact person for the position will notify applicants of the outcome of the search.
Assignment of TA’s to courses
The student’s faculty advisor will assign students to the TA for a specific course or courses.
Notice of Assignment
The TA or RA will be informed in writing of the specific assignment as an RA or TA. If the student is assigned to a TA, the specific course assignment will be given.
Length of funding
Grad School Exercise Science Program
Master’s students are eligible for two years of funding and PhD students are eligible for 4 years of funding. Funding for PhD students may exceed 4 yrs if funding is available.
Grad School Options For Exercise Science Majors
In order for graduate students to maintain funding, students will be evaluated by the faculty advisor every year to insure that satisfactory progress is being made towards completion of the degree.