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Exercise Science

Bachelor of Science

Exercise Science studies the relationship between physical activity and the human body. The program’s broad curriculum focuses all types of physical activity including exercise, sport performance, and rehabilitation. Our faculty-scholars deliver a program where the goal is for students to become productive stewards in our discipline and are competitive for graduate studies in allied health related professions (e.g. physical therapy, occupational therapy, and physician) or for entry into the workforce.


Curriculum & Learning Opportunities

Exercise Science is one of the most popular majors in the country because a graduate can do many things with the degree. Although some students go on to graduate programs in physical and occupational therapy, others work in personal training, cardiac rehab, community and public health, athlete strength and conditioning, and many other possibilities. Winthrop’s EXSC program offers the following:

  • Full semester internship

  • Completion of a national certification exam [Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) or Certified Exercise Physiologist (ACSM-EP)].

  • Opportunities to work with faculty members on research as a participant or undergraduate researcher • Hands-on experience, will apply what you learn in the classroom

  • State of the art exercise science lab with over $100,000 worth of equipment

  • Diverse faculty research interests

    Exercise Science

    About

    The Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science was approved by the State of South Carolina in the spring of 2008. The Exercise Science (EXSC) Program provides students with sound academic preparation in the science of human movement for entry into the workplace or for graduate study in exercise science or other allied health programs such as physical and occupational therapy.

    Students are admitted into the program as freshmen and must maintain a 2.5 overall GPA in order to take upper division courses in the major, register for internship, and for graduation. 


    The Program

    The Department of Physical Education, Sport and Human Performance in the Richard W. Riley College of Education, Sport, and Human Sciences houses the Exercise Science degree program. The degree requires 120 semester hours of coursework which includes a full-semester internship as the capstone experience and completion of a national certification credentialing examination.

    The required coursework includes biology and chemistry courses for science majors, two semesters of anatomy and physiology, food & nutrition, group exercise leadership, exercise testing and prescription, anatomy, exercise physiology, biomechanics, strength and conditioning, exercise and health promotion, psychology of sport and physical activity, and physical activity for special and aging populations. 


    Careers and Graduate School

    Each student can tailor a program to meet his or her career goals. Students preparing for careers in community or school-based recreational programs elect a course of study which includes event and fiscal management of fitness programs. Those seeking careers in the fitness industry (personal trainer, exercise specialist, industrial or corporate fitness specialist, and health clubs) elect advanced course work in health promotion and fitness. Students seeking admission into graduate programs in physical therapy, cardiac rehabilitation or physician's assistant focus their coursework in the biological sciences, chemistry and physics. Students with a degree in Exercise Science can be employed in a multitude of environments such as fitness centers, spas, YMCAs and YWCAs, cardiac rehabilitation. 

    Athletic Training

    Students interested in pursuing professional education in athletic training should select a major in Exercise Science with an Athletic Training Concentration (EXSC-AT). Students selecting the EXSC-AT may apply for admission into a Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) degree program during the junior year. Winthrop University is currently completing the steps necessary to launch the MSAT in summer 2023.

    The Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training is no longer admitting students. The final cohort of students was admitted in Spring 2021 and will graduate in May 2023.

    The Winthrop University Athletic Training Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). The program has been placed on probation as of February 1, 2019, by the CAATE, 6850 Austin Center Blvd., Suite 100, Austin, TX 78731-3101.

    Athletic Training Program Outcomes (pdf - 42.8 KB)

 


**Need graphic for Exercise Science**

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Hear From Our Students & Faculty


Meredith Stewart
Exercise Science


I always knew I wanted to pursue a career that allowed me to learn more about sport and exercise. I love learning about how the body responds to and the science behind different exercises and movements. What I love most about Winthrop is the community I have found here. Whether in my classes, my organizations, or my major, I have always found people who were so loving and friendly to me. I consider many of the people I’ve met here to be my family. I plan to use my EXSC degree to become a personal trainer, an exercise physiologist, and a cancer exercise trainer. I know I want to work with prescribing exercise programs for special populations to help them manage their diseases. —Meredith Stewart

 

Beyond Graduation

Students with a degree in Exercise Science can be employed in a multitude of environments such as fitness centers, spas, YMCAs and YWCAs, cardiac rehabilitation, community and corporate wellness, and athlete strength and conditioning. Specific careers include: Clinical Exercise Physiologist; Cardiac Rehabilitation ; Corporate Wellness; Health Promotion ; Strength and Conditioning ; Fitness Club Administration; Sports Coach Students may go on for graduate programs in physical therapy, occupational therapy, sports medicine, exercise physiology, and human nutrition.

Students preparing for careers in community or school-based recreational programs elect a course of study which includes event and fiscal management of fitness programs. Those seeking careers in the fitness industry (personal trainer, exercise specialist, industrial or corporate fitness specialist, and health clubs) elect advanced coursework in health promotion and fitness. Students seeking admission into graduate programs in physical therapy, cardiac rehabilitation or physician’s assistant focus their coursework in biological sciences, chemistry, and physics. Out of 45-60 annual program graduates, approximately 15-20% are accepted to competitive allied health graduate programs in physical or occupational therapy. A senior exit survey has shown that over the past three years, there is over 90% placement to graduate programs or plans for application to graduate programs, job placement into a position related to the degree, self-employment, or military service.


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