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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
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.
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.
“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.
Exercise Science Richard W. Riley College of Education, Sport, and Human Sciences 216G West Center Rock Hill, SC 29733, USA 803/323-4687 803/323-2124 (fax)
