Get Your Exercise Science Degree
As the multidisciplinary study of human movement, this degree incorporates a wide range of topics, including anatomy and physiology, exercise physiology, motor development, nutrition, sports psychology, and exercise testing and prescription. You will gain a solid understanding of how the human body responds to physical activity and learn how to design effective exercise programs.
Our program offers experiential learning through labs, internships and research opportunities. The small classroom sizes promote personalized attention and dedication from passionate faculty who are committed to helping you succeed.
Exercise Science Program Highlights
- Satisfy your pre-professional requirements and get strong training for physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other graduate programs.
- Get support from advisors who have experience preparing students for graduate programs.
- Customize your degree to meet your career goals with minors in athletic coaching, business, public health, psychology and more.
- Located in the heart of the capital city, we can direct you toward great shadowing and internship opportunities.
- Participate in research activities or projects by collaborating with exercise science faculty and attending/presenting at conferences, such as the Southeast American College of Sports Medicine Annual Meeting
- Join student organizations including our Division’s Pre-Health Club
- Become part of the Columbia College Biomedical Research Summer Program
- Learn About Science Faculty Research
Our exercise science faculty maintain active research programs of their own and encourage highly motivated students to engage in research opportunities by pursuing independent research projects and present their findings at state, regional and national conferences.
Alexandra Szarabajko, PhD, MPH: My research agenda has focused on trends in physical education requirements in U.S. higher education institutions and the advancement and support of health promotion initiatives in underserved communities in the Columbia College area.
Katherine DeVivo, PhD(c), MPH: My research interests include physical activity promotion, sedentary behavior reduction, and weight loss interventions to improve health outcomes and activities of daily living among individuals. Specifically, I am interested in understanding movement behaviors among dog owners and finding ways to optimize the human-animal bond and promote physical activity participation among dog owners. I also have experience with technology mediated behavioral interventions to improve health outcomes.
Modality & Benefits
Get a traditional college experience with lively in-person classroom discussions and close proximity to your professors, mentors, and best friends.
Start Dates:
January & August
- Semester-Based Timeline
- Face-to-Face Instruction
- In-Person Office Hours & Support
- Relationships & Networking
- Extracurriculars & Immersive Campus Experience
Exercise Science Curriculum
Our Exercise Science program offers two different concentration tracks that students can choose from:
The Clinical Health and Exercise concentration focuses on applying exercise science to healthcare settings, preparing students to work with clinical populations to improve physical function, health, and quality of life. Coursework includes anatomy, physiology, care & prevention of athletic injuries, motor learning and development and exercise prescription. The completion of an internship is also required.
The Health Promotion and Exercise concentration focuses on preventive health and wellness, focusing on educating and motivating people to adopt healthier lifestyles through fitness and lifestyle interventions. Coursework includes anatomy, physiology, personal health and wellness, physical activity & public health, exercise & sport psychology, and exercise behavior & adherence.
Major & Minor Requirements
Join a Growing Industry
Exercise physiologists have a high job outlook, with total jobs expected to grow 9% from 2021 to 2031 (BLS). Demand may rise as hospitals continue to emphasize exercise and preventive care.
Engaging Career Paths
- Athletic Coaching
- Exercise Physiologist
- Exercise Specialist/Wellness Coordinator
- Occupational or Physical Therapist
- Personal Trainer/Fitness Instructor
- Physician Assistant
- Sport Nutritionist
- Sport Psychologist
- Strength and Conditioning Coach
Our Graduates Are Studying:
- Brenau University - Occupational Therapy Program
- Charleston Southern University – Doctor of Physical Therapy Program
- Lenoir-Rhyne University - Occupational Therapy Program
- Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) - College of Nursing
PT, MHA, MBA, and more
Your degree in Exercise Science will prepare you for success in physical therapy, occupational therapy, or athletic training. You can also use your momentum with the MHA, and MBA programs offered right here at Columbia College.
Next Steps for Your Degree in Exercise Science
- Industry Outlook
- Career Paths
- Recent Placements
- Graduate School
Student Experiences
“The Exercise Science courses were filled with quality information which helped me prepare to continue my education. The hands-on labs really helped with understanding, specifically Anatomical Kinesiology and Exercise Prescription were very helpful.”
Meghan Dennis
Class of 2024
"Our CC EXSC program is hands on when studying bones, movements, muscles, etc. The internship requirement is also a great way to get in-person field experience before graduating."
Alexus Jennings
Class of 2021
Thursday, June 20, 2024, was an incredible day for research at Columbia College, as the Division of Health, Mathematics, and Sciences and the Division of Social Sciences hosted the fourth annual Columbia College Biomedical Research Program (CCBRP) Summer Research Symposium.
On Saturday, Feb. 10th, four Columbia College students from the Division of Health, Mathematics and Sciences presented their research at the 15th Annual Science Symposium at the University of South Carolina.
In a comprehensive series of five studies, Exercise Science Program Chair, Dr. Alexandra Szarabajko and her colleagues from Eastern Kentucky University and Winston-Salem State University have unveiled findings that emphasize the pivotal role of close relationships in athletes' pursuit of goals and their athletic performance.
Dr. Alexandra Szarabajko, Program Chair and Assistant Professor of Exercise Science at Columbia College, completed her doctorate last summer at Oregon State University.
Exercise Science News
- Columbia College Hosts Fourth Annual Summer Research Symposium
- Columbia College Scholars Shine at 15th Annual Science Symposium
- Dr. Alexandra Szarabajko Investigates Relational Motivation in Sports
- Dr. Alexandra Szarabajko's Dissertation Work Recognized