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.
Why EXSC at Columbia College?
What sets our Exercise Science program apart is our commitment to learning by doing. In our classes, students don't just study concepts and theory - they apply them. You might be measuring oxygen consumption and blood lactate during a VO₂ max test, practicing injury taping and wrapping techniques, assessing functional movement patterns, or measuring a person’s body composition.
These hands-on experiences, often reserved for graduate-level students, equip our students with the skills, confidence, and professional readiness to excel in careers or graduate study.
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.
- Join student organizations, including our Division’s Pre-Health Club
- Become part of the Columbia College Biomedical Research Summer Program
- Follow the program on Instagram (@CCExerciseScience) for program highlights where we connect current students, alumni, and friends
- 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, 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.
- Learn About EXSC Student Research
McDaniel, S. R. & Szarabajko, A. (2025). Sounds, sights, and sweat: How sensory sensitivity and attachment styles influence physical activity preferences. Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance, 96(8), 63-64. DOI: 10.1080/07303084.2025.2538382
Shull, M. & Szarabajko, A. (2025). Physical therapist’s experiences with exercise-based sciatica treatment methods in the physically active vs sedentary patient. Poster presented at the Dr. John Zubizarreta Honors Program Senior Medallion Ceremony, Columbia College.
Shull, M., Stewart, K., Scurry, A., DeVivo, K., & Szarabajko, A. (2025). Mapping health inequities: Investigating health outcomes in the Columbia College neighborhood. Poster presented at the Southeast American College of Sports Medicine Annual Meeting, Greenville, SC.
Rodaway, N., McCathern, T., & Szarabajko, A. (2024). Better than average: Physical education requirements in North and South Carolina’s tertiary institutions. International Journal of Exercise Science, 16(3), A11. https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/ijesab/vol16/iss3/11
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
Build a strong academic base with courses in chemistry, anatomy & physiology, nutrition, research methods, and physics. Gain practical experience through hands-on classes in anatomy, biomechanics, exercise physiology, and exercise testing and prescription.
Students in the Exercise Science program must earn a grade of C or higher in all EXSC courses and maintain a minimum major GPA of 2.5 in order to be eligible for internships and to graduate.
Major & Minor Requirements
Sample Curriculum Courses
- Sports Nutrition - Explore the role of nutrition in athletic performance, including fueling strategies, hydration, and the use of supplements.
- Exercise Physiology - Study how the body responds and adapts to exercise at the cellular, organ, and systemic levels.
- Anatomical Kinesiology - Learn the structure and function of the musculoskeletal system and how it relates to human movement.
- Biomechanics - Apply principles of physics and mechanics to analyze and improve human movement and performance.
- Exercise and Sport Psychology - Examine the mental, emotional, and behavioral factors that influence exercise participation and athletic performance.
- Exercise Testing and Prescription - Gain practical skills in assessing fitness components and designing safe, effective exercise programs for diverse populations.
Join a Growing Industry in Careers Like:
- Athletic Coaching
- Exercise Physiologist
- Exercise Specialist/Wellness Coordinator
- Occupational Therapy Assistant/Aide
- Physical Therapy Assistant/Aide
- Personal Trainer/Fitness Instructor
Our Degree Prepares Students for the Following:
- Athletic Training
- Occupational or Physical Therapy
- Physician Assistant
- Sport Nutritionist
- Sport Psychologist
- Nursing
- Medicine
Our Students Have Moved on to Continued Study Here:
- Howard University - Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program
- 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
Recent Placements Include:
- Atrium Health Levine Children's Hospital, Charlotte, NC
- Broward Health North Hospital, Deerfield Beach, FL
- Carolina Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine, Batesburg-Leesville, SC
- Drayer Physical Therapy, Columbia, SC
- Encompass Health, Columbia, SC
- Leaps and Bounds Pediatric Therapy, Cayce, SC
- McLeod Health Hospital, Loris, SC
- Palmetto Behavioral Services, West Columbia, SC
- Physical Rehabilitation Group, Columbia, SC
- Prisma Health, Columbia, SC
Next Steps for Your Degree in Exercise Science
- Jobs After Graduation
- Graduate-Level Programs
- Recent Placements
- Student Internships
Student Experiences
"The EXSC program provided opportunities to grow as a student through research and real-world coursework. I use skills from Exercise Prescription and Exercise Psychology every day in my post-grad job. I always felt supported to pursue my next step in higher education!"
Mina Shull
Class of 2025
"The EXSC program is distinguished by its exceptional support, interactive experiences, and enriching coursework. The chance to network, conduct research, and grow academically has been essential in equipping me for a future career in healthcare."
Nathan Rodaway
Class of 2025
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