MPH Physical Activity and Public Health at University of South Carolina

Programme overview

Gain the essential knowledge, skills and experiences to design, implement and evaluate interventions to increase physical activity in populations, directly impacting physical activity levels and health of communities. Join a master's program designed for students who are ready to make a difference in the health of a local community, state, nation and beyond and have career options in health and wellness, parks and recreation, policy and environmental change or disease prevention. You'll apply science-proven techniques to a variety of careers around health and performance of individuals through exercise.

Faculty: Arnold School of Public Health | Department: Exercise Science | Study mode: full-time | Location: Columbia, SC, United States

What you will study

Study physiological adaptations to aerobic and resistance exercise, the health effects of physical activity, how to measure physical activity, and how to develop, implement, and evaluate community policy and environmental interventions. Complete a practice experience in a physical activity organization.

Career pathways

Potential careers include Physical Activity Program Evaluator, Policy Advocate, Health Educator, Corporate Wellness Trainer, Active Transportation Consultant.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Admissions (University of South Carolina Academic Bulletin): A four-year baccalaureate degree or its equivalent in exercise science, kinesiology, biology, chemistry, pre-med, nutrition, health sciences, physiology, psychology, public health, physical therapy, medical doctor from an accredited institution Academic prerequisites: Human Anatomy and Physiology Grade point average of 3.00/4.00 or higher GRE is not required but recommended For international students, a satisfactory score on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) - minimum score of 80 internet-based, 230 computer-based, or 570 paper-based or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic Course Type 2 exam - minimum overall band score of 6.5. This requirement may be waived for applicants that have earned a prior degree from a US institution. Application Requirements Resume or CV Statement of Purpose and Objectives describing your academic interests,...

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Graduate applications are accepted for Fall, Spring and Summer terms; Fall applications open the prior September, Spring applications open in January and Summer applications open in May.

The graduate application fee is $50 per primary application, reinstated effective August 1, 2026. Deadlines are programme-specific. The Moore School of Business, the Arnold School of Public Health and the College of Nursing use their own applications; the Moore School charges an additional $50 application fee for graduate programmes.

Apply through the official page: https://www.sc.edu/admissions-at-sc/applications/index.php

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