Exercise and Nutrition Sciences
Studying how we move and fuel our bodies.
Diet. Exercise. Everyone knows those are the basic pillars of good health, but establishing a healthy lifestyle is much more complex than “eat better, move more.” Students in the Department of Exercise and Nutrition delve into those complexities and examine the link between physical activity and nutrition and the wellbeing of an individual and their community. They then use that information to develop in-depth and detailed interventions that can help people live happier, healthier lives.
Graduate and Undergraduate Programs
One of only a few schools of Public Health with a department of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences.
Our Bachelor of Science (BS) programs deliver a versatile background in topics such as physiology, psychology, nutrition and exercise science. Our master's degree students learn the more advanced science behind exercise performance, physical activity promotion, and nutrition science, as well as how to design programs that promote health and wellness at the individual, as well as at the population level.
Meet Our Department Chair
Sameera Talegawkar
Interim Department Chair
Dr. Talegawkar research focuses on nutritional assessment and chronic disease risks of underserved elderly, African American, and South Asian populations and, at various times on GW faculty. She has been a program co-director, a mentor for masters and PhD students, and a member of several influential committees. In December 2024, she completed a term of service as a member of the USDA and HHS Dietary Guidelines for Americans scientific committee that culminated in the submission of an advisory report.
Student Opportunities
EXNS in the US
National Opportunities
Each semester, faculty, staff and students from EXNS practice what they teach and learn in the classroom with the goal of better health for all.
EXNS in DC
In Our Own Community
EXNS offers a unique location in the nation's capital providing unparalleled access to the most pressing problems facing the world.
EXNS at GW
Here on Campus
GW is home to a wide range of public health research and practice activities both within EXNS and across the university.
Explore EXNS
Research
Exercise is Prevention: our research focuses on disease prevention. We believe physical activity has great impact on public health.
Practice Experience
Our extensive partner network enables students to work with top Washington, D.C. health organizations as practice settings.
Careers and Alumni
Earning one of our degrees can lead to a wide range of professional opportunities. Click for a sampling and alumni profiles.
New In EXNS
Research Keeps it FRESH for Exercise Science Major
Senior exercise science major Cate Alvaro ‘23 remembers the moment she was sold on the Milken Institute School of Public Health for her undergraduate degree. “When I toured campus, they brought us into Milken and down into the exercise and nutrition science labs. We were able to see all the different equipment and how they were using it for a variety of research studies. I remember being really excited about that and wanting to get involved in research.”
Department News
Experts Recommend Caution on the Use of Non-Sugar Sweeteners
January 22, 2024
Despite ongoing concerns about the health impacts of non-sugar sweeteners such as aspartame, sucralose and stevia, these sweeteners are increasingly found in a variety of foods and beverages, including those aimed at children
School-based Gardening and Food Programs May Support Healthier Food Attitudes Later in Life
January 8, 2024
School-based Gardening and Food Programs May Support Healthier Food Attitudes Later in Life
National Food Safety Expert Joins Milken Institute School of Public Health
Barbara Kowalcyk will direct the new Institute for Food Safety & Nutrition Security
September 7, 2023
Barbara Kowalcyk will direct the new Center for Food Safety & Nutrition Security