Exercise and Nutrition Sciences

Exploring the science of how physical activity and nutrition impact human health, prevent disease and promote wellness

New in EXNS: Addressing Development Through Sport

Melissa Otterbein, a second-year graduate student in the Physical Activity in Public Health program, spent the summer completing her practicum as a monitoring and evaluation intern with Girls Gotta Run Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering girls and their communities through running and education.

What is Exercise and Nutrition Science?

Exercise and nutrition sciences is the scientific study of how lifestyle-related factors like physical activity and nutrition affect the individual as well as the health and function of communities at-large. Our students can develop their skills in a variety of areas from training elite athletes to developing public health policies aimed at nutrition and physical activity to nutrition-related interventions that reduce chronic disease and associated complications from poor diet. We not only train our students in the field of exercise and nutrition sciences, but through our research we develop new projects and programs, and influence public policy to create a lasting change on the health of the world.

Program Offerings

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.

Undergraduate Programs

Graduate Programs

EXPLORE EXNS

Research

Exercise is Prevention: our research focuses on disease prevention. We believe physical activity has great impact on public health.

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Practice Experience

Our extensive partner network enables students to work with top Washington, D.C. health organizations as practice settings.

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Careers and Alumni

Earning one of our degrees can lead to a wide range of professional opportunities. Click for a sampling and alumni profiles.

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MEET OUR FACULTY

Kim Robien, PhD, RD, CSO, FAND

Associate Professor

Kim Robien discusses her love of travel, why DC is the best place for public health and how food systems have impacts at the community level.

Watch Faculty Spotlight

Our Department's Faculty

Student Resources

Department Resources

As a GW student, you have many resources at your disposal through your department, the school, and the university. Click below for resources relevant to Exercise and Nutrition Science students.

Department Resources

GWSPH Source

The Source is home to all resources for students, faculty and staff. Simply type what you're looking for into the search bar and click the icon. You can also use the category filters under "Resources" to help you locate the resource you are looking for.

The Source

Student Life

As a student in Washington, DC, you have an opportunity to not only capitalize on all the city has to offer as a student and professional, but also on a personal level. Take advantage of all the nation's capital has to offer on your own, or join one of our student groups to experience GWSPH with your peers.

Student Life

Our Lab Facilities

LAB OVERVIEW

The Exercise and Nutrition Sciences department has two fitness testing facilities, one located in Washington, DC near the Foggy Bottom campus (DC Lab) and one in Ashburn, Virginia on the Virginia Science and Technology Campus (VTSC Lab).

LAB OVERVIEW

DC LAB

GWU Exercise Physiology Lab
iSTART@gwu.edu
(202) 994-5356

DC LAB

VTSC Lab

GWU Center for Weight Loss and Human Performance
exercise@gwu.edu
(571) 553-0237

VTSC Lab

Lifestyle & Wellness Class Offerings

Rock Climbing, Golf, Pilates

The Department of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences offers a range of sports and activity classes that give GW students a chance to learn a new activity or to improve their skill level while having a memorable experience with classmates.

SEE LSPA OFFERINGS

Powerlifting, Spinning, Swimming

SEE LSPA OFFERINGS

Kickboxing, Yoga and More

SEE LSPA OFFERINGS

Department News

Renowned Expert on Food Access and Diet-Related Health Issues Joins the George Washington University
08/26/2020

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Aug. 26, 2020) – Michele (Shelly) Ver Ploeg, PhD, MS, has been named the Director of the Food Policy and Health Institute.

LSPA Program Offers Guided Meditation Classes
04/20/2020

LSPA is hosting two guided meditation sessions.

New Study Dispels Myths about What Makes Youth Sports Fun for Kids
11/11/2019

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Nov. 14, 2019) – A new study looks at what makes organized sports fun for kids, and some of the findings might surprise you.