Exercise and Nutrition Sciences

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

Volunteering in the Community: Student Laura Popielski's Experience as a Volunteer Sous Chef

Being in the heart of DC, our students not only have wonderful opportunities for career development but are also able to find community service that aligns with their passions. Like MPH in public health nutrition student Laura Popielski, who is a volunteer sous chef with Miriam's Kitchen, a nonprofit focused on ending chronic homelessness. Learn more about Laura, her work at Miriam's Kitchen and why she came to DC to pursue her MPH.

Read the Full Story

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.

LEARN MORE

Practice Experience

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

LEARN MORE

Careers and Alumni

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

LEARN MORE

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) 994-8240

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 LSAP OFFERINGS

Powerlifting, Spinning, Swimming

SEE LSAP OFFERINGS

Kickboxing, Yoga and More

SEE LSAP OFFERINGS

Department News

Dean Lynn Goldman Receives Environmental Award at the APHA Annual Meeting
10/28/2016

The award is given by the APHA Environmental Section at the annual meeting to recognize an environmental health expert for significant contributions to the field.

Student Laura Popielski Gives Inside Perspective as Miriam’s Kitchen Volunteer Sous Chef
10/17/2016

Laura, an MPH in public health nutrition student, says Miriam's Kitchen is "a great place to learn and a great place to serve.”

Dean Goldman Awarded the Walsh McDermott Medal at the National Academy of Medicine Annual Meeting
10/17/2016

The Walsh McDermott Medal is awarded to a NAM member for distinguished service to the Academies over an extended period of time.