
The School of Exercise and Nutritional Sciences (ENS) has evolved from its beginnings in 1914 as a physical education department to one that now offers undergraduate degrees in kinesiology and foods and nutrition; master’s degrees in athletic training, exercise physiology, and nutritional sciences; and a doctor of physical therapy degree.
In addition to offering strong academic programs, the faculty are active researchers who study a range of topics that include:
- Exercise behavior and physical function and well-being in older adults
- Thermoregulation during exercise
- Physical activity interventions in religious communities
- Food allergen detection and characterization
- Evaluation of school physical education and physical activity policy
- Chronic recurrent low back pain – mechanisms and intervention
- Lower extremity and trunk biomechanics associated with sports-related injuries
- Edible insects as a sustainable food source
- Pelvic floor muscle function and rehabilitation
- Development of strength, energetic, and balance measurement devices for diagnosing age-related mobility decline
- Use of robotic devices to improve walking function and health in people with spinal cord injury and other neurologic conditions
In addition, the Adaptive Fitness Clinic is an ENS program for individuals with a range of physical disabilities. Founded in 1983, the Clinic has served over 1,500 clients from the local community and provided hands-on training experiences for over 5,000 ENS students.
Building Location

The school’s main office and many if its facilities resides in the Exercise & Nutritional Sciences building near the center of the SDSU campus.
School of Exercise & Nutritional Sciences
ENS Building rm #351
5500 Campanile Drive
San Diego, CA 92182-7251
Monday through Friday, 7:30 am to 4:00 pm
Visiting the Adaptive Fitness Clinic
Though we don’t have formal arrangements for tours of the Adaptive Fitness Clinic, you may contact Matt Soto, the clinic’s director (sdsufitclinic@sdsu.edu).