College of Natural and Social Sciences

The College of Natural and Social Sciences (NSS) is the largest college at Cal State LA with over 150 outstanding and dedicated faculty who have won more Statewide Outstanding Professor Awards than faculty in any other academic unit in the California State University system. The college is committed to programs of academic excellence in the fields of natural and social sciences that provide access and opportunity for a uniquely diverse student body. 

Dean's Welcome

Man with red tie and dark blue suit

Welcome to the College of Natural and Social Sciences

Welcome to the College of Natural and Social Sciences, home to 12 departments and programs. As we embark on another exciting year of academic excellence at Cal State LA, it's my privilege to lead the college.

Student Success 2024

Meet Jordan O'Kelley, a soon-to-be Cal State LA physics graduate with dreams of a career in astronomy research. His unique journey from author to researcher is just beginning.

College of Natural and Social Sciences News

Cal State LA Professor Jennifer Garrison sits in front of a large mountain.

Cal State LA’s geology professor receives Fulbright Scholar award

Jennifer Garrison, professor of geology at Cal State LA, has recently received a Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program award to collaborate with scientists in Ecuador on an exchange program.

Congratulations Class of 2024

Cal State LA Commencement 2024

Commencement 2024 is forever etched in the hearts and minds of tens of thousands. Six ceremonies held over two days last week at the Los Angeles Convention Center radiated with a profound glow unlike any other. Of the nearly 7,000 students claiming their degrees, 5,700 walked, strut, and danced across the stage, cheered on by friends and loved ones.

Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) units along side the Cal State LA College of Natural and Social Sciences lockup and NXT Power logo

Cal State LA Receives Vital Technological Support from NXT Power

The College of Natural and Social Sciences at California State University, Los Angeles, is pleased to announce a significant donation from NXT Power, a leader in manufacturing advanced power quality solutions. 

Barry Hibbs, professor of geology in the College of Natural and Social Sciences at Cal State LA.

Cal State LA geology professor receives award from the National Ground Water Association

Cal State LA Professor Barry Hibbs has been selected as a recipient of the National Ground Water Association’s Keith E. Anderson Award for 2023. The association is a leader in advocating for the responsible development, management, and use of water.

Professor Wayne Bishop "In memoriam"

In Memoriam- Remembering Wayne Bishop

Wayne Bishop, a revered emeritus Professor of Mathematics and a distinguished former chair of the Department of Mathematics passed away peacefully on April 30 at Huntington Hospital. Wayne’s passing is deeply felt by his family, colleagues, and the many students whose lives he touched during his remarkable 50-year tenure at Cal State LA.

liu DOE fair award news

Cal State LA receives grant to boost opportunities for students to engage in clean energy research

Cal State LA has received a $750,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to provide more research and training opportunities in STEM fields for students while addressing important energy and climate challenges.  

Cal State LA Interim President, Leroy Morishita, poses for a group photo with the 2023 Outstanding Professors.

Cal State LA honors outstanding faculty at University Convocation 2023

Three Cal State LA NSS faculty members were recognized for excellence in teaching and outstanding achievements during University Convocation 2023.

Events Calendar & Social Media

There are no upcoming events.

ACADEMICS

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NSS Degree Programs

The College of Natural and Social Sciences provides innovative degree programs leading to baccalaureate and master's degrees in an environment that encourages intentional learning and collaborative research. 

NSS Honors Convocation 2024

The College of Natural and Social Sciences hosted its annual Honors Convocation, celebrating the academic achievements of both undergraduate and graduate students. For the first time, honorees received NSS honors pins, symbolizing their hard work and dedication. The ceremony underscored the community's collective pride and the importance of recognizing student success.

STUDENT SUPPORT

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NSS ADVISING

Need help with degree planning and progression, graduation check, exploring or declaring a major, or other academic concerns? The NSS Advisement Center team is here to help. 

Urban Ecology Center

The mission of the Urban Ecology Center (UEC), housed within Cal State LA’s College of Natural and Social Sciences (NSS), is to support the advancement of transdisciplinary research, education, and professional development with a focus on sustainable, equitable, and fair economic drivers, land use practices, and public policies.

Alumni Spotlight

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Alma Rosa Nieto

Alumnus Alma Rosa Nieto understands the importance of representation and role models and aims to be a source of inspiration to current Cal State LA students.