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.
Leadership Announcement
Interim Dean Appointment for the College of Natural and Social Sciences
We are pleased to announce that Dr. Stephen M. Trzaskoma has been appointed Interim Dean of the College of Natural and Social Sciences, effective June 9, 2025.
Student Support
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 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.
College of Natural and Social Sciences News
Cal State LA Dean Stephen Trzaskoma named HACU Leadership Academy Fellow
Stephen M. Trzaskoma, dean of the College of Arts and Letters and interim dean of the College of Natural and Social Sciences at Cal State LA, has been selected as a 2025–26 Fellow of the HACU Leadership Academy/La Academia de Liderazgo.
Cal State LA’s chemistry faculty receives Fulbright U.S. Scholar award to France
Cal State LA chemistry professor Olaseni “Seni” Sode has been awarded a prestigious Fulbright U.S. Scholar grant to teach and conduct research in Grenoble, France, during the 2025-26 academic year.
College of Natural and Social Sciences Welcomes Dr. Kirsten Fisher as Associate Dean
Dr. Fisher, a professor of biological sciences and former department chair, will support the college’s priorities in academic excellence, interdisciplinary collaboration, and student mentorship.
Dedicated to Students: Cal State LA’s Dr. Dinur Blum Named Outstanding Lecturer
Sociology instructor Dr. Dinur Blum is recognized for his impactful research, innovative teaching, and commitment to mentoring students at Cal State LA.
Finding His Element: Cal State LA Alum Dr. Antonio Tinoco Valencia Joins UCLA Faculty
Alumnus Dr. Antonio Tinoco Valencia is committed to mentoring the next generation of scientists and hopes his journey from ELAC to Cal State LA to UCLA will inspire students to dream big and persevere.
Cal State LA Professor Wins 2025 Harry R. Painton Award
The American Ornithological Society has recognized Cal State LA professor Dr. Eric Wood with the 2025 Harry R. Painton Award for his outstanding research on birds, habitat, and environmental justice in Los Angeles.
Cal State LA graduate student Maria Velasco keeps indigenous Mexican language Zapotec alive
Strangers come up to Maria Velasco and tell her how proud they are of her and her work in promoting their indigenous Zapotec language. Her fellow Oaxacans approach her on the streets of Koreatown and share stories of how their children or grandchildren have learned Zapotec words and phrases through Velasco’s online videos and social media posts.
Alumni Spotlight
Finding His Element: The Journey of Dr. Antonio Tinoco Valencia
Alumnus Dr. Antonio Tinoco Valencia is committed to mentoring the next generation of scientists and hopes his journey from ELAC to Cal State LA to UCLA will inspire students to dream big and persevere.