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

Dean's Welcome Message

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 Morgan Sjoerdsma, a Graduating Cal State LA student driven to help students realize their full potential.

College of Natural and Social Sciences News

Gregorio Pacheco wearing a white cream colored dress shirt in front of a yellow wall

Cal State LA Welcomes Gregorio Pacheco as NAGPRA/CalNAGPRA Repatriation Coordinator

Gregorio Pacheco brings over a decade of experience in cultural heritage management and tribal collaboration to lead Cal State LA's repatriation efforts.

CSU Trustees’ Award winner, Rebekah Reyes.

Cal State LA sociology major receives CSU Trustees’ Award for Outstanding Achievement

Cal State LA graduate student Rebekah Reyes will be awarded a $18,000 scholarship and named a CSU Trustee Emeritus and CSU Foundation Board Member Ali C. Razi Scholar.

A satellite orbiting the earth.

Cal State LA receives NASA grant to support student success in STEM fields

Cal State LA has received a $300,000 NASA grant to assist students from underprivileged communities in the greater Los Angeles area to succeed in their pursuit of careers as NASA scientists and researchers in the STEM fields.

Student Jordan O'Kelley wearing a black polo shirt

Graduating Cal State LA student aspires for a career in astronomy research

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.

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.

COAST Winner Nathan Venegas wearing a lab coat

2023-24 CSU COAST Undergraduate Research Support Program Award Winner

Cal State LA proudly announces that undergraduate student Nathan Venegas has been named this year's recipient of the California State University's Council on Ocean Affairs Science and Technology (COAST) Undergraduate Research Support Program Award.

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.  

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.