Welcome to the College of Natural and Social Sciences

The College of Natural and Social Sciences is one of the largest college at Cal State LA, offering a wide range of programs in the sciences, social sciences, mathematics, and interdisciplinary fields. NSS supports student achievement, faculty excellence, and research that serves the public good.

Leadership Announcement

Dr. Stephen Trzaskoma smiles in front of a gray background.

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

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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. 

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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.

College of Natural and Social Sciences News

Cal State LA faculty and administrators pose with award recipients holding plaques during a university recognition ceremony.

Cal State LA celebrates NSS faculty excellence at the Employee Recognition and Service Awards Celebration

Cal State LA NSS faculty members were recognized for excellence in teaching and outstanding achievements during the university’s first combined Employee Recognition and Service Awards Celebration on Sept. 4.

Portrait of Cal State LA Professor of Hydrogeology Barry Hibbs wearing a dark suit and patterned tie against a gray-blue background.

Barry Hibbs named 2026 National Ground Water Association Fellow

Cal State LA hydrogeology professor recognized for distinguished contributions to groundwater science and the profession

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Cal State LA chemistry major earns prestigious Barry Goldwater Scholarship

Cal State LA chemistry major Elise Hastie has been named a 2026 Barry Goldwater Scholar, one of the nation’s most prestigious undergraduate awards in the natural sciences, mathematics, and engineering.

Graphic announcing the 2026 Young Investigator in Separation Science Award, featuring a portrait of Dr. Petr Vozka and identifying him as the award recipient from the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry

Dr. Petr Vozka Receives 2026 Young Investigator in Separation Science Award

The national award recognizes Dr. Petr Vozka's innovative research in advanced chemical separation and analytical methods.

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Graduating Cal State LA student aspires to be a forensic scientist after long career as an actor

She was a longtime actor before discovering her love for science. The 46-year-old resident of Glendale will attend the Commencement ceremony for the College of Natural and Social Sciences at 9 a.m. on Monday, May 18, to receive her Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from Cal State LA.

Faculty member stands outdoors on campus, leaning against a tree and smiling, with greenery in the foreground and a building in the background at Cal State LA.

Cal State LA joins statewide network to monitor biodiversity and climate impacts

Cal State LA is joining a major statewide initiative to monitor biodiversity and better understand how climate change and urban development are reshaping the ecosystems across California.

Three students pose for photo with their awards.

Cal State LA students earn top honors at CSU Student Research Competition

Three Cal State LA students received top awards at the 40th Annual California State University (CSU) Student Research Competition, held at San José State University from April 23 to 25, 2026. 

Alumni Spotlight

Dr. Antonio Tinoco Valencia at his Cal State LA graduation (left) and in a UCLA lab wearing a blue UCLA shirt (right).

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.

Events Calendar & Social Media

There are no upcoming events.

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.