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.
NSS Students Honored as 2025–26 Sally Casanova Scholars
Andrew Alamillo Named NSS Outstanding Graduate Student for Environmental Research Excellence
A Fall 2025 M.S. graduate from California State University, Los Angeles, Alamillo is a DOE-funded researcher whose work on post-fire ecosystem recovery in the San Gabriel Mountains has led to a peer-reviewed publication and collaborations with NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
Supporting First-Generation Students Beyond the Classroom
Psychology majors Daniel Uhl and Bianca Nava say the program has transformed their college experience, giving them the freedom to focus on learning, growth, and their future careers.
Cal State LA Latin American Studies Program celebrates 65 years of teaching, scholarship, and activism
Cal State LA’s Perspectives Journal Wins First Prize in National Nash History Journal Competition
The Eta Xi Chapter’s student-run publication earns top honors for excellence in online graduate history journals.
NSS MPA graduate J.T. Chestnut completes world marathon majors, marking a journey of resilience and purpose
Cal State LA alumnus J.T. Chestnut, who earned his Master of Public Administration through the College of Natural and Social Sciences, achieved the prestigious Six Star Medal after completing the Berlin Marathon in September 2025.
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.