Office of the Dean

Location: ASC, Rosser Hall B223
Phone: (323) 343-2000
E-mail: nss@calstatela.edu
Website: College of Natural and Social Sciences

Administrators

Dean:   René Vellanoweth
Associate Dean:   Alison McCurdy
Associate Dean:   Robert Nissen
Resource Manager: Tommy Luong
Director of Student Success & Advising: Joaquin Franco
Graduate Dean Website:  College of Natural and Social Sciences Graduate Program

Overview

The College of Natural and Social Sciences (NSS) strives to inspire our student body of approximately 5300 to cultivate an appreciation for the biological, physical, and social aspects of our planet and to foster a lifelong commitment to improving the lives of its inhabitants. A prime example of this commitment is the Urban Ecology Center, which supports advancing transdisciplinary research, education, and professional development, focusing on sustainable, equitable, and fair economic drivers, land use practices, and public policies.

Our outstanding faculty and staff are committed to creating culturally responsive and inclusive educational experiences for students that facilitate the development of the next generation of leaders in their fields. Graduates with majors in The College of Natural and Social Sciences (NSS) are well-prepared to move directly into the workforce after graduation or continue their training in graduate schools or professional schools.

Undergraduate Programs  NSS is committed to programs of academic excellence that provide educational and research opportunities for our diverse student body. Faculty from twelve departments and programs are dedicated to instruction, scholarship, and university and community service. In general education and undergraduate and graduate programs, the faculty support students in developing creative and critical thinking skills in preparation for careers or for admission to competitive graduate or professional programs in their respective disciplines.

Graduate and Postbaccalaureate Programs  NSS offers fifteen master’s degree programs in the fields of natural and social sciences. These graduate programs prepare students for advanced study toward the Ph.D. degree and careers as professionals in NSS disciplines, community college teaching, industry, and government.

Faculty  NSS includes over 150 outstanding and dedicated faculty who have won numerous Statewide Outstanding Professor Awards.  The faculty apply their disciplinary expertise to enhance student learning in the classroom, laboratory, and field.  Many faculty work directly with students to pursue research, scholarship, and creative activities.  The College prides itself on the close interaction between faculty and students and its collaborative research environment which encourages student discovery.

Facilities  The College has a wide variety of laboratories and other facilities, instrumentation, and equipment supporting the curriculum, research, and fieldwork  of students and faculty.

Supported Training Programs  The College of Natural and Social Sciences supports several training programs with a shared vision of increasing equity, diversity, and inclusion while engaging our students in high-impact experiential learning opportunities. For a complete listing of these opportunities, please visit https://www.calstatela.edu/nss/nss-programs-and-projects.

Guiding Principles

We are agents of change, promising to serve and transform Greater Los Angeles and the global society through innovative and intentional learning environments, socially conscious and equity-minded civic engagement, and impactful (inter)disciplinary research. 

The College of Natural and Social Sciences is guided by three strategic priorities:

1. intentional learning environments,
2. socially conscious and equity-minded civic engagement, and
3. impactful (inter)disciplinary research

Vision Statement

We strive to meet the challenges of an ever-changing and dynamic society. 

Departments, Programs & Accreditation

There are 10 Departments and 1 interdisciplinary programs in NSS, together offering the undergraduate, graduate, and postbaccalaureate programs. 

The following programs are nationally accredited:

Chemistry (undergraduate) - American Chemical Society (ACS)
Public Administration (graduate) - National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration (NASPAA)