THE COLLEGE:  

The College of Natural and Behavioral Sciences (NBS) was formed in the 2003-2004 year when the Division of Academic Affairs was reconfigured.  NBS is home to the academic departments/programs of Behavioral Sciences, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Earth Sciences (Geology and Geography), Mathematics, Physics, Psychology, and Sociology. The College also houses the following Centers: The Urban Community Research Center, the Center for Urban Environmental Research, and the Center for the Advancement of Diversity in Science and Mathematics. http://www.nbs.csudh.edu/

THE DEAN & ASSOCIATE DEAN:

The Dean:  Charles F. Hohm came to CSUDH in 2004 as the Founding Dean of the College of Natural and Behavioral Sciences. He received his B.A., M.A., and Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of Southern California.  Before joining the Dominguez Hills family, Dr. Hohm served as a faculty member and administrator at San Diego State University for thirty-one years.  Professor Hohm has published widely in the area of social demography and he has been very active in the California Sociological Association (CSA), the Pacific Sociological Association (PSA), and the American Sociological Association (ASA).  

The Associate Dean: Rodrick A. Hay joined CSUDH in 1996 as an Assistant Professor of Earth Sciences and quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a Professor in 2004. He served as Chair of Earth Sciences for four years and became Associate Dean of NBS in 2005.   He received is B.S. in Earth Sciences from Northern Arizona University, his M.B.A. in Business Administration from Santa Clara University, and his M.A. and Ph.D. in Geography from the University of Arizona.  Dr. Hay's expertise is in satellite remote sensing, specifically as it relates to land use and land cover change. He has worked extensively overseas and is currently participating in collaborative research in southern Zambia tracking Tonga migration and the resulting deforestation.

THE MISSION OF THE COLLEGE: The College of Natural and Behavioral Sciences (NBS) seeks to improve the scientific literacy of all CSUDH students by providing them with a number of excellent opportunities for a comprehensive undergraduate education. In addition, the College offers majors in the natural and behavioral sciences (biology, mathematics, chemistry, physics, earth sciences, computer science, sociology, and psychology) and provides our students with research opportunities, many of which are funded. These opportunities enable our majors to embark on careers involving science and technology or to pursue further education leading to an advanced degree, such as a Ph.D. or M.D. 

THE SUCCESS OF THE COLLEGE:  Because of the small class size and commitment of NBS faculty to student involvement in research, a significant number of our graduates gain admittance to the most prestigious M.D., Ph.D. and Pharm.D. programs in the country, including Johns Hopkins, Northwestern, Michigan, Wisconsin, Indiana, Ohio State, USC, UCLA, UCSD, New York University, Purdue, and Texas. Also, the faculty of the College of Natural & Behavioral Sciences have been very successful with their external grant activity, bringing in over $5,000,000 dollars in research grants over the last year. Also, the faculty of the College of Natural and Behavioral Sciences are involved in general and applied research that contributes to the expanding bodies of new knowledge.

DEPARTMENTS/PROGRAMS: 

Behavioral Science is designed to provide the student with a broad systematic understanding of human behavior, and of the psychological, cultural, political and social factors that influence such behavior.  The program stresses the mastery of key behavioral science concepts; exposure to significant behavioral science theories drawn from psychology, sociology, anthropology and political science; and the development and utilization of rigorous investigation, observation and research skills common to the behavioral sciences.  The program provides practical knowledge and skills with enduring career applicability. http://www.nbs.csudh.edu/BehavioralScience.html

Biology at CSUDH is designed to provide students with intensive, progressive, and balanced learning experiences in cell and molecular biology, organism biology, population and community biology, and environmental science.  The 

Biology Department offers students seven programs from which to choose:  1) An undergraduate program which awards the Bachelor of Arts Degree; 2) Two undergraduate major options that award the Bachelor of Science Degree: a General Option and a Microbiology Option; 3) Two minor programs: a General Minor and a Microbiology Minor;  4) A Life Science Subject Matter Preparation Program for students who wish to pursue a secondary teaching credential is currently being developed; 5) A graduate program which awards the Master of Science Degree. http://www.nbs.csudh.edu/biology/index.html

Chemistry offers majors leading to a Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Arts Degree.  The B.A. Degree also has a Biochemistry Option.  The Bachelor of Science in Chemistry is designed primarily for students who plan to enter graduate programs in chemistry or other closely related sciences.  The B.S. program is approved by the American Chemical Society (ACS).  Students graduating with this degree will be certified to the Society and will receive a certificate from the ACS.   The Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry fulfills the need of those students who are pursuing premedical or predental programs as well as those who plan to enter fields such as business, environmental or patent law, where a background in chemistry can be of great utility. http://www.nbs.csudh.edu/chemistry/

Computer Science is a baccalaureate program (Bachelor of Science in Computer Science) accredited by the Computer Science Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology.  The programs accredited by the Commission of Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology are accredited as separate and distinct from any other programs or kinds of accreditation. Computer Science involves a surprising amalgam of logic, mathematics, engineering, electronics, communications and ergonomics. The curriculum is designed to provide preparation for professional careers in the areas of software design and applied computer science, as well as to give the necessary theoretical background for graduate study in the field and to allow a flexible response to a dynamic and growing profession.  
The Department also offers a Master’s Degree program in Computer Science. The primary objectives of the Master of Science in Computer Science program are to address the critical shortage of professionals in computer science in California and the nation, provide an avenue for computer professionals in the industry to upgrade their professional skills, and prepare graduates to pursue the Ph.D. degree in Computer Science. This degree program focuses on advanced concepts in computer science with the theoretical rigor needed to build a new generation of computer programs and interfaces. It has two tracks: Software Engineering, and Distributed Systems and Networking. The goals and objective of the program are accomplished through integrated studies taught by highly qualified faculty members throughout the students’ learning experience. Our teaching labs offer state-of-the-art equipment and the Department of Computer Science strives to stay abreast of the latest technologies required in industry and government. http://csc.csudh.edu

Earth Sciences (Geology) offers a B.S. degree options in Geology.  Earth scientists and geologists are concerned with the history, behavior, and mineral composition of the earth, particularly that which provides energy and materials for manufacturing and construction.  Geologic hazards such as earthquakes, landslides, floods, and volcanic eruptions are studied.  Recently, toxic wastes migrating in ground water have become a new challenge for earth scientists.  An understanding of the processes taking place on our planet involves more than practical concerns of materials and hazards; the quality of our lives depends on our knowledge of the earth for its interpretation, protection, and enjoyment. Students may pursue either the Geology or the Physical Science Option for which no minor is required.  Alternatively, students may choose the Earth Science Option, which must be taken in conjunction with a minor. The Earth Sciences Option provides students with courses in oceanography, meteorology, geomorphology and mapping as well as geology courses.  The Geology Option prepares students for professional careers as geologists in government or industry.  The degree also provides the basis for continuation into more advanced work in graduate school since many professional positions require a master’s degree.  The Physical Science Option is designed for students seeking careers in teaching physical science in high school.

Earth Sciences (Geography) provides knowledge of the Earth's physical systems, and humans’ interaction and alteration of those, is key to society's ability to sustain growth and development, and at the same time maintain the quality of life that the world's nations desire.  In recent years people have discovered that large numbers of societal problems have geographic dimensions and that education and training in geography provide essential skills for real world problem solving.  As a result, geography has become a necessary ingredient in hundreds of different jobs, in both government and industry, and at the local, regional, national, and international levels. The Geography B.A. program concentrates on the physical aspects of geography (atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere), computer-based geotechniques such as remote sensing, geographic information systems, and cartography, and the study of the different regions of the world.  The expertise and international focus of the faculty provide opportunities for students to learn  
about, and participate in, research projects ranging from mapping disruption in the Mojave Desert to analyzing farming systems in Egypt, the Sudan, and other African and Asian countries. http://www.nbs.csudh.edu/earth/index.html
 
Mathematics encompasses number operations and algebra, motion and change (calculus and differential equations), logical analysis, scientific visualization, structure and geometry, the prediction of random events (probability), the extraction of useful information from large sets of data (statistics), and the discovery of a better way to do things (optimization). It is abstract and theoretical, and intensely down-to-earth and practical, all at the same time.  The B.S. in mathematics prepares students for exciting and rewarding work in industry, careers in teaching, and for advanced post-baccalaureate study.  Our calculus, differential equations, analysis, and probability and statistics courses enable science students to analyze data and predict outcomes in static and dynamic situations.  Our foundations, discrete math and algebra courses give students the tools they need for rigorous logical and structural analysis and a deep conceptual understanding of quantitative situations.  Our mathematics education courses prepare students to be outstanding leaders with a deep knowledge of mathematics and the best practices in teaching. http://www.csudh.edu/math/

Physics is the study of the natural world at its foundation.  As such it is the basis for other disciplines such as biology, medicine, chemistry, computing science, geology, astronomy and engineering.  Physicists study the world from the smallest particles of matter (quarks and leptons), nuclei, atoms, and molecules; through forces and motions which determine properties of solids, liquids, gases, and plasmas; to descriptions of the behavior of matter on all scales up to starts, galaxies, and even the origin and fate of the universe.  The department encourages student-faculty interaction in all these areas. For the traditional physics baccalaureate degree, the department offers a General Physics Option, which provides access to advanced theoretical and technical careers.  In addition, students may gain experience by participating in research projects (e.g. neutrino experiments, medical imaging). Since many physics majors find their niche in teaching, the department offers a Physical Science Option tailored to meet education standards and satisfy waiver requirements for a single subject teaching credential.  The Physics faculty are committed to teaching excellence, and to teacher education in the sciences.  The department provides essential laboratory hands-on experience in understanding and demonstrating science. http://www.nbs.csudh.edu/physics/index.html

Psychology examines people’s behaviors and experiences. Psychologists teach and do research or applied work on subjects relating to the social and behavioral sciences. In order to better understand behavior, psychologists study both humans and animals. Psychology covers a wide range of topics, from the way our social environment influences us to the inner workings of our bodies. This diversity of topics is reflected in the psychology curriculum. The Department of Psychology sees its mission as offering a solid foundation in the theories and scientific methods of psychology to diverse and nontraditional students who choose to study Psychology at the undergraduate and graduate level.  The department offers courses in aspects of the empirical knowledge base of scientific psychology and applied psychology for psychology majors and graduate students. Finally, the department offers students the opportunity to become involved in research, at both the B.A. and M.A. levels. http://www.nbs.csudh.edu/psychology/index.html

Sociology plays an important role in helping governments, corporations and citizens to cope better in a rapidly changing world.  The methods and knowledge developed by sociologists and the diverse subjects they study reflect the complexity of human behavior and social life. The newly emerging patterns of social change continue to alter our life, making the effective applications of social analysis more important than ever before in solving problems of human organizations. The Department of Sociology is committed to providing sociological skills to people entering a wide variety of careers and professions.  The department is composed of a diverse, innovative, and stimulating faculty who teach and pursue research in a variety of areas that are important in today’s changing world.  The Sociology Program educates students for many different careers in both public and private sectors, which increasingly recognize the relevance of sociological training for a broad range of professions and organizations. The sociology department offers B.A. and M.A. programs with several emphases that respond directly to the needs of today’s students. http://www.nbs.csudh.edu/sociology/index.html