UNIVERSITY CATALOG: 2025-2026

About the Department

The Bachelor of Science in Accountancy (BSA) degree prepares students with the competencies, skills and knowledge necessary in the accountancy profession. Students complete a rigorous program in accounting that develops their technical proficiency; ethical leadership; professional responsibilities; communication; and critical-thinking, interpersonal and technological skills.

The Master of Professional Accountancy (MPAcc) prepares students to launch a career in accountancy and to succeed on the CPA exam. This graduate degree is designed for applicants with non-accounting undergraduate degrees and can be completed within one year as part of the full-time cohort or two years as part of the part-time cohort.

The Master of Science in Taxation (MST) prepares students to become professional tax advisors and consultants in both the private and public sectors. Students complete a rigorous program in taxation that develops their written communication and tax planning, as well as tax research and critical-thinking skills.

Academic Advisement

Academic advisement helps students meet their academic goals and graduate in a timely manner. The Nazarian College Student Services Center/EOP Satellite provides academic advisement for Nazarian College majors during their time at CSUN. Furthermore, Nazarian College Student Services Center/EOP Satellite provides specialized support and retention services for Nazarian College students admitted to the Educational Opportunity Program from time of admission through time of graduation.

For students in the Master of Professional Accountancy program, advisement materials are available from the MPAcc program website and the Department of Accounting office in Bookstein Hall (BB) 3123, (818) 677-2461.

For students in the Master of Science in Taxation program, advisement materials are available from the MST program website and the program advisement office in Bookstein Hall (BB) 3123, (818) 677-5488.

Careers

EY Center for Careers in Accounting

The EY Center for Careers in Accounting at California State University, Northridge, provides specialized career and job search services to CSUN students and alumni. As a bridge from college life to the world of work, it is our mission to support the exploration of career and academic options, and the development of job search skills, and to facilitate connections between employers and students that lead to successful and satisfying futures. All BSA, BSIS, MPAcc and MST students are encouraged to use the EY Center for Careers in Accounting.

Professional Accountancy

The field of accounting is dynamic and constantly evolving to meet the needs of a global marketplace. The accounting program provides students with excellent career opportunities in all areas of the accounting field, such as financial reporting, audit, tax, consulting, management and forensic accounting, with public accounting firms, private industry, governments and nonprofit organizations.

The BSA program provides the foundation required to go on to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). The field of accounting has one of the highest demands for new graduates of any area in today’s market, and the salary scale depends on work experience, sector, industry and educational background, including professional designation.

Master of Professional Accountancy (MPAcc)

The MPAcc program helps graduates meet California’s 150-hour requirement for CPA licensure. In addition, the program prepares graduates to pursue a variety of accounting career options, including public accounting, private industry, government and nonprofit.

Master of Science in Taxation (MST)

The field of taxation offers stimulating and challenging work that is constantly evolving. Career opportunities exist in public accounting, private industry, government, not-for-profit institutions and other business-related organizations.

Accreditation

The David Nazarian College of Business and Economics is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). Approximately 6 percent of business schools worldwide have achieved AACSB accreditation.

Honors

The Business Honors Program is open to students who are declared majors in Accountancy, Economics, Information Systems, or Business Administration with an option in either Business Analytics, Business Law, Financial Analysis, Financial Planning, Global Supply Chain Management, Management, Marketing, Real Estate, Risk Management and Insurance, or Systems and Operations Management, who meet all Business Honors Program admissions criteria. Students who apply and are selected for admission to the program are offered a variety of benefits; for example, priority registration, mentorship and networking opportunities, a dedicated workspace, specialized academic advisement, smaller class sizes and cohort coursework. Students who fulfill all Business Honors Program requirements will receive the Business Honors option designation on their transcript in addition to their primary degree. For more information, call (818) 677-3100 or visit the Business Honors Program website.

Contact

Department of Accounting
Chair: Rishma Vedd
Bookstein Hall (BB) 3123
(818) 677-2461

Master of Professional Accountancy
Director: Rafael Efrat
Bookstein Hall (BB) 3123
(818) 677-2461

Master of Science in Taxation
Bookstein Chair in Taxation: Rafael Efrat
Bookstein Hall (BB) 3123
(818) 677-5488

EY Center for Careers in Accounting
Director: Gladys Polio
Bookstein Hall (BB) 2224
(818) 677-2979

About the Department

The Interdisciplinary Studies of Africa (ISA) minor is designed to provide an interdisciplinary approach to the study of African history, literature, politics, geography, religion and culture. It provides a background for the advanced study of Africa and for teaching and research in many fields, including art, communication, economics, education, health, the humanities, media and the social sciences.

Academic Advisement

All students who are interested in the Interdisciplinary Studies of Africa minor are invited to seek advisement from the coordinator or any member of the program committee (listed below) to develop a program that will meet their own specific needs and interests.

Careers

A minor in the Interdisciplinary Studies of Africa will boost career opportunities in the areas of the arts, foreign service, health, humanitarianism, international development, international business, international law, journalism, K-12 teaching, museum curation, social media management and the United Nations, among other fields. Students may take courses in several departments that satisfy the minor requirements or may use these courses as electives in their majors.

Program Committee

Contact

Interdisciplinary Studies of Africa Program
Coordinator: Suzanne Scheld
Department of Anthropology
Sierra Hall (SH) 232
(818) 677-3331

Mission Statement

The Department of Africana Studies is an intellectual community and academic unit committed to producing, refining and advancing the holistic knowledge of Black people in the United States, the Caribbean, Latin America, Europe and Africa from a culturally relevant perspective. Our mission is to advance and broaden ideas set forth in the department’s founding document in 1969 that seeks to promote the rich, dynamic and enduring nature of the African world experience through a comprehensive curriculum and innovative modes of teaching, research and learning. To this end, we are committed to providing students with a learning environment that critically examines Africana history, politics, literature, culture, arts, media and values. Our major goal relating to this mission is twofold: to investigate areas of the Black experience that have been marginalized, neglected or distorted by white supremacy and racial oppression, and, through this effort, to identify and appreciate the historic achievements, challenges and substantive contributions of peoples of African descent to world civilization and culture.

About the Department

The Africana Studies major and minor consist of course sequences and concentrations within an interdisciplinary curriculum (including history, political science, literature, cultural studies, psychology, social science, urban education, religion and others) that provide students with intellectual training in understanding and analyzing both the broad range of the African-American experience in the United States and issues of the African diaspora. The department encompasses university-trained social scientists and humanists from the major academic disciplines. For more information, please visit the Africana Studies department website.

Academic Advisement

Seeking academic advisement is essential to academic success and timely graduation. Academic advisement is available to students through the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences Student Services Center/EOP Satellite. Please call (818) 677-2658 to schedule an appointment.

Careers

After graduating, Africana Studies majors have attended law school or graduate schools in various academic fields. Many become educators, social workers, entrepreneurs and government employees, or they work in media and entertainment fields. Typical immediate employment options for Africana Studies graduates include social media managers, museum directors, publishing editors, urban planners, community development program directors or assistants, researchers, managerial trainees, retail sales associates, K-12 teachers, graduate school instructors and/or research assistants and more. For additional information regarding Africana Studies-related career options, consult the Africana Studies department.

Clubs and Societies

Africana Studies faculty work with and/or advise various student organizations, including:

Scholarships

The department offers the James Bracy Memorial Scholarship annually to assist promising students in Africana Studies, who demonstrate a financial need, but who also have career goals aimed at uplifting underserved communities of African descent. This scholarship was established in Fall 2014 by the department in memory of Dr. James Bamidele Bracy, who was a faculty member in the department from 1981 until his death in 2014. For application information, contact the office at (818) 677-3311 or visit the Department of Africana Studies website.

Contact

Department of Africana Studies
Chair: Jade Huell
Santa Susana Hall (SN) 324
(818) 677-3311
africanastudies@csun.edu

Mission Statement

The American Indian Studies Program seeks to promote an understanding of American Indian history, cultures and tribal sovereignty with a focus on Southern California tribes, urban American Indians and other indigenous peoples in a global context. The program seeks to revise Western knowledge of the history and culture of the United States to include American Indian perspectives and contributions. It also seeks to demonstrate the relevance of American Indian perspectives to contemporary political, economic and social issues in the United States and the world.

Academic Advisement

The American Indian Studies Program helps students select the program and courses that best satisfy their individual needs and interests. Please call (818) 677-2736 to schedule an appointment with the director. The College of Humanities (COH) Student Services Center/EOP reviews students’ progress to ensure that the requirements of a minor in American Indian Studies are fulfilled. Call (818) 677-4784 or (818) 677-4767 to schedule an appointment with the COH Student Services Center/EOP.

Contact

American Indian Studies Program
Director: Teresa Williams León
Jerome Richfield (JR) 219
(818) 677-2736

About the Department

Anthropology is the study of all humankind throughout time. Anthropology involves the study of people, their origins, their biological variations and characteristics, their languages and cultural patterns, their social structures and institutions, and their adaptation to their environment. The goal is to understand the basis and the forms of human diversity and to apply this knowledge to the solution of human problems. To achieve disciplinary objectives, the Department of Anthropology provides high-quality instruction to students, conducts original research with scholarly and applied outcomes, and promotes the discipline of anthropology to the general public. The department prepares students for careers in anthropology-related fields with introductory and advanced training in anthropological theory and methods and in special topics, with an emphasis in the sociocultural, archaeological and biological subdisciplines. It encourages new and continuing research by faculty members and students that makes contributions to knowledge and offers real-world solutions. Finally, the department helps to advance the discipline through participation in public outreach.

Academic Advisement

Seeking academic advisement is essential to academic success and timely graduation. Academic advisement is available to students through both the department advisor and staff advisors in the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences Student Services Center/EOP Satellite. Please call (818) 677-2658 to schedule an appointment.

Advising is also available through the department’s graduate advisor. Please call (818) 677-3331.

Careers

Anthropology, the study of humankind in all times and places, helps students to understand the origins of the world’s peoples and cultures, to live more effectively in our own communities and to prepare for tomorrow’s career challenges. The undergraduate and graduate degrees in anthropology prepare students for work in a wide range of fields, including law, social services, healthcare, business, engineering, media, folklore, education, museums, and cultural and natural resources management. Majors receive firm grounding in traditional subdisciplines, including archaeology, biological anthropology and sociocultural anthropology, preparing students for advanced work in the field.

Honors

The Honors Program leads to a B.A. degree in Anthropology with Honors and provides the student with an opportunity to engage in research under the supervision of an individual faculty member. Students interested in the Honors Program should contact the department undergraduate advisor. For more information, see Anthropology Honors.

Clubs and Societies

  • Anthropology Student Association (ASA)

International Studies

The Department of Anthropology supports the concept of international education and encourages students to investigate opportunities for overseas study. Certain courses taken at CSU International Program Study Centers in foreign countries are equivalent to courses in the Department of Anthropology and may be used to fulfill some of the requirements for degree options offered by the department and/or certain general education requirements. Students should consult the International Programs Bulletin available in the International and Exchange Student Center, a departmental advisor or the campus International Programs advisor for more information.

Contact

Department of Anthropology
Chair: Suzanne Scheld
Sierra Hall (SH) 232
(818) 677-3331

Mission Statement

The CSUN Department of Art and Design is committed to providing students with the necessary knowledge, skills, perspectives and understandings associated with the visual arts to succeed in their personal and professional lives.

About the Department

The goals of the Department of Art and Design are to establish and develop for students an inclusive and balanced program in visual art, which encompass three areas of study: art education, art history and visual arts.

Students are taught to experience and value visual thinking and creative problem solving in art, as well as to recognize the concurrent importance of perception, experimentation, innovation and critical thinking. Students will also understand the history and traditions of art, with their relevance to social and community concerns, as well as the art of different cultures.

Primary areas of study include animation, art education, art history, ceramics, drawing, communication design, illustration, painting, photography/video, printmaking and sculpture.

Academic Advisement

All Art majors are recommended to meet with a faculty advisor each semester. All students are highly encouraged to meet with their academic advisor and faculty advisor to ensure the completion of requirements for graduation. Appointments are booked through the Art Advisement Center located in AC 100, (818) 677-2348.

Careers

The programs in the Department of Art and Design prepare students for a range of opportunities in the creative economy. Students develop careers in a wide variety of academic, professional and entertainment fields, including animation, game design, branding, graphic design, illustration, photography, video, public art, studio arts, museum and gallery practices, art writing, art publishing and art education. In addition to coursework, internships, exhibitions, portfolio reviews, club events and guest speakers teach students real-world professional practices for the field.

Accreditation

The University is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design.

International Studies

The Mike Curb College of Arts, Media, and Communication supports the concept of international education and encourages students to investigate opportunities for overseas study. Certain courses taken at CSU International Program Study Centers in foreign countries are equivalent to courses in the Mike Curb College of Arts, Media, and Communication and may be used to fulfill some of the requirements for degree options offered by the college and/or certain general education requirements.

Students should consult the International Programs Bulletin, which is available through the International and Exchange Student Center departmental advisor, or the campus International Programs advisor, for more information.

Contact

Department of Art and Design
Chair: Joseph Bautista
Art and Design Center (ADC) 120
(818) 677-2242

Mission Statement

The Department of Asian American Studies emerges out of social justice struggles in solidarity with multiple oppressed communities. It is dedicated to academic and community-based goals, including promoting learning and intellectual growth; stimulating professional development; enhancing and empowering Asian/Pacific Islander communities across local and global scales; and highlighting social, economic, political, legal and cultural issues within existing and emerging communities to envision and effect just alternatives and social transformation.

About the Department

The Department of Asian American Studies was founded in 1990. As an interdisciplinary field, faculty from multiple disciplines offer students a unique perspective on Asian American experiences. For more information, please visit the Department of Asian American Studies website.

Academic Advisement

The Asian American Studies department helps students select the program and courses that best satisfy their individual needs and interests. Contact the department chair or AAS academic advisor at (818) 677-4966 to schedule an appointment. The College of Humanities (COH) Student Services Center/EOP reviews students’ progress to ensure that the requirements of a major or minor in Asian American Studies are fulfilled. Call (818) 677-4784 or (818) 677-4767 to schedule an appointment with the COH Student Services Center/EOP.

Careers

Students who are planning for careers in business, government, education, journalism, human services, urban planning, law, social work, medicine, community organization and other related fields may find the major, double major or minor in Asian American Studies a suitable interdisciplinary field of study. Those who are interested in the major or minor in Asian American Studies may consult with the department chair or academic advisor and process their paperwork with the Student Services Center in JR 240. The Asian American Studies department supports international education and encourages students to investigate opportunities for overseas and foreign language study. Study abroad opportunities throughout the Pacific Rim are of particular interest to Asian American Studies majors. For overseas studies, students should consult an advisor in the International and Exchange Student Center and a department advisor to coordinate their studies.

Clubs and Societies

Student Clubs

Student Groups on Equity and Justice

Credential Information

Students who are interested in applying Asian American Studies courses toward requirements for various teaching credentials should consult the Credential Office at (818) 677-2586 for more information.

Contact

Department of Asian American Studies
Chair: Edith Chen
Jerome Richfield Hall (JR) 340
(818) 677-4966

About the Department

Asian Studies is an interdisciplinary program designed to provide an integrated approach to the study of the history, culture, language, society and politics of Asia. The program promotes a broad and in-depth understanding of the region and includes courses in diverse disciplines that cover East Asia, Central Asia, South Asia and Southeast Asia.

The program promotes international education and encourages students to study abroad through CSU International Programs or CSUN’s campus-based exchange programs. For more information about international education, please seek advisement at the International and Exchange Student Center.

Academic Advisement

Asian Studies minors are required to consult with the Asian Studies coordinator to work out an individualized program of study that best meets their specific needs and interests.

The College of Social and Behavioral Sciences Student Services Center/EOP also reviews student progress to ensure that the requirements of the program are met. To schedule an appointment, please call (818) 677-2658.

Careers

Graduates with a minor in Asian Studies bring an international perspective and Asian focus to careers in a wide range of fields. The knowledge and skills they gain through the program are especially valued by governmental agencies, nonprofit organizations and corporate entities interacting with Asian countries. The minor also helps prepare students to pursue international and Asian-related studies in graduate school.

Clubs and Societies

The Asian Studies Program maintains close relations with student organizations engaged in Asian cultural activities on campus.

Program Committee

  • Keiko Hirata (Political Science)
  • Richard Horowitz (History)
  • Junliang Huang (Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures)
  • Jinah Kim (Communication Studies)
  • Drake Langford (Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures)
  • Weimin Sun (Philosophy)
  • Meiqin Wang (Art and Design)

Contact

Asian Studies Interdisciplinary Program
Coordinator: Keiko Hirata
Sierra Hall (SH) 210
(818) 677-7233

About the Department

The online Master of Science in Assistive Technology Engineering serves new entrants and midcareer professionals who want to focus or reorient their careers in the fields of biomedical engineering and assistive technology. The program provides graduates with the knowledge, technical skills and managerial abilities needed for success in specific areas of professional practice and for leadership in the field. Additionally, the program prepares graduates to become innovative and cross-discipline team leaders in the biomedical engineering and assistive technology fields.

The degree program is a joint effort among three colleges: the Andrew J. Anagnost College of Engineering and Computer Science, the College of Health and Human Development, and The Tseng College of Extended Learning. The distinctive feature of this program is the collaborative effort of the design and delivery of the curriculum, drawing upon expertise from various colleges at CSUN and regional and national practitioner groups. The core curriculum covers the essentials of anatomy, biology and human factors. Beyond the core curriculum, engineering design and development, instrumentation and measurement, applied biomechanics and motor control, robotic applications and control interfaces, augmentative and alternative communication, software development and project management constitute topics for this unique program.

The program is offered in a cohort format with an integrated curriculum, ensuring that one course builds upon another and that assignments are designed within and across courses. The cohort approach has proven to be effective for working professionals in terms of ensuring high student retention and completion rates. The online instruction mode provides scheduling flexibility and learning optimization to the cohort students, which attracts prospective applicants to the program during recruitment launches.

Careers

The degree prepares students for careers in the assistive technology engineering field, including accessibility engineer, assistive technology specialist, manufacturing engineer, product development engineer, quality engineer, rehabilitation engineer, research development engineer, and systems engineer.

Contact

Master of Science in Assistive Technology Engineering
Academic Lead: Li Liu
(818) 677-7802

Staff: Heather Alvarez
(818) 677-4642

Staff: Jesse Knepper
(818) 677-4415

Staff: Yvonne McDuffee
(818) 677-3816

About the Department

This program is offered 100% online.

Because the nation’s expanding population of older adults is accompanied by a growing burden of disability, the U.S. Department of Labor predicts long-term growth in all health services industries, including the areas of assistive, adaptive and access technologies.

With more than 4,000 such technologies designed so far to enable persons with disabilities to live more productive, independent and fulfilling lives, a new academic discipline has emerged to prepare human services professionals–including physical therapists, counselors and human resources experts–to provide a variety of services related to ensuring that their clients receive the optimum benefit from these technologies.

Internationally recognized for its expertise in disabilities services, CSUN created the Assistive Technology Studies and Human Services (ATHS) master’s degree program–the first of its kind in Southern California–to meet the growing need.

Offered in collaboration with the College of Health and Human Development and the Andrew J. Anagnost College of Engineering and Computer Science, this 2-year, 10-course, fully online program is designed to prepare working professionals for rewarding careers in enhancing the lives of those who rely upon assistive technology devices.

Taught by distinguished CSUN faculty and accomplished assistive technology industry professionals, the ATHS program is offered in the cohort format, which facilitates interaction with faculty and fosters the development of networking relationships with fellow participants.

The Tseng College supports the CSUN Assistive Technology Conference.

The National Science Foundation ranks CSUN second nationally among comprehensive universities preparing students who later earn doctorate degrees in science and engineering (CSUN University Advancement).

Contact

Master of Science in Assistive Technology Studies and Human Services
Graduate Coordinator: Victoria Jaque
(818) 677-7506

Staff: Yvonne Carrillo
(818) 677-7646

Staff: Yvonne McDuffee
(818) 677-3816

Staff: Genesis Sandoval
(818) 677-7707

Mission Statement

In congruence with the mission of the College of Science and Mathematics, the Department of Biology teaches students to become more scientifically literate citizens; prepares students to enter graduate programs; generates a pool of local and national scientists capable of assuming leadership roles in industry and education; trains K–12 teachers to become competent educators in the sciences; and produces students for biomedical programs, such as medicine, dentistry, veterinary science and pharmacy.

The Department of Biology is dedicated to moving science toward a more diverse, inclusive and equitable discipline, countering a historical overrepresentation of a privileged subset of voices, and pledging to respect and welcome dialogue that values diverse scientific perspectives. Through its teaching, research and service to the students, University and community at large, the Department of Biology is dedicated to making institutional changes to ensure science is more accessible, safe and welcoming to all.

About the Department

Biology is the study of life, its variety and processes. The discipline is dynamic and its intellectual framework is expanding rapidly. In one direction, the study of organisms is the basis for the understanding of how populations of organisms interact among themselves and with their environments. This includes a consideration of the distribution and abundance of organisms, change in organisms over time, energy flow among organisms, and cycling of inorganic and organic resources, and how climate change impacts the biosphere. In another direction, the study of biological molecules is the basis for understanding cell structure, function and diversity, including metabolism, growth, development, genetics and reproduction in organisms. Visit the Department of Biology website for additional information about the program, faculty interests and more.

Academic Advisement

Undergraduate advisement is available from the Biology Student Advisement Center, located in Chaparral Hall (CR) 5104. Contact Terri Richardson at (818) 677-4558 or biologyadvising@csun.edu for undergraduate advisement.

Graduate students who are seeking advisement should contact the graduate coordinator.

Careers

Many career opportunities are available to the student majoring in biology. The undergraduate program provides a foundation for future training in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, optometry, veterinary medicine, biotechnology, clinical laboratory science and graduate programs. It also can serve for direct entry into teaching and a variety of positions in industrial, research and governmental organizations. Graduates of the program have been successful in gaining admission and completing advanced degrees at high-quality universities.

Honors

This program provides an opportunity for outstanding Biology majors to gain research experience with individual faculty guidance and may be of value for research-minded pre-medical students. The designation “Honors” will be added to the academic record of any student who completes the program. Interested students should contact the Biology department office. For more information, see Biology Honors.

Clubs and Societies

Academic Clubs

  • Behavior, Ecology, and Evolution Research Club
  • Biology Club
  • Biology Student Committee
  • CSUN Women in Science
  • Genetics Club of CSUN
  • Marine Biology Graduate Student Association
  • Microbiology Student Association
  • Student Marine Conservation Society 

Pre-Professional Clubs

  • American Medical Student Association (AMSA)
  • Chicanos for Community Medicine
  • Coalition of Physician Assistants
  • Phi Delta Epsilon
  • Pre-Dental Club
  • Pre-Optometry Student Association (POSA)
  • Pre-Pharmacy Club
  • Veterinarians of Tomorrow

Pre-Medical and Pre-Professional Information

The B.A. degree is recommended for all pre-professional students; however, any of the B.S. options may be followed by students with special interests. Pre-medical, pre-dental and other students pursuing health-associated professional careers should consult with the Pre-Professional advisor, Terri Richardson. For more information, see Pre-Professional Advisement, Health Professions in this Catalog.

Contact

Department of Biology
Chair: David Bermudes
Chaparral Hall (CR) 5101
(818) 677-3356

Mission Statement

CSUN’s Nazarian MBA Program produces innovative leaders who apply knowledge and create strategies to manage dynamic environments, contributing sustainable value to their organization, industry and community. Faculty expertise and student experience coalesce, integrating theory and experiential learning to benefit career networks and trajectories.

About the Department

In the David Nazarian College of Business and Economics graduate programs, working professionals use their business experience, while incorporating academic rigor, to enhance their knowledge, skills, and abilities. Classes are offered in the evenings and/or on the weekends. The curriculum allows students to explore current trends in the business environment for relevance and added value in practice.

The College offers three master’s degrees: the Master of Business Administration (MBA), the Master of Professional Accountancy (MPAcc) and the Master of Science in Taxation (MST). Its Graduate Certificate in Business Administration (GCBA) is valued independently or as preparation for the CSUN Nazarian MBA.

Nazarian College Graduate Business Programs also provide partial instructional support for the Mike Curb College of Arts, Media, and Communication’s Master of Arts in Music Industry Administration.

Academic Advisement

General graduate student advisement is provided by the staff in Nazarian College’s Office of Graduate Programs in Business, as well as by the directors and staff in each individual program.

Careers

CSUN graduate programs offer students personalized professional guidance from career experts. Students work with career consultants to develop their offline and online profiles for building quality professional networks and to pursue options within their current position or for future career intentions.

Accreditation

The David Nazarian College of Business and Economics is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). Approximately 6 percent of business schools worldwide have achieved AACSB accreditation.

Clubs and Societies

Most student organizations in the David Nazarian College of Business and Economics are available to graduate students.

Contact

Director: Kristen Walker
Bookstein Hall (BB) 3109
(818) 677-2467
mba@csun.edu

Graduate Coordinator: Cesar Serrato
(818) 677-2467

Mission Statement

The Business Honors Program is designed to recognize students who have demonstrated high academic standards and to encourage these students to continue their record of excellence as business and economics majors at CSUN. The Business Honors Program offers rigorous courses that emphasize communication, critical thinking, complex problem-solving and leadership skills.

About the Department

The Business Honors Program is open to students who are declared majors in Accountancy, Economics, Information Systems, or Business Administration with an option in either Business Analytics, Business Law, Financial Analysis, Financial Planning, Global Supply Chain Management, Management, Marketing, Real Estate, Risk Management and Insurance, or Systems and Operations Management, who meet all Business Honors Program admissions criteria. Students who apply and are selected for admission to the program are offered a variety of benefits; for example, priority registration, mentorship and networking opportunities, a dedicated workspace, specialized academic advisement, smaller class sizes and cohort coursework. Students who fulfill all Business Honors Program requirements will receive the Business Honors option designation on their transcript in addition to their primary degree. For more information, call (818) 677-3100 or visit the Business Honors Program website.

Academic Advisement

Academic and professional advisement is provided by the Business Honors Program director. Students in the program should email the Business Honors Program office to schedule an appointment.

Careers

Students in the Business Honors Program have elevated their career options before and after graduation. The Business Honors Program prepares students for a wide variety of fields and organizations. Many Business Honors alumni have worked for organizations such as Amazon, Deloitte LLP, Ernst & Young, Google, PwC and other prominent businesses. High-ranking employers consistently seek out Nazarian Business Honors Program students for internships and job placement.

Accreditation

The David Nazarian College of Business and Economics is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). Approximately 6 percent of business schools worldwide have achieved AACSB accreditation.

Clubs and Societies

The Business Honors Association is a student-led club that strives to provide academic and professional enrichment through alumni networking, mentorship and professional skills workshops. The association also offers opportunities to mentor Granada Hills Charter High School students through the DECA program. Additionally, the association coordinates social events, where members can meet and network with other highly motivated students from all business majors.

Scholarships

The Business Honors Program provides students who are currently in the program with opportunities to apply for annual scholarships based on academic and non-academic criteria.

Contact

Business Honors Program
Director: Roxana Naraghi
Bookstein Hall (BB) 4264
(818) 677-3100
bhp@csun.edu

Mission Statement

Our mission is to equip students with the academic knowledge, problem-solving, and analytical and professional skills in the areas of business law, business ethics and real estate necessary to achieve their personal and professional goals. All of our faculty are accomplished academics and licensed professionals who are committed to teaching. We are dedicated to the success of our students, and our programs are designed to prepare students for careers in business, public service and professional practice.

About the Department

The Department of Business Law offers a course of study leading to a B.S. degree in Business Administration with an option in Business Law. This program prepares students to analyze complex problems, think critically and communicate effectively, while learning the legal principles pertinent to making business decisions.

The B.S. degree in Business Administration with an option in Real Estate covers both theoretical and practical aspects of real estate and provides an academic foundation for careers in real estate. Students completing the option in Real Estate will have satisfied most of the educational requirements for the California real estate broker’s license and the real estate appraiser’s license.

In addition, the department offers a minor in Business Ethics, which allows students the opportunity to pursue studies in business ethics and corporate social responsibility and to integrate these studies into their careers.

Academic Advisement

Academic advisement helps students meet their academic goals and graduate in a timely manner. The Nazarian College Student Services Center/EOP Satellite provides academic advisement for Nazarian College majors during their time at CSUN. Furthermore, Nazarian College Student Services Center/EOP Satellite provides specialized support and retention services for Nazarian College students admitted to the Educational Opportunity Program from time of admission through time of graduation.

Careers

The Business Law option is valuable preparation for careers in a variety of fields, including governmentally regulated industries; for example, banking, insurance, securities and real estate. It is also useful for careers in risk management, contract administration, government service, investment and finance, banking, management, legal and judicial support services, and employment relations. In addition, the option is suitable for entrepreneurs and for those planning careers in nonprofits. The Business Law option is beneficial in a variety of careers since it is focused on the legal aspects of business decisions.

While the Real Estate option is designed for students with career interests in the various functional fields of real estate—brokerage, appraisal, finance, investment, sales, development and asset management, as well as service areas such as escrow and title insurance—the skills with which students in the option will become familiar are applicable in virtually all business fields.

Accreditation

The David Nazarian College of Business and Economics is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). Approximately 6 percent of business schools worldwide have achieved AACSB accreditation.

Honors

The Business Honors Program is open to students who are declared majors in Accountancy, Economics, Information Systems, or Business Administration with an option in either Business Analytics, Business Law, Financial Analysis, Financial Planning, Global Supply Chain Management, Management, Marketing, Real Estate, Risk Management and Insurance, or Systems and Operations Management, who meet all Business Honors Program admissions criteria. Students who apply and are selected for admission to the program are offered a variety of benefits; for example, priority registration, mentorship and networking opportunities, a dedicated workspace, specialized academic advisement, smaller class sizes and cohort coursework. Students who fulfill all Business Honors Program requirements will receive the Business Honors option designation on their transcript in addition to their primary degree. For more information, call (818) 677-3100 or visit the Business Honors Program website.

Scholarships and Awards

The department awards the Outstanding Scholastic Achievement Award to Business Law and Real Estate graduating seniors who meet rigorous scholarship standards.

In addition, the department offers the following scholarships to support students who are progressing toward degrees:

  • Donald Bleich Memorial Scholarship
  • David R. Lazarony Memorial Scholarship in real estate
  • Business Law Faculty and Alumni Scholarship
  • Campbell Family Scholarship
  • Goyer Social Justice Scholarship for business law
  • Business Law Book Award

Please visit Student Awards and Scholarships for more information.

 

Career Education and Professional Development Center

The Center for Career Education and Professional Development (CEPD) is a decentralized career center in the David Nazarian College of Business and Economics staffed by professionals who assist students and alumni with their experiential learning, career exploration and career networking needs. Our model is grounded in business-specific career development, experiential learning, employer relations and connections with the community.

Services provided include:

  • Career coaching and personal development.
  • Career exploration.
  • Internship and mentorship assistance.
  • Job search preparation and tools.
  • Specialized programs and workshops.

For more information, call (818) 677-4697 or visit the Career Education and Professional Development website.

Contact

Department of Business Law
Chair: Kurt M. Saunders
Bookstein Hall (BB) 3121
(818) 677-2905

About the Department

The minor in California Studies is an interdisciplinary program that includes courses from a variety of disciplines, including biology, ethnic studies, geography, geology, history, political science and urban studies. The minor is designed to enhance faculty and student interaction in an interdisciplinary setting and to assist both in exploring the connections among different perspectives on a major subject. Students will not only study California from a variety of perspectives in the classroom, but they will also have an opportunity to engage in significant field research and internship activities as part of the minor’s requirements. Internships that may assist a student’s future career will be encouraged with public agencies, local archive and research collections, and private sector firms. The minor program also will encourage and support students who want to participate in regional conferences on California Studies. Students should consult with the coordinator or faculty on the Program Committee to review requirements, courses that are available each semester, and internship and employment opportunities.

Academic Advisement

Seeking academic advisement is essential to academic success and timely graduation. Academic advisement is available to students through both the department advisor and staff advisors in the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences Student Services Center/EOP Satellite. Please call (818) 677-2658 to schedule an appointment. Advisement is also available from either the coordinator of California Studies or from members of the program committee.

Contact

Coordinator: Josh Sides
Sierra Tower (ST) 612
(818) 677-3566

Mission Statement

The Department of Central American and Transborder Studies has a trifold mission: to empower the large and growing Central American community in the United States by promoting academic excellence, community involvement and cultural diversity; to open spaces of global citizenship and dialogue between academia and society that contribute to the construction of a Central American transnational identity; and to promote an understanding and appreciation of the diverse Central American cultures, ethnicities, experiences and worldviews from an interdisciplinary global perspective.

Academic Advisement

The Department of Central American and Transborder Studies supports and helps students select the program and courses that best satisfy their needs and interests. Contact the department chair at (818) 677-2736 for information on advisement office hours or for an appointment.

Careers

Central Americans are one of the fastest-growing ethnic and transborder groups in the United States. Having intimate knowledge and access to this complex and diverse community gives students vast opportunities to work in a variety of fields, as well as making students with a B.A. in Central American Studies attractive for future employers. It gives students hands-on experience in the community and provides them with practical credentials and professional training to thrive in a dynamically changing world.

A bachelor’s degree in Central American Studies presents an opportunity to explore, critically examine and understand the diversity of human interests, and it develops a network of Central American specialists. The degree offers knowledge that enhances local, regional and transborder experiences, which include politics, nonprofit organizing, education, social counseling, journalism, justice studies and immigration, indigenous rights, medicine, business and entrepreneurship, gender studies, arts, entertainment and film. Completing a major, double major or a minor in Central American Studies is also an excellent opportunity to explore advanced graduate careers.

Clubs and Societies

Students Changing the World

The Central American student organizations CAUSA (Central American United Student Association) and TECUS (Transborder Experiences of Central American University Students) strive for the growing Central American community in the United States to succeed in the world of higher education and to prepare an influential vanguard of future leaders who will impact the changing global, political and economic arenas. Their objective is also to raise and promote awareness of the Central American community at CSUN, in the Los Angeles area and the Mesoamerican region. The student organizations maintain a collaborative partnership with other sister organizations on- and off-campus, work on student recruitment and community support, and play a significant role in the formation of student leadership.

Central American Research and Policy Institute (CARPI)

Director: Douglas Carranza
(818) 677-6487

Mission

  • To generate and disseminate research information, analysis and social perspective on issues affecting Central Americans.
  • To work toward developing students’ research, methodological and analytical skills and to directly involve them in documenting and analyzing their history and experience.
  • To actively promote and encourage interdisciplinary investigations and social policy articulation.
  • To suggest alternative policies aimed at improving the quality of life, civic participation and educational development of Central Americans in general and the Central American students at CSUN in particular.

The Central American Research and Policy Institute (CARPI) was established in 2001 for the purpose of developing research, policy and knowledge supporting the socioeconomic, cultural and civic development of the transnational Central American community in the United States and Central America. Policy development and academic research include issues of common concern, such as immigration, civil society, economic development and cultural identity of Central Americans. The research sponsored by CARPI is:

  1. Undertaken by faculty mentors, experts in the discipline and trained students.
  2. Focused on concrete issues in the lives of the community.
  3. Aimed at helping the community understand itself and the challenges and changes it faces.
  4. The basis for viable proposals for community advancement in the future.

CARPI brings faculty, students and community together as partners and participants in creating and disseminating the knowledge that will enable the Central American community to live up to its tremendous potential.

Contact

Department of Central American and Transborder Studies
Chair: Nancy Pérez
Jerome Richfield Hall (JR) 254
(818) 677-2736

Mission Statement

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry provides rigorous undergraduate and master’s-level educational programs that prepare graduates for success in medical, industrial and academic careers. The department offers American Chemical Society (ACS)-certified Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degrees in Chemistry and Biochemistry and a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Chemistry. Other students may add a minor in Chemistry to their existing degree. We also offer research-based Master of Science (M.S.) degrees in Chemistry and Biochemistry. All of our graduate students and a significant number of our undergraduates conduct research with faculty, often resulting in coauthored research publications and presentations at local, regional, national or international meetings. For more detailed information, please visit the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry website.

About the Department

Chemistry is often called the central science for its role in connecting all the physical sciences at both the fundamental and applied levels. It is the study of atoms, molecules, chemical changes (reactions), structure and properties of matter. For example, chemistry and biochemistry provide a molecular-level understanding of the function of all living things, the properties of materials for electronic devices and the processes that make modern pharmaceuticals effective. Chemistry is critical to every aspect of daily life, and biochemistry has become a critical tool for medicine and public health.

Faculty are engaged in all areas of the field: analytical, biochemical, education, inorganic, materials, organic and physical chemistry. The department offers small classes, individualized attention and hands-on learning using state-of-the-art chemical instrumentation. Experience with modern instrumentation gives graduates an advantage in the job marketplace, and research experience provides an asset in graduate and professional school applications. The B.S. degrees in Chemistry and Biochemistry are accredited by the American Chemical Society (ACS), and all of the department’s degrees (B.A., B.S. and M.S.) are pathways into professional, government, medical and academic careers.

Academic Advisement

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry requires its majors to meet with advisors prior to enrollment every semester. The department coordinates with the College of Science and Mathematics Student Services Center/EOP to assign an advisor to each student. Students may also seek help from the department office during weekly walk-in or phone-in office hours. Please contact the department office with questions about advising, careers, undergraduate or graduate programs, course articulations, approval of elective courses in fulfillment of the degree, or tutoring help.

Careers

A degree in Chemistry and Biochemistry opens doors to careers in medicine, industry, government and academia. Graduates find careers in manufacturing, research and development, quality-control laboratories, pharmacology, environmental protection, biotechnology, nanotechnology, and many other areas related to the chemical and biochemical sciences. In addition, degrees in Chemistry and Biochemistry can act as springboards into professional programs, including doctoral, medical, dental and pharmacy schools. Master’s degrees provide preparation for Ph.D. programs and qualify graduates to teach at the secondary and community college levels.

Accreditation

The Bachelor of Science degrees in Chemistry and Biochemistry are accredited by the American Chemical Society (ACS).

Clubs and Societies

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry sponsors the CSUN Chemistry and Biochemistry Club, which organizes numerous events, professional development and community activities throughout the academic year. The department also has a student chapter of the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB), which has regular social and professional activities for students.

Contact

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Chair: Paula Fischhaber
Eucalyptus Hall (EH) 2102
(818) 677-3381
chemistry@csun.edu

About the Department

“A mind placed at the forward edge of events and guided by knowledge uses the past, affects the present and helps form the future…”
Dr. Ernesto Galarza, 1977

The Department of Chicana/o Studies commemorated its 50th Anniversary in 2019-2020, and it continues to work from the premise set forth by Dr. Ernesto Galarza. Originally founded to address the immediate needs of Chicana/o students at CSUN, the department has grown and flourished because and in spite of the difficult times it has endured. From the political and cultural revolutionary renaissance of the 1960s-1970s, through the conservative and neo-liberal backlash of the 1980s-1990s, through the climate of the 21st Century, Chicana/o Studies at CSUN has committed to contribute to the development of well-rounded critical thinkers, participants of and contributors to society.

The department applies a pedagogical practice of humanization and self-actualization through a dialectical approach that aims to incorporate and synthesize various world views in the name of social justice, fairness and equality.

A primary objective of the department is to assist in the development of analytical and communication skills of students. The curriculum and pedagogical praxis introduce students to subject matter related to the multidimensional experiences of Chicanas/os. Chicana/o Studies offers courses in every academic discipline, except mathematics and science. Moreover, the department’s mission is designed to prepare students for careers in an increasingly competitive labor market and for graduate/professional school opportunities upon graduation from CSUN.

In this spirit, skills development in the areas of critical thinking, substantive research, public speaking, writing, artistic performance and creative expression is intended to prepare students to provide independent analysis and be accountable for their perspectives through methodical, substantive and clear presentation.

In the midst of this, the department and its faculty provide a flourishing artistic, performance and musical kaleidoscope of mentorship and instruction. On a visit to the department, one sees firsthand the murals created by students, and is serenaded by the vibrant sound of son jarocho, guitar and folklorico dance classes.

Graduate and undergraduate academic programs in Chicana/o Studies are particularly suitable for students who are preparing to enter the fields of community service, local government, teaching or social work. It is also preparation for those intending to enter various graduate professional fields, such as history, sociology, psychology, library science, political science, social work, law, urban studies and environmental studies. The Chicana/o Studies Social Science Subject Matter Major Option provides a pathway to teaching Social Science/History to 6th-12th graders, as well as a B.A. in Chicana/o Studies. The program incorporates ethnic studies content and perspectives into state-adopted curriculum. Students successfully completing the program will not be required to take the California Subject Exam for Teachers (CSET) Social Sciences.

For over five decades, the Department of Chicana/o Studies is proud to have worked with students from the San Fernando Valley and the greater Los Angeles and Ventura County areas, as well as students from throughout the country and the world. Indeed, Chicana/o Studies at CSUN continues to be at the forefront in “helping to form the future.”

Academic Advisement

The Chicana/o Studies department helps students select the program and courses that best satisfy their individual needs and interests. Contact the department at (818) 677-2734 or chicanostudies@csun.edu to schedule an appointment. The College of Humanities (COH) Student Services Center/EOP reviews students’ progress to ensure that the requirements of a major or minor in Chicana/o Studies are fulfilled. Call (818) 677-4784 or (818) 677-4767 to schedule an appointment with the COH Student Services Center/EOP.

Careers

The interdisciplinary nature of undergraduate and graduate degrees in Chicana/o Studies prepares students for work in a wide range of fields. Students find employment in areas such as education, community and social services, law, government, counseling, the performing arts, probation and business. In addition, Chicana/o Studies provides students with many pathways for graduate work in areas that include education, history, political science, sociology, social work, women’s studies, ethnic studies, urban studies, law, environmental studies and the arts.

Clubs and Societies

The Department of Chicana/o Studies was established through the combined effort of students and faculty in the 1960s. For this reason, it has always shared a special relationship with Chicana/o student organizations at CSUN. The principal student organization that has coexisted and developed parallel to the department is El Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlan (MEChA). MEChA is the umbrella organization for various groups, subcommittees and a number of special ad hoc committees, such as Raza Youth Conference. MEChA often serves as an advisory organization to the department, as student input has always been crucial to the planning and implementation of departmental activities.

Chicana/o Studies Writing Program

Students have the opportunity to complete the University’s writing requirements through courses offered by the Department of Chicana/o Studies. The department offers three entry-level writing classes, two of which are “stretched” over two terms, A in the Fall and B in the Spring: CHS 113A and CHS 113B, Stretch Composition; and CHS 114A and CHS 114B, Stretch Composition. The department also offers CHS 115, Approaches to University Writing. Consult with the writing coordinator or department advisors for additional information on placements.

Further development of writing and research skills is provided in CHS 331, Chicana/o Decolonizing Research Methods. Students may also complete their oral communication skills requirement in CHS 151, Speech Communication, after passing CHS 115. To support students’ writing needs, the department has a Writing Center open to students daily. A state-of-the-art computer lab and tutorial support are available Monday–Friday in the CHS Writing Center, JR 142.

Contact

Department of Chicana and Chicano Studies
Chair: Gabriel Gutierrez
Jerome Richfield Hall (JR) 148
(818) 677-2734
chicanostudies@csun.edu

Mission Statement

The Department of Child and Adolescent Development is dedicated to promoting and advocating for the well-being of children, adolescents, and families through the pursuits of teaching, research, service, reflective practice, and community engagement.

The department actively promotes racial and social justice and avoids “colorblind” approaches within its teaching, mentoring, and programming. The department recognizes that curricular design and instructional practices have “whitewashed” disciplines, reinforced racist ideals, and impeded the learning and engagement of students who are Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), or first generation. The department is committed to actively interrogating the consequences of legacy practices in the teaching and mentoring process to ensure that students have equitable access to education- and career-enhancing services and supports.

Our mission is threefold: (a) to prepare undergraduate students with the knowledge and skills necessary to be highly effective professionals working with diverse populations in school, service, and community settings; (b) to conduct sound developmentally informed research with implications for improving the lives of children and families; and (c) to make significant contributions to the San Fernando Valley and greater Los Angeles community through fieldwork, service, research, and community engagement.

About the Department

Located within one of the nation’s largest single-campus universities and one of the most diverse regions in the nation, the Department of Child and Adolescent Development provides rich opportunities for students to combine academic pursuits with hands-on experience, which culminates with earning the Bachelor of Arts in Child and Adolescent Development degree.

The program prides itself on its commitment to developing effective leaders, professionals, and scholars committed to solving complex social problems—particularly those impacting youth and families. A major focal point of the program includes training students to be reflective practitioners and to use the scientific method, including evidence-based knowledge, in making personal and professional decisions related to the education, healthy development, and well-being of humans throughout their lifespans. The program provides a strong academic foundation for the next generation of clinicians, teachers, policymakers, and researchers dedicated to serving infants, children, teenagers, and young adults in a global society.

Whether one’s interests lie in the developmental period of infancy, early adulthood, or somewhere in between, the academic programs offered allow students to gain academic and professional skills, while receiving a high level of attention from dedicated faculty who are committed to the long-term success of their students.

When declaring the major, students choose a degree option based on their career, professional and personal interests.

The option in Applied Developmental Science (ADS) provides students with a strong foundation across theories, research, concepts, and applications of child and adolescent development, spanning conception through early adulthood. This option is versatile, given the breadth of study that students are exposed to and its relevance to a wide range of occupations and professions. Students who complete this option are well-positioned and prepared to enter graduate degree programs that lead to direct-service careers as clinicians, researchers, and teachers who serve populations of all ages.

The option in Early Childhood Development (ECD) is popular among students who transfer from a California community college as it provides continued educational opportunities in early childhood education and fulfills many of the course requirements for the State of California Child Development Permit—the currently recognized credential for early childhood educators and professionals. This option provides focused opportunities for students to develop depth of study in the developmental periods of prenatal, infancy, and early childhood.

Students majoring in a different field interested in gaining an introductory academic foundation in the study of child and adolescent development can choose to pursue the Minor in Child and Adolescent Development. The minor (18 semester units) complements a variety of majors on campus. Some students, however, choose the minor simply to be more informed and knowledgeable as current or future parents/caregivers. The Minor in Child and Adolescent Development is not open to students in the CADV major.

For more information, please visit the Department of Child and Adolescent Development website.

Academic Advisement

The Department of Child and Adolescent Development is committed to students achieving their personal and professional goals and graduating in a timely manner. Students are strongly encouraged to use the department’s advising resources, such as the Degree Progress Report/Planner, to plan coursework for the major and minor.

The department offers specialized advisement workshops, programming, and individualized appointments for students seeking additional assistance or guidance. For general advisement needs, students can visit with an advisor during the department’s walk-in advising hours or by arranging a one-on-one appointment with a department advisor. Walk-in hours vary by semester; for the latest information, please contact the department at (818) 677-3385 or the department’s academic advisement center at (818) 677-6350.

The department encourages students to meet with faculty outside of class (e.g., during posted office hours and by appointment) to discuss their academic progress and postgraduation career plans. Six courses in the department (i.e., CADV 250, CADV 394, CADV 470CADV 494CADV 495A, and CADV 495B) provide students with intensive semester-long opportunities to develop personalized plans for actualizing a career and/or graduate-level degrees in child and adolescent development and related fields.

Students in the major are encouraged to participate in the CSU International Programs (i.e., study abroad), the National Student Exchange program, and the CSUN in DC Internship program. Nearly every unit of academic coursework that students complete in these programs is counted toward the child and adolescent development degree requirements.

Careers

The Bachelor of Arts in Child and Adolescent Development degree will be of interest to those who are considering direct-service careers with children and families (e.g., preschool/early childhood education, K-12 education, counseling, school psychology, occupational therapy, clinical social work, nursing, healthcare, child life, early intervention, behavior therapist, family law, etc.), as well as indirect-service professions (e.g., educational researchers, college professors, policy analysts, lobbyists, consultants, school administrators, nonprofit program directors, politicians).

Given the broad interdisciplinary focus of coursework leading to the degree, students can tailor their educational experiences to prepare for a host of professional programs and career pathways. Students are encouraged to use their elective coursework to include classes that are related or required to achieve their ultimate career goals.

Most professional careers in the field of child and adolescent development require advanced degrees and/or credentials and/or licenses, as well as relevant work experience. After completing the Bachelor of Arts degree, many students are well-situated to enter advanced degree and credential programs leading to careers including, but not limited to, early childhood education teachers/directors, elementary and secondary school teachers, special education teachers, school counselors, school psychologists, school administrators, school board members, educational researchers, child and family attorneys, child psychologists and therapists, licensed clinical social workers, pediatricians and obstetricians, registered nurses, child-life specialists, genetic counselors, occupational therapists, college/university professors, career counselors, community/youth agency administrators, educational consultants, policy and legislative analysts, and politicians.

Students interested in exploring career options and opportunities are encouraged to visit the Career Center and complete elective coursework that focuses on career/professional development (i.e., CADV 250, CADV 394, CADV 455, CADV 494, CADV 495A, CADV 495B).

Honors

The purpose of the department Honors Program is to recognize and support the development of exceptional Child and Adolescent Development undergraduate students. The department Honors Program allows students the opportunity to engage in advanced-level coursework to better prepare for graduate coursework and careers in the field of Child and Adolescent Development. Interested students should consult with the Honors Program directors and complete an application. Admission to the department’s Honors Program is granted by approval of the department’s Honors Program Selection Committee.

Clubs and Societies

Peer Academic Leaders (PALs)

The Peer Academic Leaders Program (PALs) is a department-sponsored peer-mentoring and peer-advising program open to students in good academic standing who are interested in assisting current and prospective students in successfully navigating the university degree requirements and planning for life after graduation. PALs serve as student ambassadors of the department at on- and off-campus events. Students participating in this program have rich opportunities to develop mentoring and leadership skills while interacting with students, faculty, and staff in the department, across the campus, and within the field. For more information on becoming a Peer Academic Leader, visit the department office or contact the PAL faculty advisor.

Child and Adolescent Development Association (CADA)

The Child and Adolescent Development Association (CADA) is a university-registered student organization affiliated with the Department of Child and Adolescent Development. CADA strives to enrich the lives of its members by providing career, academic, and professional development activities. The association also provides opportunities for students to develop social and professional networks within the field of child and adolescent development, education, and child psychology. All students on campus, regardless of major, are welcome to join. For more information, visit the Child and Adolescent Development Association website, send an email to cada@my.csun.edu, or contact the CADA faculty advisor.

Department-Sponsored Academic Internship

Program Director: April Z. Taylor
Sequoia Hall (SQ) 287-D
(818) 677-7211

Assistant Director: Rika Meyer
Sequoia Hall (SQ) 280-D
(818) 677-5243

Students may choose to complete a year-long academic internship at an approved local community agency contracted with the department or on campus under the supervision of a department faculty member. The agencies in the community represent a broad spectrum of settings and career opportunities in the field of child and adolescent development. Participating in the internship program requires that students submit an internship match request. Students are then selected on a competitive basis for a limited number of intern slots at each site. Students must successfully complete the required internship hours in addition to the department’s academic internship courses (i.e., CADV 394 and CADV 494). The assignments and activities in internship coursework support students’ experiential learning through self-reflection and the application of developmental theories and concepts in the community. In these courses, students earn a grade of Credit/No Credit.

In addition to the on-campus seminars and online learning activities, students complete approximately 180 hours of service (generally 6-7 hours per week during the academic year). The department sponsors the CADV Internship and Career Fair each Spring semester, which provides students with opportunities to learn more about the Department-Sponsored Internship Program. Additional information can be found on the Department-Sponsored Internship Program webpage and by contacting the program director or assistant director.

 

Professional and Scholarly Organizations

Students are encouraged to explore regional, national, and international organizations in and related to the field of child and adolescent development. Many professional and scholarly organizations allow undergraduate students to join as student members. Becoming a member of a professional organization can create valuable networks necessary for future employment and future graduate schooling. Also, many organizations provide specialized training opportunities and/or scholarships for undergraduate students. Department faculty members are actively involved in many of the following professional organizations including, but not limited to:

Contact

Department of Child and Adolescent Development
Chair: W. David Wakefield
Sequoia Hall (SQ) 285
(818) 677-3385

Undergraduate Advisement Center
Sequoia Hall (SQ) 293
(818) 677-6350

Department Internship Program
Director: April Z. Taylor
Sequoia Hall (SQ) 287-D
(818) 677-7211

Assistant Director: Rika Meyer
Sequoia Hall (SQ) 280-D
(818) 677-5243

Department Honors Program
Co-Director: Nancy Miodrag
Sequoia Hall (SQ) 289-B
(818) 677-4359

Co-Director: Tissyana Camacho
Sequoia Hall (SQ) 280-F
(818) 677-5250

Jumpstart Program
Director/PI: Emily E. Russell
Project Manager: Osvaldo Cabadas
Sequoia Hall (SQ) 280-E
(818) 677-7727

Follow the department on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Mission Statement

The Department of Cinema and Television Arts (CTVA) is a collection of pre-professional programs that train students in the art, craft, business and technology of film and television production, screenwriting, virtual reality (VR) and emerging media, as well as entertainment media management, and media theory and criticism. Our mission is to serve and grow our industry by imparting skills, knowledge and expertise to our students. The CTVA curriculum promotes the creative, analytical and conceptual thinking that will enrich their lives. The department is affiliated with the University Film and Video Association, the Broadcast Education Association, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association and the National Association of Broadcasters. Our faculty members belong to organizations such as the Directors Guild of America, the Writers Guild, Cinema Editors Guild, Producers Guild and the American Society of Cinematographers, and our graduates help form the backbone of the entertainment industry.

About the Department

The undergraduate CTVA major prepares students in academic and creative aspects of the media disciplines through study in one of six options: Entertainment Media Management, Media Theory and Criticism, Emerging Media Production, Film Production, Screenwriting, and Television Production, which includes a Narrative Pathway (i.e., episodic series) and a Documentary Pathway. The department offers a Master of Fine Arts degree in Screenwriting. The facilities include two large dedicated sound stages, a green screen stage, a VR lab, a state-of-the-art screening room and the Gallery of Film Poster Art.

Academic Advisement

Advisement is mandatory for CTVA majors prior to each semester’s course registration period. Freshmen receive advisement through the Mike Curb College of Arts, Media, and Communication Student Resource Center/EOP. Sophomores in their third semester and incoming transfers receive advisement from the CTVA undergraduate advisor. Students are encouraged to email the CTVA advisor for an appointment and to include their student ID number and Degree Progress Report (DPR) in the email. All other CTVA majors receive advisement from CTVA faculty. Most of the options hold scheduled, mass advisement sessions, but students may also seek individual advisement meetings with faculty in their options. Please see the Department of Cinema and Television Arts website for further information.

The Department of Cinema and Television Arts encourages students to investigate opportunities for overseas study. Certain courses taken at CSU International Program Study Centers in foreign countries may be used to fulfill some of the requirements for degree options offered by the department.

Careers

Television and Film Production

Graduates from CTVA’s production options work in various areas of the industry, including production management, editing and postproduction, producing, directing, cinematography, sound design, art direction and other creative, technical and administrative arts. CTVA graduates can be found in cable networks, commercial studios, independent production companies, streaming companies, postproduction facilities, broadcast stations; government agencies, advertising, educational institutions and other media organizations.

Screenwriting

Screenwriters create scripts for motion pictures, television or emerging media productions, including episodic series, video games, movies, VR/AR, web series and other web content; commercials; promotional and public service announcements; continuity material used to introduce and connect various segments of musical, variety, reality and sports programs; and corporate media productions for commercial or nonprofit clients. They may work directly for a studio, independent production company or network.

Emerging Media Production

Emerging media professionals are involved in the design, production and execution of interactive projects for video games, virtual reality, augmented reality, websites, streaming media, mobile services and applications. The dependence on virtual production in the film and television industry is growing exponentially in areas of Visual FX, previsualization and digital production design.

Entertainment Media Management

Entertainment Media Management graduates are in demand. They apply business administration skills to create, promote, finance, manage, support and power the entertainment industries. The Entertainment Media Management Option focuses on audience analysis, network programming, research, distribution, operations, development, marketing and sales. Opportunities most open to recent graduates include audience research, media research, network management, content development, exhibition and distribution. Entertainment management graduates also work in licensing, intellectual property rights, casting, legal affairs, production, studio operations and artist management.

Media Theory and Criticism

Media Theory and Criticism graduates pursue careers as scholars, writers, researchers, historians, professors and filmmakers. Students often go on to graduate school to prepare for careers in higher education or advanced research positions in areas such as marketing, audience and ratings research, media buying, programming, emerging media and technology strategy assessment, and expansion planning.

Requirements for Admission to the Major

Declaring the CTVA Major

All incoming freshmen and transfer students from other institutions may declare themselves as CTVA majors by selecting one of the following six option tracks: Entertainment Media Management, Media Theory and Criticism, Emerging Media Production, Screenwriting, Film Provisional, or Television Provisional. CSUN students (accepted as an incoming freshman) who want to change from another major into CTVA must have completed 45 units, the golden four, and meet this year’s minimum GPA cutoff. Students apply for admission into the CTVA major by selecting one of the six option tracks listed above and by completing the electronic change-of-major to be reviewed by the department. The electronic change-of-major process is not available to CSUN students who want to declare Film Production or Television Production. To enter the Film Production Option and the Television Production Option—Narrative or Documentary Pathway, students with the “Provisional” designation must submit a portfolio for review. If the portfolio is accepted, students advance into the Film Production Option or Television Production Option—Narrative or Documentary Pathway.

Film Production Portfolio Review

The Film Provisional designation is for students who want to continue into the Film Production Option. In order to qualify for the Film Production Option, a student must earn the appropriate grades in the designated prerequisite courses for Film Production, submit a portfolio and have that portfolio approved by the Film Production faculty. Students intending to continue in the Film Production Option must pass all lower division CTVA requirements with the grade of “C” or better and CTVA 250 with the grade of “B-” or better. Until these requirements are fulfilled, students who intend to pursue the Film Production Option will remain designated as CTVA/Film Provisional majors. If a student’s portfolio is approved by the Film Production portfolio process, the student’s major will be designated as CTVA/Film Production. Should a student’s portfolio not be approved, the student selects another CTVA major option: Screenwriting, Television Production/Documentary Pathway, Emerging Media Production, Media Theory or Entertainment Management. Deadline dates and portfolio format requirements can be found on the department’s website and in the department office at the beginning of each semester.

Television Production Portfolio Review

The Television Provisional designation is for students who want to continue into the Television Production Option—Narrative or Documentary Pathway. In order to qualify for the Television Production Narrative Pathway, a student must earn the appropriate grades in the designated prerequisite courses for Television Production Option, submit a portfolio and have that portfolio approved by the Television Production faculty. Students intending to continue in the Television Production Option—Narrative or Documentary Pathway must pass all lower division CTVA requirements with the grade of “C” or better. Students pursuing the Television Production Narrative Pathway must pass CTVA 240 with the grade of “C” or better. Students pursuing the Documentary Pathway must pass CTVA 240, CTVA 250 or CTVA 260 with the grade of “C” or better.  Once a student’s portfolio is approved by the Television Production portfolio process, the student’s major will be changed to CTVA/Television Production Narrative Pathway. Should a student’s portfolio not be approved, the student would need to select another CTVA major option. Until these requirements are fulfilled, students who intend to pursue the Television Production Option—Narrative or Documentary Pathway will remain designated as CTVA Television Provisional. Deadlines, dates and portfolio format requirements can be found on the department website at the beginning of every semester.

 

Grade Requirements for the Bachelor of Arts Degree

All lower and upper division courses taken toward completion of the CTVA major must be completed with a grade of “C” or better (except as noted above).

Contact

Department of Cinema and Television Arts
Chair: Jared Rappaport
Manzanita Hall (MZ) 195
(818) 677-3192
CTVADept@csun.edu

About the Department

The Civic and Community Engagement minor is designed for students who want to apply what they learn at CSUN toward making positive changes in their communities and the world. The minor provides skills for students to successfully integrate their academic and professional interests with their desire to create healthy, humane, successful and sustainable communities. Students will combine their CSUN coursework and collaborations with community partners to become informed and active members and leaders in society.

Academic Advisement

Students should plan their courses for the minor in coordination with the Civic and Community Engagement director. Some elements of the minor require the director’s approval. Contact the director to schedule an appointment.

Careers

Students who complete the Civic and Community Engagement minor will have at least two significant experiences with community service, fieldwork, or internships with community-based, nonprofit, or government organizations. Such experiences can help students make important contacts in their chosen professions, and students can develop important skills for collaborating respectfully and responsibly with others.

Contact

Civic and Community Engagement Program
Director: Kent Baxter
Santa Susana Hall (SN) 227
(818) 677-4733

Mission Statement

To provide students with a sound basic civil engineering education and to prepare them for entry into the professional practice of civil engineering, as well as to instill in them a recognition that civil engineering is a people-serving profession. In keeping with these goals, we aim to develop in students an understanding that a successful professional career is one that addresses the needs of society and requires a lifetime of learning and leadership.

To prepare students for success within the professional practice of construction management. This preparation includes an understanding of the design, engineering, business and technical principles and practices used in the construction industry. It also includes an awareness of the ethical, social and legal responsibilities of practicing professionals.

Academic Advisement

Undergraduate students in the department have mandatory advisement. Freshman and sophomore students are advised by the Andrew J. Anagnost College of Engineering and Computer Science Student Services Center/EOP. Junior and senior students are advised by the full-time faculty of the department. Students are advised to contact the respective offices to schedule their advisement appointments.

Careers

B.S. in Construction Management graduates will be able to fill many government jobs in the construction industry at the local, state and federal levels. Roughly 59 percent of construction managers are employed in the construction industry; about 24 percent are employed by specialty trade contractors and engineering, architectural and construction management service firms, as well as local government; and educational institutions and real estate developers employ the rest.

Civil engineering is the oldest of the engineering disciplines, responsible for projects dating back more than 5,000 years. Rebuilding and expanding the civil engineering infrastructure of the United States—including roads, bridges, rail networks, sewage treatment plants, deep-water ports and municipal water systems—is one of the technology areas that has been targeted for rapid development by the National Science Foundation.

Most practicing civil engineers are employed in the areas of structural engineering, transportation engineering, environmental engineering, water resources engineering, geotechnical engineering, construction engineering or surveying. Many of these areas, such as structural engineering, encompass the design of such diverse items as spacecraft and office buildings. Although the majority of civil engineers are employed in private industry, many are involved in consulting or own their own firm, and a significant number are employed in the government sector, where they are involved in the provision of highways and other public works for state and local government.

The degree can be used as a stepping stone to graduate work in engineering, law, business or even medicine. Many Civil Engineering graduates return to CSUN to earn their M.S. degree in Structural Engineering.

Large construction projects, such as office buildings or industrial complexes, are too complicated for one person to manage. These projects are divided into many segments: site preparation, including land clearing and earth moving; sewage systems; landscaping and road construction; building construction, including excavation and laying foundations, erection of structural framework, floors, walls and roofs; and building systems, including fire protection, electrical, plumbing, air conditioning and heating. Construction managers may be in charge of one or more of these activities, and they often team with workers in other occupations, such as engineers and architects.

Construction managers direct and monitor the progress of construction activities, at times through other construction supervisors. They oversee the delivery and use of materials, tools and equipment; the quality of construction; worker productivity and safety.

Construction managers regularly review engineering and architectural drawings and specifications to monitor progress and ensure compliance with plans and schedules. They track and control construction costs against the project budget to avoid cost overruns. They meet regularly with owners, engineers, architects, trade contractors, business specialists, accountants and others to monitor and coordinate all phases of a construction project.

Accreditation

The Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, under the commission’s General Criteria and Program Criteria for Civil and Similarly Named Engineering Programs.

The Bachelor of Science in Construction Management is accredited by the Applied and Natural Science Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the commission’s General Criteria and Program Criteria for Construction Management and Similarly Named Programs.

Honors

Honors Cooperative Internship Program

The college offers an opportunity for highly qualified students to work in local industry throughout an entire calendar year. Students work full time during the summer and half time during the academic year. Students receive 6 units of academic credit in conjunction with this experience. The program is open to undergraduates who are nearing their senior year and have a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA. Graduate students who want to participate must have a minimum 3.5 cumulative GPA. Applicants are matched to employer-supplied job descriptions and scheduled for interviews with prospective employers. The competitive nature of the program usually generates more applicants than available positions. The application period begins in early March, and the period of employment is typically from July 1 through June 30.

Clubs and Societies

Civil Engineering students have opportunities to participate in student chapters of such professional societies as the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and the Air and Waste Management Association (AWMA), as well as interdisciplinary student organizations in the College, such as Tau Beta Pi, the Society of Women Engineers, the National Society for Black Engineers and the Society for Hispanic Professional Engineers.

Construction Management students have the opportunity to participate in the student chapter of the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA), as well as interdisciplinary student organizations in the college, such as the Society of Women Engineers, the National Society for Black Engineers and the Society for Hispanic Professional Engineers.

Contact

Department of Civil Engineering and Construction Management
Chair: Anwar Alroomi
Jacaranda Hall (JD) 4507
(818) 677-2166

Mission Statement

The Department of Communication Disorders and Sciences has a three-dimensional mission incorporating teaching, research and service for the advancement of human potential in language, speech, voice, swallowing, hearing and balance. As part of a comprehensive university system dedicated to undergraduate and graduate instruction, teaching is always regarded as the first priority.

Academic Advisement

Communication Disorders and Sciences majors at both the undergraduate and graduate levels are required to attend advisement at least once each term prior to course registration. Advisors assist students with formulating tentative plans of study in order to facilitate reasonable progression to graduation. An advisor should be consulted regarding fulfillment of specific coursework that is related to professional licensure and certification requirements, which may include courses involving biology, human anatomy and physiology, physics, statistics, psychology, growth and development of children, and variables related to literacy that are within the scope of practice for the professional field. Although majors are required to meet with an advisor only once per term, more frequent contact between student and advisor is encouraged. For enrolled majors, information is posted on the Department of Communication Disorders and Sciences website regarding advisement periods that are opened specifically for developing and submitting tentative plans of study.

Prospective students at both the undergraduate and graduate levels should attend an orientation meeting for basic information on the fields of speech-language pathology and audiology, and for assistance in formulating initial academic and career plans. These orientation meetings are held monthly. The schedule of orientation meetings (times, dates and locations) is available through the department’s general advisement website or by contacting the department.

Careers

Program alumni with graduate degrees (i.e., master’s and doctoral) find a variety of career opportunities as speech-language pathologists and audiologists serving the needs of persons across the lifespan who have challenges with communication, hearing and balance.

The entry-level degree for Speech-Language Pathology is a master’s degree. For Speech-Language Pathologists, employment opportunities are widely available due to the general population’s longer life expectancy, advances in technology and advances in health. Program alumni find employment in California’s and the nation’s medical centers, skilled nursing facilities and other rehabilitative facilities, community speech and hearing centers, medical offices, public and private schools, and private practices. With approximately 100 graduates annually in the M.S. degree program in Speech-Language Pathology, the regional and national networks of alumni are substantial and always expanding.

The entry-level degree for Audiology is a doctoral degree. For Audiologists, employment opportunities continually grow in private practices, medical centers, rehabilitative settings and, in some states, in public schools. Growth in the field of audiology is impacted by the expanding population of older age groups who are prone to hearing loss due to the normal aging process, earlier identification of instances of hearing loss that may come from not wearing hearing protection while in environments that have “loud” working conditions, and the medical advances that have improved the survival rate of infants and children with critical illnesses.

Accreditation

The master’s (M.S.) education program in speech-language pathology at California State University, Northridge is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language Hearing Association, 2200 Research Blvd., #310, Rockville, MD 20850, (800) 498-2071 or (301) 296-5700.

The Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.) program at California State University, Northridge, is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Audiology Education (ACAE), 11480 Commerce Park Dr., Suite 220, Reston, VA 20191, (703) 226-1056 for the period of February 7, 2023 to February 28, 2027.

The department’s Clinical-Rehabilitative Services Credential (Language, Speech and Hearing Services and Audiology) is accredited by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC).

Consumer Complaints

The Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) may be contacted by any individual who has concern against CSUN’s Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program regarding compliance with accreditation standards or if the program may have exhibited a violation of Code of Ethics established by the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA). Complaints against the program must meet specific criteria, and must also follow specific procedural requirements during the process of submission. The complainant’s burden of proof is a preponderance, or greater weight, of the evidence. These procedures do not prevent the CAA from considering a complaint against an accredited or candidate program if the program is involved in litigation or other actions by a third party.

Unresolved concerns regarding accreditation of the Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology may be addressed to:
Chair, Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
2200 Research Blvd., #310
Rockville, MD 20850
(800) 498-2071

Unresolved concerns regarding accreditation of the Doctor of Audiology may be addressed to:
Director, Accreditation Commission for Audiology Education (ACAE)
11480 Commerce Park Dr., Suite 220
Reston, VA 20191
(202) 986‐9500

Clubs and Societies

California State University, Northridge, Chapter of the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association (NSSLHA)

The mission of the CSUN Chapter of the NSSLHA is (a) to unite students in the Department of Communication Disorders and Sciences with those with similar interests enrolled in other departments on the CSUN campus; (b) to provide relevant information to students concerning their academic tenure at California State University, Northridge; (c) to inform members of contemporary affairs, both local and national, that concern the professional fields of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology; and (d) to facilitate the transition from undergraduate studies to graduate studies, and then from graduate studies to entry into the profession.

California State University, Northridge, Chapter of the Student Academy of Audiology (SAA)

The mission of the CSUN Chapter of the SAA is to serve as a collective voice for students within the chapter area and to advance the rights, interests and welfare of students pursuing careers in audiology. Chapters will engage students in lifelong professional activities that promote and advance the profession of audiology, and provide services, information, education, representation and advocacy for the profession and the public we serve.

Facilities

The department is housed within Monterey Hall (MH), which is located on the southeastern corner of the campus. The building is home to the department’s Language, Speech and Hearing Center (LSHC) with convenient client access to parking on Zelzah Avenue and in a parking lot adjacent to Monterey Hall. Clinical facilities include extensive diagnostic and treatment resources for persons with a wide variety of disorders of speech, language, voice, swallowing, hearing and balance. In addition, space is provided for classrooms, seminar rooms and research hubs emphasizing hearing/speech science, speech and language development and disorders, physiology of voice production, neurogenic disorders of communication and auditory electrophysiology. The facility also includes a hearing aid dispensary, and the Language, Speech and Hearing Center jointly operates a vestibular and balance disorders laboratory hub with the Department of Physical Therapy. Students have wireless access to the Internet for personal laptop computers, tablets and mobile devices throughout the building. Monterey Hall houses all of the department’s academic offices for faculty and staff, as well as the business office, records room and materials preparation room of the CSUN Language, Speech and Hearing Center.

 

Distance Learning Program

The department offers the Master of Science degree with emphasis in Speech-Language Pathology in a distance learning (DL) program that is administered jointly with the CSUN Tseng College. The purpose of this program is to serve graduate students in Speech-Language Pathology who are unable to relocate close enough to travel regularly to the CSUN campus. Qualified graduate students are admitted to this program in cohorts (groups) every 12 months; cohort students take no courses on the residential campus. Students are not permitted to transfer between the residential program and the distance learning program. The DL courses are taught in an asynchronously meeting format but following the regular University calendar, with students taking the entire course of study (57 units) as a cohort over a 36-month period. Courses are delivered to the homes and workplaces of DL students via the Internet, and all clinical practica are completed in the DL students’ home communities. The DL program charges tuition that reflects the cost of instruction. The M.S. degree in the DL program ultimately reflects the same prerequisite and requisite content as the residential degree, and the DL program meets CAA-ASHA certification and state licensure standards.

For California residents who hold bachelor’s degrees in Communication Disorders and Sciences or Speech-Language Pathology, but are not pursuing graduate studies at this time, the CSUN Distance Learning Program offers the noncredit SLPA Certificate of Advanced Professional Development in SLPA Fieldwork. This 100-hour program, which includes both online study at home and an eight-week clinical field experience, is designed to facilitate career advancement.

The CSUN Distance Learning Program also offers a two-year, fully online Certificate of Preparation for Advanced Studies in Speech-Language Pathology, which prepares those with bachelor’s degrees in fields other than Communication Disorders and Sciences or Speech-Language Pathology to apply for admission consideration into the DL’s Communication Disorders and Sciences master’s program, as well as other programs that offer graduate studies in Speech-Language Pathology.

Visit the DL program website for further information.

Contact

Department of Communication Disorders and Sciences
Chair: Patricia J. Seymour
Monterey Hall (MH) 301
(818) 677-2852 (VOICE)

Mission Statement

What We Do

Communication is central to the ongoing processes of culture and society and, thus, is vitally important to study. The field has a rich and diverse foundation of specializations, ranging from public address to critical and cultural studies to interpersonal and small-group communication to organizational communication to intercultural and international communication to performance studies.

Faculty members participate actively in regional, national and international associations and organizations, focusing on communication and human relations, communication training and development, communication and cultural studies, and communication and social justice. Several serve in leadership positions in professional associations.

As part of a learning-centered University, the department supports several service learning projects that involve students in the community, such as the Communication for Youth Institute. The department also has a nationally competitive Speech and Debate Team, an active Performance Ensemble program and a vibrant student Communication Association.

Communication majors take advantage of internship opportunities at a wide variety of businesses and not-for-profit organizations in the Los Angeles and San Fernando Valley regions.

Academic Advisement

Academic advisement is an important experience for students. Undergraduate students may seek advisement from the department staff advisor. All full-time faculty are also involved in undergraduate advising. Students may contact any full-time faculty member during office hours for assistance. Graduate students may seek advisement from the department graduate coordinator. For any additional questions, please call or email the department.

Careers

Professionals in all career paths generally find a background in communication studies rewarding, as there are communication needs in every field. Graduates find employment in various fields, such as human relations, education, business, law, media industries, entertainment, marketing, advertising, government, performance art, social and human services, the ministry, international relations and management.

Institutional Memberships

The Department of Communication Studies at CSUN is a member of the Western States Communication Association (WSCA), the National Communication Association (NCA) and the International Communication Association (ICA).

Contact

Department of Communication Studies
Chair: Aimee Carrillo Rowe
Manzanita Hall (MZ) 220
(818) 677-2853
dept.of.coms@csun.edu

Mission Statement

Our mission is to prepare students for rewarding careers and higher education. Graduates will be able to solve complex technical problems and address the needs of modern society, and they will pursue lifelong learning.

Academic Advisement

Undergraduate Students

Students in lower division courses are advised by the Andrew J. Anagnost College of Engineering and Computer Science Student Services Center/EOP. Students in the department’s majors taking upper division courses are advised through the department office. New transfer students should schedule an initial advisement with the transfer advisor.

Graduate Students

Graduate students are initially advised by the graduate coordinator. After the formation of their graduate committees, graduate students are advised by the committee chair.

Careers

A degree in Computer Science can lead to a career in software development and software engineering where graduates design, implement, test and maintain large software systems, or a career in such specialized fields as computer graphics, games, security, robotics, artificial intelligence and expert systems, distributed systems, embedded applications, databases, web applications, network applications and networking. The degree can lead to a career in almost any industry, including aerospace, manufacturing, banking, health, research, entertainment, telecommunications, social media and education. Computer scientists often become essential members of interdisciplinary design and research teams, working on problems from all technical domains.

A degree in Computer Information Technology can lead to a career in such fields as computer system administration, computer security, database administration, website development and administration, enterprise network administration, computer system analysis, computer system planning, computer forensic analysis, cloud computing services and IT management.

Accreditation

The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, under the commission’s General Criteria and Program Criteria for Computer Science and Similarly Named Computing Programs.

The Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Technology is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the commission’s General Criteria and Program Criteria for Information Technology and Similarly Named Computing Programs.

Honors

Honors Cooperative Internship Program

The college offers an opportunity for highly qualified students to work in local industry throughout an entire calendar year. Students work full time during the summer and half time during the academic year. Students receive 6 units of academic credit in conjunction with this experience. The program is open to undergraduates who are nearing their senior year and have a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA. Graduate students who want to participate must have a minimum 3.5 cumulative GPA. Applicants are matched to employer-supplied job descriptions and scheduled for interviews with prospective employers. The competitive nature of the program usually generates more applicants than available positions. The application period begins in early March, and the period of employment is typically from July 1 through June 30.

Clubs and Societies

Student Chapter of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM)

Department faculty provide advisory support to students who are interested in managing the local student chapter of the ACM.

CECS Senior Design Project Showcase

The Andrew J. Anagnost College of Engineering and Computer Science (CECS) Senior Design Showcase is an annual event at which teams of students from the college compete with one another and present their senior design coursework to a panel of judges from the industry. Prizes are given for the best oral presentations and best displays.

SS12 Code for a Cause Programming Competition

SS12 Code for a Cause is a weekend-long programming competition at which teams of students work with professionals to develop software applications for persons with disabilities. Competition starts at the campus level, and the winner advances to a statewide competition. Teams from CSUN have won first place at several recent competitions at the state level.

Layer 8 Computer Network and Security Club

The Layer 8 club educates students about computer security and holds friendly internal competitions to increase students’ knowledge of computer security issues and to develop their skills. The club organizes workshops on computer and web security and invites guest speakers from the industry. They compete regularly in the Western Regional Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition.

Computer Science and Technology Student Club

This club performs outreach to high schools and community colleges to increase awareness of computer science and technology and to motivate students to consider majoring in those areas when they enter college.

Scholarships and Awards

The Andrew J. Anagnost College of Engineering and Computer Science administers a substantial scholarship program, dispersing more than $60,000 each year to high-achieving engineering and computer science students. The college also administers memorial scholarships and scholarships donated by friends of the University.

Applications and information are available in January, with applications due in early March. Specific dates and further information can be obtained from the college administrative offices.

Contact

Department of Computer Science
Chair: Adam Kaplan
Jacaranda Hall (JD) 4503
(818) 677-3398

Mission Statement

The Criminology and Justice Studies department houses the B.A. in Criminology and Justice Studies. This program promotes the social scientific, theoretical, analytical and practical understanding of justice in a broad sense including, but not limited to, crime, victimization and the criminal justice system. The program promotes a critical perspective on justice at all levels and provides a foundation for the study of criminology and justice based in critical thinking and application, theory and research methodology, understanding diversity and global perspectives, writing, and fundamentals of law and ethical practice. The department emphasizes the intersection between the academic and the professional, which provides students a meaningful learning environment for application to criminal justice and other justice-related careers. Partnerships between the department and both the University community and the community at large provide the fertile ground for these intersections. The Criminology and Justice Studies program endeavors to motivate and empower students to become agents of change in the pursuit of justice.

About the Department

The B.A. in Criminology and Justice Studies is an interdisciplinary, social scientific program designed to help students develop a foundation of informed and ethical ways of engaging in work in fields relating to justice in a broad sense including, but not limited to, criminal justice, crime and victims. The B.A. in Criminology and Justice Studies is built upon a crime and justice core, including courses such as criminal justice systems, juvenile justice, ethics, criminal law, criminological theory and methods. The program includes coursework in critical areas, including cross-national/cross-cultural approaches to crime, victimization, criminology and criminal justice. The program provides the foundation needed to face the challenges in today’s world of justice. Central to the program is the goal of intersecting the academic with the professional: taking traditional learning and applying it to real situations faced in the area of justice. This intersection is done throughout the curriculum, but it is most fully realized in the applied research and field experience course, which provides students the opportunity to get hands-on experience in the field and/or with actual crime and justice data.

Academic Advisement

Academic advisement is a crucial part of college success, and the Department of Criminology and Justice Studies strongly encourages students to obtain regular advisement and guidance in their academic program and future careers. Students should request general academic advisement from the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences Student Services Center/EOP advisors as well as specific program advice from program faculty. The B.A. in Criminology and Justice Studies core curriculum includes a course in criminal justice careers to help students explore career possibilities within the field. In addition, students are encouraged to seek career guidance from the Career Center, explore campus career workshops and job fairs, and ask for advice from departmental faculty.

Careers

Students who major in Criminology and Justice Studies are equipped to enter the criminal justice and related workforce with a solid understanding of the criminal justice system and the ability to critically engage in an examination of that system and the work within it. Examples of careers include law enforcement, investigation, probation and parole, correctional case management, victim assistance and nonprofit work. Graduates of the program are also well equipped to enter into graduate study in criminal justice and other academic and applied fields. Coursework in criminology and justice studies complements many other fields, including sociology, political science, psychology, social work, counseling, child development, health, law and any other field that addresses or is impacted by deviant or criminal behavior and justice.

Clubs and Societies

The Department of Criminology and Justice Studies is the home to the Criminology and Justice Studies Club for all students.

Awards

The Department of Criminology and Justice Studies is the home to several awards for students in a variety of areas connected to academics, professional goals and/or community engagement. Awards are given each spring semester.

Contact

Department of Criminology and Justice Studies
Chair: Vickie Jensen
Sierra Hall (SH) 165
(818) 677-2117
cjs@csun.edu

Academic Advisement

Prospective, new and continuing Deaf Studies majors are encouraged to seek academic advisement each semester to review academic and career plans. Appointments can be made by filling out the Deaf Studies Online Appointment Request form. For additional assistance, please call the Deaf Studies department office at (818) 677-5116 (voice) or (818) 435-8152 (videophone), or email deaf.studies@csun.edu. For more information, students can also view the academic advisement section on the department website.

Careers

During recent years, a number of significant legislative and judicial initiatives and directives have appeared at the federal, state and local levels to ensure that Deaf Americans have full access to public and private programs and services. As social, community, legal and educational services have expanded nationwide, many career possibilities have opened up for persons who are interested in professional work in deaf-related fields. The Deaf Studies major at CSUN will provide appropriate exposure and preparation to students who are interested in careers as sign language interpreters, sign language instructors, counselors, government specialists, teachers of the Deaf, community service coordinators/advocates and many other deaf-related vocations.

Contact

Department of Deaf Studies
Chair: Flavia S. Fleischer
Education Building (ED) 1107
(818) 435-8152 (Videophone)
(818) 677-5116 (Voice)

Mission Statement

The Disability Studies Minor seeks to prepare graduates who are excited to build a more inclusive and accessible world. We teach students not only to examine the social and cultural meanings associated with disability but to challenge problematic assumptions and structures that threaten equity, equality, and accessibility. Students who minor in Disability Studies will leave the University with both the knowledge and tools not only to effect change in the workplace and their communities, but to recognize disability as a valued identity and a way of living in the world.

Academic Advisement

The Disability Studies Minor helps students select the courses that best satisfy their individual needs and interests. Contact Director Leilani Hall at (818) 677-3428 to schedule an appointment.

The College of Humanities (COH) Student Services Center/EOP reviews students’ progress to ensure that the requirements of a minor in Disability Studies are fulfilled. Call (818) 677-4784 or (818) 677-4767 to schedule an appointment with the COH Student Services Center/EOP.

Careers

This interdisciplinary minor enhances a career by preparing students to understand the social, political, cultural, and health implications of disability. By emphasizing disability as a way of living in the world, the program prepares students to work in diverse community settings and provides methods of making society more inclusive to those who live with disabilities. In addition, this minor equips students with the tools necessary not only to work across disciplines, but to integrate the methods of multiple disciplines into a singular project.

Finally, the Disability Studies Minor contributes to the professional development of students. Those who complete the minor will have the opportunity to have at least one significant experience with community service. Such experience can help students make important contacts in their chosen professions and develop important skills for collaborating effectively with others. Topics studied in the minor can be applied not only within academic and professional disciplines but also in other real-world circumstances.

The minor’s requirements make it easy to integrate with a student’s General Education courses or the student’s major.

Contact

Director: Leilani Hall
Sierra Tower (ST) 820
(818) 677-3428

About the Department

The M.A. in Diverse Community Development Leadership (DCDL) is an interdisciplinary program that prepares students for leadership and community development within the context of highly diverse urban communities. The program provides graduates with both the theoretical foundations needed to understand the dynamics of diversity (such as differences in cultural background and experience, belief structures, racial experience, gender and sexual identity, and socio/economic status) and the nature of conflict. Graduates will also gain the practical skills needed to manage conflicts and work with diverse groups to create a productive, collaborative community that can implement solutions to pressing problems.

A central characteristic of the M.A. in Diverse Community Development Leadership program is its pedagogical commitment to engagement with local communities. Throughout the program, students engage with community partners through experiential learning assignments that advance student learning while also supporting the work of community partners. Students develop both theoretical foundations and practical skills as they learn to address different aspects of community partners’ needs through the perspective of different course topics. The program culminates with a final course in which students spend 6 units on a project that is based on community needs. By offering both theoretical foundations and practical skills, the M.A. in Diverse Community Development Leadership program equips graduates to be effective leaders in an evolving and increasingly interdependent world.

Careers

An M.A. degree in Diverse Community Development Leadership provides a strong academic foundation for a wide variety of career occupations, including chief diversity officer, executive director, director of development, community relations specialist, community development director, community promoter, development specialist, project manager, human resources manager, senior planner, program analyst, youth coordinator and director of marketing.

Contact

Diverse Community Development Leadership
Graduate Coordinator: Santosh Khadka
Sierra Tower (ST) 834
(818) 677-4337

Staff: Julie Garcia
(818) 677-5943

Staff: Elliott Maude
(818) 677-4607

About the Department

The Department of Economics offers courses leading to a Bachelor of Arts in Economics. The department trains students to critically and objectively analyze issues related to the economy, business, public policy and society. To enhance the educational process and the scholarly reputation and profile of the department, members of the Economics faculty engage in research and offer their expertise to inform community decisions and debate.

Academic Advisement

Academic advisement helps students meet their academic goals and graduate in a timely manner. The Nazarian College Student Services Center/EOP Satellite provides academic advisement for Nazarian College majors during their time at CSUN. Furthermore, Nazarian College Student Services Center/EOP Satellite provides specialized support and retention services for Nazarian College students admitted to the Educational Opportunity Program from time of admission through time of graduation.

Careers

For many, the Economics major provides a useful background for a business career, while for others the major is preparation for graduate study in law, economics or public policy. Economics is relevant for students who are interested in employment in politics and public policy analysis, the financial services sector (banking, insurance), as industry analysts (healthcare, entertainment, energy), and in consumer affairs, international affairs, teaching and research, law, business consulting, government work and journalism. Salaries earned by economics majors nationwide are highly competitive. Employers rank economics as one of the most desirable majors.

Accreditation

The David Nazarian College of Business and Economics is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). Approximately 6 percent of business schools worldwide have achieved AACSB accreditation.

Honors

The Business Honors Program is open to students who are declared majors in Accountancy, Economics, Information Systems, or Business Administration with an option in either Business Analytics, Business Law, Financial Analysis, Financial Planning, Global Supply Chain Management, Management, Marketing, Real Estate, Risk Management and Insurance, or Systems and Operations Management, who meet all Business Honors Program admissions criteria. Students who apply and are selected for admission to the program are offered a variety of benefits; for example, priority registration, mentorship and networking opportunities, a dedicated workspace, specialized academic advisement, smaller class sizes and cohort coursework. Students who fulfill all Business Honors Program requirements will receive the Business Honors option designation on their transcript in addition to their primary degree. For more information, call (818) 677-3100 or visit the Business Honors Program website.

Career Education and Professional Development Center

The Center for Career Education and Professional Development (CEPD) is a decentralized career center in the David Nazarian College of Business and Economics staffed by professionals who assist students and alumni with their experiential learning, career exploration and career networking needs. Our model is grounded in business-specific career development, experiential learning, employer relations and connections with the community.

Services provided include:

  • Career coaching and personal development.
  • Career exploration.
  • Internship and mentorship assistance.
  • Job search preparation and tools.
  • Specialized programs and workshops.

For more information, call (818) 677-4697 or visit the Career Education and Professional Development website.

 

Contact

Department of Economics
Chair: Anton Lowenberg
Bookstein Hall (BB) 3125
(818) 677-2462

Mission Statement

Our mission is to prepare and inspire educational leaders to maximize student learning and access, link theory to best practice, support collaborative partnerships and promote culturally responsive leadership in a diverse environment.

Academic Advisement

Initial academic advisement is carried out by the graduate advisor. Advisement is available daily, and appointments can be made throughout the year by contacting the department office. Credential advisement is available in the Credential Office, Education Building (ED) 103.

Careers

Graduates have been very successful in securing choice leadership roles in schools. They display values, beliefs and attitudes that inspire others to achieve educational goals and understand the importance of exercising a positive leadership role in their schools and communities. They are familiar with leadership styles and understand the concept of situational leadership. Graduates have learned how to manage conflict, build consensus and communicate effectively orally and in writing. They have been taught the value of shared leadership and the benefits of developing leadership skills in others.

Accreditation

The Tier I Preliminary Administrative Credential program is accredited by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.

Contact

Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies
Chair: Miguel Ceja
Education (ED) 1220
(818) 677-2591

Mission Statement

The Department of Educational Psychology and Counseling prepares students for highly effective, ethical and satisfying careers as professional educators and counselors working with individuals, families and groups in educational, organizational and community settings. The aim of our programs is to reflect an ecological and developmental lifespan approach to theory, research and practice centered on the study and application of major concepts and skills from counseling, early childhood education, educational psychology and psychological foundations of education. Department faculty are committed to continuous evaluation and improvement of our courses and programs.

Academic Advisement

Information for students who are interested in department programs is available by accessing the website or by calling or visiting the graduate advisor and/or department office. Students admitted to a master’s degree, certificate or credential program should contact program coordinators for advisement. In addition, first-year practicum instructors serve as advisors for students in all master’s degree programs in Counseling.

Graduate Coordinator: Esther Choi

Program Advisors

  • Career Counseling: Angelica Galvan
  • College Counseling and Student Services: Angelica Galvan
  • Early Childhood Education: Carrie Rothstein-Fisch, Joannie Aguayo
  • Marriage and Family Therapy: Dana Stone, Mark Stevens
  • School Counseling: Angelica Galvan
  • School Psychology: Wilda Laija-Rodriguez

Careers

Graduates completing a master’s degree may qualify for positions in public schools, public mental health facilities, community agencies, community colleges and universities, business and industry, career development, marriage and family therapy, private clinical practice, integrated medicine settings and related areas. With the completion of state requirements, students can receive a credential in Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) as either a School Counselor or in School Psychology and/or a license as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) or Licensed Educational Psychologist (LEP).

Accreditation

The National Association of School Psychology (NASP) has conferred accreditation on the School Psychology option program. The Marriage and Family Therapy program is accredited by the Commission for the Accreditation of Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE), the accrediting body associated with the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT). The School Counseling and School Psychology credential programs are accredited by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC).

State Licensure

Students who seek licensure as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) must complete the 72-unit Master of Science degree in  Marriage and Family Therapy and 3,000 hours of fieldwork and internship prior to applying for the state examination. In addition to hours accrued in the program, students must complete 3,000 training hours and pass a law and ethics and a clinical exam to qualify for licensure in the state (state requirements available from the Board of Behavioral Sciences).

Students seeking future licensure as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) must complete the 72-unit Master of Science degree in Counseling. For the M.S. in Counseling degree, students choose from two options: (a) School Counseling or (b) College Counseling/Student Services. In addition to hours accrued in the program, students must complete 3,000 post-degree training hours, pass a law and ethics and a clinical exam to qualify for licensure in the state (state requirements available from the Board of Behavioral Sciences).

Students in the School Psychology program who complete all program requirements may be eligible for the License as an Educational Psychologist (LEP). Please refer to the Board of Behavioral Sciences for additional information regarding requirements.

For additional information on licensure, students should contact the following advisors:

  • Marriage and Family Therapy: Dana Stone
  • School Psychology: Wilda Laija-Rodriguez
  • LPCC Licensure: Angelica Galvan

For general program advisement, students should contact the following advisors:

  • Career Counseling: Angelica Galvan
  • College Counseling and Student Services: Angelica Galvan
  • Marriage and Family Therapy: Dana Stone
  • School Counseling: Angelica Galvan
  • School Psychology: Wilda Laija-Rodriguez

Contact

Department of Educational Psychology and Counseling
Chair: Shyrea Minton
Education (ED) 1218
(818) 677-2599
epcadmin@csun.edu

Mission Statement

Our mission is to prepare students for rewarding careers and higher education. Graduates will be able to solve complex technical problems, address the needs of modern society and pursue lifelong learning.

Academic Advisement

Undergraduate Students

Students with 89 or fewer units and new transfer students are advised by the College of Engineering and Computer Science Student Services Center/EOP. Students who have completed 90 units or more are advised by the department faculty.

Graduate Students

Graduate students are advised by the graduate coordinator and, once their committee is formed, by their thesis or project advisor (the committee chair).

Careers

The department’s practical approach to engineering offers hands-on design experience, as well as theoretical knowledge. This is an advantage on the job because graduates actually have experience implementing projects and designing them. Students who enjoy using math and science creatively to solve real-world problems will find rewarding careers as electrical and computer engineers.

Careers in Electrical and Computer Engineering

Graduates design and build communication systems; information processing systems; entertainment devices; medical diagnosis equipment; and robotics control, navigation and traffic control systems, among others. Graduates can find work in virtually every industry. Among the major employers are electronic manufacturing firms, communication companies, the entertainment industry, public utilities, oil companies, laboratories, transportation companies and chemical plants. Some graduates pursue professions as patent attorneys, technical writers, consultants, teachers or technical sales representatives. This program not only prepares students to enter the workforce, but also to enter graduate school to pursue an area of specialization.

Accreditation

The Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the commission’s General Criteria and Program Criteria for Electrical, Computer, Communications, Telecommunication(s), and Similarly Named Engineering Programs.

The Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the commission’s General Criteria and Program Criteria for Electrical, Computer, Communications, Telecommunication(s), and Similarly Named Engineering Programs.

Honors

Honors Cooperative Internship Program

The college offers an opportunity for highly qualified students to work in local industry throughout an entire calendar year. Students work full time during the summer and half time during the academic year. Students receive 6 units of academic credit in conjunction with this experience. The program is open to undergraduates who are nearing their senior year and have a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA. Graduate students who want to participate must have a minimum 3.5 cumulative GPA. Applicants are matched to employer-supplied job descriptions and scheduled for interviews with prospective employers. The competitive nature of the program usually generates more applicants than available positions. The application period begins in early March, and the period of employment is typically from July 1 through June 30.

Clubs and Societies

A student chapter of the national professional society, the Institute for Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), meets on campus. Other active organizations include Tau Beta Pi, the student engineering honor society; Eta Kappa Nu, the electrical engineering honor society; the Society for Women Engineers; the National Society for Black Engineers; and the Society for Hispanic Professional Engineers.

Contact

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Chair: Xiaojun Geng
Jacaranda Hall (JD) 4509
(818) 677-2190

Mission Statement

The Department of Elementary Education aims to cultivate teachers who are professionals, intellectuals, and critical consumers and producers of educational policy, practice, and research. These competencies include a commitment to critical thinking and research-based pedagogy. The Elementary Education programs emphasize learning as a human right and nurture creative, responsive, and reflective practitioners who challenge their students to become global citizens in a diverse, ever-changing world.

About the Department

The department offers preliminary and advanced teaching credentials and a Master of Arts in Elementary Education.

Academic Advisement

Credentials

The Multiple Subject Credential program is primarily designed for students who desire to teach in self-contained classrooms typical of elementary schools and to provide effective instruction for diverse learners in grades K-8. The Multiple Subject Credential program includes preliminary, advanced, and specialist credentials. There are four pathways toward earning a preliminary multiple subject credential:

  1. Traditional Program
  2. Accelerated Collaborative Teacher (ACT) Preparation Program
  3. Multiple Subject Intern Program
  4. Integrated Teacher Education Program (ITEP) for freshmen or junior undergraduate students

Advanced credentials include the Reading Literacy Leadership Specialist Credential (RLLSC). The RLLSC is an advanced, additional credential for credentialed teachers who want to become experts in literacy with the goal of becoming leaders in this area.

The specialist credentials include the BCLAD Emphasis Credential and the Bilingual Authorization Credential. These credentials are for preliminary credential candidates or credentialed teachers who are proficient in Spanish and English, Korean and English, or Armenian and English, and who want to work with English language learners from these linguistic and cultural groups. In addition, students fluent in Cambodian and English, Cantonese and English, Mandarin and English, or Vietnamese and English may complete a BCLAD Emphasis Program through the CSUN Asian BCLAD Consortium.

Please contact the department at (818) 677-2621, or view the department website for a list of current program advisors for each credential pathway. For all advising related to credentials, contact the Credential Office at (818) 677-2733.

Elementary Education, M.A.

The department offers a Master of Arts in Elementary Education with the following options:

  1. Curriculum and Instruction
  2. Language and Literacy
  3. Multilingual and Multicultural

The M.A. builds on competencies developed in the Multiple Subject Credential program and is designed to provide candidates with advanced professional preparation in education for (1) assuming differentiated careers in school districts, professional organizations, and the community; and (2) continuing into a doctoral program.

The Curriculum and Instruction Option is for teachers interested in honing their skills in all curricular areas. The integration of visual and performing arts into traditional subject matter disciplines, such as language arts, social studies, science, and mathematics, is unique to this emphasis. Teachers acquire a deep understanding of how state frameworks and common core standards are integrated into the various disciplines.

The Language and Literacy Option provides a comprehensive and balanced approach to literacy instruction and assessment. Teaching students to be strategic readers, writers, and evaluators of their own literacy progress is emphasized. Through the Literacy Center on campus, CSUN students work in practical settings to assess and assist children who are striving to develop stronger literacy skills.

The Multilingual and Multicultural Option focuses on developing a comprehensive and balanced approach to teaching culturally diverse students in K-8 settings. The emphasis provides an overview of multicultural education, which includes theories and practices in culturally relevant pedagogy, language acquisition, family and community assets, and multicultural arts education.

Please contact the department at (818) 677-2621 to reach the graduate advisor or visit the Department of Elementary Education website.

Careers

A career as a teacher in the elementary education setting can lead to a wide array of opportunities. A variety of careers are open to teachers as they gain more experience, additional authorizations, and advanced credentials or degrees. In addition to classroom teaching, there are positions as teacher coaches, program coordinators, designers or providers of professional development for teachers, and curriculum developers. In the corporate world, teachers are often engaged as developers of curriculum and materials for educational purposes and as designers or providers of educational professional development. Typically, a valid California teaching credential is required or preferred for advanced credentials in administration, school counseling, or specialist credentials.

Accreditation

All credential programs are accredited by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC).

Clubs and Societies

Pi Lambda Theta (PLT) is the CSUN chapter of Phi Delta Kappa, an honor society for Education students with a grade point average of at least 3.5.

Scholarships

The Michael D. Eisner College of Education scholarship information and applications can be found at Scholarships.

Contact

Department of Elementary Education
Chair: Greg Knotts
Education (ED) 1206
(818) 677-2621

Mission Statement

The English department at CSUN is a community of teachers, scholars, writers and support staff whose primary mission is to promote learning in literature, creative writing, composition and linguistics and to help students acquire knowledge, develop skills and realize their own intellectual and creative goals. In pursuit of our mission, the department also is committed to promoting faculty development in areas such as research, scholarly and creative work, publication and other professional activities for the advancement of knowledge and pedagogy.

About the Department

English offers a variety of both majors and minors, with options concentrating in Creative Writing, Literature, Subject Matter and FYI/JYI (for future teachers), and Honors. Minors include Creative Writing, Literature, Popular Culture, and Rhetoric and Writing. English majors and minors develop essential skills for the successful navigation of an increasingly complex and changing world. These include, but are not limited to, the ability to read and write critically and creatively, to communicate clearly and effectively, to use technology inventively, to develop real-world problem-solving skills, to collaborate and work well in teams, and to think globally and act locally.

Students in the English department work with nationally recognized scholars and writers in small classroom settings and enjoy multiple opportunities to participate in extracurricular activities. They gain both a broad understanding of the field and more specialized knowledge, skills and experience appropriate to their options. And they are encouraged to complement historical breadth with a range of explorations in such current fields as popular and cultural studies, literature and film, and new media.

Academic Advisement

All undergraduate English advising begins with the College of Humanities Student Services Center/EOP office, where students may seek guidance regarding university and major requirements and current or future class schedules. They can also declare or change a major or minor, as well as file for graduation one year in advance of the anticipated date of completion.

Additional advising in all English options is available in the department, and students are strongly encouraged to meet with their option advisor upon declaring the major. Such advisors are best equipped to help students make informed choices about how best to sequence and group mandatory course requirements. They can also answer questions about future careers and postgraduate training and provide students with vital information about the wide range of opportunities for enrichment and involvement available in our thriving writing and scholarly communities.

For general questions concerning the major or other issues pertaining to English careers or future studies, students should see the associate chair and/or consult the current list of option advisors. Graduate advising takes place in the department, and all graduate students should consult with the graduate advisor as soon as possible upon acceptance.

Careers

A major in English provides a strong academic foundation for careers in such fields as business, writing, editing, publishing, journalism, advertising, public relations, communications, state and federal service, arts, entertainment and more. It also serves as excellent pre-professional training for further study in such fields as law, medicine and education. English majors choosing the Subject Matter option receive a state certificate in subject matter competency for teaching careers at the secondary level. Many students who obtain an M.A. in English find teaching positions in community colleges or proceed to doctoral programs, which might lead to teaching careers at the university level.

Honors

The Honors Option is a special program that enables students, by working independently and in seminars, to develop a strong academic background in preparation for postgraduate study in English or for entry into a variety of postgraduate fields. Admission to the program normally begins in the first semester of the junior year. Honors students are eligible to join Sigma Tau Delta, the International English Honors Society.

Clubs and Societies

Associated Graduate Students of English

The Associated Graduate Students of English (AGSE) is an organization of English graduate students that coordinates events to help support and enhance the graduate student experience. It encourages professionalism, networking and educational advancement through various programs, workshops and activities.

Northridge Creative Writing Circle

The Northridge Creative Writing Circle functions as an out-of-classroom writing community that offers an extension of creative writing taking place in the classroom. Its meetings and events help students foster close, supportive relationships with one another and provide opportunities for further creative and professional development of its members and their work. For more information or details about upcoming events, students should contact ncwcgroup@gmail.com.

CSUN Critical Theory Club

The Critical Theory Club provides an open forum for students interested in discussing critical theory in an open, comfortable space among others pursuing English, cultural studies, philosophy, social science and many other disciplines at CSUN. Students convene this group to read and collectively parse theoretical texts, to invite guest professors and graduate student speakers to discuss unique areas of expertise, and to build community through thoughtful, engaging dialogue.

Sigma Tau Delta

Sigma Tau Delta is the International English Honor Society at California State University, Northridge.

The Northridge Review

Published biannually by students since 1962, The Northridge Review (originally Angel’s Flight) is a journal of literary and visual art curated and produced by CSUN students and featuring work by students, alumni, and other writers and artists from our local communities. Selections are made through blind review. All are welcome to submit, and all submissions are considered for The Northridge Review’s annual awards—The Rachel Sherwood Poetry Award and The Northridge Review Fiction Award. The magazine also features CSUN’s winners of the Academy of American Poets Awards.

 

The English Internship Program

The Department of English provides an internship program for students who are interested in entering the professional writing field. The year-long program consists of a writing and professional development course (ENGL 407) and an off-campus internship (ENGL 494/IP), which provide both the training and experience students need to make the transition into the workplace. For more information, students should contact the internship coordinator.

 

International Studies

The Department of English supports the concept of international education and encourages students to investigate opportunities for overseas study. Certain courses taken at CSU International Program Study Centers in foreign countries are equivalent to courses in the Department of English and may be used to fulfill some of the requirements for degree options offered by the department and/or certain General Education requirements. For more information, students should consult the International Programs Bulletin, which is available from the International and Exchange Student Center, the English department associate chair or the campus International Programs advisor.

 

Prizes in English

The department offers a number of prizes for students who have excelled in their academic work. For further information about these awards, students should visit the English department’s main office.

The Academy of American Poets Prize
A first prize of $100 and two honorable mention awards given by the Academy of American Poets for the best poem(s) submitted. Application forms are available from the creative writing advisor.
The Angeline Olliff Memorial Scholarship
In memory of Angeline Olliff, a former graduate student and teaching associate in the Department of English, a scholarship of $250 will be awarded each Spring semester to a Rhetoric and Composition graduate student or a Teaching Associate in any specialization (Literature, Creative Writing, Rhetoric and Composition).
The Eva Latif Writing Prize in Children’s Literature
A prize of $500 awarded in the Fall semester for the best piece of writing, critical or creative, by a student on the subject of children’s literature.
The Harry Finestone Memorial Award
An award of $750 given in the Spring semester to the graduate student with the most distinguished essay completed in the department’s capstone graduate seminar, ENGL 698D. Submissions are faculty-nominated.
The Henry Van Slooten Scholarship in English
A prize of $500 will be given to a student in ENGL 258, 259, 275 or 355, who has written an essay (open topic) that best demonstrates a passion for the English language. Essays are faculty-nominated.
The Irene Clark Scholarship for Rhetoric and Composition
This award funds up to $500 annually to Department of English graduate students to present at a domestic, off-campus professional conference in the area of rhetoric and composition and funds a $500 award for a paper written by a Department of English graduate student on a topic in rhetoric and composition.
The Joan Nessan Creative Writing Prize in Children’s Literature
This prize, in memory of Joan Nessan, book enthusiast and grandmother to English graduate alum, Jason June, awards $1,000 annually to a junior, senior or graduate English student for outstanding creative work intended for children.
The Kitty Nard Memorial Scholarship
This award, in memory of lecturer Kitty Nard, awards $1,000 annually to an English major in good standing who is a single parent.
The Lesley Johnstone Memorial Award
A prize of $500 given to an undergraduate CSUN student who is the author of the best written work on some aspect of the natural world or environment. Eligible work, whether scholarly or creative, must have been written in an English class or for a class-related conference or publication.
The Linda Nichols Joseph English Merit Scholarship
In memory of Linda Nichols Joseph, an English major who graduated from CSUN cum laude in 1981, up to four prizes of $2,000 will be awarded each year to undergraduate English majors who have demonstrated excellence in their studies.
The Mahlon Gaumer Award
An award of $500 given in the Spring semester to a graduate student for the best critical essay on English literature, with an emphasis on the use of language, submitted during the academic year.
The Mitchell Marcus Prize in English
A prize of $4,000 awarded each Spring semester to a graduate student who is best distinguished by excellence in academics. Applications of currently enrolled classified graduate students are reviewed by a committee of faculty.
The Northridge Review Fiction Award
An annual prize awarded by The Northridge Review to the author of the short story judged to be the best published in the magazine during the calendar year. The recipient, who must be a registered student for at least one semester during the year in which the story is published, will be awarded $250.
The Oliver W. Evans Writing Prize
Two prizes of $500 awarded for the best piece of prose, critical or creative, submitted in an upper division English course.
The Peterson Morley Award
An award of $1,000 given each Fall semester to an undergraduate or graduate student currently enrolled as an English major at CSUN, who plans to enter the teaching profession at any level.
The Rachel Sherwood Poetry Prize
An annual prize awarded by The Northridge Review to the author of the poem judged to be the best published in the magazine during the calendar year. The recipient, who must be a registered student for at least one semester during the year in which the poem is published, will be awarded $250.
The Richard Lid and Helen Lodge Scholarship
An award of $500 given in alternating years to a graduate student enrolled in English or in Secondary English Education to help pay fees for graduate work.
The Robert apRoberts Honors Essay Prize
An annual award of $250 given in the Spring semester to the English Honors student whose paper completed in the Honors Revision Seminar (ENGL 497A) is judged to be the best submitted during that academic year.
The Thomas Matthew Magness Graduate Memorial Fund
In memory of Thomas Matthew Magness, former English graduate student, this award will provide $1,000 tuition remission for a first-semester graduate student in the English M.A. program. Selection will be based on academic merit.

Contact

Department of English
Chair: Tim Black
Sierra Tower (ST) 708
(818) 677-3431

Mission Statement

The Department of Environmental and Occupational Health (EOH) has a mission to educate students on the many ways we can protect communities and workers from chemical, physical and biological hazards that exist in the environment. We offer our students a practical body of knowledge that can be applied in many ways upon graduation. We summarize our mission with this phrase: “Building a better world, one student at a time.”

About the Department

The Environmental and Occupational Health profession is devoted to understanding the relationship between human health and the environment. Whether it is air pollution, water pollution, hazardous waste, unsafe food or many other special environments (such as workplace settings), the department looks for practical actions that protect human health.

Four full-time faculty members, along with numerous affiliated and part-time faculty, teach in the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health. The program emphasizes the study of the chemical, physical and biological factors that affect human health and environmental quality. The curriculum provides the basic knowledge and training required for professional careers in the field of community environmental health and industrial hygiene. The curriculum is also excellent preparation for allied health careers in medicine, dentistry or optometry.

Academic Advisement

All majors should review their academic program in consultation with a faculty advisor once per semester. The undergraduate faculty advisors are Nola Kennedy, Antonio Machado, Timothy Matthews and Michael Sullivan. The graduate coordinator and advisor is Nola Kennedy. Email the department office for more information on the degree.

Careers

Graduates find work in occupations such as sustainability coordinators, environmental specialists, industrial hygienists, hazardous waste managers, air quality permit managers, safety supervisors, health and safety inspectors, and environmental managers.

Graduates also are employed as administrators and technical specialists in governmental agencies, private industry and consulting firms. Opportunities for teaching, research and advanced professional programs are numerous.

Accreditation

EOH degrees are accredited by the National Environmental Health Science and Protection Accreditation Council at the B.S. and M.S. levels.

Clubs and Societies

The Environmental and Occupational Health Student Association (EOHSA) organizes presentations, field trips and student activities.

The department Alumni Association, in coordination with EOHSA and department faculty, is very active. It presents a Fall Speed Mentoring Event and a Spring Technical Symposium each year.

REHS Exam Eligibility

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) provides formal approval of the degree at the B.S. level. With this approval, students are permitted to test for the Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) examination immediately upon graduation. At the M.S. level, CDPH provides formal approval as long as the following criteria are met by the student:

  1. M.S. program admission criteria are met.
  2. Successful completion of a course in epidemiology (can be met by EOH 560, HSCI 488 or an equivalent course).
  3. Successful completion of a course in microbiology with laboratory (can be met by EOH 455/L, BIOL 215/L or an equivalent course).
  4. Successful completion of EOH 553 (required for the M.S. degree).
  5. Successful completion of EOH 693A (required for the M.S. degree).

Contact

Department of Environmental and Occupational Health
Chair: Nola Kennedy
Jacaranda Hall (JD) 1537
(818) 677-7476

About the Department

The Minor in Ethics offers students taking a broad array of majors an opportunity to develop strong skills in ethical reasoning that they can apply to their daily lives as well as their careers. Students may choose among undergraduate courses in ethics that span a wide range of departments and disciplines. Of the 18 units in the minor, at least 8 units must be upper division, with 6 units taken in residence at CSUN. Some electives have additional prerequisites beyond the required courses shown.

(See also: Minor in Business Ethics.)

Academic Advisement

Students minoring in Ethics can meet with a program advisor to help them select the courses that best satisfy their individual needs and interests. Contact Jennifer Thompson or Kristina Meshelski to schedule an appointment. The College of Humanities (COH) Student Services Center/EOP reviews students’ progress to ensure that the requirements of a minor in Ethics are fulfilled. Call (818) 677-4784 or (818) 677-4767 to schedule an appointment with the COH Student Services Center/EOP.

Contact

Co-Director: Jennifer Thompson
Professor, Jewish Studies Program
(818) 677-2963

Co-Director: Kristina Meshelski
Professor, Philosophy Department

Mission Statement

Our Mission

To enhance the quality of life for individuals, families and communities through education, research, creative endeavors and public service.

Our Vision

The Department of Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) is inspired by the belief that a supportive, challenging learning environment is a foundation for the personal, intellectual and professional development of our students, faculty and staff.

Our Purpose

Family and Consumer Sciences encompasses the study of relationships among people and their personal environments, focusing on the impact of physical, biological and social environments on human behavior and development.

We prepare students to become informed citizens and professionals through the study of our programs.

Academic Advisement

All undergraduate and graduate students are assigned faculty advisors. Students are required to plan their academic program in consultation with an advisor prior to registration each year.

Careers

Professionals in Family and Consumer Sciences are concerned with the well-being of individuals and families and the products, services and practices that affect them. Graduates find many and varied career opportunities in business, industry, health and human services, and educational settings. (See program descriptions for specific information.)

Consumer Affairs

The Consumer Affairs program focuses on theories and principles from consumer behavior and education, government and public policy, management, finance, law and communication as they apply to consumers. Graduates find careers in government agencies, combating fraud or monitoring consumer trends; in corporations, improving the quality of customer service; in public relations and advertising agencies; in product marketing; and in financial institutions. The department provides leadership opportunities through the student chapter of the Society of Consumer Affairs Professionals, as well as internships in a variety of business and nonprofit agencies.

Family and Consumer Sciences Education

The Family and Consumer Science Education program includes a comprehensive background in child development and guidance, family living and parenting education, consumer education, housing and interior design, food and nutrition, textiles and fashion design and merchandising, individual and family health, and leadership. After completion of the credential program, graduates are prepared for careers in K-12 teaching, adult education, program administration, youth service administration, vocational education, and home economics extension education and administration. Opportunities to work with middle school and high school students are available through internships and special projects. Students develop competence in the eight career paths relevant to the teaching of Family and Consumer Sciences.

Family Studies

The Family Studies program provides the student with an extensive background in family and developmental theory and its practical application to human and family development across the lifespan. Students apply theory through their activities at the Child and Family Studies Laboratory, which provides services to infants, toddlers, preschoolers, kindergartners and families and is accredited by the National Academy of Early Childhood Education Programs. Internship opportunities for participating in parent education and working with children, adolescents, adults and the elderly are available. Graduates are prepared for careers across a broad spectrum of organizations that provide services to children and families. Potential positions include children’s program administrator, childcare provider and administrator, family services coordinator, family resource and referral counselor, foster parent trainer and administrator, child development specialist, family advocate, family life educator, adoption services director, corporate childcare consultant and parent educator. Family Studies is an appropriate undergraduate preparation for graduate programs in marriage, family and child therapy.

Fashion Design and Merchandising

The Fashion Design and Merchandising program offers an analytical study of concepts and their application related to the design, production and merchandising of textiles and fashion. Basic knowledge from the physical and social sciences, technology, aesthetics and business is applied to the principles of the design, production, manufacturing and merchandising of textiles, fashion and accessories. Graduates enter a wide spectrum of careers in such positions as fashion designer, fashion buyer, department buyer, quality controller, fashion technical designer, production manager, textile designer, textile scientist, showroom manager, retail manager/owner, fashion journalist, sales representative/executive, museum curator of textiles and costumes, and costume designer. Students may participate in the fashion student organization TRENDS, as well as in a wide range of internship sites in the fashion industry.

Interior Design

The Interior Design program is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA) and prepares students to analyze, design and implement living/working environments that are functionally efficient and aesthetically satisfying to diverse populations. The program embraces an environment and behavior perspective that acknowledges the relationship between people at various ages and developmental stages and the interior environments they occupy. This perspective emphasizes the integration of function and aesthetics in the design of residential, commercial, retail, hospitality, institutional, educational and healthcare environments. Knowledge of human development, aesthetics, the history of architecture and interiors, building systems, codes and technology, and business procedures in professional practice, together with the development of skills in graphic communications, are among the areas of study within the major.

The program prepares the students to enter professional practice in interior design, as well as such positions as showroom managers, product representatives, private entrepreneurs and furniture designers. Students have opportunities to intern with interior design, manufacturing, wholesale and retail firms, and nonprofit community agencies. They learn leadership through membership in the student organization of the American Society of Interior Designers.

Nutrition, Dietetics and Food Science

The Nutrition, Dietetics and Food Science programs emphasize the application of physical, biological and social sciences to the study of foods and nutrition. The Nutrition and Dietetics option educates students in the knowledge of food and nutrition as they relate to health issues. The Didactic Program in Dietetics (Nutrition and Dietetics option only) at CSUN is currently granted accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND). The program prepares graduates in the field of nutritional science as registered dietitians and nutritionists for private businesses, hospitals and nursing homes, pharmaceutical companies, public health agencies and government agencies.

The Food Science option applies the study of biology and chemistry to understand the nature of foods, the causes of their deterioration and the principles underlying food processing. Food scientists may develop ways to process, preserve, package or store food according to industry and government specifications and regulations. Graduates work as food scientists and food technologists in quality assurance, and they conduct research and development for food companies. Other career options include working for government agencies, as well as in restaurant and food service management.

A student desiring to enter the Nutrition, Dietetics and Food Science program should have a strong background in the physical and biological sciences as the scientific disciplines are emphasized. A variety of research, internship and leadership experiences are available through the Marilyn Magaram Center for Food Science, Nutrition and Dietetics, the Student Dietetics and Food Science Association (SDFSA) and the Food Science Association (FSA).

Accreditation

The department is accredited by the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS). The Didactic Program in Dietetics and the Dietetic Internship are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND). The Child and Family Studies Center is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). The Interior Design program is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA).

Clubs and Societies

Contact

Department of Family and Consumer Sciences
Chair: Yi Cai
Sequoia Hall (SQ) 141
(818) 677-3051

Mission Statement

Our mission is to equip students with the academic knowledge, professional skills, tools and networks needed to achieve their personal and professional goals and to prepare our graduates to be leading members of public, private, government and nonprofit organizations.

About the Department

The Department of Finance, Financial Planning, and Insurance, in conjunction with the other departments in the David Nazarian College of Business and Economics, offers curricula leading to a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with three options: Financial Analysis, Financial Planning, and Risk Management and Insurance. Students who major outside of the Department of Finance, Financial Planning, and Insurance may complete a minor in Finance.

Academic Advisement

Academic advisement helps students meet their academic goals and graduate in a timely manner. The Nazarian College Student Services Center/EOP Satellite provides academic advisement for Nazarian College majors during their time at CSUN. Furthermore, Nazarian College Student Services Center/EOP Satellite provides specialized support and retention services for Nazarian College students admitted to the Educational Opportunity Program from time of admission through time of graduation.

Careers

The B.S. in Business Administration options help prepare graduates for a wide range of career opportunities in various industries and sectors of the economy. Students graduating with an option in a finance-related field receive among the highest average starting salaries of business graduates.

The option in Financial Analysis prepares graduates for the fields in investment, portfolio management, corporate financial analysis and general finance.

The option in Financial Planning prepares graduates for the fields in consulting and financial advising and for a solid foundation for a career in personal financial planning.

The option in Risk Management and Insurance prepares graduates for a wide variety of analytical, managerial or underwriting careers in the risk management and insurance industry.

Accreditation

The David Nazarian College of Business and Economics is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). Approximately 6 percent of business schools worldwide have achieved AACSB accreditation.

Honors

The Business Honors Program is open to students who are declared majors in Accountancy, Economics, Information Systems, or Business Administration with an option in either Business Analytics, Business Law, Financial Analysis, Financial Planning, Global Supply Chain Management, Management, Marketing, Real Estate, Risk Management and Insurance, or Systems and Operations Management, who meet all Business Honors Program admissions criteria. Students who apply and are selected for admission to the program are offered a variety of benefits; for example, priority registration, mentorship and networking opportunities, a dedicated workspace, specialized academic advisement, smaller class sizes and cohort coursework. Students who fulfill all Business Honors Program requirements will receive the Business Honors option designation on their transcript in addition to their primary degree. For more information, call (818) 677-3100 or visit the Business Honors Program website.

Career Education and Professional Development Center

The Center for Career Education and Professional Development (CEPD) is a decentralized career center in the David Nazarian College of Business and Economics staffed by professionals who assist students and alumni with their experiential learning, career exploration and career networking needs. Our model is grounded in business-specific career development, experiential learning, employer relations and connections with the community.

Services provided include:

  • Career coaching and personal development.
  • Career exploration.
  • Internship and mentorship assistance.
  • Job search preparation and tools.
  • Specialized programs and workshops.

For more information, call (818) 677-4697 or visit the Career Education and Professional Development website.

 

Contact

Department of Finance, Financial Planning, and Insurance
Chair: Kristine Beck
Bookstein Hall (BB) 3125
(818) 677-2459

Mission Statement

We see our department as a force for change in California, in the nation as a whole and in the world, change which strives to achieve social justice, deepen democracy and create world peace.

We do this by offering students an outstanding undergraduate education in Gender and Women’s Studies. Courses in Gender and Women’s Studies are taught by faculty from numerous disciplines and different parts of the world. Our international and diverse faculty members provide excellent teaching, engaged mentoring, cutting-edge research and scholarship, and valuable community service locally and globally.

We seek to develop a new generation of compassionate and critical thinkers and professionals who, with us, will advance our mission to recognize, understand and interrogate the persisting injustices and inequalities based on gender, race, class, sexuality, nation, geography, ability, ethnicity and religion that plague societies. We expect our GWS students to stretch their social imagination to become agents of social change.

We believe that through the nurturing of the mind, the elevation of historical and moral consciousness, as well as opportunities to put into practice social justice skills, we can make a better world for all.

Academic Advisement

The Gender and Women’s Studies department helps students select the program and courses that best satisfy their individual needs and interests. Contact the department advisor or the department chair at (818) 677-3110 to schedule an appointment.

The College of Humanities (COH) Student Services Center/EOP reviews students’ progress to ensure that the requirements of a major or minor in Gender and Women’s Studies are fulfilled. Call (818) 677-4784 or (818) 677-4767 to schedule an appointment with the COH Student Services Center/EOP.

Careers

A degree in Gender and Women’s Studies is an avenue to jobs in mass media, public relations, community and labor organizing, social work, counseling, teaching and government, as well as in new fields, such as women’s career training. Specialized career preparation may be obtained by combining the Gender and Women’s Studies major with a minor from another department. In addition, a Bachelor of Arts in Gender and Women’s Studies provides an entry for advanced graduate degrees in fields such as women’s studies, gender and ethnic studies, law, education, healthcare, social sciences, global studies, the arts, and cultural and communication studies.

Scholarships

The Department of Gender and Women’s Studies awards the following scholarships annually.

  • Elizabeth Berry Founding Scholarship
  • Shannon L. Hamm Memorial Gender and Women’s Studies Scholarship
  • Dr. Nayereh and Dr. Mahnaz Tohidi Scholarship Endowment

Contact

Department of Gender and Women’s Studies
Chair: Sheena Malhotra
Jerome Richfield (JR) 340
(818) 677-3110

About the Department

The General Education Honors (GEH) Program offers high-achieving CSUN students a diverse, enriched academic experience in General Education that promotes the fullest development of students’ academic potential.

GEH students enroll in special, honors-only sections of GE courses taught by outstanding Northridge instructors. These courses satisfy required areas of the University’s General Education Program. Each GE Honors course is identifiable on students’ academic transcripts with a “HON” designation to indicate that the course was an honors course. General Education Honors students are also eligible to take GEH courses, such as GEH 333HON. In addition, students who meet the program requirements receive an Honors Certificate at the time of graduation.

GEH students have opportunities to participate in GEH-sponsored academic and social events, special workshops on professional development and the annual CSU Honors Conference, and they are highly competitive for on- and off-campus scholarships and opportunities. GEH students also may join the Honors Living Learning Community, a special floor in the dorms designated for GEH students only.

Clubs and Societies

Contact

General Education Honors Program
Interim Director: Jackie Stallcup
Valera Hall (VH) 215
(818) 677-2845

Mission Statement

The Department of Geography has a multifaceted institutional mission. In the broadest sense, we strive to meet the institutional goals of California State University by providing excellent instruction, conducting valuable research, and engaging in meaningful service to the local, regional and international communities of which we are a part. To accomplish these goals, we endeavor to foster a greater understanding of processes that produce and alter the myriad spatial patterns constituting our human and physical environments.

About the Department

The Department of Geography and Environmental Studies at California State University, Northridge, prepares students for careers in an increasingly complex and dynamic world. Majors typically graduate with a diverse and relevant skill set in demand by industries in the public and private sectors. Students are offered the opportunity to master geospatial techniques, solve complex problems and communicate effectively in relation to human-environment interactions.

The Department of Geography and Environmental Studies offers two B.S. degrees: (1) Geography and Environmental Studies, and (2) Geographic Information Science (GIS). The department also offers a minor in both of these areas. The broad-based Geography program prepares students to understand the sociocultural and natural environment around us and to interpret the patterns found across the Earth’s surface. Comprised of 48 units, the major allows flexibility in course selection while providing a solid background in human, physical and technical aspects of the discipline.

The GIS degree focuses on the study and application of cutting-edge geospatial technologies to investigate social and environmental issues and to provide solutions. This program features a strong technical component based on applications of GIS, digital cartography and remote sensing, along with training in geospatial analysis and decision making.

 

Research Lab Spaces and Internship Opportunities

The Department of Geography and Environmental Studies houses two state-of-the-art geospatial computer labs geared toward geographic information systems (GIS) technology. All classrooms are designed as Smart classrooms with the latest hardware and software to meet student needs. The department also contains several research laboratory programs and spaces. The Geomatics and Aerial Environmental Research Group (GAERG) employs students in research using drone technology to monitor and analyze the physical environment in various vulnerable environments throughout California. Additionally, the Environment, Livelihoods, and Technology (ELT) lab provides student experiences researching the environmental and economic impacts of natural disasters on local communities, especially related to food systems. All of the department’s research programs provide both laboratory and field trip experiences throughout California or internationally. The department is also closely affiliated with the Center for Geospatial Science and Technology (CGST) where student interns learn highly employable skills working with cutting-edge technology on projects with local industry partners. See the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies website for more information.

Academic Advisement

Seeking academic advisement is essential to academic success and timely graduation. Undergraduates must consult with an advisor as soon as they declare Geography as their major and before registration each semester. Graduate students must consult with the graduate advisor before registering for classes. Contact the department chair for undergraduate advisement and the graduate coordinator for questions about graduate study. Academic advisement is also available to students through both the department advisor and staff advisors in the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences Student Services Center/EOP. Call (818) 677-2658 to schedule an appointment.

Careers

Training in geography leads students toward careers in the private or public sector as city and regional planners, conservationists, economic development and environmental consultants, sustainability analysts and managers, Geographic Information Science (GIS) technicians and analysts, climatologists, emergency management specialists and teachers at all levels. More geographers than ever before are employed in exciting careers, which include travel, working outdoors and utilizing cutting-edge geospatial technologies to solve important social, economic and environmental issues. A recent survey of CSUN alumni indicates that geographers have a higher level of job satisfaction and a higher income than many other disciplines.

The degree also can provide a foundation for pursuing advanced or professional degrees in social, environmental or physical sciences.

Skills

Technical skills taught in geography include: Geographic Information Systems (GIS); field observation and data collection, including the use of drone technology; Global Positioning Systems (GPS); sustainability analysis and management; land-use analysis; online mapping such as Google Earth; paper or digital map design; professional report writing, sediment analysis, spatial statistics, topographic surveying and weather station instrumentation.

Honors

The Honors Program allows interested students to conduct quality research and complete the project under the close supervision of a faculty member. Students interested in the Honors Program should contact their department undergraduate advisor. For more information, see Geographic Information Science Honors or Geography and Environmental Studies Honors.

Clubs and Societies

Scholarships and Awards

The Department of Geography and Environmental Studies offers several scholarships and awards to its students.

Contact

Department of Geography and Environmental Studies
Chair: Regan Maas
Sierra Hall (SH) 150
(818) 677-3532

Mission Statement

Geology is the science of understanding the Earth, including the atmosphere, hydrosphere and lithosphere. The Department of Geological Sciences focuses on teaching the fundamentals of Earth science, including the scientific method, the ways in which these Earth systems interact with each other, and how humans are currently affecting these systems. Our faculty strive to incorporate current scientific problems into the curriculum, including courses on natural hazards (i.e., earthquakes, wildfire and landslides), paleoclimatology, and resources in addition to core courses in geology and geophysics. Most courses involve either field or laboratory components and utilize the most recent geochemical, field and modeling techniques. We strive to prepare our students for a diversity of careers, including resource management, education, geotechnical engineering, environmental remediation and energy production, as well as postgraduate study.

Academic Advisement

Undergraduate majors must be advised each semester by the College of Science and Mathematics Student Services Center/EOP. Graduate students must be advised by the department graduate advisor.

Careers

A wide variety of employment opportunities exist for Geology, Geophysics, and Environmental Science majors in both private industry and government. Private industry careers include, but are not limited to, geotechnical engineering, environmental consulting, hydrogeology, water resource management, petroleum geology and mining. Government positions include both state and federal geology institutions (e.g., United States Geological Survey or California Geological Survey). Many undergraduates are accepted into graduate programs with some electing for careers as teachers or professors at the secondary and university level.

Honors

The Honors Program provides an opportunity for outstanding Geology, Geophysics, and Environmental Science majors to gain intensive research experience under individual faculty guidance. The designation “Honors” will be added to the academic record of any student who completes the program. Students interested in the Honors Program should contact their department undergraduate advisor. For more information, see Environmental Science Honors or Geology Honors.

Clubs and Societies

Scholarships

The department offers a variety of merit and need-based scholarships and awards to B.S. students. Contact the department for more information.

Contact

Department of Geological Sciences
Chair: Jennifer Cotton
Live Oak Hall (LO) 1202
(818) 677-3541

Mission Statement

It is the mission of the Department of Health Sciences to enable students to develop the critical knowledge and skills required to assume professional responsibility and leadership in health promotion, disease prevention, administration and clinical practice in a variety of healthcare settings. Health Sciences faculty are committed to student-centered learning, scholarship and service.

Academic Advisement

Advising occurs during regularly scheduled times each semester. Program advisement should be obtained at that time. Some programs require advisement prior to Spring registration. Students are responsible for completing all of the requirements for the degree as listed in the Catalog the year in which they were admitted. Substitutions for a required course may be permitted only by petition submitted prior to enrollment in the course. Please contact the following coordinators for more information about individual department programs:

Health Administration
Bethany Rainisch
(818) 677-4081

Public Health
Kaitlin Bahr
(818) 677-7929

Radiologic Sciences
Doris Abrishami
(818) 677-6976

General Advisors
Josefina Gudino
(818) 677-5341

Patricia Garcia-Ramirez
(818) 677-6450

Master of Health Administration
Grishma Bhavsar
(818) 677-7369

Jennifer Newman
(818) 677-5897

M.P.H. in Applied Epidemiology
Christopher Rogers
(818) 677-5254

M.P.H. in Community Health Education
Bobbie Emetu
(818) 677-7607

Gerontology Minor
Hessam Ghamari
(818) 677-3051

Human Lactation Minor
Merav Efrat
(818) 677-7052 or lactation.education@csun.edu

Human Sexuality Minor
Bobbie Emetu
(818) 677-7607

Public Health Minor
Bobbie Emetu
(818) 677-7607

Careers

A degree in Health Administration may lead to different leadership positions in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, physician practices, public health departments, mental health organizations, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, consulting firms, health insurance organizations and healthcare associations, as well as specialized positions in finance, human resources, materials management, government relations, information systems, marketing/public relations, patient care services, medical staff relations, and planning and development.

A degree in Public Health supports students interested in working with diverse populations to improve the health and well-being of our community by preventing illness and disease, and promoting healthy behavior. Students can expect to find work in government or nonprofit organizations, as well as clinical settings. A Public Health degree will be of use to students who are pursuing a career in community health education, epidemiology, biostatistics, emergency preparedness, environmental and occupational health, evaluation, global health, mental health, health policy and management, reproductive health, substance abuse, adolescent health, maternal and child health, grant writing, health communication, health marketing and media, social work, public health nursing, and social and behavioral science.

A degree in Radiologic Sciences will prepare students to work with patients and physicians, performing a wide variety of diagnostic imaging procedures within the radiology (X-ray) department. Students will be prepared for a career as a cardiac cath technologist, cardiovascular imaging technologist, computed tomography (CT) technologist, department area supervisor or manager, educator, emergency and trauma radiographer, federal medical device inspector, general diagnostic radiographer, interventional (IR) technologist, magnetic resonance imaging (MR) technologist, mammographer, quality assurance/quality control specialist, radiation MQSA inspector, radiation protection physicist or state diagnostic medical equipment inspector.

Accreditation

The Bachelor of Science in Health Administration program is certified by the Association of University Programs in Health Administration (AUPHA).

The Master of Health Administration program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME).

The master and bachelor degrees in the Public Health program are accredited for Community Health Education and Applied Epidemiology by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH).

The Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) and approved by the California Department of Health, Radiologic Health Branch.

Honors

Health Administration

  • Upsilon Phi Delta (UPD)

Public Health

Scholarships

In honor of our emeritus faculty, the department has established several scholarships, including the Holly Hunt Scholarship, the Lennin Glass Scholarship, the Judge Julian Beck Scholarship, the Public Health Student Scholarship, and the Health Administration Student Scholarship. For more information about applications and deadlines, contact the Department of Health Sciences at (818) 677-4081.

Contact

Department of Health Sciences
Chair: Bethany Rainisch
Jacaranda Hall (JD) 2500
(818) 677-4081
hsci@csun.edu

Mission Statement

The mission of the History department is to teach students to think independently, read critically and write persuasively in order to understand the complexities of the past and engage constructively with today’s world’s as informed citizens.

About the Department

The Department of History combines teaching and research at the highest levels. History department faculty past and present have received numerous Distinguished Teaching and Publication awards from the University. The undergraduate and graduate programs provide students with a grounding in research and writing skills, as well as coursework in the history of the United States, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East and Asia. History department faculty explore the past from a variety of perspectives, including political history; economic history; urban and social history; cultural history; history of women and gender; legal history; and diplomatic, military and international history. In upper division tutorials and seminars, faculty work with students in small classes to analyze primary sources and discuss the latest scholarship. The department also seeks to foster student research through a number of special programs and research seminars, some of which involve trips to archives and historic sites. The internship program gives students an opportunity to gain practical experience in a variety of fields while earning credit toward their degree.

Academic Advisement

Seeking academic advisement is essential to academic success and timely graduation. Students interested in History should consult with the department advisor prior to declaring the major. All History majors and minors should seek advisement from the department advisor or a faculty member specializing in their area of interest prior to registration. Students undertaking the Social Science Subject Matter Program (SSSMP) need to meet each semester with the SSSMP advisor in the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences to identify the classes they need to take. Additional academic advisement is also available to students through both the department advisor and staff advisors in the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences Student Services Center/EOP Satellite.

  • Undergraduate Advisor: Demitrius Evans
  • General Advisement: All faculty members of the department
  • Graduate Coordinator: Dr. Rachel Howes
  • Social Science Subject Matter Program (SSSMP) and FYI/JYI History Subject Matter Programs: Dr. Patricia Juarez-Dappe
  • Internship Coordinator: Dr. Jessica Kim

Careers

History trains students in research, writing and critical thinking. The study of history prepares students to analyze social, economic, political and cultural change over time as they learn how to identify a problem, gather information, evaluate explanations and understand relationships. History teaches how to place issues in context, investigate events and weigh alternatives. The content and skills gained from a History major strengthen graduates’ professional abilities in all areas and in all fields.

History majors commonly pursue careers in education, law, business, marketing, public relations, library science, public policy and public service, international diplomacy (the foreign service), and journalism.

Students who are interested in teaching can undertake the Social Science Subject Matter Program (SSSMP) or the FYI/JYI History Subject Matter Program while completing the History major. Contact the History department at (818) 677-3566 to make an appointment with the SSSMP/FYI/JYI advisor.

The History department also offers an internship program for students who want to develop work experience. The faculty internship coordinator works individually with each student to set up an internship appropriate to the student’s interests. Past internship placements have included museums such as the Getty, the Autry, the Skirball and the Museum of Tolerance; nonprofit advocacy organizations; archives; and preservation and urban planning organizations.

 

3+3 B.A./J.D.

California State University, Northridge (CSUN), and Southwestern Law School have established a joint, accelerated multiple-degree program through which students can earn both their Bachelor of Arts and Juris Doctor degrees in six years, rather than the usual seven. Students participating in the 3+3 B.A./J.D. program will have their first year of law school count as the fourth year of their undergraduate education. For information on how the History major aligns with the joint B.A./J.D., contact the department advisor.

Clubs and Societies

The History department is home to the CSUN chapter of Phi Alpha Theta, the national honor society for history students. Undergraduates who have completed four history courses and have a GPA of at least 3.1 in history and 3.0 overall are eligible to become members. Graduate students who have completed four courses toward their M.A. degree and have at least a 3.5 GPA are also eligible.

Scholarships and Awards

Through the generosity of donors, the History department is pleased to be able to offer a number of scholarships and awards to outstanding students every Spring. Awards that students can apply for include the Baur Scholarships (for outstanding History majors) and the Patterson Scholarships for students pursuing a K-12 teaching career. Applicants must have declared a major in History or be enrolled in the M.A. program. For more information, consult the department website or call the department office.

 

International Studies

The Department of History supports international education and encourages students to investigate opportunities for overseas study. Certain courses taken at CSU International Program Study Centers in foreign countries are equivalent to courses in the Department of History and may be used to fulfill some of the requirements for degree options offered by the department and/or certain general education requirements. Students should consult the International Programs Bulletin available in the International and Exchange Student Center, a departmental advisor or the campus International Programs advisor for more information.

Contact

Department of History
Chair: Jeffrey Auerbach
Sierra Tower (ST) 610
(818) 677-3566
history@csun.edu

About the Department

Students in the minor choose from a range of courses that cover three areas of human sexuality: (1) Health and Clinical Components; (2) Social and Psychological Components; and (3) Gender, Cultural and Humanistic Components of Human Sexuality. The minor is intended to provide students with an interdisciplinary field of study in human sexuality that will prepare them for careers in a variety of settings, including clinical mental health, social work, public health, education, public policy and sexuality research.

Academic Advisement

Students declaring the minor should consult with one of the minor coordinators. Academic advisement is also available to students through staff advisors in the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences Student Services Center/EOP. Please call (818) 677-2658 to schedule an appointment.

Contact

Coordinator: Bobbie Emetu
Department of Health Sciences
Jacaranda Hall (JD) 3533
(818) 677-7607

Coordinator: Stacy Missari
Department of Sociology
Santa Susana Hall (SN) 316
(818) 677-4996

About the Department

The fully online, cohorted master’s program in Humanities is for college graduates of any age, area of expertise or stage in their careers who want to become more innovative as problem-solvers, visionaries and leaders in their communities and workplaces. It is an interdisciplinary program designed around the Big Questions of the human experience.

The M.A. in Humanities program is an excellent choice for those who want to make their lives as meaningful as possible, while keeping their options for further exploration and professional development open. This program prepares students to succeed in multiple professional environments. The curriculum helps students develop a broader perspective as well as the ability to understand and communicate complex ideas.

Designed for working adults, the program features:

  • Flexibility: Students can continue working as they earn their master’s degrees.
  • Fully Online: The program is offered fully online with synchronous live discussions.
  • Quality Instruction: All classes are taught by members of CSUN’s distinguished tenure-track faculty.
  • One-on-One Assistance: Support services, including a dedicated support team and faculty advisor.
  • Cohort Format: Students move from course to course with the same professional peers.
  • Innovative, Interdisciplinary Courses: Courses such as The Sacred, Identity, Meaning and Culture, or Science and Magic take an interdisciplinary approach to the Big Questions humans have always asked.

The online nature of the program allows students to continue working as they take classes from the location they choose. Beyond professional preparation, the program helps students to understand themselves, along with the broader human experience: why humans think, feel or act as they do, and how it all connects to a larger historical tradition.

Academic Advisement

Please contact the academic director of the program for advisement.

Careers

The program equips students with critical-thinking skills and an M.A. degree, which can help them with professional advancement in their careers.

Program Faculty

All faculty teaching in the program are full-time faculty members at California State University, Northridge.

Other

For information on undergraduate Humanities (HUM) courses and the Humanities Interdisciplinary Studies minor, visit the Department of Interdisciplinary Studies and Liberal Studies section of this Catalog.

Contact

Master of Arts in Humanities
Academic Director: Sheena Malhotra
(818) 677-7217

Staff: Odette Arman
(818) 677-6648

Staff: Sara Barajas
(818) 677-3477

Staff: Aylin Garcia
(818) 677-3936

Mission Statement

The mission of the Department of Interdisciplinary Studies and Liberal Studies is to produce socially responsible, informed and engaged individuals who value diversity.

About the Department

The Department of Interdisciplinary Studies and Liberal Studies offers two distinct undergraduate degrees: a B.A. in Liberal Studies that is a multidisciplinary multiple subject teacher preparation degree; and a B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies that is an interdisciplinary degree that promotes the understanding of complex problems and global challenges that go beyond a single area of study.

Liberal Studies, B.A.

The B.A. in Liberal Studies provides state-approved subject matter programs for the multiple subject teaching credential required for elementary K-6 and special education teachers. The Department of Interdisciplinary Studies and Liberal Studies works closely with many departments from across the University, especially with the Department of Elementary Education and the Department of Special Education, to prepare students to receive their B.A. and teaching credential in either Elementary Education or Special Education for mild/moderate and extensive support needs.

Interdisciplinary Studies, B.A.

The department also offers a B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies for students interested in a degree that approaches complex problems that are best addressed by integrating several academic schools of thought, specialized knowledge from multiple research areas, or methods and perspectives from different disciplinary fields. This degree emphasizes the practice and methodology of interdisciplinarity to enable students to merge different scholarly areas and fields. With a selection of courses drawn from a variety of departments (from the sciences, social sciences, arts and humanities) focusing on quantitative, qualitative and cultural approaches, the degree prepares students to produce college-level cross-disciplinary work and provides the flexibility to design a major around their intellectual interests and professional goals. This degree includes core courses, methodological courses and disciplinary expertise in at least two disciplines from two existing majors or minors across the university.

Digital Humanities Minor

The Minor in Digital Humanities is available to students interested in studying humanities subjects by integrating digital technologies and computational methods in a variety of disciplinary fields ranging from computer science to history, engineering to literature, media studies to library science. The minor is 18-19 units and trains students in skills such as digital encoding and editing, data visualization, digital archiving, digital mapping, network analysis, text-mining and natural language processing, the use of artificial intelligence and large language model technologies, and the use of immersive technologies (augmented/virtual reality).

Sustainability Minor

The Minor in Sustainability is available to students interested in learning current and best practices for planetary sustainability on an individual, institutional, regional and global level. This minor offers a broad education in sustainability from many perspectives. Core courses seek to educate students in the concepts of sustainability, the best practices in sustainability, and to teach students to consider all factors: economic, environmental and social—both in the short term and in the long term—in making decisions. Elective courses are chosen from an individual’s field of interest where the emphasis is on issues relating to sustainability. The minor in Sustainability complements many academic majors, and many of the courses offered within the program satisfy requirements or electives for other degree programs.

Academic Advisement

General Procedures for Making an Appointment

Students interested in the B.A. in Liberal Studies must attend an online Teacher Preparation Information Session in order to make an appointment to meet with an advisor. Students interested in teaching multiple subjects (kindergarten through 6th grade) or special education must complete this information session.

Students interested in pursuing the Interdisciplinary Studies degree should schedule an appointment with an advisor by calling the Department of Interdisciplinary Studies and Liberal Studies office at (818) 677-3300. When scheduling an appointment, please identify as a student interested in a declaring the Interdisciplinary Studies degree.

Online academic advisement is available by appointment Monday through Friday.

Late Policy: Those who are five minutes late to their appointment will be asked to reschedule. To ensure that all students are served in a timely fashion, please be on time.

For the Pre-Credential Option, the ITEP-Junior Option, and the Interdisciplinary Studies Degree

It is strongly recommended that students seek academic advisement at least once per academic year. For students on academic notice, advisement is required to clear registration holds and to discuss a plan to guide the student back to good academic standing. Subsequent appointments are suggested to monitor the student’s academic progress.

For Qualified First-Time Freshmen Who Pursue the ITEP-Freshman Option

Students begin this program in the Fall semester of their freshman year only. A CSUN application must be submitted to the Office of Admissions in November for the following Fall. Once admitted to CSUN, the Department of Interdisciplinary Studies and Liberal Studies office will invite eligible students to join the program.

It is not possible to complete a bilingual credential in the ITEP-Freshman option. Students seeking other elementary credentials should complete the Liberal Studies Pre-Credential option and apply for a postbaccalaureate credential program.

For eligibility into the program and first-time advisement, please contact Assistant Director Jonathan B. Martinez at (818) 677-3300.

For the Minor in Digital Humanities, Minor in Sustainability and the Minor in Humanities

Students interested in pursuing one of these minors may schedule an appointment by calling the Department of Interdisciplinary Studies and Liberal Studies at (818) 677-3300. When scheduling an appointment, please identify as a student interested in declaring a minor.

Careers

The Liberal Studies Teacher Preparation option programs in the B.A. in Liberal Studies are designed for students interested in teaching children in grades K-6 or special education students in grades K-8.

The B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies can make students more marketable for high-tech and other jobs such as project manager, human resource coordinator, art curator, data analyst or public relations professional. This degree also provides students with excellent qualifications for graduate school or Ph.D. programs across the country.

Literacy Scholars for the Future of Los Angeles (LSLA)

Literacy Scholars for the Future of Los Angeles (LSLA) is a 9 unit specialization in early literacy and language acquisition, which gives teacher candidates classroom and field experience in developing and implementing age-appropriate instructional materials, activities and lesson plans. Participants also gain direct experience engaging families in high-need districts in shared activities that promote lifelong literacy learning in children. Participation is by application only, with scholarship assistance made possible with generous support from the Mara W. Breech Foundation.

Contact

Department of Interdisciplinary Studies and Liberal Studies
Chair: Ranita Chatterjee
Education Administration (EA) 100
(818) 677-3300

Mission Statement

Jewish Studies is an interdisciplinary academic field that encompasses the diversity of the global Jewish experience as reflected in the Jewish textual tradition, literature and the arts, history, social science, gender studies and queer studies. The Jewish Studies Program draws on this diversity to show how Jewish communities have mattered in and to many different societies and cultures throughout history. In Jewish Studies courses, students work closely with faculty and each other in small, interactive classes, learning how identity forms at the individual and group levels, how to think about and analyze stereotypes and the roles that they play in society, and how to turn knowledge into action. These courses equip students with multiple lenses for looking at American and global cultures and societies, as well as an ethical framework for understanding and responding to social and political issues.

Careers

Jewish Studies courses include scholarly, experiential and practical learning that prepares students for meaningful and productive careers. The strong liberal arts background of Jewish Studies majors and minors equips them to communicate clearly and sensitively and to read for critical information as well as to notice what is left unsaid. These skills are useful in different contexts, allowing graduates to seize new opportunities as they arise, rather than locking them into a specific career path. The Jewish Studies major and minor prepare students for a broad variety of careers upon graduation as well as for future jobs in fields that do not exist yet.

What’s special about the Jewish Studies degree is that all of these skills are learned in close contact with faculty, in an interdisciplinary context, with attention to analysis and comparison across the globe. With this training, students graduate with the ability to think flexibly, pay attention to a broad variety of variables, and recognize and grapple with complexity and gray areas. Additionally, Jewish Studies majors and minors graduate with training in ethics, social responsibility and civic engagement. Specifically, JS 390CS (Nonprofit Internship in the Jewish Community) offers students marketable skills and career preparation for professions inside and outside the Jewish community, and JS 318 (Applied Jewish Ethics) guides students through discussions and problem solving regarding workplace ethics. This background prepares students for advanced academic training in any humanities or social-science field. It also prepares students for positions in educational, social-service, communal, and government agencies and organizations.

Scholarships

Scholarships for students taking Jewish Studies courses, in addition to specially designated scholarships for Jewish Studies majors and minors, are administered through Financial Aid.

Contact

Jewish Studies Program
Office of Interdisciplinary Studies
Sierra Tower (ST) 807
(818) 677-6762

Mission Statement

The Department of Journalism strives to prepare its students to become well-educated, principled citizens, who are capable of initiating careers as skilled journalists, public relations practitioners and other related communication professionals.

Vision Statements

Students

Learn to be excellent writers and communicators who tell factual stories in a variety of forms and platforms for a diverse public and whose work reflects creativity, innovation, analytical thinking, ethics and democratic values.

Faculty

Innovate to produce excellence in teaching, research, service and creative activities.

Department

Foster culture of collaboration among students, faculty, staff, alumni and diverse communities to become a resource, a town square and a network for those interested in journalism.

About the Department

The Department of Journalism supports seven award-winning, student-led digital news media operations published and produced in English and Spanish, plus a public relations firm specializing in nonprofit clients.

Journalism’s nationally accredited undergraduate curriculum balances practical and theoretical elements with its academic focus on digital, community/ethnic, participatory, visual and global media studies. Students take core courses in reporting, media law and ethics, and history and theory in tandem with a range of multimedia and other skills classes designed to emphasize the diverse segments of today’s transpiring journalism and media landscape.

Faculty are internationally recognized scholars in citizen and participatory journalism, emerging technologies, immigration and border issues, media literacy and conspiracy theory analysis, documentary and visual communication, and the sociology of the First Amendment.

The department also supports two minors, including the interdisciplinary Spanish-Language Journalism program, in addition to a master’s degree in Mass Communication that teaches critical approaches to media practices.

Journalism, B.A.

The Bachelor of Arts degree is designed for students who seek careers in a diverse array of contemporary news and related careers in English and/or Spanish-Language media. The major ranges from a generalized focus on the many facets of the profession to formal options in either Broadcast or Public Relations.

Journalism

Journalism prioritizes practical knowledge, experiential learning, media literacy and engaging diverse communities. Students apply the skills they attain from taking courses, such as news reporting, multimedia and emerging storytelling forms, photojournalism, or community/ethnic and participatory media, to their work as journalists in digital and bilingual news operations at the Daily Sundial and El Nuevo Sol, respectively, as well as the Global Pop-Up NewsroomSCENE Magazine and other mediums.

Option: Broadcast (Radio/Television)

The Broadcast option provides students with training comparable to an entry-level professional position in news and digital media by teaching them to write, edit, report, produce and anchor for campus-based news operations covering the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles and beyond. Operations include television and digital newscasts, such as Valley View News and On Point (multimedia public affairs program), plus radio news and features programming on KCSN News, airing on LatinAlt HD3.

Option: Public Relations

The Public Relations option teaches theory, but it also focuses on how to apply learning to “real world” situations, involving corporations, government agencies, nonprofit organizations and the entertainment industry. Students learn about crisis and strategic communications, audience analysis, and social and emerging media as they develop public relations and marketing strategies and plans for clients through Agency 398, the student-operated PR practicum, and other projects.

Journalism Minor

The Journalism minor is designed to enhance career options for students in a wide variety of disciplines, such as political science, sociology, English, languages, ethnic studies, history, anthropology, and gender and women’s studies.

Public Relations Minor

The Public Relations minor focuses on how to apply learning to “real world” situations, involving corporations, government agencies, nonprofit organizations and the entertainment industry. Students learn about crisis and strategic communications, audience analysis, and social and emerging media as they prepare to create public relations strategies and plans for their industry of focus.

Spanish-Language Journalism Minor

The interdisciplinary minor in Spanish-Language Journalism is a national leader in bilingual news and media programs, producing multiplatform digital content, including podcasts, broadcast TV and special projects.

Mass Communication, M.A.

The master’s degree in Mass Communication focuses on critical approaches to journalism practices, as well as the production of media content. The emphasis is on media’s role in social change.

Academic Advisement

Advisement is an important aspect of the department and the university experience. In Journalism, advisement is required each semester for all freshmen and sophomore undergraduate majors. Freshmen receive advisement through the Mike Curb College of Arts, Media, and Communication Student Resource Center/EOP. Freshmen in their third semester, continuing sophomores and incoming transfer students receive academic advisement from the Journalism staff undergraduate academic advisor. Continuing juniors and seniors are advised by journalism faculty during the regular advisement period each fall and spring. Advisement for juniors and seniors is highly recommended but not required. The department’s graduate coordinator advises students in the Mass Communication master’s program. Please see the Department of Journalism website for further information.

Careers

The Bachelor of Arts degree is designed for students who seek careers in an expanding variety of contemporary options. Alumni work in all types of news and communication mediums and languages, including digital, social/mobile and print/online (newspaper/magazine/freelance); photojournalism/visual communication; television and radio; emerging, participatory and community/ethnic media—as well as in public relations, strategic, corporate and crisis communications. Graduates also seek careers outside of the news and information professions, opting for positions in law, politics, healthcare, banking and the financial industries, as well as teaching and retail management, among others.

Accreditation

The undergraduate program has been accredited since 1967 by the National Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communication.

Credential Information

Standard elementary and secondary teaching credentials can be obtained by completing a double major in a University-approved waiver program, such as English. For details on the credential program, see the Credentials section of this Catalog.

Contact

Department of Journalism
Chair: Marcella De Veaux
Manzanita Hall (MZ) 210A
(818) 677-3135
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Mission Statement

The Department of Kinesiology at CSUN is a learning-centered community, where students, faculty and the community are at the forefront in the study of human movement. The department values and respects diversity, and its mission is to promote physical activity for personal expression and wellness throughout the lifespan. Students and faculty work together to intervene and to improve the quality of life by studying the effects of acute and chronic exercise. Our core curriculum prepares students for studying the physiological, psychosocial and artistic aspects of physical activity and sport performance.

About the Department

All the necessary information about the department can be found on the Department of Kinesiology website.

The Department of Kinesiology offers undergraduate and graduate academic programs.

Bachelor of Arts Degree in Dance

The B.A. in Dance provides a broad-based foundation for work in the arts or entertainment, pedagogy, a variety of careers in dance-related fields, as well as non-performance fields and provides preparation for further training at graduate schools or conservatories.

Bachelor of Science Degree in Kinesiology

The diversity of courses within the core curriculum prepares students for study leading to expertise in one of five areas of focus for academic options. These options are: Applied Fitness and Active Lifestyle Development, Dance, Exercise Science, Sport Studies and Physical Education.

Master of Science Degree in Kinesiology

The Master of Science in Kinesiology includes areas of study in Adapted Physical Activity, Biomechanics, Dance, Exercise Physiology, Motor Behavior, Pedagogy in Physical Education and Sport Studies.

Master of Science Degree in Athletic Training (MSAT)

The Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) is a full-time professional healthcare program that prepares students to sit for the national certification examination and, ultimately, practice as certified athletic trainers. The MSAT provides comprehensive didactic coursework and clinical rotations that prepare students to care for and treat a diversity of patient populations. All necessary information about the MSAT can be found at Master of Science in Athletic Training.

Academic Advisement

Kinesiology and Athletic Training faculty are available to assist students in reaching their academic goals. Student success depends upon commitment, responsibility and dedication to taking the appropriate steps toward these goals. Students are required to obtain advisement at least once a year to be cleared to register for courses (see the Department of Kinesiology website for advising information). Additional advising is available throughout the semesters.

  • Freshmen and first semester transfer students should contact kinesiology.advising@csun.edu.
  • Continuing students should contact their assigned, option-specific advisor. Individual advisors are assigned based on degree and degree option (see Department of Kinesiology website for assignments).
  • Kinesiology students without a declared option should contact the Kinesiology Undergraduate Program Coordinator, Dr. Shane Stecyk.
  • For inquiries about the Physical Education Credential program, contact Dr. Yeonhak Jung.
  • Graduate students should contact the Graduate Program Coordinator, Dr. Vicky Jaque.

Careers

Kinesiology has many practical applications and leads to a variety of rewarding careers, such as teaching physical education or dance, coaching, serving as a consultant in the commercial health and fitness industry, working in a clinical healthcare setting like athletic training, or working as a fitness trainer or strength and conditioning coach. Many kinesiology majors become involved in scientific research or go on to graduate studies in exercise physiology, biomechanics, motor learning and behavior, motor programs for special populations, sport psychology or pedagogy. Another common path following graduation is to pursue professional programs in medical or allied health professions, such as athletic training, medicine, chiropractic, physical therapy, occupational therapy and nursing. Some graduates become coaches for professional sports teams or work in business environments dealing with sport management and marketing. Others pursue careers in dance therapy or professional dance or physical activities for individuals with disabilities.

The current societal interest in wellness and fitness has led both individuals and corporations to stress intervention and preventive care.

Because Kinesiology students understand the critical role of movement in fostering an individual’s well-being, they are important leaders and innovators in regard to improving societal health and wellness levels. Graduates of the Kinesiology programs work with people in all stages of life—with children and with seniors, with the able-bodied and those with disabilities, with elite performers and those of ordinary capability.

Accreditation

The Athletic Training Program at CSUN has been in existence since 1974 and is currently accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE).

Clubs and Societies

The Department of Kinesiology has seven student clubs/associations run by students who have common interests.

  • 3WINS Fitness Club
  • Athletic Training Club
  • Kinesiology Majors Association
  • Physical Education Club
  • Pre-Athletic Training Club
  • Pre-Physical Therapy Club
  • Strength and Conditioning Club

International Studies

The Department of Kinesiology supports the concept of international education and encourages students to investigate opportunities for overseas study. Certain courses taken at CSU International Program Study Centers in foreign countries are equivalent to courses in the Department of Kinesiology and may be used to fulfill some of the requirements for degree options offered by the department and/or certain General Education requirements. Students should consult the International Programs Bulletin available in the International and Exchange Student Center, a departmental advisor or the campus International Programs advisor for more information.

 

Scholarships and Awards

The Department of Kinesiology has a Scholarships/Awards program. More information can be found at Scholarships.

Contact

Department of Kinesiology
Chair: Douglas McLaughlin
Redwood Hall (RE) 250
(818) 677-3205

About the Department

Notice: Knowledge Management has been suspended as of Fall 2021.

The CSUN Master of Knowledge Management (M.K.M.) degree prepares graduates to meet a variety of organizational, social and ethical challenges in the digital age. In a globally competitive, fast-paced world, harnessing knowledge and maximizing workforce efforts are the linchpins of organizational success. Those who lead will need to know how to leverage organizational knowledge to create a competitive advantage and to do so in a way that is sensitive to the impacts of these efforts on communities—especially communities of color—within and outside of the workplace. This fully online, cohorted program equips its graduates to acquire, develop, use and share knowledge that creates value for themselves and their organizations. Moreover, its home in the College of Humanities means that students will adopt a critical, humanistic perspective that emphasizes the social and political dimensions of knowledge production and access. The program’s interdisciplinary content includes many topics covered in a traditional MBA program, but also emphasizes specialized skills and perspectives that are relevant to the fair and responsible management of knowledge in a 21st-century enterprise. These include utilizing relevant technologies; understanding the relation of knowledge and power; engaging modern communications; managing distant and diverse staff; promoting and sustaining a fair and equitable knowledge-sharing environment; leveraging global networks to achieve competitive strategic goals; recognizing and responding to the needs of diverse knowledge communities; and anticipating the potentially disproportionate impact of knowledge management strategies and technologies on communities of color. The program balances knowledge management theory and practice in order to uniquely prepare the managerial leader for the 21st-century economy and organization.

Academic Advisement

Initial application advisement is carried out by the academic lead. Once admitted into the M.K.M. program, student advisement is carried out by the program manager and is available throughout the year online.

Careers

The Master of Knowledge Management degree is designed for students and young professionals interested in acquiring multidisciplinary skills and knowledge crucial to facilitating and improving organizational efforts and objectives. Students take courses in the fields of information and media, literacy and communication, business administration and management, archival and library sciences, data sciences and statistics, as well as philosophy, ethics and public policy. The degree prepares students to become chief knowledge officers, knowledge analysts, knowledge engineers and knowledge asset managers for a variety of companies and organizations. Graduates may pursue a variety of career options in fields such as public administration, private business, social services, humanities and the arts, social and cultural research, and environmental and urban planning.

Mission Statement

The Department of Linguistics/TESL is committed to student success, with a focus on equity and inclusion. Students in the department engage with the study of human language from a broad spectrum of perspectives. These perspectives include formal, cognitive and social approaches to linguistics, as well as the theory and practice of language teaching and learning. Courses in linguistics seek to illustrate the importance of language across social interactions, focusing on both language knowledge and use. Many of our courses discuss the ways in which language is a site for social oppression and self-expression. Courses in TESL are oriented toward the application of linguistic and educational research on language teaching, assessment and curriculum development. The department fosters an appreciation of the diversity of language learners and the variety of educational settings. The faculty of the department is committed to excellence in teaching, research and service, with the knowledge that an appreciation of linguistic and cultural diversity is a crucial aspect of an inclusive society.

About the Department

The Department of Linguistics/TESL at California State University, Northridge, is an interdisciplinary department in the College of Humanities. In addition to full-time, tenure-line faculty, the department’s teaching and advisory faculty include lecturing faculty as well as tenure-line faculty housed in related departments. At the undergraduate level, the department offers a major in Linguistics, and minors in Linguistics and TESL. At the graduate level, the department offers an M.A. in Linguistics, an M.A. in TESL and a TESL Certificate.

Academic Advisement

The Department of Linguistics/TESL helps students select the program and courses that best satisfy their individual needs and interests. For information about the degrees offered, please consult the Department of Linguistics/TESL website. Undergraduate majors and minors should consult with an advisor in the College of Humanities (COH) Student Services Center/EOP to ensure that all university requirements are fulfilled. For undergraduate advisement specific to major or minor requirements, contact the associate chair, Dr. Stephanie Kim. For graduate advising, contact Dr. Laura Ruth-Hirrel (M.A. in Linguistics) or Dr. Stephanie Kim (M.A. in TESL and TESL Certificate).

Careers

The questions that linguistics teaches students to ask about language are related to a wide range of fields and professions, including law, psychology, education, computer science and technology, anthropology and sociology, to name a few. Students who earn a bachelor’s or master’s degree in Linguistics may seek careers in any of these fields or may pursue advanced degrees in linguistics and related fields. The M.A. degree in TESL, the TESL minor and the TESL certificate prepare students—each at different levels and with different applications—to teach English to speakers of other languages.

Clubs and Societies

  • Linguistics Student Organization

Awards

The Department of Linguistics/TESL currently presents two awards:

The Delphine Ulibarri Lucero Memorial Award is for Linguistics or TESL students, undergraduate or graduate, who have shown persistence in their studies despite obstacles. The award is presented at the end of the Spring semester.

The Iris Shah Memorial Award is for graduating students who will continue to the CSUN Linguistics or TESL master’s or certificate program. All majors are eligible to apply. The award is presented in the Spring but disbursed in the Fall and contingent upon enrolling in the program.

Contact

Department of Linguistics/TESL
Chair: Anna Joaquin
Associate Chair: Stephanie Kim
Sierra Tower (ST) 805
(818) 677-3453

Mission Statement

CSUN Management Department: One Vision/Three Passions

Our Passions: People. Principles. Perspective.

The Management department at CSUN creates and disseminates knowledge to empower and inspire our students to produce change that leads to success in their personal and professional lives.

We believe that our passions will lead to increased performance for both our students and their organizations.

People

Our students will understand the psychology, sociology and economics of individuals and groups in organizations. We provide our students with the skills needed to develop human and social capital in organizations as the most important element of superior performance.

We provide our graduates with the interpersonal and organizational skills to develop themselves and others to lead productive and meaningful lives. We aim to provide our graduates with clear pathways into careers. Our faculty are respected scholars and teachers with strong connections to organizations.

Principles

Our students learn that their most valuable asset is their good name and that making a positive contribution to the lives of others is the greatest accomplishment they can achieve in their own lives. We provide our students with the skills needed to behave ethically and with integrity as the key ingredients of socially responsible behaviors.

Perspective

Our students will learn to be knowledgeable consumers of information and to analyze situations from different vantage points, taking into account key stakeholder groups. We will provide our students with tools and skills to develop and maintain relationships that create opportunities for their careers and their organizations. We are committed to providing leadership to our college, our campus and our community, and we thrive when merging theory and practice.

Academic Advisement

Academic advisement helps students meet their academic goals and graduate in a timely manner. The Nazarian College Student Services Center/EOP Satellite provides academic advisement for Nazarian College majors during their time at CSUN. Furthermore, Nazarian College Student Services Center/EOP Satellite provides specialized support and retention services for Nazarian College students admitted to the Educational Opportunity Program from time of admission through time of graduation.

Careers

The Management program prepares students for responsible positions in a wide variety of fields and organizations. These include:

  • Manufacturing, operations, projects, R&D, services, retail, private sector, public sector and nonprofits.
  • Human resource management.
  • Strategic management and planning.
  • Consulting.
  • Training and development.
  • Being more effective in any position and role in work and in life, through the interpersonal and organizational skills gained in the program.

Accreditation

The David Nazarian College of Business and Economics is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). Approximately 6 percent of business schools worldwide have achieved AACSB accreditation.

Honors

The Business Honors Program is open to students who are declared majors in Accountancy, Economics, Information Systems, or Business Administration with an option in either Business Analytics, Business Law, Financial Analysis, Financial Planning, Global Supply Chain Management, Management, Marketing, Real Estate, Risk Management and Insurance, or Systems and Operations Management, who meet all Business Honors Program admissions criteria. Students who apply and are selected for admission to the program are offered a variety of benefits; for example, priority registration, mentorship and networking opportunities, a dedicated workspace, specialized academic advisement, smaller class sizes and cohort coursework. Students who fulfill all Business Honors Program requirements will receive the Business Honors option designation on their transcript in addition to their primary degree. For more information, call (818) 677-3100 or visit the Business Honors Program website.

Clubs and Societies

  • CSUN Startup Founders (Entrepreneurship)
  • Management Association CSUN
  • Matador HR Club
  • National Society of Leadership and Success

Career Education and Professional Development Center

The Center for Career Education and Professional Development (CEPD) is a decentralized career center in the David Nazarian College of Business and Economics staffed by professionals who assist students and alumni with their experiential learning, career exploration and career networking needs. Our model is grounded in business-specific career development, experiential learning, employer relations and connections with the community.

Services provided include:

  • Career coaching and personal development.
  • Career exploration.
  • Internship and mentorship assistance.
  • Job search preparation and tools.
  • Specialized programs and workshops.

For more information, call (818) 677-4697 or visit the Career Education and Professional Development website.

 

Contact

Department of Management
Department Chair: Philip Gorman
Bookstein Hall (BB) 3119
(818) 677-2457

Mission Statement

Our mission is to prepare our diverse students for success in professional practice, for the betterment of organizations and society. Our graduates will be able to solve complex technical problems, address the needs of modern society and pursue lifelong learning. The department successfully guides students in their achievement of the educational objectives articulated for all undergraduate engineering programs at CSUN, and in the acquisition and development of the specialized knowledge and skills essential to their professional practice of manufacturing systems engineering, materials engineering and engineering management for the betterment of society, as well as competence in the design, implementation and management of contemporary manufacturing and production methods and systems.

About the Department

The Department of Manufacturing System Engineering and Management (MSEM) is located in heart of the San Fernando Valley, north of Los Angeles. This geographical location places faculty, staff and students in one of the most exciting areas in the world for engineering at the beginning of the 21st century. In this dynamic environment, students find themselves with significant job offers and exciting career opportunities throughout Southern California.

The “information age,” born in the last century, exploded in the 21st century and now impacts every aspect of engineering and engineering management, including manufacturing engineering, automated manufacturing, nanotechnology, biomaterials, quality management, sustainability and waste reduction. MSEM is a leading academic center in training the next generation of creative engineers who will pioneer new technologies, launch businesses and bring needed solutions to many of the greatest challenges facing the world. The goal of the department is to give graduates the engineering skills they need to obtain leading positions in advanced technology fields to make a better and safer world.

Academic Advisement

The MSEM faculty is committed to providing a supportive student-centered environment for its majors, who must all meet with their assigned faculty advisors for academic advisement. Please contact the MSEM department for advising appointments at msem@csun.edu

Careers

More than two-thirds of all engineering professionals invest a significant portion of their careers in managing and administering a wide range of technical engineering and research projects and budgets. As the engineering profession evolves, an increasing need has emerged for entry-level engineering professionals who have both a broad engineering background and the knowledge and ability to interface between the business and technical functions of organizations. Undergraduate engineering majors learn engineering fundamentals, together with the art and science of planning, organizing, allocating resources, and directing and controlling activities in technological environments.

Manufacturing Systems Engineering is a growing discipline area in the engineering profession. Four of the seven technology areas that have been identified for rapid development by the National Science Foundation—advanced manufacturing technologies, advanced materials and processing, biotechnology and healthcare delivery systems—are particularly well-suited for the talents of the manufacturing systems engineer. Employment opportunities abound in the metropolitan Los Angeles area, the leading manufacturing region in the United States.

On the job, manufacturing systems engineers and engineering managers develop new facilities, create computer models and images of products and processes, manage the production process, conduct productivity studies, test products and evaluate materials, troubleshoot on the factory floor and work hand in hand with design engineers. Because their background is broad and the types of work are so varied, these engineers find opportunities in fields besides manufacturing, applying their skills and knowledge in such diverse environments as hospitals, entertainment firms and consulting firms. Many manufacturing systems engineers are noted for starting their own companies or for pursuing engineering management career paths in large companies.

Although most graduates are employed in private industry, others pursue careers with government agencies or educational institutions. The bachelor’s degree can be used as a stepping stone to graduate work in engineering, law, business or even medicine. Many Manufacturing Systems Engineering graduates return to CSUN to earn their M.S. degree in the Engineering Management, Manufacturing Systems Engineering or Materials Engineering programs.

Accreditation

The B.S. in Manufacturing Systems Engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the commission’s General Criteria and Program Criteria for Manufacturing and Similarly Named Engineering Programs.

Honors

Honors Cooperative Internship Program

The college offers an opportunity for highly qualified students to work in local industry throughout an entire calendar year. Students work full time during the summer and half time during the academic year. Students receive 6 units of academic credit in conjunction with this experience. The program is open to undergraduates who are nearing their senior year and have a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA. Graduate students who want to participate must have a minimum 3.5 cumulative GPA. Applicants are matched to employer-supplied job descriptions and scheduled for interviews with prospective employers. The competitive nature of the program usually generates more applicants than available positions. The application period begins in early March, and the period of employment is typically from July 1 through June 30.

Community Relations and Department Industry Advisory Council

The MSEM department maintains strong relations with the community and continuously reviews its programs with students, alumni and employers of graduates. The Department Industry Advisory Council consists of members in the professional community to ensure that the department receives a breadth of information on future engineering trends that would affect MSEM programs.

Contact

Department of Manufacturing Systems Engineering and Management
Chair: Shereazad Jimmy Gandhi
Jacaranda Hall (JD) 4510
(818) 677-2167
msem@csun.edu

Mission Statement

Mission

To be leaders in (1) educating a diverse student body to create and implement effective and responsible marketing strategies and (2) conducting and disseminating impactful research.

Vision

We will be a force for facilitating exchanges among organizations and customers that improve economic prosperity and contribute to societal well-being.

About the Department

Marketing is a broad field that encompasses a range of important activities for all types of businesses and organizations. Students acquire quantitative and qualitative research and analytical skills to help firms better understand consumers, competitors and markets. Thus, firms can effectively identify opportunities, serve the market and maintain excellent customer relationships. Students also learn how to manage brand success by coherently integrating products and services, their sales and distribution through multiple channels, marketing communications programs, including advertising and promotions using traditional and digital media, and effective pricing policies. There is sufficient flexibility in the Marketing option for students to take courses in areas of interest besides marketing.

Academic Advisement

Academic advisement helps students meet their academic goals and graduate in a timely manner. The Nazarian College Student Services Center/EOP Satellite provides academic advisement for Nazarian College majors during their time at CSUN. Furthermore, Nazarian College Student Services Center/EOP Satellite provides specialized support and retention services for Nazarian College students admitted to the Educational Opportunity Program from time of admission through time of graduation.

Careers

Marketing is a dynamic field in which to work, and a BSBA Marketing option from CSUN prepares students for various careers. Graduates can pursue careers focused on digital and social media marketing, advertising, integrated marketing communications, marketing research, marketing metrics and data analytics, marketing management, product management and branding, wholesaling and retailing, communications and public relations, international marketing management and sales.

Accreditation

The David Nazarian College of Business and Economics is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). Approximately 6 percent of business schools worldwide have achieved AACSB accreditation.

Honors

The Business Honors Program is open to students who are declared majors in Accountancy, Economics, Information Systems, or Business Administration with an option in either Business Analytics, Business Law, Financial Analysis, Financial Planning, Global Supply Chain Management, Management, Marketing, Real Estate, Risk Management and Insurance, or Systems and Operations Management, who meet all Business Honors Program admissions criteria. Students who apply and are selected for admission to the program are offered a variety of benefits; for example, priority registration, mentorship and networking opportunities, a dedicated workspace, specialized academic advisement, smaller class sizes and cohort coursework. Students who fulfill all Business Honors Program requirements will receive the Business Honors option designation on their transcript in addition to their primary degree. For more information, call (818) 677-3100 or visit the Business Honors Program website.

Career Education and Professional Development Center

The Center for Career Education and Professional Development (CEPD) is a decentralized career center in the David Nazarian College of Business and Economics staffed by professionals who assist students and alumni with their experiential learning, career exploration and career networking needs. Our model is grounded in business-specific career development, experiential learning, employer relations and connections with the community.

Services provided include:

  • Career coaching and personal development.
  • Career exploration.
  • Internship and mentorship assistance.
  • Job search preparation and tools.
  • Specialized programs and workshops.

For more information, call (818) 677-4697 or visit the Career Education and Professional Development website.

Contact

Department of Marketing
Chair: Deborah Heisley
Bookstein Hall (BB) 3119
(818) 677-2458

Mission Statement

The Department of Mathematics is dedicated to teaching and research. Our mission is to provide an exciting place for our undergraduate and graduate students to learn and do research in mathematical sciences. The department prepares students for a wide range of career paths, ranging from academia, the insurance industry, engineering, climatology, medicine, law and business. Our students are capable of assuming leadership roles in a rapidly evolving, knowledge-based, multicultural society.

Academic Advisement

Undergraduate Mathematics majors must consult with their advisor each semester to be cleared for registration. Courses taken to fulfill elective requirements in the major and minor must have prior advisor approval. Students should contact Natalie Howe in the Department of Mathematics advising office in Live Oak (LO) 1301D for undergraduate advisement.

Students seeking information and advisement on graduate programs should contact the graduate coordinator.

Students interested in the minor in Data Science should contact the Department of Computer Science.

Careers

Mathematics majors tend to be highly satisfied with employment after college. They are generally well compensated, and the work is usually strongly related to mathematics. The best five jobs listed in a recent Jobs Rated Almanac include software engineer, actuary, computer systems analyst, computer programmer and mathematician—each of which requires a very strong background in mathematics. In fact, almost every one of the top 50 jobs involves a significant amount of mathematical reasoning and knowledge.

Credential Information

The Secondary Teaching option provides preparation for the student who plans to teach mathematics at the secondary level. Students in this option may enroll in a postbaccalaureate teacher preparation program to earn a Preliminary Single Subject Credential in Mathematics. Alternatively, students who meet the eligibility requirements can enter either the Four-Year Integrated Mathematics (FYI-Math) Teacher Credential Program or the Junior-Year Integrated Mathematics (JYI-Math) Teacher Credential Program, in which students earn both a bachelor’s degree and a Preliminary Single Subject Credential simultaneously and are qualified to teach full time upon graduation. These options have been approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing as academic programs for the Single Subject Credential in Mathematics. For details on the Single Subject Credential program, see the Credential Office and Department of Secondary Education sections in this Catalog.

Contact

Department of Mathematics
Chair: Katherine Stevenson
Live Oak Hall (LO) 1300
(818) 677-2721

Mission Statement

The mission of the Mechanical Engineering department is to provide a broad, rigorous, application-oriented and contemporary understanding of mechanical engineering that prepares graduates for successful careers and lifelong learning.

Academic Advisement

The Mechanical Engineering faculty is committed to providing a supportive student-centered environment for their students. All Mechanical Engineering undergraduate students need to be advised at least once each year until they complete all requirements.

Careers

Mechanical engineers design automobiles; aircraft and space vehicles; power plants; heating and cooling systems; gas and steam turbines; servomechanisms; transmissions; engines for rockets, aircraft and ground vehicles; robots; and manufacturing production lines. They use scientific knowledge to create new and useful designs and to harness various types of energy, such as chemical, solar or thermal.

Mechanical Engineering is the broadest engineering specialty. A company that employs any engineer is likely to hire some mechanical engineers. Those companies include power-generation and public utility companies, transportation companies, construction firms, airlines, spacecraft companies, electronics companies, and the manufacturing companies that produce all forms of machinery, vehicles, aircraft, appliances and many other products used by industry and/or consumers.

Most CSUN Mechanical Engineering graduates become practicing engineers in industry. Others, however, choose to pursue careers with government agencies or educational institutions. The degree also can be a stepping stone to law school for a career as a patent lawyer or to business school for careers in technical management, marketing or sales.

Many employers in the local geographic area hire CSUN graduates.

Accreditation

The Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the commission’s General Criteria and Program Criteria for Mechanical and Similarly Named Engineering Programs.

Honors

Honors Cooperative Internship Program

The college offers an opportunity for highly qualified students to work in local industry throughout an entire calendar year. Students work full time during the summer and half time during the academic year. Students receive 6 units of academic credit in conjunction with this experience. The program is open to undergraduates who are nearing their senior year and have a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA. Graduate students who want to participate must have a minimum 3.5 cumulative GPA. Applicants are matched to employer-supplied job descriptions and scheduled for interviews with prospective employers. The competitive nature of the program usually generates more applicants than available positions. The application period begins in early March, and the period of employment is typically from July 1 through June 30.

Clubs and Societies

Mechanical engineering is a very broad field and is represented by a number of professional organizations. The department supports student chapters of two national organizations: the Society of Automotive Engineers and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, which provide opportunities for students to know more about the field and one another outside of class.

Lab Facilities

Department facilities, contained in laboratories with a total floor space of more than 18,000 square feet, include:

  1. A lab for studying modern methods of measurement and mechatronics.
  2. A systems engineering lab used for research on automated air traffic simulations and other complex systems.
  3. A fully instrumented engine and vehicle performance and emissions test facility, including a chassis and an engine dynamometer.
  4. A state-of-the-art, computer-controlled manufacturing facility (Haas Lab).
  5. A low-speed wind tunnel for model testing.
  6. A thermofluid systems lab used for heat transfer and fluid flow experiments.
  7. A controls lab used for studying automatic control systems, as well as autonomous vehicles.
  8. A Design Center with workstations for conceptual design and analysis.
  9. The Keck Composites Laboratory, which is a state-of-the-art composites fabrication facility for the manufacture of low-weight, high-strength nonmetallic components.

 

Community Relations and Industry Liaison Council

The department maintains strong relations with the community and continuously reviews its programs with students, alumni and employers of graduates. The department’s Industry Liaison Council consists of members in the professional community to ensure that the department receives a breadth of information on future engineering trends that would affect its Mechanical Engineering programs.

Contact

Department of Mechanical Engineering
Chair: Vidya K. Nandikolla
Jacaranda Hall (JD) 4513
(818) 677-2187

About the Department

The Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies (MEIS) program offers courses in the languages, histories, religions, cultures, sociology and politics of Middle Eastern peoples. It also seeks to enhance students’ understanding of Islamic cultures and the Muslim communities both internationally and within the United States. In addition, MEIS provides an academic home for the study of the intellectual, cultural and material conditions that have shaped our current understandings of and relationships with the Middle East and Islamic societies. Among the primary beneficiaries of this program are students interested in becoming scholars, journalists, social workers, lawyers, policymakers, artists, humanitarian aid workers, grant makers, translators, interpreters, diplomats, businesspersons, negotiators, teachers, and personnel in foreign offices. Some of the courses in the program satisfy General Education (GE) requirements or may be used as electives in several majors. Through offering the minor, sponsoring courses, organizing conferences, film and lecture series, MEIS brings together interested students, faculty and Middle Eastern communities in larger Los Angeles.

Academic Advisement

The Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies Program helps students select the program and courses that best satisfy their individual needs and interests. Contact Director Khanum Shaikh to schedule an appointment. The College of Humanities (COH) Student Services Center/EOP reviews students’ progress to ensure that the requirements of a minor in Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies are fulfilled. Call (818) 677-4784 or (818) 677-4767 to schedule an appointment with the COH Student Services Center/EOP.

Careers

Graduates may seek careers as scholars, diplomats, social workers, lawyers, policymakers, artists, humanitarian aid workers, grant makers, translators, interpreters, diplomats, businesspersons, negotiators, teachers, personnel in foreign offices, and many more.

Program Committee

  • Sumaya Bezrati (Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures)
  • Owen P. Doonan (Art)
  • Homa Esfarjani (Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures)
  • Rachel T. Howes (History)
  • Motasem Kalaji (Communication Studies)
  • Ali Akbar Mahdi (Sociology)
  • Ahmad Motameni (Political Science)
  • Mustafa Ruzgar (Religious Studies)
  • Suzanne Scheld (Anthropology)
  • Khanum Shaikh (Gender and Women’s Studies)
  • Nayereh Tohidi (Gender and Women’s Studies)

Contact

Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies Program
Director: Khanum Shaikh
Jerome Richfield (JR) 340L
(818) 677-7299

Mission Statement

The mission of the Department of Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures is to prepare individuals to function effectively and productively at the local and international levels. To this end, the department offers a wide variety of courses and programs in the fields of foreign languages, literatures and cultures designed for students who intend to major or minor in languages other than English; for students who seek a broad liberal arts education in preparation for a variety of professions; for students whose careers will be furthered by the knowledge of another language and culture; and for students with a desire to better understand the heritage language and culture of their community within the larger context of our multicultural society.

Academic Advisement

The Department of Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures helps students select the program and courses that best satisfy their individual needs and interests. Advisement for specific languages, courses and programs is handled by the language section heads as follows:

Armenian
Vahram Shemmassian
(818) 677-3456

Chinese
Junliang Huang
(818) 677-3459

Classics
Tim Watson
(818) 677-2092

French
Adrián Pérez-Boluda
(818) 677-3467

Italian
Adrián Pérez-Boluda
(818) 677-3467

Japanese
Drake Langford
(818) 677-3460

Languages and Cultures
Drake Langford
(818) 677-3460

Russian
Adrián Pérez-Boluda
(818) 677-3467

Spanish
Axel Montepeque
(818) 677-7227

Single Subject Credential, Other Languages (Arab, Hebrew, Korean, Persian) and FLIT
Adrián Pérez-Boluda
(818) 677-3467

Graduate Program Coordinator
Svetlana Tyutina
(818) 677-3454

The College of Humanities (COH) Student Services Center/EOP reviews students’ progress to ensure that the requirements of a major or minor are fulfilled. Call (818) 677-4784 or (818) 677-4767 to schedule an appointment with the COH Student Services Center/EOP.

Careers

In today’s global society, knowledge of other languages and cultures will enable students to expand career opportunities. In March 2014, the Latino population surpassed the number of non-Hispanic whites living in the Golden State. By 2050, more than half of California’s population will be of Hispanic, Asian or Pacific Islander descent, and a large percentage will speak a language other than English. Jobs in social services, business, communications and the government all need people with intercultural competence given this state’s rich ethnic and racial diversity.

There are many jobs in the United States and abroad that require proficiency in a second language. These include working in the Foreign Service; serving as a translator and/or interpreter for the government or the private sector; working at international institutions such as the World Bank, United Nations or UNICEF; teaching foreign languages, literature and cultures in schools or universities; and working for transnational business corporations and even for the Olympic games.

A major or a minor in a second language is beneficial for students who are interested in pursuing careers in various fields, including social services, business, finance, communications, science, technology, education, government and travel.

Clubs and Societies

Credit by Challenge Examination

See individual course descriptions to find out which courses may or may not be challenged. For procedures governing the challenging of language classes, consult the department office.

 

International Studies

The Department of Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures (MCLL) supports the concept of international education and encourages students to investigate opportunities for overseas study. Certain courses taken at CSU International Program Study Centers abroad are equivalent to courses in the Department of Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures and may be used to fulfill some of the requirements for degree options offered by the department and/or certain General Education requirements. Consult with the appropriate language advisor in MCLL prior to traveling abroad to determine these equivalencies. Students also should consult the International Programs Bulletin available in the International and Exchange Student Center or the campus International Programs advisor for more information.

 

Barbara Ann Ward Language Center

The Barbara Ann Ward Language Center, located in Jerome Richfield (JR) 316, serves as a language acquisition and teaching-resource facility, primarily for the faculty and students of MCLL and the College of Humanities. Through multimedia, equipment, group and individual training available at the center, faculty and students are encouraged to use technology to enhance the language-acquisition experience. For more information, contact Director Drake Langford at (818) 677-3452.

 

Awards and Scholarships

The department offers multiple awards and scholarships to help its students in the successful completion of their major.

  • Barbara Ann Ward Scholarship for Spanish Studies
  • Chitjian Family Scholarship in Armenian Studies
  • DiMascio Family Scholarship
  • L.U.C.I.A. Spanish Club Scholarship
  • MCLL Scholarship
  • Ralph Baccash Memorial Scholarship
  • Robert J. Barbera in Italian Studies Scholarship
  • TF Fund Scholarship in Armenian Studies
  • Varaz and Karina Shahmirian Scholarship in Armenian Studies

Contact

Department of Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures
Chair: Adrián Pérez-Boluda
Sierra Tower (ST) 405
(818) 677-3467

Mission Statement

The mission of the Music department is to partner with students to help them reach their highest creative and intellectual potential, encourage them to develop relationships based on respect for all people, and prepare them for innovative, professional careers and community service in an increasingly complex world.

Academic Advisement

All music majors are required to meet with their designated faculty advisor each semester after their freshman year for mandatory academic advisement. Students who fail to meet with their advisor will not be allowed to enroll through system registration, which could result in missing their priority registration time.

The undergraduate music advisor is available to assist students with general music advisement. It is highly recommended that transfer students meet with the undergraduate advisor upon entry into the department. All seniors should check in with the undergraduate advisor prior to the start of the senior year. Questions regarding academic status, selecting a major, changing a major, the Degree Progress Report/Planner, unofficial transcripts, graduation and transfer evaluation should be directed to the advisor’s attention.

Questions regarding graduate studies should be directed to the graduate advisor at (818) 677-3181.

Careers

Music department graduates are gainfully employed in diverse positions throughout the world, including as teachers in public and private schools and colleges; practicing music therapists; conductors of orchestras and bands; published composers and arrangers; award-winning recording artists; performers in renowned opera companies, major symphony orchestras, recording studios and professional chamber ensembles; plus many graduates are involved with the entertainment industry in Southern California and elsewhere.

Accreditation

California State University, Northridge is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music.

National Association of Schools of Music
11250 Roger Bacon Drive, Suite 21
Reston, VA 20190-5248
(703) 437–0700

Clubs and Societies

Scholarships

The music department offers scholarships on a yearly basis. Scholarships offered are based on financial need and merit.

Contact

Department of Music
Chair: A.J. McCaffrey
Cypress Hall (CY) 116
(818) 677-3181

Mission Statement

The mission of the CSUN Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree is to develop professional nursing leaders in all areas of practice, who can apply new and past nursing knowledge and build upon existing competencies.

About the Department

CSUN has a long history of commitment and dedication to nurses in the San Fernando Valley. As a result of that commitment, CSUN offers innovative programs geared specifically to the needs of our local community.

CSUN offers two transfer programs for students who are admitted into a Community College Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program, or who already have a Registered Nursing license. These programs include the ADN-BSN Community College Collaborative and the RN to BSN.

The second bachelor’s degree option is the Accelerated BSN. This program is a pre-licensure option and is the only option available to students who have already earned a previous bachelor’s degree and completed the necessary requirements to apply.

Students who complete the BSN requirements at CSUN are also eligible to apply for the Public Health Nurse Certificate offered through the California Board of Registered Nursing.

CSUN does not currently offer a traditional/generic pre-licensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) for anyone who is looking to complete their first bachelor’s degree.

Academic Advisement

The department does not offer advisement for prospective students. Inquiries should be emailed to the Nursing office.

General Advisor

Melissa Rodriguez

ABSN Program Advisor

Dr. Laurie Gelardi

Accreditation

The baccalaureate degree program in Nursing at California State University, Northridge, is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. The program is also approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing.

Clubs and Societies

Contact

Department of Nursing
Chair: Rebekah Child
Jacaranda Hall (JD) 2210
(818) 677-5739

About the Department

The Department of Philosophy at CSUN has well-trained faculty dedicated to nurturing the inner philosopher in each undergraduate. Small class sizes, generally ranging from 20 to 34 students, allows for a superior learning environment, where students can explore their own philosophical views. It also allows the instructor to dedicate time to help students strengthen their critical-thinking, reading and writing skills.

There are several things that make the department distinctive. Courses are offered regularly in sex, gender and sexuality; in Chinese philosophy and Indian philosophy; and in philosophy of science. Since 2010, the department has hosted an annual student philosophy conference, giving students the opportunity to present a paper in a professional setting. Additionally, the student-run organization, the Student Philosophy Society, invites students and faculty to discuss a wide range of issues in a fun and relaxed setting.

Academic Advisement

The Department of Philosophy helps students select the program and courses that best satisfy their individual needs and interests. Contact the department at (818) 677-2757 to schedule an appointment. The College of Humanities Student Services Center/EOP reviews students’ progress to ensure that the requirements of a major or minor in Philosophy are fulfilled. Call (818) 677-4784 or (818) 677-4767 to schedule an appointment with the Student Services Center/EOP.

Careers

The skills and training one receives in philosophy are valuable in many careers. A degree in Philosophy can be evidence to prospective employers that one is capable of creative and analytic thinking and is proficient in reasoning, problem solving, and written and oral communication.

Philosophy students have successfully transferred their philosophic backgrounds and skills to many fields, including business, law, politics, theology, secondary education, social work and counseling, the health professions, computer technology, journalism, editing and publishing, and government service.

A major or minor in Philosophy can be especially useful to students seeking entry into professional programs in these areas and many others. Philosophy majors tend to do well on such pre-professional tests as the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) and the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT). The study of philosophy also can be intensely satisfying for its own sake: It enhances one’s ability to enjoy and pursue a lifetime of learning, self-expression, and exchange and debate of ideas concerning ourselves and the meaning of our existence.

Honors

The purpose of the Honors in Philosophy Program is to identify exceptional philosophy students and to encourage and recognize the development of their potential. The designation “Honors in Philosophy” is noted on the student’s transcript and academic record. Students interested in the Honors Program should contact the department undergraduate advisor. For more information, see Philosophy Honors.

Awards

The Sidney A. Luckenbach Memorial Award, established by the family and friends of former philosophy professor Sidney A. Luckenbach Sr., is a cash award presented each year to one or more academically outstanding Philosophy majors. Recipients are selected by a faculty committee, with preference given to students who are interested in logic and philosophy of science and to students with need.

Contact

Department of Philosophy
Chair: Kristina Meshelski
Sierra Tower (ST) 522
(818) 677-2757

Mission Statement

The mission of the Department of Physical Therapy is to: (1) prepare competent, ethical, reflective physical therapist professionals who engage in evidence-based practice autonomously and collaboratively with diverse populations in an ever-changing healthcare environment, (2) cultivate a faculty committed to excellence in teaching and mentoring, scholarship and research, clinical expertise, and service to the University and community, and (3) develop clinical partnerships and professional alliances that improve our ability to promote the health, well-being and quality of life for local and global communities.

About the Department

The Department of Physical Therapy provides nationally accredited doctorate level education in physical therapy with a commitment to fostering and advancing diversity and inclusiveness supportive of all individuals and groups, and with a pledge to sustainability practices for the health of all people and the planet.

Academic Advisement

All students in the program must have advisement in order to enroll. Group advisement sessions are held regularly for students who are interested in applying for entrance into the program. The advisement schedule is available on the department website. Inquiries also can be directed to the department by email. All full-time faculty members serve as academic advisors and may be contacted following attendance at a group advisement first (see the department website for faculty advisor).

Careers

The physical therapy profession contributes to the health needs of society. It focuses on preventative health as well as recovery for individuals experiencing decreased function related to the neuromusculoskeletal, pulmonary, integumentary or cardiovascular systems. Using methods of evaluating all systems and application of a wide variety of skilled therapeutic procedures, physical therapists help improve, restore and maintain the health of these systems in a comprehensive approach to overall wellness of individuals and populations.

Accreditation

The Physical Therapy program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) as an entry-level PT program for the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree through the year 2026.

Clubs and Societies

The CSUN PT Club is an active student organization involving current DPT students of all cohorts within the department. The primary goal of the CSUN PT Club is to connect enrolled DPT students to the profession by engaging in community, educational, professional and social activities. The club organizes educational sessions related to current and advanced topics in physical therapy, and it arranges social and outreach events to connect current DPT students to communities within the greater Los Angeles area. Participation in the club allows CSUN DPT students to refine their personal and social interaction skills and develop leadership and professional skills that are essential to advancing their career and the profession of physical therapy.

Notice

All new admissions are for the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree only with a deadline of October 1.

Contact

Department of Physical Therapy
Chair: Witaya (Dan) Mathiyakom
Jacaranda Hall (JD) 1537
(818) 677-2203

Mission Statement

Quarks, black holes, gravitational waves, nanotechnology and chaotic systems—discoveries like these make front-page news as physicists continue to learn about the universe’s fundamental structure. Studying how matter and energy behave, beginning physics majors and senior physicists alike find challenges and excitement in solving problems and discovering new concepts. Physicists in business and industry work with revolutionary technology, such as lasers, superconductors, and modern electronic and optical devices. Jobs in these fields are often in high demand and pay well.

Perhaps the most fundamental of all sciences, physics provides a background for understanding other scientific disciplines, as well as many aspects of everyday life. Physics principles are crucial to such diverse applications as home electrical wiring, the motion of a rocket or a skydiver, solar energy and an echocardiogram of the human heart. Thus, understanding physics helps us make sense of our world.

About the Department

The Department of Physics and Astronomy is devoted to including students in research. Many of our undergraduate and graduate students are accepted into Ph.D. programs at R1 research institutions. The department has three main research foci in physics: Astrophysics, Biophysics and Condensed Matter Physics. For more information, please visit the Department of Physics and Astronomy website.

Academic Advisement

Physics majors must consult the appropriate department faculty advisor each semester before registering.

Careers

Many of the department’s majors have been accepted by graduate programs and institutions for advanced degrees in Physics or related fields. Other students gain employment immediately following graduation. Graduates fill a variety of scientific and technical positions in business and industry, including research scientist, technical staff or manager, technical salesperson or business owner. Others teach in high schools, community colleges or universities. Some become medical physicists or physicians.

Honors

The program leading to a B.S. degree in Physics with Honors provides the opportunity to selected Physics majors for intensive study under individual faculty guidance. Students interested in the Honors Program should contact the department undergraduate advisor. For more information, see Physics Honors.

Clubs and Societies

Scholarships and Awards

See Student Awards for a list of scholarships and awards given by the department.

Contact

Department of Physics and Astronomy
Chair: Debi Choudhary
Live Oak Hall (LO) 1128
(818) 677-2775

Academic Advisement

Students must consult with an academic advisor regularly in planning their program and schedule. A staff advisor is available by appointment in the department office (SH 210), and faculty advisors are available during the semester at regularly scheduled office hours and by appointment. Students should contact the department office to inquire about the faculty’s scheduled office hours. For pre-law advisement, students should contact Dr. Leigh Bradberry. Academic advisement is also available to students through the department advisor and staff advisors in the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences Student Services Center/EOP Satellite. Call (818) 677-2658 to schedule an appointment.

Careers

The major in Political Science is designed for students who intend to work in politics, government and public policy; for students who are interested in pursuing a career in the law; or for students who are interested in pursuing an advanced degree in Political Science or other related fields in preparation for university-level teaching. Graduates of the program work in politics, government service, public policy, the nonprofit sector and in the private sector in a variety of fields. Beyond the substance of political science, students in the major hone their analytical reasoning and critical-thinking skills, their writing skills, their communication skills and their research skills. All of these are key characteristics sought after by employers in both the public and private sectors.

For more information about the Master of Public Administration program, see the Public Administration section of this Catalog.

CSUN in DC Internship Program

The Political Science department hosts the CSUN in DC Internship Program in which students live and learn in the nation’s capital for the entire Spring or Summer term. Students intern on Capitol Hill for agencies, for nonprofit organizations, for think tanks or for private firms during the day while taking classes during the evening, as they continue to make progress toward their degree. The program is open to all majors. Students should visit the DC Internship website for more information.

 

Model United Nations

The Political Science department hosts the Model United Nations (MUN) program in which students prepare for and compete in regional and national MUN conferences. Students enrolled in the MUN course develop their writing, public speaking and negotiating skills, while learning about international relations, international organizations and public policy. Support for travel for the MUN program is provided by the Instructionally Related Activities fund, Associated Students, the Department of Political Science, and the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences. For more information, students are encouraged to visit the Model United Nations website.

 

Judicial Internship Program

The Judicial Internship Program pairs students one-on-one with judges in the Superior Courts of Los Angeles County, so that students can learn about the inner workings of the Court, the legal system and careers in the law. It is primarily intended for students from all majors who are considering a law career. Students in the program enroll in POLS 494J/A and receive 3 units of credit. They observe cases in the courts and spend time with their mentor/judge. Students should contact Dr. Leigh Bradberry for more information about this program.

 

International Studies

The Political Science department supports the concept of international education and encourages students to investigate opportunities for overseas study. Certain courses taken at CSU International Program Study Centers in foreign countries are equivalent to courses in the Department of Political Science and may be used to fulfill some of the requirements for degree options offered by the department and/or certain General Education requirements. Students should consult the International Programs Bulletin available in the International and Exchange Student Center, a departmental advisor or the campus International Programs advisor for more information.

Contact

Department of Political Science
Chair: Keiko Hirata
Sierra Hall (SH) 210
(818) 677-3488

Mission Statement

The vision of the Department of Psychology is summed up in one word: “Relevance.” The Department of Psychology, housed in a University serving one of the world’s most diverse urban regions, is committed to excellence in teaching, research and service to the community. Our mission is to provide students with a strong academic background in psychology, as well as to help them develop professional competence. We encourage students to develop critical-thinking skills, creative abilities, interpersonal skills, ethical values and integrity in an inclusive community in which teaching and mentoring of students are valued.

Our courses encourage scholarship, intellectual inquiry, professional achievement and service to the community. Students acquire many skills through fieldwork and service learning, as well as involvement in research projects guided by our faculty. We encourage students to gain knowledge and comprehension of the theories, concepts and empirical approaches used in psychology and their application to the human condition.

Our program offers a broad spectrum of theoretical approaches, including biological, developmental, behavioral, individual and social systems, as well as learning and cognitive processes. As part of their academic training, students gain knowledge and understanding of research methodology and the statistical analysis of empirical data. Through the department’s commitment to applied social science research, students obtain the critical core skills necessary to meet the needs of the region, as well as to be competitive in the multicultural marketplace as either members of the workforce or as graduate students.

Academic Advisement

Seeking academic advisement is essential to academic success and timely graduation. Academic advisement is available to students through both the department advisor and staff advisors in the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences Student Services Center/EOP. For undergraduate advisement, please call (818) 677-2658 to schedule an appointment. For graduate program advisement, please call (818) 677-2827.

Careers

Most careers in psychology require graduate study at the master’s or doctoral level. However, there are increasing opportunities in business, education and healthcare for bachelor’s-level psychologists. Appropriate master’s degree programs can lead to a wide range of careers, including school psychology, behavior analysis, business applications (human factors psychology and industrial-organizational psychology), clinical psychology (if one receives appropriate education and obtains a license), and a variety of other careers found in school settings (counseling, testing, research and administration), as well as community mental health clinics, prevention and/or high-risk programs for health/lifestyle issues, programs using applied behavior analysis, rehabilitation centers and other health facilities. Psychologists also are employed by nearly all levels of governmental agencies, such as the Department of Education, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Defense, and the Department of Health and Human Services, as well as state, county and local mental health services. Psychologists who receive their doctorate may become professors, researchers, consultants, public policy analysts and licensed clinical psychologists.

Accreditation

Specified graduate coursework in the Psychology department’s Master of Science degree program in Applied Behavior Analysis has been approved by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB®) to meet the coursework requirements for eligibility for the Board Certification Exam. Consult the Master of Science in Applied Behavioral Analysis program website for details about the curriculum, application procedures and requirements for admission.

Contact

Department of Psychology
Chair: Erica Wohldmann
Sierra Hall (SH) 376
(818) 677-2827

Mission Statement

The Master of Public Administration (MPA) program offers an interdisciplinary, multifaceted approach to problem solving that blends public sector theory with everyday real-world practice. The curriculum emphasizes the application of critical-thinking skills to managerial and leadership functions.

About the Department

The Master of Public Administration degree program is entirely funded by student fees and is administered through The Tseng College, hence the designation.

Multidisciplinary Curriculum

The University MPA program is multidisciplinary and draws on a wide array of scholarly resources that are most relevant to the changing professional practice of the public administrator.

Emphasis on Scholarship and Application

The MPA program provides a strong academic foundation, while also emphasizing current practical applications. Faculty members include both professors from several University departments and senior-level public managers.

Academic Oversight

The academic oversight of the MPA program is under the purview of the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences.

Academic Advisement

Academic advisement is conducted by the director of the program.

Careers

MPA admission requires at least two years of employment. Since the majority of CSUN MPA students work for public, private or nonprofit organizations, there is no career advising needed.

Clubs and Societies

  • Masters in Public Administration Alumni Chapter

Contact

Master of Public Administration
Program Director: Henrik Minassians
(818) 677-5115

On-Campus, Off-Campus and Online Programs
Staff: Ruth Asmel
(818) 677-2584

Staff: Elliott Maude
(818) 677-4607

Staff: Louis Gutierrez
(818) 677-5635

About the Department

The B.A. degree program in Public Sector Management is designed for students who want to gain an understanding of the policy and management issues of government and nonprofit organizations and their impact on the communities they serve. Students will examine the political context in which public sector decisions are made; learn how to analyze, develop and implement governmental structures and processes; formulate and present policy and administrative decisions; and understand how to work within the boundaries of available human, fiscal and technological resources. Additionally, students will acquire the communication and management skills necessary for success in any career endeavor.

Contact

Public Sector Management
Academic Lead: Lori Campbell
(818) 677-7478

Program Coordinator: Julie Garcia
(818) 677-5943

Mission Statement

Queer Studies at CSUN provides an academic home for those who want to study the intellectual, cultural and material conditions that have shaped our current understandings of sexuality and gender variation as well as for those who want to generate new, resistant theories and practices. The program offers an undergraduate minor, sponsors courses, organizes lecture series and brings together interested students, faculty and larger Los Angeles communities.

Academic Advisement

The Queer Studies Program helps students select the program and courses that best satisfy their individual needs and interests. Contact Director Jacob Lau at (818) 677-6502 to schedule an appointment.

The College of Humanities (COH) Student Services Center/EOP reviews students’ progress to ensure that the requirements of a minor in Queer Studies are fulfilled. Call (818) 677-4784 or (818) 677-4767 to schedule an appointment with the COH Student Services Center/EOP.

Advisory Committee

  • Xochitl Alvizo (Religious Studies)
  • Bobbie Emetu (Health Sciences)
  • Liliana Gonzalez (Gender and Women’s Studies)
  • Leilani Hall (English)
  • Sid Hansen (Philosophy)
  • Ellen Jarosz (University Library)
  • Gregory Knotts (Elementary Education)
  • Jacob Lau (Queer Studies)
  • Sheena Malhotra (Gender and Women’s Studies)
  • Gina Masequesmay (Asian American Studies)
  • Pavithra Prasad (Communication Studies)
  • Stevie Ruiz (Chicana/o Studies)
  • Colleen Tripp (English)
  • Whitney Workman (Pride Center)

Contact

Queer Studies Program
Director: Jacob Lau
Jerome Richfield Hall (JR) 219C
(818) 677-6502

Mission Statement

The mission of the Department of Recreation and Tourism Management is to facilitate students’ achievement of their educational and career goals through a learning-centered academic program, which develops intellectual capacity and practical skills and is committed to excellence, experiential learning and the development of innovative professionals capable of adapting dynamic environments, using the Greater Los Angeles area as a laboratory.

We provide a challenging, student-centered education to prepare professionals with a commitment to enhancing the quality of human life through hospitality, tourism and recreation. We value each student as a unique individual and work in partnership with the community to match students’ strengths and interests in field placements where classroom theory comes to life.

Academic Advisement

Recreation and Tourism Management faculty are available each semester for academic advisement prior to registration. Students are able to meet with their faculty member of choice during regular faculty office hours or by appointment. The undergraduate and graduate advisors are Joong-won Lee, Nathan Martin, Erika Sung, Veda Ward, and Jimmy Xie. Additional advising resources for students are available at the department’s Canvas site (RTM Advisement). Students should contact the department office for access information.

Upon completion of the academic advisement session, the registration hold is lifted and the student may then participate in the registration process as scheduled by the University.

Careers

Recreation and Tourism Management graduates have many career paths to pursue within the recreation, human services, tourism and hospitality industries. Included in this vast array of career opportunities are positions as travel coordinators, hotel and hospitality managers, tourism destination specialists, convention coordinators, event planners and coordinators, health club and spa managers, tour guides and interpreters, recreational sport and entertainment facility managers, and entrepreneurs.

Graduates also choose paths in the outdoors, municipal recreation and nonprofit sectors of the profession. These careers include positions as recreation center directors, recreation coordinators, outdoor education specialists, camp directors, nature interpreters, park rangers, aquatic specialists, campus recreational sport directors, play center facilitators/directors, and employee recreation services and sport directors.

Finally, graduates find fulfilling careers in professional settings, such as military recreation, correctional recreation, campus student unions, religious youth recreation, fund development, community youth recreation and sport agencies.

Accreditation

The Department of Recreation and Tourism Management is accredited through the Council on Accreditation of Parks, Recreation, Tourism, and Related Professions (COAPRT) and the Association for Experiential Education (AEE).

Clubs and Societies

The Tourism, Hospitality and Recreation Management Association (THRMA) is a student club created by and run by students in the department. Special opportunities for leadership and professional development are created by student involvement.

Professional and Scholarly Organizations

Students are encouraged to explore membership organizations in and related to the fields of tourism, hospitality and recreation, most of which offer student membership. Engaging with professional organizations can help students build networks necessary for future employment and further educational and professional development opportunities. Several of these organizations may also offer industry specific/skill enhancement opportunities, conferences and/or scholarships for students.

Department faculty members are actively engaged with various professional organizations, including:

 

Scholarships

The department offers five scholarships annually:

  • Anderson Award
  • Dr. Byrne C. Fernelius Scholarship
  • Foley Award
  • Lola Sadlo Scholarship for Creative Endeavor
  • Morash Award

Contact

Department of Recreation and Tourism Management
Chair: Erika HeeKyung Sung
Redwood Hall (RE) 262
(818) 677-3202

Mission Statement

The Religious Studies department seeks to provide students with analytical models used in the humanities and social sciences to learn about and appreciate diverse cultures and religions around the world. Students learn methods of cross-cultural religious inquiry and analysis and apply these methods in a wide variety of social, political and religious contexts. Religious Studies provides students with critical-thinking and writing skills that employers across a wide range of careers seek in addition to expertise in diverse cultures.

About the Department

The Department of Religious Studies at California State University, Northridge, was founded and began offering courses in 1969. The Religious Studies program includes a major, double major and minor. The department offers courses in comparative religions, Asian religions, Christianity, Islam, Judaism, ethics, literature, art, film, critical thinking, history, cognitive science, psychology, science, and theory and method. Summer sessions and evening classes are available to help working students complete their degree.

Academic Advisement

The Religious Studies department helps students select the program and courses that best satisfy their individual needs and interests. Academic advisement is required for all Religious Studies majors each semester before registering for classes. Please contact the Department of Religious Studies to schedule an appointment. Academic advisement is not required, but it is suggested for minors and double majors. The College of Humanities (COH) Student Services Center/EOP reviews students’ progress to ensure that the requirements of a major or minor in Religious Studies are fulfilled. Call (818) 677-4784 or (818) 677-4767 to schedule an appointment with the COH Student Services Center/EOP.

Careers

The Religious Studies major, double major and minor prepare students to succeed in a changing and challenging global job market. By acquiring knowledge of diverse cultures and using current analytical models from the humanities and social sciences, graduates are prepared to find careers requiring imagination, problem solving and a keen understanding of human diversity. Along with career preparation comes the personal growth gained by studying religions and cultures around the world.

Careers in law, business, teaching, counseling, medicine, social work, government, communications, human services and professional religious organizations are all viable for Religious Studies graduates.

Clubs and Societies

The Department of Religious Studies is a member of the Religious Studies Student Honors Society—Theta Alpha Kappa.

Scholarships and Awards

The Joseph and Anna Laufer Religious Studies Student Scholarship and the Stephen J. Svec Memorial Award are available to majors.

Contact

Department of Religious Studies
Chair: Xóchitl Alvizo
Santa Susana Hall (SN) 234
(818) 677-3392

About the Department

The Department of Secondary Education offers Preliminary Single Subject Teaching Credential programs, Added Authorizations, a Teacher Induction program leading to the Clear Credential, Master of Arts degree programs, and a Professional Certificate program.

Academic Advisement

Credentials

The Department of Secondary Education offers Preliminary Single Subject Credentials via five pathway programs:

  • Traditional Program
  • Accelerated Collaborative Teacher Preparation Program (ACT)
  • Single Subject University Intern Program
  • Four-Year or Junior-Year Integrated Program (FYI or JYI) in English, History, or Mathematics
  • Dual Preliminary Single Subject/Education Specialist Credential

The Department of Secondary Education collaborates with the Departments of Elementary and Special Education to offer a Teacher Induction Program, which enables holders of the California Preliminary Multiple Subject, Single Subject, or Education Specialist Credential to earn the Clear Credential.

A holder of a Single Subject Credential may add a second credential in a different subject without completing the full preparation program. See CTC requirements for more information.

Please contact the Credential Office at (818) 677-2733 for all advising regarding credentials. For more information, please visit the Credential Office website.

Master of Arts

The Department of Secondary Education offers the following Master of Arts degree programs:

  • Master of Arts in Educational Technology
  • Master of Arts in Multicultural and Multilingual Education in Secondary Schools
  • Master of Arts in Secondary Curriculum and Instruction
  • Master of Arts in Secondary English Education
  • Master of Arts in Secondary Mathematics Education
  • Master of Arts in Secondary Science Education

Certificate

The Department of Secondary Education offers a Professional Specialization Certificate Program in College and Career Connections in the Secondary Curriculum. This certificate program is designed for teachers who want to develop their knowledge of authentic, relevant, cross-disciplinary, and future-oriented curriculum and instruction.

For a list of current program advisors and other program information, visit the Department of Secondary Education website.

Careers

Earning a credential, master’s degree, or certificate in secondary education can lead to a spectrum of opportunities. In addition to classroom teaching (and as teachers gain more experience and advanced credentials), these opportunities include positions as instructional coaches and department chairs; developing and/or providing professional development for teachers; and, in the corporate world, developing curriculum for educational purposes and providing educational professional development.

Accreditation

The department’s credential programs are accredited by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.

Clubs and Societies

Pi Lambda Theta (PLT) is the CSUN chapter of Phi Delta Kappa, an honor society for Education students with a GPA of at least 3.5. View the PLT Newsletter on the Michael D. Eisner College of Education Student Resources website for more information.

Contact

Department of Secondary Education
Chair: Julie Gainsburg
Education (ED) 1208
(818) 677-2580

Mission Statement

Mission

The mission of the Department of Social Work is to prepare professional social workers to be anti-oppressive, socially just agents of change who promote well-being in urban settings. As an advanced generalist program with a focus on urban communities, the department will teach and create collaborative learning experiences with students.

Focus

Urban settings describe communities with densely populated areas and a vast array of subcultures. Utilizing a lens that espouses an anti-racist, intersectional, trauma-informed, collaborative perspective, the department celebrates a strengths-based inclusive identity, emphasized by the shared experiences of community, culture and location.

Accreditation

The MSW program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

Clubs and Societies

  • AAPI Social Work Collective
  • Black Social Work Caucus
  • CSUN Puede!
  • Male Minority Mentoring (M3)
  • Queer Coalition of Social Workers
  • Social Work Society

See the Master of Social Work Program’s Student Organizations page for more information.

Contact

Department of Social Work
Chair: Wendy Ashley
Sierra Hall (SH) 208
(818) 677-7630

Mission Statement

The Sociology department and faculty are committed to creating a supportive environment for student-centered learning and achievement. Our students are exposed to all aspects of sociology and acquire sociological perspectives and the techniques for studying society. They learn to critically examine the value assumptions of our institutions and social practices, including the values and practices of our discipline itself. This reflexive stance is an essential element of sociological understanding. Our students will learn how sociology has been used to solve problems for clients, foundations, agencies and the community, and how it has contributed to social policy formulation and policy analysis. They will learn how sociologists engage in dialogue and engagement with different publics in the civil society. Through their education, our students will understand that sociology and civil society are interdependent, both flourishing in an open and democratic discourse on the issues and crises of modernity.

Academic Advisement

Seeking academic advisement is essential to academic success and timely graduation. Academic advisement is available to students through both the department advisor and staff advisors in the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences Student Services Center/EOP. Students may call (818) 677-2658 to schedule an appointment. Faculty and advisor office hours are posted in the Sociology Department Office and on the department website. Contact the department for graduate advisement.

Careers

Sociology provides a liberal arts background, which teaches students to think critically; conceptualize problems; apply theories and concepts to real-world issues; collect, analyze and interpret data; carry out research projects; and understand issues of diversity. These skills prepare students for a wide variety of careers in fields such as social and human services, research and data analysis, nonprofit and public sector management, social work, education, labor relations, program evaluation, policy analysis, human resources, market research and community organizing.

Clubs and Societies

Contact

Department of Sociology
Chair: Lauren McDonald
Santa Susana Hall (SN) 321
(818) 677-3591

Mission Statement

The Special Education department at CSUN is committed to preparing educators who advocate for and provide service to students with all levels of support needs. Our program strives to dismantle systems that categorize, segregate, or limit student expectations on the basis of perceived disability label, level of support need, assumptions about language access or cultural/linguistic background, with special attention to multiply-marginalized students. In this way, we prepare educators to be strength-based service providers and advocates who focus on adaptation of the learning environment and materials to meet the support needs of each student and their family.

About the Department

The Department of Special Education at California State University, Northridge, offers credential and master’s degree programs for professionals who work with infants, toddlers, children and youth with disabilities and their families. Programs are designed to prepare special educators to understand the diverse characteristics and backgrounds of students with disabilities, to adapt curriculum and instruction to ensure equal access to the general education program, and to make sound educational judgments based on assessment findings.

The Department of Special Education offers a Preliminary Education Specialist Credential and a Teacher Induction Credential in Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Early Childhood Special Education, and Mild/Moderate and Extensive Support Needs. These programs provide specialized coursework and field experiences for candidates who are interested in serving students with disabilities.

The Department of Special Education offers the following preliminary credential pathways:

  1. Traditional Program, a post-B.A. preservice professional program.
  2. Intern Program, a post-B.A. two-year program designed for on-the-job teachers who are eligible for an intern credential. Interns must meet all admission requirements prior to receiving an intern credential. Interns are district employees and serve as the teacher of record.
  3. Accelerated Collaborative Teacher (ACT) Preparation Program, a post-B.A. full-time, two-semester program, offered collaboratively with the Los Angeles Unified School District.
  4. Integrated Teacher Education Program (ITEP), an undergraduate program with candidates beginning as freshmen or entering the two-year option as transfer students, earning their credential and bachelor’s degree concurrently (in Mild/Moderate and Extensive Support Needs program only).
  5. Dual Preliminary Single Subject/Education Specialist Credential, a post-B.A. preservice professional program in which candidates earn a Preliminary Education Specialist Credential in Mild/Moderate and Extensive Support Needs and a Preliminary Single Subject Credential.

The Teacher Induction Credential program is a two-year, individualized program designed for candidates who hold a valid Preliminary Education Specialist Credential in the following specialization areas: (1) Deaf and Hard of Hearing; (2) Early Childhood Special Education; or (3) Mild/Moderate and Extensive Support Needs. The purpose of the Teacher Induction program is to provide ongoing mentoring and support for new teachers. Candidates develop an Individualized Learning Plan (ILP) designed to strengthen their professional practice through self-assessment, goal setting and reflection. The program consists of four induction courses centered around the ILP and two pedagogy courses designed to build on skills and knowledge acquired through the Preliminary Credential. The one-year early completion option is available for induction candidates who meet predetermined criteria. Please contact an advisor in the department for guidance. Induction candidates can also complete the Induction credential and M.A. degree concurrently.

The master’s degree program builds upon the competencies developed in the credential programs, preparing special educators for positions of leadership, advocacy and scholarship in schools, the community and within the overall profession of Special Education. The department offers two M.A. programs: (1) an online M.A. in Educational Therapy, and (2) an M.A. in Special Education with an emphasis in (a) Deaf and Hard of Hearing, (b) Early Childhood Special Education, and (c) Mild/Moderate and Extensive Support Needs.

Academic Advisement

Faculty in the Department of Special Education are available to assist students with questions about the department’s programs. Please refer to the Department of Special Education website for contact information.

Prospective students who are unsure of the programs available, what specialization to choose, or how to apply to the programs or campus, please contact the department chair.

Accreditation

All credential programs are accredited by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC).

Contact

Department of Special Education
Chair: Amy Hanreddy
Education (ED) 1204
(818) 677-2596

Mission Statement

The M.A. in Sustainability is designed to prepare students with advanced knowledge and skills to address and resolve the challenges of sustainable practices in the 21st century. With a multifaceted program of study addressing the intersection of science, technology, environmental justice, business and policy, the curriculum complements CSUN’s institutional learning outcomes to advance students’ intellectual development while preparing them for opportunities and success in their careers.

About the Department

The master’s degree in Sustainability is structured to train students in the foundational theories and practices of sustainability from a dedicated systems-level approach, applying evidence-based research techniques to solve problems at the community, regional, national and global levels. One of the key goals of the program is to educate students to be able to understand and develop strategies for addressing and mitigating problems in water resources, energy use, management skills in the business community, resolution of social and environmental challenges and inequities, and the effective development and application of policy language and implementation.

As a cohort-based learning experience, the curriculum draws on the diverse expertise of the teaching community at CSUN. The program offers a core curriculum designed to develop a common language in sustainability practice while supporting students in one of four areas of specialization: (1) Environmental Science, Water Resources and Technology; (2) Community Well-being and Social Justice; (3) Corporate Sustainability; and (4) Sustainability Policy and Government. All students will complete a culminating experience as a graduate thesis or project under the direction of a chair and faculty committee. Comprised of a diverse range of courses in each specialization, the 33-unit program is designed for completion in two years.

Academic Advisement

Academic advisement is critical to the success and timely graduation of students in the program. Students initially must consult with the program director. Subsequent advisement with the Thesis/Project Committee includes the program director, director of the Institute for Sustainability and faculty chosen by the student from affiliated departments in the area of specialization.

Careers

Students with a master’s degree in Sustainability are employed in the public and private sectors with skills as environmental technicians and engineers; community and regional planners; environmental restoration specialists; energy, water, wastewater engineers; climate scientists; landscape architects; sustainable food and health specialists; and business and management designers and analysts for sustainable communities.

About the Department

The Department of Systems and Operations Management offers the following academic programs: the M.S. in Business Analytics, the B.S. in Business Administration with options in Business Analytics, Global Supply Chain Management, and Systems and Operations Management, as well as the B.S. in Information Systems. The department also offers three minors: a Minor in Business Analytics, a Minor in Information Systems and a Minor in Quality Management and Assurance. The programs focus on developing skills for problem-solving, critical thinking, communication and the effective use of constantly changing information technology and systems. These skills are needed to deal with a variety of decisions made by managers in manufacturing, service and public organizations. The department faculty are committed to excellence in teaching and research and are actively involved in the University and community service.

Academic Advisement

Academic advisement helps students meet their academic goals and graduate in a timely manner. The Nazarian College Student Services Center/EOP Satellite provides academic advisement for Nazarian College majors during their time at CSUN. Furthermore, Nazarian College Student Services Center/EOP Satellite provides specialized support and retention services for Nazarian College students admitted to the Educational Opportunity Program from time of admission through time of graduation.

For the M.S. in Business Analytics program, please contact the program director directly for advisement.

Careers

The Systems and Operations Management option prepares students for careers in a variety of industries, such as aerospace, electronics, automotive, healthcare, entertainment, transportation, biotechnology, software and banking. The range of positions includes demand planning, operations planning and scheduling, inventory and materials management, quality management, project management and decision support systems. A median yearly salary of business operations managers is estimated to be about $103,650.

The Global Supply Chain Management option prepares students for career opportunities in a variety of supply chain activities. The range of positions includes demand planning, procurement and sourcing, inventory and materials management, transportation, and logistics and supply chain management. Candidates with supply chain management skills are in high demand. An average yearly salary of supply chain managers is estimated to be about $93,000.

The field of Information Systems (IS) helps prepare graduates to assume such positions as information systems analyst, information security analyst, software developer, information technology (IT) manager and database administrator. Information systems career opportunities are available in a variety of industries, including consulting, banking, entertainment, health, media, education and technology. A median yearly salary of information technology managers is estimated to be about $151,000.

Today’s organizations seek professionals with business analytics skills to gain and maintain their competitive advantage. The Business Analytics option prepares students for careers in a very fast-growing field of business analytics. Business analytics job categories include data/business analytics, business intelligence and business analytics in various functional areas (operations research, supply chain, finance, marketing, human resources, healthcare, etc.). The advertised salary for business analytics jobs ranges from $75,000 to $105,000, depending on the required skill set, degree, and job title.

The EY Center for Careers in Accounting provides a full range of career planning and placement services to Information Systems and Business Analytics students. Services include career exploration and planning, networking and LinkedIn, resume review using a customized resume template, interview preparation and any other career-related needs. Additional programs include workshops, Recruiting Boot Camp, Meet the Firms and resume approval in Handshake. It is important that students with the Information Systems major or Business Analytics option include their specific major/option in the major section of their Handshake profile so they can be properly identified as eligible for EY Center for Careers services.

Accreditation

The David Nazarian College of Business and Economics is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). Approximately 6 percent of business schools worldwide have achieved AACSB accreditation.

Honors

The Business Honors Program is open to students who are declared majors in Accountancy, Economics, Information Systems, or Business Administration with an option in either Business Analytics, Business Law, Financial Analysis, Financial Planning, Global Supply Chain Management, Management, Marketing, Real Estate, Risk Management and Insurance, or Systems and Operations Management, who meet all Business Honors Program admissions criteria. Students who apply and are selected for admission to the program are offered a variety of benefits; for example, priority registration, mentorship and networking opportunities, a dedicated workspace, specialized academic advisement, smaller class sizes and cohort coursework. Students who fulfill all Business Honors Program requirements will receive the Business Honors option designation on their transcript in addition to their primary degree. For more information, call (818) 677-3100 or visit the Business Honors Program website.

Clubs and Societies

  • CSUN ASCM (Association for Supply Chain Management)/ASQ (American Society for Quality)
  • Management Information Systems Association (MISA)

Career Education and Professional Development Center

The Center for Career Education and Professional Development (CEPD) is a decentralized career center in the David Nazarian College of Business and Economics staffed by professionals who assist students and alumni with their experiential learning, career exploration and career networking needs. Our model is grounded in business-specific career development, experiential learning, employer relations and connections with the community.

Services provided include:

  • Career coaching and personal development.
  • Career exploration.
  • Internship and mentorship assistance.
  • Job search preparation and tools.
  • Specialized programs and workshops.

For more information, call (818) 677-4697 or visit the Career Education and Professional Development website.

 

Contact

Department of Systems and Operations Management
Chair: Amir Gharehgozli
Bookstein Hall (BB) 3121
(818) 677-2470

Mission Statement

The Department of Theatre at California State University, Northridge, encourages active engagement in the art form inspired by and expressive of diverse perspectives. We pursue an ever-evolving definition of theatre in an environment that nurtures creativity.

Vision

The vision for the CSU Northridge Department of Theatre is an academic, creative and vibrant environment, where theatre in process and production inspires the student of theatre and embraces the surrounding community to consider, reflect and possibly recreate the world.

  • We will serve as a resource to the community in the area of theatre arts instruction and support theatre in our schools at all grade levels.
  • We will produce exemplary theatre productions for the San Fernando Valley and surrounding Los Angeles community, as we consistently evolve a dynamic definition of theatre.
  • We will provide exemplary theatre arts instruction that is innovative, hands-on and collaborative.

Core Values

  • We believe theatre is a cultural imperative and champion all forms of expression.
  • We value the struggle to understand humanity through artists and their art.
  • We embrace tradition and expect innovation.
  • We seek inspiration, celebrate imagination and encourage creativity.
  • We take responsibility for a constructive environment for all, fostering safety, respect and risk-taking.
  • We aspire to produce theatre that is reflective of our society, our teachings and ourselves.

Academic Advisement

Prior to each semester’s course registration period, Theatre majors are required to meet with the department staff advisor to discuss course selection and to assess their academic progress. Once a schedule for the following semester is jointly approved, the student receives departmental permission to register for classes online. For undergraduate advisement, contact the department for more information. Advisement for students enrolled in Theatre minors is not required but strongly encouraged.

Careers

The Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre is a broad-based liberal arts education. The B.A. degree in Theatre prepares a student for advanced study in a professionally oriented program (M.F.A.) or an academically oriented program (M.A.). It also serves as preliminary study for a performance and/or production career in live theatre, as well as the allied industries of television and cinema. The study of Theatre also provides students with the skills needed to work in the expanding fields of live entertainment, gaming and media content creation. The interpersonal and collaborative skills learned in the program will serve the graduate well in a variety of related disciplines, including the fields of education (both as teacher and administrator), psychology, law and a variety of private and governmental positions, where a well-rounded liberal arts education will provide the flexibility and broad base of knowledge likely to be required in future careers.

Accreditation

The Department of Theatre is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre.

Honors

The Theatre Honors Program is a special curricular enhancement for outstanding students in the Theatre major. Students interested in the Honors Program should contact the department undergraduate advisor. For more information, see Theatre Honors.

Credential Information

For details on the Single Subject Credential programs, see the Credentials and the Department of Secondary Education sections in this Catalog.

 

International Study

The Department of Theatre encourages students to investigate opportunities for overseas study. Certain courses taken at CSU International Program Study Centers in foreign countries are equivalent to courses in the Department of Theatre and may be used to fulfill graduation requirements. Students should consult the campus International Programs advisor for more information.

Contact

Department of Theatre
Chair: Dan Weingarten
Nordhoff Hall (NH) 110
(818) 677-3086

About University (UNIV) Courses

Courses with the University (UNIV) prefix include Supplemental Instruction (UNIV 060, UNIV 061, UNIV 062), the Freshman Seminar (UNIV 100) and the Transfer Success Seminar (UNIV 301).

Faculty from a broad range of academic disciplines teach sections of University 100 and 301. All have at least one graduate degree, and they participate regularly in professional development workshops and discussions focusing on college success.

University 100 (Freshman Seminar)

In this course, first-year freshmen learn about the resources and services available to students and practice skills that will help them at CSUN and beyond. The Freshman Seminar fulfills the CSUN Campus Requirement for Lifelong Learning and also carries credit as an Information Competence course.

University 301 (Transfer Success Seminar)

The Transfer Success Seminar guides students through their transition to CSUN, timely degree completion and successful post-graduation preparation.

Contact

UNIV 060 Supplemental Instruction

Coordinator: Andrea Cabadas
Learning Resource Center
University Library (UL) 3rd Floor, East Wing
(818) 677-2033

UNIV 061/062 Supplemental Instruction

Coordinator: Andrea Cabadas
Learning Resource Center
University Library (UL) 3rd Floor, East Wing
(818) 677-2033

UNIV 100 Freshman Seminar

University 100
Director: Kim Henige
Valera Hall (VH) 280
(818) 677-3932

UNIV 301 Transfer Success Seminar

University 301
Director: Kim Henige
Valera Hall (VH) 280
(818) 677-3932

Mission Statement

The Department of Urban Studies and Planning prepares students, at both the undergraduate and graduate level, for professional careers in urban studies and planning. The department faculty supports the mission through teaching, research and publication, community outreach and University service.

Academic Advisement

The department requires that all majors be advised in person each semester. Transfer students who want to major in urban studies and planning should seek departmental advising prior to enrolling in classes for their first semester. This is essential for all students, but it is especially so if a student wants to pursue a double major or prepare for specific job opportunities. Students must call the department office at (818) 677-2904 to make an advisement appointment.

Careers

The Department of Urban Studies and Planning provides professional training that prepares majors for careers in such fields as urban and regional planning, community development, environmental analysis, public administration and resource management. Students should visit the department’s website for more information on internship and career opportunities in urban studies and planning.

Clubs and Societies

Students with interests in urban studies and planning have established the Urban Planning Students of Northridge (UPSN), which engages in a range of activities each academic year. For more information about joining UPSN and participating in its activities, contact the department’s undergraduate advisor.

International Studies

The Department of Urban Studies and Planning supports international education and encourages students to investigate opportunities of overseas study. The department supports campuswide initiatives to increase international learning opportunities. Certain courses taken at CSU International Program Study Centers in foreign countries may be equivalent to courses in Urban Studies and Planning, and those may be used to fulfill some of the requirements for the degree and/or General Education requirements. Students should consult with the Department of Urban Studies and Planning, the International Programs Bulletin available in the International and Exchange Student Center, a program advisor or the campus International Programs advisor for information.

Contact

Department of Urban Studies and Planning
Chair: Zeynep Toker
Sierra Hall (SH) 220
(818) 677-2904