Welcome to the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences
Dean's Welcome
Greetings CSBS,
It truly is an honor and privilege to serve as dean of THE College of Social and Behavioral Sciences (CSBS). Over the past two years I have taken to pronouncing “the” in front of CSBS as “thee.” It originated during an Honors Convocation address and has just continued since and now has taken on a campus life of its own. We now have t-shirts with “THE” highlighted.
But let me share why we are not simply “a” college of social and behavioral sciences. “The” indicates a definite article. We are the definite article because of the people in CSBS. From the voices that answer Departmental phones to the faculty in labs and classrooms, to those who greet visitors in offices, to those who build schedules and facilitate student and faculty travel, to those who provide administrative support, and to who is responsible for this website are people singularly focused on creating a positive student experience.
Our CSBS advisors serve not only to direct students to classes but also to mentor, listen, and inspire. Our classes are taught by experts who have life experience to undergird their sharing of theory. Our college is dedicated to providing an educational experience that transforms lives and communities. We are the definite article of colleges of social and behavioral sciences!
We provide opportunities for students to engage the academic in a personal way that involves research opportunities, travel opportunities, internship opportunities, community work, and career exploration. We are interdisciplinary. Our faculty, whether teaching online or in person, are grounded in best pedagogical practices. Some of these practices involve utilizing virtual reality and some are embracing artificial intelligence as a learning tool.
I am proud of CSBS. We are the home of authentic intelligence and authentic care. We are the home of people who care about education, community, and positive transformation. We are THE College of Social and Behavioral Sciences and welcome to the 2023-2024 Academic Year!
EOP Resilient Scholars Program
SBS Graduate Christina Mota
Featured Events
CSUN BikeFest 2024! Save the Date
Sunday, November 3, 2024 - 10:00am to 3:00pm
Please join us for the 3rd Annual CSUN BikeFest event on Sunday, November 3, 2024! Most events kick off at 10:00AM, but come early (8:30AM) for the Road Group Ride with Serious Cycling. We'll have a 35 mile ride for experienced riders and a 20 mile no-drop ride for novice riders. If you do not have a bike, that's OK, bring your skateboard, scooter, mobility device or just your feet. All are welcome to walk and roll with us! All abilities welcome. Get more information and see schedule of events.
The CSBS Salon Series featuring Tabitha Brown
Thursday, November 7, 2024 - 8:00am to 12:00pm
Modeled after the Harlem Renaissance Salons, the College of Social & Behavioral Sciences Salon Series aims to enlighten, inspire, and bring together friends, communities, alumni, faculty, staff, and students. This November, we are thrilled to present The Salon Series, featuring a conversation with the phenomenal Tabitha Brown—actress, social media icon, entrepreneur, and bestselling author. This not-to-be-missed event is not only a chance to connect with an extraordinary figure but also support fundraising for the Community Endowed Professorship in Africana Studies. Read more
Celebration of Life for Dr. Boris Ricks
Wednesday, November 13, 2024 - 4:00pm to 6:00pm
Join the Department of Political Science and the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences as we celebrate the extraordinary life and legacy of Dr. Boris Ricks, who left us suddenly on September 5, 2024. Dr. Rick's impact was felt across countless lives, from his beloved students and colleagues to the communities he championed and inspired. A force of charisma, warmth, and passion, Dr. Ricks committed his life’s work to amplifying Black voices, deconstructing systemic inequalities, and advancing a more just and inclusive society. Read more
Featured News
Globally Prepared Students: CSUN Alumni Publishes in Canadian Foreign Policy Journal
July 3, 2023
CSUN Alumni George Tsouloufas (M.A.Political Science, 2016) has published an article "Revisiting the effectiveness of economic sanctions in the context of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine" in the Canadian Foreign Policy Journal. Read the article abstract.
College of Social and Behavioral Sciences
Sierra Hall, Room 401
18111 Nordhoff Street
Northridge, CA 91330-8256
Mail Drop: 8256
Phone: (818) 677-3317
Fax: (818) 677-3480
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CSBS: Locally Engaged, Globally Prepared
The CSBS College motto is "Locally Engaged, Globally Prepared." This is reflected in all we do ranging from faculty to students. We are the home of educators who are committed to decreasing the distance between communities and campus. Our faculty connect to communities through applied research, internships, and clinics and as a result of engagement with faculty-led initiatives, students are prepared to contribute to solving global problems and competing in global markets.
It is truly an honor to represent CSUN and the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences (CSBS). CSUN and CSBS represent the best of higher education. We focus on student engagement, applied research, connecting communities to the campus and the campus to communities. We value people. We include. We have high expectations for achievement.
These are neither empty expectations nor merely those concerned with the academic. The solutions to social problems are found in our college. We turn to history to learn from ancient societies to recent movements to inform our pursuit elevating our society. Faculty are working with students to address justice issues, urban problems, governmental challenges, human development, and sustainability, and we are updating the curriculum to reflect additions to current knowledge. We can actually say that we are writing the books that are updating the educational cannon for the disciplines in CSBS. In Fall 2022 CSUN welcomes it first cohort of students to the Master of Arts in Sustainability program. This new discipline creates a baseline of learning that allows graduates to work across communities and industries.
We are equipping students with the tools for achievement to successfully address social problems. Scholars in the College are preparing the next generation of educators, researchers, and leaders.