College of Natural & Social Sciences

Welcome

The College of Natural & Social Sciences is a robust college within a private liberal arts university that offers a variety of undergraduate degrees. Our programs seek to ask big questions and challenge students to think critically and authentically as they engage the world.

Our faculty are highly skilled experts and qualified professionals who reside in the following departments: Biology, Chemistry, Kinesiology, Mathematical, Information & Computer Sciences, Physics & Engineering, Psychology, and Sociology, Social Work, and Family Sciences.

Student Profile

Tommy O'Neil

PLNU student Tommy O'Neil talks about his PLNU journey and pursuing his calling as a physician.

Alumna Story

Yvette Henry

For many, middle school and math may not elicit fond memories, but Yvette Henry, a math teacher at Martin Luther King Middle School in Oceanside, Calif., is trying to change that.

Faculty Spotlight

Michelle Chen, Ph.D.

To explain her field of study, Dr. Michelle Chen, PLNU associate professor of physics, refers to a ball on her desk. It is made up of hexagons, like a soccer ball you can see all the way through.

Alumni Story

Grant Abass

Discover how PLNU helped Grant Abass, PLNU alum and current Duke Medical School student, pursue his calling in medicine.

Walter Cho and a colleague in an underwater submarine

Faculty Spotlight

Walter Cho, Ph.D.

For Dr. Walter Cho, his identity as both a scientist and Christian compels him to set out into the deep — quite literally — never knowing what he’ll find.

Alumni Story

Dan Schanaker

Dan Schanaker once thought he was born into the wrong generation. He wanted to be a rocket scientist in what is often seen as the golden era of space exploration of the mid-twentieth century. He was a little bummed that he missed things like NASA’s Apollo Missions, but then he got a job at SpaceX.

Opportunities for Engagement

Developing into an individual inspired and guided by purpose doesn't only happen inside the walls of the classroom — it happens by coming face-to-face with new opportunities, people, places, and ideas. From faculty-led trips to historical sites and notable hotspots of present-day strategic importance to student-run clubs and honor societies, networking events, research conferences, and more, the College of Natural & Social Sciences offers diverse opportunities for meaningful engagement with big questions.

A student wearing a lab coat and safety gloves writes down his observations.

Pre-Health Program

PLNU's robust pre-health program prepares and equips you for your next step in medical, dental, optometry, pharmacy, public health, or veterinary school.

Psychology student smiling while engaged in fieldwork

Fieldwork in Psychology

Pursuing a major in psychology at PLNU gives you the opportunity to gain real-world experience that can help you in your graduate studies and career.

A focused female student writes down notes in class wither her pencil

MICS Student Research

Students in the Department of Mathematical, Information & Computer Sciences have the opportunity to conduct real-world research alongside expert faculty.

A female ECLC student worker hands a small orange flower to a child in the playground

Early Childhood Learning Center

The Early Childhood Learning Center is a preschool and training lab for children, parents, students, and teachers to interact, play, work, and learn together.

A student athletic trainer helps a basketball player stretch as a professor looks on.

Athletic Training Clinic

PLNU’s Athletic Training Clinic provides students a state-of-the-art sports treatment, recovery, and training facility to hone their craft.

Two biology students gather samples from the river for a summer research project.

Biology Department Research

Our biology department offers undergraduate research in small groups alongside experienced faculty and professionals in the field.

Two male students experimenting with two liquids during a research lab

Chemistry Undergraduate Research

The chemistry department offers undergraduate research under the direction of experienced faculty in a variety of fields within chemistry and biochemistry.

A group of students work on their assignment in class.

Physics and Engineering Student Research

Students who pursue a major in the physics and engineering department have a unique opportunity to conduct research alongside experienced faculty.

Students bust a move in an outside aerobic dance class.

Kinesiology Society

Join the Kinesiology Society to connect with students, faculty, and alumni in your field who can help you network, find a mentor, and stay active!

Location and Hours

Bond Academic Center, First Floor
Main Campus

Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Holiday hours may vary.

Contact Us

If you would like to learn more about the College of Natural & Social Sciences or any of our departments, please reach out to us!

Marvin Milian
Director of Operations
marvinmilian@pointloma.edu
(619) 849-2221