College of Natural Sciences — Chico State Skip to Main Content
California State University, Chico
 students learn about functions in higher plants; water and soil relations, photosynthesis, respiration, enzyme action, and growth in their Plant Physiology (BIOL 414) class

College of Natural Sciences

Whether you’re studying cells, stars, or soils, you’ll get real-world experience from day one—with faculty who know your name.

The College of Natural Sciences at Chico State has eight amazing departments with many majors to choose from. Our students gain hands-on experiences in state-of-the-art facilities. 

Research projects, internships and field experiences offer students an opportunity to collaborate and prepare for future success. We offer seminars and colloquia series featuring speakers who are making breakthroughs at the leading edge of mathematical, scientific, and nursing research. Graduates from all our programs find fulfilling and rewarding careers!

Fast Facts

98.5%

NCLEX Pass Rate for Nursing Graduates

In the 2023–24 academic year, 98.53% of Chico State nursing graduates passed the NCLEX-RN exam on their first attempt, surpassing the statewide average.

10–20

Floyd L. English Scholarships Awarded Annually

Each year, 10 to 20 scholarships are awarded to students majoring in programs within the College of Natural Sciences.

1 of 6

Nationally Honored Science Building Design

Chico State’s Science Building is one of just six nationwide to win the AIA Education Facility Design Award.

  • Science Building in front of rising sun paired with changing fall colors

    About the College

    The mission of the College of Natural Sciences is to serve as an anchor institution in Northern California for mathematics and the sciences, providing a diverse set of services to our students and the larger community.

  • Student conversates during the 39th Annual Student Research Symposium, which is designed to promote and recognize excellence in student scholarly research

    Events

    Join the next big idea. Explore events where students and faculty share, experiment, and innovate.

  • Students work on optics and lasers in a physics lab

    Make a Donation

    Your gift empowers students to turn curiosity into real-world impact—starting in our labs.

Discover Stories and More

More science Stories
/

College of Natural Sciences

Want to learn more about programs? Contact us for detailed information or to schedule an advising appointment with our dedicated team.