Meet the Department Chairs:
Dr. Harold Smith, Chair
The Department of Child and Adolescent Development offers a degree program which leads to a Bachelor of Arts in Child Development. Students explore the scientific study of human development from birth through adolescence with an interdisciplinary focus that includes psychological, educational, and social-behavioral perspectives.
Dr. Stephen Sinclair, Chair
The Department Communication Disorders and Sciences has a three-dimensional mission of teaching, research and service for the advancement of human potential in speech, language and hearing. As part of a comprehensive university system dedicated to undergraduate and graduate instruction, teaching is regarded as the first priority. The major involves studies in the disciplines of speech and hearing sciences, audiology, and speech-language pathology.
Dr. Tom Hatfield, Chair
The Department of Environmental and Occupational Health studies the relationship between human health and the environment. Whether it is air or water pollution, hazardous waste, unsafe food, or other special environments, we look for practical actions to protect human health. The department is approved by the California Department of Health Services and accredited by the National Environmental Health Science and Protection Accreditation Council (BS and MS). The BS in Industrial Hygiene is accredited by the Applied Science Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering Technology.
Dr. Alyce Akers, Chair
The Department of Family and Consumer Sciences has a mission to enhance the quality of life for individuals, families. We are 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. We encompass 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.
Dr. Brian Malec, Chair
The Department of Health Sciences provides a nationally renowned, comprehensive education. Whether the chosen focus is on public or private heath, our graduates enter the professional world with expertise, confidence and practical insight that starts them out ahead of the competition. The study of Health Sciences is multidisciplinary. Our students learn how varied factors affect the health of individuals, and in turn, entire populations.
Dr. Carole Oglesby, Chair
The Department of Kinesiology offers degree programs that encompass the art and science of human movement. We offer a comprehensive education toward the Bachelor and Master of Science degrees with the newest and most comprehensive facilities in the CSU system. Degree programs in Kinesiology at CSUN encompass the art and science of human movement. We maximize interaction between students and faculty by keeping class sizes down to an average of 30-40 students. All-new laboratories for Exercise Physiology, Biomechanics, Athletic Training and Motor Behavior/Motor Learning enhance research and learning experiences.
Dr. Craig Finney, Chair
The Department of Recreation and Tourism Management facilitates student achievement toward educational and career goals through a learning-centered academic program that develops intellectual capacity and practical skills. We are committed to excellence, experiential learning, and the development of innovative professionals who are capable of adapting to dynamic environments. We use the Greater Los Angeles urban area as a unique and dynamic cosmopolitan laboratory to promote appreciation of, and advocacy for the benefits of play, leisure and recreation across the lifespan. We offer a variety of general education courses to make these experiences available to all CSU Northridge students.
Dr. Janna Beling, Chair
The Department of Physical Therapy at CSUN has a history of over 30 years of graduating outstanding physical therapists. Physical therapists are licensed medical professionals who provide services aimed at preventing the onset and/or slowing the progression of conditions resulting from injury, disease, and other causes. Our PT program has maintained accreditation throughout its history and was recently awarded full accreditation through 2013. Acceptance into the MPT program requires a bachelor's degree prior to beginning the first semester of courses. The bachelor's degree may be in any field and from any accredited college or university, as long as the other CSUN admissions requirements are fulfilled.