Community and environmental sociology is the relationship between people and their environment
Community and environmental sociology explores the communities people live in and the relationships between people and their natural environments.
As a Community and Environmental Sociology major you will:
- Explore specialized topics in environmental stewardship, resource conflicts, public health, social change and justice, agroecology, rural development, labor, science and technology, colonialism, and globalization
- Gain a broad view of the societal factors involved in issues of the environment, food systems, health, and community development, as well as strategies for promoting a more just and sustainable world
- Discover how aspects such as new technologies, globalization, changing social values, public policies, and the rise of new social movements are related to each other
Career Paths
Community and environmental sociology graduates are prepared for careers in environmental conservation, community and international development, food systems, law, public policy, sociology, and public health—in the private, public, and non-profit sectors.
Here are just a few examples of what our community and environmental sociology graduates are doing with their careers:
What CALS alumni do:
Environmental Educator
Water Quality Technician
Assistant Researcher
Consultant
Volunteer Services Manager
Farm Hand
Lab Technician
Where CALS alumni work:
USDA Rural Development
UW Extension
Wildlife Refuge Center
Fund for Public Interest
Good Steward Consulting
What CALS alumni do:
Environmental Educator
Water Quality Technician
Assistant Researcher
Consultant
Volunteer Services Manager
Operations Manager
Where CALS alumni work:
Dane County
State of Wisconsin
Veterans Affairs
USDA Rural Development
WI Department of Health Services
What CALS alumni do:
Medical Lab Technician
Administrative Assistant
Behavioral Health Specialist
Where CALS alumni work:
SSM Health
Journey Mental Health Center
UW Health
Allina Health
Aurora Health Care
Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation
What can CALS offer you?
CALS students are curious to discover how our living world works and are passionate about using science to improve it.
Our programs span five areas of study and encourage students to pursue their passions in the classroom and beyond. Learn more about how our students are set up for success:
- Scholarships
- Career Services
- Study Abroad
- Honors Program
- QuickStart – online, summer program for first-year students
Want to learn more about community and environmental sociology?
Explore admission requirements, course offerings, 4-year plans, and more on UW–Madison’s undergraduate Guide.
Your CALS Experience
53%
Students who participate in research
85%
Students who complete an internship
71%
Students who complete a seminar course
Advisor & Contact Information
Advisors can answer your questions, help you create a degree plan that meets your personal and professional goals, and connect you to resources across the UW–Madison campus.
Incoming students should reach out to CALS Academic Affairs to direct your questions. Current UW–Madison students should schedule with their assigned advisor using Starfish.
CALS Academic Affairs
116 Agricultural Hall
1450 Linden Dr., Madison, WI 53706
academicaffairs@cals.wisc.edu
(608) 262-3003
Community and Environmental Sociology Major Advising
350 Agricultural Hall
1450 Linden Dr., Madison, WI 53706
contact@dces.wisc.edu
(608) 262-1510
Want to learn more about community and environmental sociology?