Faculty, students, and staff in the University of Wisconsin’s Department of Community and Environmental Sociology are concerned with a wide array of issues from environmental degradation and globalization to sustainability and local food systems. The faculty is made up of an interdisciplinary group trained in fields ranging from sociology to science and technology studies and environmental studies. We are an engaged group whose work, while theoretically informed, is often directed at intervening in and affecting real-life situations. Our graduate program is equally dynamic and is offered jointly with the UW’s Department of Sociology.
The issues discussed in Community and Environmental Sociology classes can also be applied outside of the classroom. In the video below, alumni, students, and faculty from the department discuss their passions and how the major has helped them make a difference.

Undergraduate
The Undergraduate Program connects students with globally esteemed faculty, a wide range of intimate and interactive courses, and a tight-knit community of scholars passionate about understanding and developing solutions to our social and environmental problems. C&E Soc also offers a certificate in Food Systems open to any major.

Graduate
The Department of Sociology and the Department of Community & Environmental Sociology jointly conduct the graduate program.

Research
Research is an integral part of studying people and the environment and C&E Soc students are encouraged to pursue their research interests. Students may join the existing labs supported by the department or conduct independent research through the guidance of faculty.
LEARN HOW YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!!
Engage in hands-on and brain-on learning!
EVENTS
C&E Soc News & Events
- Community and Environmental Sociology Haller Lecture–October 14th at 4:00 pmPlease join us for the Community and Environmental Sociology Haller lecture on October 14th in 354 Ag Hall. Alex Blancette, an Associate Professor of Anthropology and Environmental Studies at Tufts University, will be giving a… Read more: Community and Environmental Sociology Haller Lecture–October 14th at 4:00 pm
- Congrats to Nan Enstad for Receiving Atwood Faculty Fellow Award!Congratulations to Nan Enstad, who has received the 2025 Atwood Faculty Fellow Award. This award recognizes excellence in teaching and provides support for the enhancement of teaching. https://ecals.cals.wisc.edu/2025/08/18/nan-enstad-receives-atwood-faculty-fellow-award/?utm_source=ecals_email_newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=ecals_email_newsletter
- Community and Environmental Sociology Haller Lecture–April 29th at 5:00 pmCome hear Professor Monica White in conversation with three Civil and Voting Rights Giants who were also farmers and leaders in the Black Farmers’ Cooperative Movement: Reverend Wendell Paris, Mr. George Paris, and Mrs. Alice Paris. Their… Read more: Community and Environmental Sociology Haller Lecture–April 29th at 5:00 pm
UW Events
- Oct13 Info Session: Madison College Teaching Fellows STEM grad students & postdocs: learn more about this professional development opportunity.
- Oct13 Biochemistry Colloquium: Aaron T. Smith The ABCs of prokaryotic ferrous iron (Fe2+) transport and sensing
- Oct15 Info Session: STEM Public Service Fellows STEM grad students & postdocs: learn more about this professional development opportunity.
- Oct15 Study Abroad as a CALS Major Info Session