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.
EVENTS
C&E Soc News & Events
- Check out a newly published paper by one of our graduate students, Clayton Adamson!Clayton Adamson, a graduate student in the Sociology department, recently published a paper about economic development and stratification in the Cambridge Journal of Regions, Economy, and Society. Check out the paper here: http://academic.oup.com/cjres/advance-article/doi/10.1093/cjres/rsag031/8776640 Abstract: Economic… Read more: Check out a newly published paper by one of our graduate students, Clayton Adamson!
- Community and Environmental Sociology Haller Lecture–April 16th at 4:00 pmPlease join us for the Community and Environmental Sociology Haller lecture on April 16th at 4:00 in 125 Ag Hall. John Gaventa and Gabe Schwartzman will be speaking on “Dialogues on Shifting Power in Rural… Read more: Community and Environmental Sociology Haller Lecture–April 16th at 4:00 pm
- Danielle Schmidt Receives Mini-GrantDanielle Schmidt has received a 2025 CIAS Graduate Student Summer Research Mini-Grant. Congratulations Danielle!
UW Events
- Oct26 Biochemistry Colloquium: Luke Gilbert Repurposing CRISPR to turn genes on and off
- Oct27 Authorship and International Collaboration
- Oct29 Anthrax, Cholera, and Bot – Oh No! The precise identification of bacterial strains' origins Paul Keim — Northern Arizona University | Host: Sabine Pellett
- Oct29 CALS Honorary Recognition Ceremony

