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Food Systems
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–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
- Congrats to Danielle Schmidt for achieving the RSS Dissertation Research Award!The RSS Dissertation Research Award is “designed to stimulate research that will help develop the careers of future rural sociologists and support the broader mission of the Rural Sociological Society.” Her dissertation project aims to… Read more: Congrats to Danielle Schmidt for achieving the RSS Dissertation Research Award!
- “Rural and Small Town America: Myths and Misunderstandings” Talk by Tim Slack on March 13th at 2:30 pm.Come join us for Professor Tim Slack’s presentation on “Rural and Small Town America: Myths and Misunderstandings.” Prof. Slack will be presenting in 354 Ag Hall on March 13th at 2:30 pm.
UW Events
Events
- 09/30/25 Study Abroad Fair
- 11/18/25 Dairy Summit hybrid conference Presented by the Dairy Innovation Hub