Community and Environmental Sociology provides a broad view of how forces such as new technologies, globalization, changing social values, public policies, and the rise of new social movements are related to each other. In addition, we study local and practical issues such as community change, the interaction of humans and the environment, applied demography, the social issues of science and technology, and the design of more locally-oriented food systems. The undergraduate major leads to a bachelor of science degree awarded by the College of Agricultural & Life Sciences.
Faculty in the Department of Community and Environmental Sociology teach about a wide range of issues, including agro-food systems, community development, environmental sociology, applied demography, science and technology studies, and the sociology of labor markets.
Students from other colleges within the university may pursue Community and Environmental Sociology as an additional major. When pursuing Community and Environmental Sociology as a second major, the undergraduate student must meet university general education requirements and CALS breadth requirements, along with the specific requirements for the C&E SOC major.
Findings from two UW surveys show 90% of Letters & Science alumni, including Sociology majors, are either employed full time, attending graduate school, or employed and continuing their education. Many of the benefits from their degree also apply to Community & Environmental Sociology majors. Most of the alumni said that obtaining and processing information, verbal communication, and working in a team structure are required for their jobs. These skills are often developed during the Community and Environmental Sociology classes.