Community and environmental sociology explores the communities in which people live and the relationships between people and their natural environments. Using an integrative approach, the major provides students a broad view of the societal factors involved in issues of environment, food systems, health, and community development, as well as strategies for promoting a more just and sustainable world.

Through core courses, students receive foundational knowledge in sociology and select from a wide range of electives covering environmental stewardship, resource conflicts, public health, social change, social justice, agroecology, rural development, labor, science and technology, colonialism, and globalization.

Graduates go on to a wide variety of 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. A Community and Environmental Sociology major also provides excellent preparation for graduate school. Alumni hold positions as directors, managers, administrators, policymakers, data analysts, planners, consultants, researchers, teachers, health care workers, and civil servants.

Learn through hands-on, real-world experience

Students can apply their course learning to real life through internships, field courses, and research projects. During their final year, majors complete a senior capstone course where they receive instruction helping them integrate what they have learned through previous courses, and also build knowledge and skills that will help them transition into professional careers or graduate school.  This can be done through either seminar-style discussion involving guest speakers and other resources or community-based research projects in collaboration with community groups.

Build community and networks

Students get to know faculty and instructors through departmental courses and social activities, and they can build their networks by participating in student organizations, internships, and research experiences.

Customize a path of study

In addition to a set of core courses, students choose from a wide array of electives to explore their areas of interest within the major. Many choose to add a certificate or double major to their degree. Common certificate options include global health, food systems, organic agriculture, science and technology policy, and environmental studies. Common second majors include environmental sciences, nutritional sciences, agronomy, biology, and wildlife ecology.

Make a strong start

An introductory course provides an overview of topics such as community organizing, local food systems, energy transitions, environmental justice, resource dependence, and sustainable development.

Gain a global perspective

Majors learn about different cultures, communities, and environments through the classes they take, and many choose to study abroad to further expand their perspectives. Majors can choose semester-long programs or summer opportunities at top universities in Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America, or shorter faculty-led study abroad experiences. Students can explore studying abroad as a Community and Environmental Sociology major by utilizing the  Community and Environmental Sociology Major Advising Page. Students work with their advisor and the CALS study abroad office to identify appropriate programs.  

How to Get in

Prospective UW-Madison Students

All prospective UW–Madison students must apply through the Office of Admissions and Recruitment.

Students interested in this major should select it as the first choice major on their UW–Madison application. Admitted students who enroll at UW-Madison and attend Student Orientation, Advising, and Registration (SOAR) with the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences have the option to declare this major at SOAR.

University Requirements

All undergraduate students must complete both the following Core General Education (Core GenEd) and University Degree and Quality of Work requirements. The requirements below apply to students whose first term at UW-Madison or whose earliest post-high school college attendance at any institution is Summer 2026 or later. 

Students whose first term at UW-Madison or whose earliest post-high school college attendance at any institution occurred before Summer 2026 should refer to the archived Guide for the requirements that apply to them.

Core General Education (Core GenEd) Requirements

For more information see the policy.

University Degree and Quality of Work Requirements

All undergraduate degree recipients must complete the following minimum requirements. Requirements for some programs will exceed these requirements; see program requirements for additional information.

College of Agricultural and Life Sciences Requirements

CALS Graduation Requirements 

In addition to the university's general requirements, all undergraduate students in CALS must satisfy a set of college and major requirements. Courses may not double count within university requirements, CALS college requirements, or major requirements.  A course may count toward university requirements and a college and/or a major requirement; similarly, a course counted toward college requirements may also be used to satisfy a university and/or a major requirement.

CALS College Requirements

CALS First-Year Seminars

CALS International Comparisons

Major Requirements

Learning Outcomes

1. Describe and critique the role of social conditions and social change in shaping equities and disparities in environment, health, and community.
2. Analyze how local social conditions and changes relate to global contexts in both rural and urban settings, considering political, ecological, economic, geographic, historical, and cultural dimensions.
3. Conduct ethical social science research using various methods (such as qualitative, quantitative, historical, interdisciplinary, participatory, and action approaches) and evaluate the findings.
4. Demonstrate leadership and collaboration skills by working effectively with people from diverse backgrounds to achieve common goals.
5. Apply professional verbal and written communication skills to discuss social science research effectively with a variety of audiences.

Four-Year Plan

Sample Community and Environmental Sociology Four-Year Plan

Students must complete at least 120 total credits to be eligible for graduation. 

Advising and Careers

Advising

Students have an academic advisor who helps them with course planning and mapping out their degree plans. They also have a faculty mentor, with whom they can discuss internship opportunities and career goals.

Career Opportunities

Graduates go on to a wide variety of careers that help support environmental sustainability, sustainable agricultural systems, community development, and public health – in the private, public, and non-profit sectors. The major also provides excellent preparation for graduate school. Alumni hold professional positions as directors, managers, administrators, policymakers, data analysts, planners, consultants, researchers, teachers, health care workers, and civil servants.

Resources and Scholarships

Students in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences receive more than $1.25 million in scholarships annually. Learn more about college scholarships.

The Department of Community and Environmental Sociology awards an average of $15,000 in scholarships each year to undergraduate students in the department. This includes numerous Crowe Scholarships, which are awarded to students to support research, study abroad, conference fees, and professional society memberships. Crowe Scholarships are also awarded for financial need and academic achievement. Learn more about Community and Environmental Sociology scholarships.