Why study Environmental Sociology?
"I feel ahead of the curve. I understand sustainability concepts and pull from a lot of my courses. It’s been incredible to see my undergrad degree play out in front of me and be able to step in." – Leah ('18), Consultant at Deloitte, formerly a Research Analyst & Deputy Project Manager at the U.S. Trade & Development Agency
"A degree in Environmental Sociology gives you a competitive edge. You’re looking at issues with a people approach as well as a natural science approach. You can work within systems and the social world around you while also understanding the physical world." – Brooke ('21), Senior Specialist in Environmental Services at the City of Fort Collins
Opportunities to:
Learn how to address contemporary issues at multiple scales – from individuals, to communities, to nations.
Develop tools to better understand the sources of issues and create systems-based solutions to vital social and environmental problems.
Gain a strong theoretical foundation in sociology, research methods, data collection, and analysis. These are all essential skills for a wide variety of careers associated with environment, natural resources, policy, justice, or advocacy – as well as strong preparation for graduate or law school.
Connect with alumni & faculty through our unique mentoring program that models how to transfer students’ sociological skill sets to meaningful employment after graduation.
To add or change your major or concentration, make an appointment with your Academic Success Coordinator by calling 970-491-3117 or stopping by the Academic Support Center in Hartshorn.
To add an Environmental Sociology minor, email Emily Martin, Sociology's Academic Coordinator, or call our Main Office at 970-491-6044.
Course Highlights:
Our faculty teach and conduct research & outreach in areas like environmental inequalities, natural resource conservation, and food justice. These are some of our students' favorite courses:
SOC 220 : Environment, Food, Social Justice
SOC 320 : Population-Natural Resources & Environment
SOC 322 : Environmental Justice
SOC 324 : Food Justice
SOC 359 : Green Criminology
SOC 360 : Political Sociology
SOC 364 : Food, Agriculture & Global Society
SOC 460 : Society and Environment
SOC 461 : Water & Social Justice
SOC 463 : Sociology of Disaster
SOC 487 : Internship
Our 15-credit Certificate in Applied Social Research is a great addition to any major. Help create new pathways for social change with as you learn to identify, gather, interpret, and organize information about today’s pressing social justice issues. Get hands-on training for making evidence-driven arguments. Acquire concrete skills and research tools that employers look for on your resume!