Majoring in Society and Environment

Social and environmental problems are deeply intertwined. The Society and Environment (S&E) major introduces students to the main approaches and theory for environmental social sciences, including how social science tools can be applied to environmental problems, and how social science theories contribute to understanding environmental problems.

Overview

Society and Environment introduces students to the main approaches and theory for environmental social sciences, including how social science tools can be applied to environmental problems, and how social science theories contribute to understanding environmental problems. Students are exposed to three areas of concentration, and choose to focus on one: (1) U.S. Environmental Policy and Management, (2) Global Environmental Politics, or (3) Justice and Sustainability. Offered by the Department of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management (ESPM). 

What will I study?

At the upper division level there are three major areas of concentration. Students are exposed to all three areas and choose to focus in one:

  • U.S. Environmental Policy and Management
  • Global Environmental Politics
  • Justice and Sustainability

Can I study abroad?

The Rausser College of Natural Resources encourages its students to add an international dimension to their education by participating in a study abroad program. Study abroad provides an opportunity to expand your academic and cultural experiences while staying on track to complete your major requirements. Each year, students in the Society  Environment major attend a variety of programs around the world. With proper academic planning, students can have the experience of a lifetime with no loss of time in completing their degrees. Students who take relevant coursework abroad may be able to use coursework from abroad to satisfy graduation requirements. Check-in with your major advisor to find out examples of courses students have successfully petitioned to have counted towards their program in the past. More information about studying abroad can be found here

Advising

Major Advising: 
Katie Owensby
soc.env.ugrad@berkeley.edu
260 Mulford Hall
University of California 
Berkeley, CA 94720
View our advising hours schedule here

Faculty Advisor:
Dara O’Rourke
ESPM Department 
orourke@berkeley.edu