Introduction to the Major
The Society and Environment(link is external)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.
Society and Environment graduates are well-prepared for careers in fields such as environmental consulting, education, health, or law; community, urban, or regional planning; and other related areas of environmentalism in public agencies, nonprofit conservation organizations, and private companies. Graduates are well-qualified for a variety of graduate programs, including law school, public policy school, and even public health programs.
Major Concentrations
Students can select to study Society and Environment through three areas of concentration at the upper division level: (1) US Policy and Management, (2) Global Environmental Politics, or (3) Justice and Sustainability. Students are encouraged to explore one class from each area of concentration before making a final decision for their area of concentration.
Amplify Your Major
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Engage with the Berkeley Food Institute(link is external), Center for Effective Global Action Center(link is external), and Institute for Parks, People, and Biodiversity(link is external)
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Raise Rausser College awareness and join the Peer Advisor Leadership Program(link is external)
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Attend Student Environmental Resource Center(link is external) meetings to engage with sustainability issues on campus.
Jobs and Employers
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Development Assoc., Brandworkers Worker Ctr.
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Energy Program Specialist, DOEE
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Food Access Coord., Pacific Coast Farmers’
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Market Assoc.
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GIS Tech., Municipal Government
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JusticeCorp Member
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Paralegal Specialist, Dept. of Justice,
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Real Estate Agent
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Senior Editor, CALmatters
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Special Education Teacher
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Transportation Assoc., LA Metro Area
Graduate Programs
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Agricultural Sciences, Masters
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Ecology, PhD
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Environmental Science, Masters
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Journalism, Masters
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Latin American Studies, Masters
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Law, JD
Examples gathered from the First Destination Survey(link is external) of recent Berkeley graduates.
Connect With Us
Cal Day
Come to Berkeley’s annual Open House(link is external) in April for information sessions, campus tours, special talks, and more.
Golden Bear Orientation
Join your peers in the campus-wide UC Berkeley orientation(link is external) program for all new students.
Events
Attend department events with students, staff, and faculty. Visit nature.berkeley.edu(link is external) for news and updates.
Advising
The Undergraduate Advisors for all Rausser College majors are located in the Office of Instruction and Student Affairs in 260 Mulford Hall.
Visit nature.berkeley.edu/advising/meet-rausser-advisors(link is external) for detailed office hours and appointment booking links. You may email general advising questions to soc.env.ugrad@berkeley.edu(link sends e-mail)
How to Use this Map
Use this map to help plan and guide your experience at UC Berkeley, including academic, co-curricular, and discovery opportunities. Everyone’s Berkeley experience is different and activities in this map are suggestions. Always consult with your advisors whenever possible for new opportunities and updates.
