Environmental sociology degree programs examine how human societies interact with their environments, from bachelor's through doctoral levels. These programs prepare students to research environmental justice, policy development, and sustainable community practices. Most undergraduate programs offer sociology degrees with environmental concentrations, while graduate programs provide specialized training in environmental research methods, leading to careers in academia, policy analysis, and environmental advocacy.
Environmental sociology sits at the intersection of two critical fields: understanding how people behave in groups and how those groups interact with the natural world. If you've ever wondered why communities make environmentally destructive choices-or more importantly, how to help them change-this field might be for you.
Why an Environmental Sociology Degree?
We've worked with students exploring this path for years, and here's what we know: environmental sociology isn't just about studying problems. It's about understanding the social dimensions of environmental issues like climate change, resource depletion, and environmental injustice, then using that knowledge to create real change. Whether you're interested in environmental psychology, community organizing, or policy development, this degree path offers multiple entry points and career directions.
Let's walk through what these programs actually look like, what you'll learn, and where they can take you.
Why Choose Environmental Sociology?
Sociology studies collective behavior-how groups of people think, act, and make decisions together. Environmental sociology takes that lens and focuses it specifically on environmental issues. You'll study why groups make environmentally destructive choices, what social factors drive resource depletion, and how communities can shift toward sustainable practices.
Here's what makes this field unique: while environmental science focuses on the technical and biological aspects of environmental problems, environmental sociology examines the human element. You're not just measuring pollution levels-you're researching why that pollution happens, who it affects most, and what social structures need to change to prevent it.
The field addresses critical questions like: Why do some communities bear a disproportionate burden of environmental hazards? How do economic systems drive unsustainable practices? What policy changes actually work to protect both people and ecosystems?
Environmental Sociology vs Related Fields
Students often ask how environmental sociology differs from related programs. Here's a straightforward comparison:
| Field | Primary Focus | Core Methods | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Environmental Sociology | Social causes and consequences of environmental issues; group behavior and environmental policy | Surveys, interviews, statistical analysis, policy research | Students interested in environmental justice, policy analysis, and community organizing |
| Environmental Science | Natural systems, ecosystems, conservation biology, and environmental chemistry | Laboratory work, field research, data modeling, scientific analysis | Students who want to work directly with natural systems and technical solutions |
| Environmental Studies | An interdisciplinary approach combining science, policy, and the humanities | Mixed methods from multiple disciplines | Students wanting broad environmental education without deep specialization |
| Environmental Psychology | Individual and small group environmental perceptions and behaviors | Psychological research methods, behavioral studies, and perception analysis | Students interested in behavior change and human-environment relationships |
Comparing Degree Levels: What's Right for You?
Environmental sociology programs span from undergraduate through doctoral studies. Here's what each level offers:
| Degree Level | Time Commitment | Typical Career Outcomes | When to Stop Here |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's Degree | 4 years full-time | Research assistant roles, social services, nonprofit organizations, environmental advocacy groups (often not in research positions) | If you want to work in applied social services or gain experience before graduate school |
| Master's Degree | 2-3 years | Policy analysis, NGO research positions, government agencies, consulting, or preparation for PhD work | If you want research or policy work without committing to academia |
| Doctoral Degree (PhD) | 5-7 years | University faculty, senior research positions, policy leadership roles, and think tanks. | Required for tenure-track faculty positions and leading independent research |
Let's be honest about something: a bachelor's degree in sociology-even with an environmental focus-is usually just the beginning if you want a research career. Most sociology jobs require advanced degrees due to the field's research intensity. That said, undergraduate programs provide a strong foundation and help you determine if this path is right for you.
Environmental Sociology Undergraduate Programs
Here's the reality: undergraduate degrees specifically in environmental sociology are rare. Most students earn generalized sociology degrees, and a growing number of departments now offer ecological sociology as a concentration within that broader degree.
Typical sociology programs include required coursework on quantitative sociological analysis and research design, plus electives covering social problems, criminal justice, policy, economics, community development, and studies of class, race, and gender. Programs offering environmental concentrations add courses on environmental justice, development patterns, and the sociology of ecological problems.
Some programs also allow you to complement your sociology coursework with classes in natural sciences, political science, or geographic information systems (GIS)-skills that strengthen your environmental work.
School Spotlight: Colorado State University
Colorado State University's sociology department offers undergraduate programs with an environmental sociology track. The concentration includes courses on global environmental issues, sociology of disaster, environmental justice, human population and natural resource use, social change, and related topics. After completing the required courses, students have 30 electives, which they can use to take complementary courses in natural sciences, political science, or related areas.
School Spotlight: North Carolina Central University
North Carolina Central University offers a Bachelor of Science Degree in Environmental Science with an Environmental Sociology Concentration. A central theme addresses the effects of environmental problems on communities of color. Students complete core math and science courses, while the concentration integrates sociology department offerings, including courses on the sociology of air and water issues and urban life. A senior seminar and internship with a public or private organization is required.
Master's Degrees in Environmental Sociology
Many graduates with environmental sociology concentrations pursue master's degrees, often as a stepping stone to doctoral work. Graduate programs offer more specialized coursework focusing on various aspects ofecologicall sociology, though the breadth of offerings varies significantly by institution.
Some colleges offer only one or two environmental-focused courses, while others with broader faculty interests provide courses on numerous niche topics. Master's programs typically require additional coursework in statistics and research methods-essential tools for conducting meaningful environmental sociology research.
Graduate programs often provide funding through teaching or research assistantships, which can significantly offset tuition costs while building your experience. These positions typically involve teaching undergraduate sections or assisting faculty with research projects.
School Spotlight: Rutgers University
The Department of Sociology at Rutgers University in New Jersey administers a robust Environment, Technology, and Society Program for graduate students. The program studies how groups interact with both natural and built environments. It draws on research in environmental sociology, organizational theory, political science, economic theory, the sociology of development, and the sociology of science and technology to investigate patterns that lead to sustainable and unsustainable practices.
School Spotlight: University of Montana
The University of Montana, located in Missoula, offers a Master of Arts in Sociology with a specialization in Rural and Environmental Change. The program focuses on the American West, covering topics including rural health, welfare and work, community development and assessment, indigenous peoples, and natural resource management. In addition to core graduate courses, students complete a seminar in rural and environmental change and two additional specialization courses. Students interested in the ecological track typically take Environmental Sociology and Population and Society.
School Spotlight: New Mexico State University
New Mexico State University offers a graduate program with a specialization in environmental sociology. In addition to courses on advanced sociological research, available courses include environmental sociology, globalization, and the sociology of development and underdevelopment.
Doctoral Programs in Environmental Sociology
Doctoral degrees are required for college faculty positions and often necessary for senior research roles at nonprofits, corporations, and government agencies. These programs focus heavily on research methods and independent study to prepare candidates for leading research initiatives.
PhD programs typically take 5-7 years to complete and involve comprehensive exams, original dissertation research, and often teaching experience. Many programs provide full funding through fellowships, teaching assistantships, or research assistantships that cover tuition and provide a living stipend.
Be prepared for a competitive job market. Academic positions are limited, and even with a PhD, securing a tenure-track faculty position requires a strong publication record, teaching experience, and often several years of postdoctoral experience.
School Spotlight: University of Colorado, Boulder
The University of Colorado, Boulder, offers a Ph.D. in Sociology with a concentration in Environmental Sociology. The program's strengths align with faculty expertise, including population-environment dynamics, agrifood systems, environmental inequality and justice, and environmental regulatory agency dynamics. Ph.D. students benefit from proximity to numerous environmental organizations, providing opportunities for collaborative research and networking.
School Spotlight: Northeastern University
Northeastern University offers a Bachelor's in Environmental Sociology with a focus on environmental justice and health. Candidates may choose a concentration in Environment and Health. The program investigates links between societal causes of illness and environmental degradation, with particular strength in ecological inequality. Students access resources from affiliated ecological justice and health centers.
Application & Admissions Guidance
If you're considering graduate programs in environmental sociology, here's what you need to know about the application process:
Prerequisites by Level: Master's programs typically require a bachelor's degree in sociology or a related social science. PhD programs usually require a master's degree, though some accept exceptional candidates directly from undergraduate programs.
GRE Requirements: Many programs have moved away from requiring GRE scores, recognizing they don't reliably predict graduate success. However, some competitive programs still require or recommend them. Check individual program requirements and consider whether your application would benefit from strong scores.
Application Materials: Expect to submit a statement of purpose outlining your research interests, writing samples demonstrating your analytical abilities, letters of recommendation from faculty familiar with your academic work, and transcripts. Your statement of purpose should connect your interests to specific faculty members' research at each program.
Timeline: Most doctoral programs have deadlines between December and February for fall admission. Master's programs may have later deadlines or rolling admissions. Start preparing applications at least six months in advance.
Online & Flexible Program Options
While most environmental sociology graduate programs operate primarily in-person due to research and collaboration requirements, some universities now offer hybrid formats combining online coursework with periodic intensive on-campus sessions. These options work well for working professionals or those unable to relocate.
Fully online bachelor's degrees in sociology with environmental focuses are increasingly available, though hands-on research opportunities may be limited. If considering online options, verify that programs include research methods training and opportunities to work with faculty on environmental projects-essential for graduate school preparation or career advancement.
Career Paths for Environmental Sociologists
Let's address the elephant in the room: most environmental sociologists work as faculty at colleges and universities. Academic positions remain the most common career outcome, particularly for those with PhDs.
However, that's not the only path. Environmental sociologists also find positions with:
Environmental Nonprofits and NGOs: Organizations such as the Environmental Defense Fund, the Natural Resources Defense Council, and the Sierra Club employ sociologists to research community impacts, assess policy effectiveness, and develop advocacy strategies.
Government Agencies: Federal agencies (EPA, Department of the Interior) and state environmental departments hire sociologists for policy analysis, community engagement, and ecological justice program development.
Corporate Sustainability: Private sector companies increasingly employ environmental sociologists to assess community impacts, develop stakeholder engagement strategies, and improve corporate environmental practices.
Policy Think Tanks: Research organizations and policy centers employ environmental sociologists to study environmental regulation, community resilience, and sustainable development.
Community Organizations: Grassroots environmental justice organizations hire sociologists to conduct community needs assessments, document ecological health impacts, and support organizing efforts.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment for sociologists to grow 5% through 2032, which is about as fast as the average for all occupations. This includes environmental sociologists, whose expertise in sustainability and ecological justice aligns with growing societal concerns. Approximately 400 new positions are projected annually, though this consists of all sociology specializations.
Those with doctoral degrees, strong research skills, and demonstrated ability to secure research funding will have the best opportunities. Competition for academic positions remains strong, making non-academic career planning increasingly important.
Core Skills You'll Develop
Environmental sociology programs build both technical research capabilities and environmental-specific expertise. You'll develop competencies that translate across research, policy, and advocacy work.
Research and analytical skills include:
- Quantitative Analysis: You'll use statistical methods to analyze survey data, demographic patterns, and environmental trends, often using software like SPSS, R, or Stata.
- Qualitative Research: Skills in conducting interviews, focus groups, and ethnographic observation help you understand community perspectives and lived experiences with environmental issues.
- Research Design: Learn to develop research questions, select appropriate methods, and design studies that produce reliable, actionable findings.
- Data Collection: Gather information through surveys, literature reviews, government databases, and community-based participatory research.
- Critical Analysis: Use sociological reasoning to identify root causes of environmental problems and evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of proposed solutions.
Environmental-specific competencies include:
- Environmental Justice Analysis: Understand how ecological burdens and benefits are distributed across communities, with particular attention to race, class, and geography.
- Policy Evaluation: Assess how environmental policies affect different social groups and identify unintended consequences.
- Spatial Analysis: Many programs now integrate GIS (Geographic Information Systems) skills to map environmental hazards and analyze spatial patterns of environmental inequality.
- Community Engagement: Develop skills for working with communities affected by environmental problems, including participatory research methods and culturally responsive approaches.
- Sustainability Assessment: Evaluate social dimensions of sustainability initiatives and understand how communities transition toward more sustainable practices.
Professional skills employers value:
- Scientific Writing: Produce clear, compelling research papers, reports, and policy briefs for academic and public audiences.
- Presentation Skills: Communicate complex findings to diverse audiences, from academic conferences to community meetings.
- Grant Writing: Many sociologists need to secure research funding, making grant writing an essential skill for academic and nonprofit work.
- Collaboration: Work effectively in interdisciplinary teams, bridging social science with natural sciences, public health, and policy.
These skills position you for diverse career paths, from university research to policy advocacy to community organizing around environmental issues.
Choosing the Right Program
Not all environmental sociology programs are the same. When evaluating options, consider these factors:
Faculty Research Interests: Look for programs where multiple faculty members work on environmental topics that interest you. Graduate education centers on mentorship-you need faculty whose research aligns with your goals.
Funding Availability: PhD programs should offer full funding through fellowships or assistantships. Master's programs vary-some provide funding, others don't. Understand funding realities before committing.
Methodological Training: Strong programs provide rigorous training in both quantitative and qualitative methods. Review course offerings to ensure comprehensive training in methods.
Fieldwork Opportunities: Some programs offer chances to conduct field research in communities facing environmental challenges. These experiences provide invaluable practical knowledge and professional connections.
Interdisciplinary Options: Programs with connections to environmental science, public health, urban planning, or other disciplines offer opportunities to broaden your expertise and collaboration networks.
Location: Consider whether you want to study near specific environmental issues (coastal change, extractive industries, urban ecological justice) or communities you hope to work with.
Program Size: Smaller programs offer more individualized attention; larger programs provide more course variety and peer collaboration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between environmental sociology and environmental science?
Environmental science focuses on natural systems, ecosystems, and technical solutions to environmental problems using biology, chemistry, and physics. Environmental sociology examines the social causes and consequences of environmental issues-why people and societies create environmental problems, who bears the costs, and what social changes can address them. Environmental science asks "what's happening to the environment?" while environmental sociology asks "why are people doing this, and how can we change it?"
Can I get an environmental sociology degree online?
Fully online environmental sociology degrees are rare, especially at the graduate level. Some universities offer hybrid programs combining online coursework with periodic on-campus intensives. Most graduate programs require in-person participation due to research collaborations, seminars, and hands-on training. Online bachelor's degrees in sociology with environmental focuses are more common, though research opportunities may be limited compared to in-person programs.
Do I need a bachelor's degree in sociology to pursue graduate work in environmental sociology?
Not necessarily. Most master's programs accept students with bachelor's degrees in related social sciences, such as anthropology, political science, or environmental studies. Intense research methods coursework and demonstrated interest in environmental issues matter more than your specific undergraduate major. Some programs may require you to take undergraduate sociology courses before beginning graduate work if your background is limited.
What's the job market like for environmental sociologists?
Be realistic: competition for academic positions is strong, and most faculty jobs require a PhD and a strong publication record. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 5% growth for sociologists through 2032 (about 400 annual openings across all specializations). Non-academic positions with nonprofits, government agencies, and consulting firms are growing but still competitive. Your best opportunities come with strong research skills, practical experience, and flexibility about job type and location.
How long does it take to become an environmental sociologist?
The timeline depends on your career goals. A bachelor's degree takes four years. Add 2-3 years for a master's degree if you want policy or applied research work. For academic positions, expect another 5-7 years after a PhD, plus 1-3 years in postdoctoral positions, before securing a faculty role. Total time from bachelor's to faculty position typically spans 12-15 years. Non-academic careers may not require a PhD, shortening the timeline to 6-7 years total.
Is GIS (Geographic Information Systems) important for environmental sociologists?
Increasingly, yes. GIS skills help you map environmental hazards, visualize patterns of environmental inequality, and conduct spatial analysis of social-environmental relationships. Many employers-especially government agencies and nonprofits-value sociologists who can combine social research with spatial analysis. While not required for all positions, GIS skills significantly expand your career options and research capabilities.
What kind of salary can environmental sociologists expect?
Salaries vary significantly by position type. According to 2024 BLS data, the median annual wage for sociologists overall is $101,770. University faculty positions typically range from $50,000 to $80,000 for assistant professors, increasing with rank and institution type. Nonprofit research positions often pay $45,000-$70,000. Government positions typically pay $60,000- $90,000. Senior researchers and policy directors may earn $90,000-$120,000+. Your earnings depend heavily on education level, experience, sector, and location.
Key Takeaways
- Degree Pathways: Environmental sociology spans bachelor's through doctoral programs, with most undergraduate degrees offered as sociology majors with environmental concentrations rather than as standalone environmental sociology degrees. Graduate programs provide specialized training in environmental research methods and theory.
- Realistic Career Expectations: Most environmental sociologists work in academia as faculty or researchers. Non-academic positions exist with nonprofits, government agencies, and consulting firms, but competition is intense. A PhD is typically required for faculty positions, while a master's degree is generally needed for policy and applied research roles.
- Essential Skills: Programs develop both traditional sociological research skills (quantitative and qualitative methods, statistical analysis, research design) and environmental-specific competencies, such as environmental justice analysis, GIS, policy evaluation, and community-based research approaches.
- Program Selection Matters: Choose programs based on faculty research interests, funding availability, methodological training rigor, and fieldwork opportunities. Interdisciplinary programs that connect to environmental science, public health, or policy offer valuable cross-training.
- Growing Field with Challenges: The field is expanding as environmental justice and sustainability concerns grow, with the BLS projecting 5% growth through 2032. However, academic job markets remain competitive. Flexibility about job type, location, and sector significantly improves your employment prospects.
Ready to explore environmental sociology programs? Find accredited sociology programs with environmental focuses that align with your career goals and research interests.
2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and job growth figures for Sociologists reflect state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed January 2026.
