Bachelor of Arts

Sociology-Environmental Studies

Sociology-Environmental Studies majors analyze the social dimensions of natural and built environments.  More specifically, students explore questions such as how do people’s experiences of and knowledge about environmental issues differ by race, class, gender and nationality? How do those differences shape perspectives on environmental problems and ecological damage such as species decline, toxic contamination, air and water pollution, especially now that the rate of damage is increasing? The critical study of social factors that influence environmental issues such as population growth, globalization, climate change, environmental health and environmental justice, leads to a greater understanding of society’s efforts to address such problems.

Total credit requirements for Sociology-Environmental Studies

59 total credits  including 34 credits in sociology plus 25 Environmental Studies credits

  • 59 total credits including 34 credits in sociology plus 25 Environmental Studies credits
  • Required Courses 
    • Sociology 117, 207, 229, 251, 490, 492 or 498
    • Environmental Studies 488 or 498  
    • One course from Sociology 325, 329 or 353 
    • One additional four-credit course in sociology
    • One relevant Environmental Social Science Course (not in Sociology) from the list above in the Environmental Studies social science foundation courses
  • Senior Requirements
    • Sociology 492 or 498 and Environmental Studies 488 or 498
    • pass a senior assessment
      • oral comprehensive examination
  • Honors
  • Students do not apply for admission to candidacy for honors
  • Students must submit a proposal for their thesis or project
    • Must be submitted within the first six weeks of the two-semester period in which student is eligible
  • Accumulated at least 87 credits
  • Completed two semesters of residency at Whitman.
  • Cumulative GPA of at least 3.300 on all credits earned at Whitman College
  • Major GPA of at least 3.500
  • Complete a written thesis or research project prepared exclusively for the satisfaction of this program
  • Earn a grade of at least A- on the honors thesis or project and the honors thesis course
  • Pass the senior assessment with distinction
  • Chair of the department will notify the Registrar of students attaining Honors no later than the beginning of week 12 of the semester.
  • An acceptable digital copy of the Honors Thesis must be submitted to Penrose Library no later than Reading Day

Required Courses

Item #
Title
Credits
4
4
Sub-Total Credits
34

Environmental Studies Major Requirements

Sub-Total Credits
25

Senior Requirements

  • Sociology 492 or 498 and Environmental Studies 488 or 498
  • pass a senior assessment
    • oral comprehensive examination

Honors

  • Students do not apply for admission to candidacy for honors
  • Students must submit a proposal for their thesis or project
    • Must be submitted within the first six weeks of the two-semester period in which student is eligible
  • Accumulated at least 87 credits
  • Completed two semesters of residency at Whitman.
  • Cumulative GPA of at least 3.300 on all credits earned at Whitman College
  • Major GPA of at least 3.500
  • Complete a written thesis or research project prepared exclusively for the satisfaction of this program
  • Earn a grade of at least A- on the honors thesis or project and the honors thesis course
  • Pass the senior assessment with distinction
  • Chair of the department will notify the Registrar of students attaining Honors no later than the beginning of week 12 of the semester.
  • An acceptable digital copy of the Honors Thesis must be submitted to Penrose Library no later than Reading Day
Total Credits
59