Social Ecology - B.A. Completion Program

The B.A. in Social Ecology Program examines the vital, evolving relationships between individuals and their social and natural environments. By analyzing the surrounding contexts of history, society, culture, and the earth, students are empowered to envision and create a better world, one that puts justice, sustainability, and compassion at the center.

The Social Ecology Program draws from traditional disciplines such as sociology, psychology, social anthropology, communications, history, and the arts, as well as from innovative transdisciplinary fields such as women's studies, ethnic studies, consciousness studies, media studies, global studies, ecology, and spirituality. Students study cultural practices as well as social institutions and processes. They become competent interpreters of surrounding social forces, and effective communicators and participants in diverse surroundings. They also acquire the practical tools to make meaningful contributions to their communities.

Because we prize good relationships, we are devoted to supporting the growth and well-being of our students and to fostering a sense of community among students, faculty, and staff. Personalized advising, coupled with a dynamic interdisciplinary curriculum, facilitates both academic development and personal transformation and so serves as a powerful pathway to professional or graduate work. Our graduates have developed vital ways of understanding, creating, relating, and being that have made them successful professionals in a variety of fields: business, teaching, social work, human resources, psychology, public/social service, law, and many others.

Degree Requirements

Sample courses:

Special topics courses offered include:

Track in Multicultural Studies (optional) 12 units

Courses equip students with multicultural competency. Students investigate the ways social categories, such as race, ethnicity, nationality, class, gender, sexuality and disability, shape social relations at home and in global contexts. Students also explore creative paths and spiritual practices as sources of inspiration for social transformation.

Sample courses:

Track in Women's Studies (optional) 12 units

This curriculum exposes students to theories and practices that give voice to a wide range of women's experience often overlooked by conventional studies and mainstream culture. Topics range from gender, sexuality, psychology and health to language, culture, spirit and social change.

Sample courses: