Program accreditation: A professional exchange

As past Chair and current Vice Chair of the Commission on the Accreditation of Programs in Applied and Clinical Sociology I intend to engage international colleagues in a professional exchange on program accreditation. Accreditation in the United States is a process based on program self study and peer review. Programs seeking accreditation must be well-grounded in sociological theory, method, and practical experience such as an internship. The Commission accredits programs at the Baccalaureate, Master’s, and Doctoral Level. My presentation will include the following topics: 1) history of the Commission; 2) benefits of accreditation; and, 3) an overview of Commission Standards. The crucial part of this presentation will be a focus on the Standards. These Standards are the culmination of a collaborative effort on the part of academics and sociological practitioners. As a consequence, meeting these standards ensures a quality program for students who are the future for action oriented sociology. In addition, I will share information on programs that have been accredited by the Commission with the intent of interesting international colleagues in the process.

NOTE: IT IS SUGGESTED THAT THE SESSION TITLE BE CHANGED TO

PROGRAM ACCREDITATION: AN INTERNATIONAL CONVERSATION