Making Sociology Viable: Certifying Practitioners and Accrediting Programs

Individual practitioners may be certified as more than adequately trained and experienced, while teaching programs may be accredited as having the faculty, facilities and curriculum necessary for a well-rounded education. In the United States the Association for Applied and Clinical Sociology (AACS) certifies individual practitioners at the Master's or Doctoral level. The process involves an evaluation by previously certified peers and includes the submission of a portfolio and the completion of a demonstration in which applicants showcase their action oriented work. Certification is not state licensure.

The Commission on the Accreditation of Programs in Applied and Clinical Sociology (CAPACS) accredits sociology programs at the Baccalaureate, Master's, and Doctoral level.  The program must meet curriculum standards in the areas of sociological theory, methods, skills, and practical experience such as an internship as well as having adequate faculty, resources, and facilities to support the program.  Accreditation assures the quality and performance of the program. 

Applied, clinical, and public sociology- can be made stronger as a profession if it is populated by practitioners who are certified graduates of accredited programs.