Getting Your Sociology or Interdisciplinary Program Accredited By Capacs (the Commission on the Accreditation of Programs in Applied and Clinical Sociology)

"Professionalizing" Sociology begins with the accreditation of an applied, clinical, or engaged public program in sociological practice by the Commission on the Accreditation of Programs in Applied and Clinical Sociology (CAPACS).  Graduates of CAPACS-accredited programs complete a carefully-designed curriculum, ensuring prospective employers that these candidates possess a full spectrum of knowledge, skills, and practice experiences that distinguish them from other job applicants and entrants.  Creating a highly educated and trained pool of practicing sociologists furthers Sociology's "professionalization," as these individuals possess educational qualifications, training, and field experiences to support their acquisition of association credentials, including the "Certificate in Sociological Practice" (C.S.P.), offered by AACS.  State credentials such as registration, certification, and licensure, also may be attained, if supported by sociological practice legislation, comparable to that enacted by "professionalized" disciplines, such as Psychology and Social Work.

This presentation will consist of three tracks:

Dr. Michael Fleischer, CAPACS Chair, will present a brief history and overview of CAPACS, with an interactive slide-show and handouts, covering the CAPACS accreditation process and its benefits.

Dr. Norma Winston, CAPACS Vice Chair and Past Chair, will discuss the CAPACS Site Visit Process, particularly organizing and hosting meetings with university administrators, internship site supervisors, and program faculty and students.  She will address how applicant programs can prepare for CAPACS accreditation, and provide examples of how students' benefit from their tangible practice experiences, from her perspectives as a Review Committee Chair, Department Chair, and Program Director.

Dr. Jan Fritz, a member of the CAPACS Board of Directors, Past Secretary of CAPACS, Executive Board Member of ISA, and session Chair, will discuss CAPACS's role in accrediting non-US programs, working with the Departmental Resources Group (DRG) of the American Sociological Association (ASA) in helping departments prepare for accreditation, and expanding CAPACS's presence in the Clinical Sociology Division (RC46) of ISA.