The Commission on Applied and Clinical Sociology was established in 1995 by the Society for Applied Sociology and the Sociological Practice Association to develop, promote and support quality sociological education and practice in applied and clinical areas. Many sociology departments realize that more of their graduates are entering applied and clinical practice than are working in academic or pure research settings. Accreditation is one way to strengthen the sociological training and placement of students. Accreditation can be combined with a periodic institutional review or assessment of departments and programs. An accredited program should have adequate administrative structures and resources to support teaching, research and experiential learning for students.
Accreditation is one way of securing and maintaining funding and positions for a sociology program.
The accreditation standards are based on learning outcomes and seek to integrate sociological theory, knowledge, methods, skills, and professional orientation and ethics. In addition, students must have a meaningful practice experience, such as an internship. These should provide better job opportunities for graduates. The accreditation process combines a program self study and site visit. The Commission has published Standards for Programs in Applied and Clinical Sociology and Guidelines for Completing the Self Study Report to assist programs seeking accreditation.