An increasing number of sociology departments recognize that a majority of their graduates pursue careers that are in applied, clinical, or public settings rather than academic or pure research. Accreditation is the tool these departments use to assure they provide high quality programs to meet the needs of their students.

The Commission on the Accreditation of Programs in Applied and Clinical Sociology (CAPACS) provides the standards against which quality programs in applied, clinical and public sociology and sociological practice are measured. Accreditation verifies that a program is well-grounded, providing students with a strong background in theory, methodology, and practical, hands-on experience. Students graduate from these programs able to articulate the skills they bring to employers.

The Commission's priorities are to:

• accredit programs in applied, clinical and public Sociology and sociological practice in post-secondary sociology departments
• advocate for Sociology in the areas of occupational licensing and certification
• disseminate program models and resources to departments interested in developing applied and clinical programs