UT Applied Sociology Program Receives Prestigious Accreditation

The University of Tampa this week received formal accreditation for its applied sociology concentration from the Commission on the Accreditation of Programs in Applied and Clinical Sociology (CAPACS).

Melodye Lehnerer, vice chair of CAPACS, stated that UT’s program particularly excelled in four areas:

Strong commitment to internship experiences at both the institutional and program level;
Successful connection between the applied program and students’ career directions;
Program director who is vigorously involved in the institution yielding the program institutional connections and recognitions;
Mentoring protocol that effectively addresses student needs.

At UT, sociology majors may pursue either a bachelor’s degree in sociology or a bachelor’s degree with a concentration in applied sociology. The general program is intended to prepare students for traditional graduate programs in sociology. The applied program offers additional training in the real-life application of sociology through an academic course and an internship. This is a good fit for students who might seek employment after the completion of their undergraduate degree or who might seek professional training in applied areas such as clinical sociology, counseling sociology, social work or public policy development.

According to Anne Gormly, dean of the College of Social Sciences, Mathematics and Education, the CAPACS accreditation firmly demonstrates the faculty’s commitment to providing its students with a quality education in the field of sociology.

“UT sociology students develop invaluable skills in critical thinking, writing, identifying and predicting social trends, and working with diverse groups,” Gormly said. “They’re prepared to become the change agents that society today so desperately need.”

CAPACS 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 requirements are designed to strengthen programs and improve career preparation for students.

Accreditation is a type of periodic program review. An accredited program should have adequate administrative structures and resources to support teaching, research and experimental learning for students. Accreditation helps to ensure that programs are adequately funded and staffed.

For more information about UT’s bachelor’s degree program in sociology, visit www.ut.edu/governmenthistorysociology/sociology/.