Department of Sociology receives national accreditation

The Radford University Department of Sociology has received accreditation from the Commission on the Accreditation of Programs in Applied and Clinical Sociology (CAPACS).

CAPACS develops, promotes and supports quality sociological education and practice through the accreditation of bachelor's, master's and doctoral programs in applied sociology, clinical sociology, engaged public sociology and sociological practice. It establishes standards for such programs, accredits programs that demonstrate that they meet these standards and monitors accredited programs to ensure that they continue to meet the standards.

"We demonstrated that our curriculum integrates and synthesizes social theory, research methods, analytical skills and a professional orientation based on ethical standards in developing an applied sociology degree program," said Carla Corroto, associate professor of sociology.

In order to achieve accreditation, sociology faculty particularly highlighted RU sociology students' completion of meaningful practice experiences in their internships and practicum placements as preparation for their careers as applied and public sociologists.

"Accreditation support from CAPACS is a resource our department will use to ensure we continue to provide a cutting edge, high-quality degree program that prepares our students for meaningful careers and situates sociology graduates for diverse employment opportunities," Corroto said.

The Department of Sociology is housed in the College of Humanities and Behavioral Sciences (CHBS). It provides students with a wide variety of courses designed to promote critical thinking and further understanding and perception of social processes, social problems, and differing cultures both within the United States and from a global perspective.

"Receiving CAPACS accreditation is a recognition of the ongoing commitment by the department's faculty to serve the community, while at the same time providing opportunities for our students to understand what it means to be an applied sociologist," said CHBS Dean Kate Hawkins. "That experiential learning will be of great value to them as they enter the workforce or undertake post-baccalaureate studies after graduation."