There are several major reasons
why you should become part of the B.A. in applied sociology
program at Hawai'i Pacific University. Students of applied sociology
at Hawai'i Pacific University learn about the sociological perspective
in the classroom as well as in the real world. The applied sociology
program at HPU makes the training of sociological practitioners
its highest priority. Sociology students at HPU are exposed
to various forms of job training, career-related work experiences,
and volunteer involvement in settings of interest to them in
Honolulu, the state capital and hub of Pacific business activity.
Program Objectives
Applied Sociology program objectives are consistent with the Commission
on Applied and Clinical Sociology Accreditation standards:
Sociological Theory. Students who complete the Program
will be able to discuss the role of theory in sociological practice,
and the interaction between theory and practice. Specifically, they
will be able to:
Compare and contrast the basic theoretical perspectives of
sociology, with particular emphasis on those that relate to social
action, change, and intervention;
Differentiate between and provide examples of theoretical understanding
at the three different levels of practice: macro, meso, and micro;
Describe and evaluate the role of practice in the modification
of sociological theory;
Identify policy implications of theoretical perspectives.
Sociological Research Methods. Students who complete the
Program will be able to discuss the role of evidence and qualitative
and quantitative methods in sociology. Specifically they will be
able to:
Compare and contrast the types of methodological approaches
that are particularly relevant to applied and clinical sociology;
Differentiate between and provide examples of quantitative
and qualitative methodological approaches;
Describe and evaluate the role of data as the basis for examining
issues and making alternative recommendations for change;
Identify and discuss the social, political and ethical factors
that affect applied and clinical research.
Skills. Students who complete the Program will have the
skills that facilitate the work of applied and clinical sociologists.
Specifically, they will be able to:
Make written, oral, and graphic presentations to appropriate
audiences:
Use sociological theory and methods in identification and resolution
of individual and social problems;
Use the computer and various software packages as tools of
sociological practice;
Participate effectively in group processes and decision-making;
Use technology for identifying, locating, and retrieving information
relevant to the practice of sociology.
Professional Orientation and Ethics. Professional orientation
and ethics provide standards and values that guide applied and clinical
sociologists in their work. These provide important peer accountability
guidelines thus protecting the clients, the practitioner and the
profession. Students who complete the Program shall be able to maintain
a professional identity as a sociological practitioner. They shall
be expected to adhere to the standards and values of the profession.
They will comply with the codes of ethics of Sociological Practice
Association and the Society for Applied Sociology.
Recognize the social and political constraints on applied and
clinical practice.
Practice Experience. The Program shall implement a mechanism
(such as a portfolio) to insure that the students who complete their
practice experience will be able to:
Illustrate how sociological theories and research methods can
be used with clients whether they are individuals, organizations,
communities, states, or nations;
Demonstrate knowledge of individual, group, and/or organizational
processes within and outside workplaces;
Adhere to professional norms and demonstrate appropriate behavior
with regard to work assignments;
Identify personal value orientations and perceptions about
individuals and groups, and issues that applied and clinical sociologists
bring to the work environment;
Demonstrate an ability to function as a working member of a
work-site team.
