Restorative Justice Graduate Certificate

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The Certificate in Restorative Justice at Governors State University combines faculty expertise in restorative justice with a multi-disciplinary approach to justice in theory and practice. Students who pursue this certificate, whether on its own or in conjunction with Master’s Degree programs in Criminal Justice, Education, or Political & Social Justice Studies, will build a philosophical foundation in justice, learn restorative-justice best practices, and apply their skills and training toward effective work in their local communities.

Students will investigate a range of topics in the classroom and in the field, including restorative justice in legal, educational, urban, environmental, local, and global contexts. Online and hybrid instructional deliveries can accommodate the needs of local, regional, and international students, bringing them together as a CRJ cohort in an intensive 6-week session studying restorative justice practices on campus and across Chicagoland before they turn to apply what they have learned in their local communities.

Admission Requirements:

In addition to university admissions requirements, CRJ applicants must submit the following:

1. A letter of application, including a statement of personal interest in pursuing a Certificate in Restorative Justice. This statement should include the applicant’s short- and long-term goals and how this certificate might help to achieve them.
2. At least one confidential letter of recommendation from a professional reference (current or former faculty members, current or former work supervisors, or community leaders) speaking to the applicant’s interests and abilities relevant to the Certificate in Restorative Justice.

Prospective students not already enrolled in a GSU graduate program must submit a completed application by June 1st for fall-semester admission. Additional material such as a scholarly writing sample may be requested by the admissions committee or submitted voluntarily by an applicant toward admission consideration. The admissions committee takes into consideration strong letters of recommendation from professional references that attest to the applicant’s writing and communication skills and examples of their leadership ability.

Students already enrolled in the Education, CJUS, PSJS, or other GSU graduate degree programs who are interested in pursuing the Certificate in Restorative Justice must simply meet with their academic advisor to formally indicate their interest in doing so.

Certificate Requirements

Completion of the certificate in restorative justice practice requires successful completion of the following courses with a “B” average (3.0 GPA) or better across all five courses.

Core Course (12 Hours)

• PSJS - 6250 Community Justice (3)
• CJUS - 6500 Restorative Justice Practices (3)
• CJUS - 8400 The Justice System and the Community (3)
• PSJS - 8150 Contemporary Theories of Social Justice (3)

Elective (3 Hours)

Select one of the following:

• CJUS - 6340 Restorative Justice in Education (3)
• PSJS - 6440 Environmental Justice (3)
• PSJS - 6650 Empowering Community: From Self to Service (3)

Total - 15 Hours