Undergraduate Certificate in Restorative Justice
This model for an undergraduate certificate in restorative justice aims to address the increasing demand for restorative justice processes in various fields. It plans to commence with its first cohort in 2025 at Community College of Philadelphia.
This project is a collaboration between Community College of Philadelphia, the University of San Diego, and the National Center on Restorative Justice.
Certificate Curriculum
The certificate program will focus on restorative justice principles and their application in the criminal legal system and disrupting the school-to-prison pipeline. It includes three new restorative justice courses and two electives. The program seeks to demonstrate that sustained coursework in restorative justice led by community restorative justice practitioners at the undergraduate certificate level can provide meaningful preparation to facilitate restorative processes and develop locally rooted, responsive programs.
Target Audience
The program attracts both new undergraduate students pursuing a standalone certificate, current students in a related degree program, and practitioners seeking further restorative justice training.
Program Implementation
The initiative intends to serve as a model for other institutions nationwide seeking to implement similar restorative justice certificate programs, including community colleges, historically Black colleges & universities, tribal colleges, and prison education programs.
Certificate Structure
The certificate is structured as a cohort model where students build community and foster collaboration.
Interested in adapting this model undergraduate certificate? Contact Sarah Byker James, Project Director and Assistant Professor at Community College of Philadelphia, at sbykerjames@ccp.edu.