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B.S. in Criminal Justice & Restorative Justice
Be a catalyst for change in the field of criminal justice
The University of Saint Joseph’s Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and Restorative Justice is a unique program that not only provides you with knowledge in law enforcement, corrections, and the judicial systems but also the theories and practice of restorative justice. With a focus on restorative justice, you learn to help victims recover from the harm caused by crime and protect the community by preventing crimes.
Whether you aspire to pursue careers in public service, corrections, law enforcement, or want to prepare yourself for law school, the BS in Criminal Justice and Restorative Justice program gives you the tools, experience, and knowledge to serve the community and improve the criminal justice system.
USJ also offers a minor in Criminal Justice and Restorative Justice.
Quick Links
Please use this academic map as a reference guide. Academic advisors are always available to discuss the required courses depending on each student’s needs.
BS in Criminal Justice & Restorative Justice Program Advantages
Real-World Experience & Internships
The University of Saint Joseph’s BS degree in Criminal Justice and Restorative Justice puts an emphasis on real-world practice, empowering you to gain professional experience before graduation.
During the program, you can build on your education with practical internship experiences in Connecticut and the surrounding areas, including York Correctional Institute and other Department of Correction facilities, Hartford Police Department, CT Juvenile Training Academy Community Partners in Action, Adult and Child Probation (Judicial Branch), Community Court (Judicial Branch), Public Defender’s Office (Judicial Branch), and the Office of the Victim Advocate.
Transformative Program Focusing on Restorative Justice
Unlike a traditional Criminal Justice degree, USJ’s Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and Restorative Justice program is designed with a unique focus, moving away from previous thinking and toward the innovative use of restorative theory and practice across all fields. Through the study of restorative justice, you obtain a comprehensive view of underlying principles of accountability while focusing on victims and community, general public policies, and specific programs and practices.
Expert Faculty
All classes in the BS in Criminal Justice and Restorative Justice program are taught by our distinguished faculty from various disciplines such as biology, social psychology, and behavioral studies. With a passion for teaching and their commitment to student success, they offer ample mentorship opportunities that can improve your learning experience.
Learn more about USJ’s expert faculty.
Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice and Restorative Justice Program Curriculum
At the University of Saint Joseph, we believe that a holistic view of the context of crime is required before crime and criminal justice methods can be fully and effectively understood. Thus, the Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and Restorative Justice program takes an interdisciplinary approach to the study of crime and criminology. In addition to general education requirements, our curriculum includes 36 credits of required courses in psychology, social research, and victimology, using the lens of restorative justice.
Restorative justice focuses on healing the injuries caused by both violent and nonviolent crime, taking into consideration the needs of crime victims and the needs of offenders, while still holding them responsible for their actions. This transformative approach also integrates the roles of communities and governments in solving the social problems that contribute to crime.
The BS in Criminal Justice and Restorative Justice program’s innovative and interdisciplinary curriculum also highlights the importance of experiential learning, providing hands-on courses like Field Study. Practical internship opportunities are also available to help you lay the groundwork for career success and the ability to make a difference in our community.
Learn more about the BS in Criminal Justice and Restorative Justice program curriculum.
Criminal Justice Degree Career Outlook
By completing the Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice and Restorative Justice, you are armed with the knowledge and experience to pursue various career pathways in the field. You are well-prepared to serve your community at a local, federal, or state-level agency in law enforcement, corrections, public security, public administration, and more.
The BS in Criminal Justice and Restorative Justice degree also provides excellent preparation for graduate study, where you can advance your expertise in different areas such as criminology, law, and psychology.
Potential careers include:
- Police officer
- Resource officer
- Restorative justice coordinator
- Investigative journalist
- FBI agent
- Detective
- Lawyer
- Victims’ rights advocate
Admission Requirements
If you are interested in applying to the University of Saint Joseph’s Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and Restorative Justice, please submit the following required documents along with your online application:
- Official transcripts from your high school and/or all post-secondary institutions (if applicable)
- An essay, 250 words or more in length
- Letters of recommendation
USJ is fully test-optional for all programs and scholarships.
Learn more about USJ’s admission requirements.
Student Clubs and Organizations
USJ has over 20 student organizations for you to choose from, focused on academic development, community service, cultural issues, and global concerns. Share your interests with your fellow peers and build your leadership and teamwork skills through our student clubs and organizations.
Want more information about clubs at USJ? Visit the Office of Student Affairs.
Learn More about the Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and Restorative Justice Program
Apply to the University of Saint Joseph’s BS in Criminal Justice and Restorative Justice program today and be prepared to serve and protect your community.
Have more questions about the program?
Contact:
John Watts, D.C.J.
Program Director and Associate Professor
Criminal Justice and Restorative Justice
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 860.231.5249