Learn how to approach the criminal justice system using restorative justice. Find ways to bring together offenders, victims, and community members to repair harm and develop solid relationships rightly.
As a graduate with a bachelor’s degree, criminal justice students understand criminal justice history and practices, with a focus on social theories of crime, criminalization, and society.
Our criminal justice and restorative justice program takes an innovative approach to the criminal justice field. Rather than emphasize criminal law, punishment, criminal behavior, and retribution, this program focuses on repairing the harm caused by crime. Students will learn how to use restorative justice practices to bring together offenders, victims, and community members to develop positive relationships and resolve conflicts.
Because we focus on criminal justice programs through a restorative justice lens, students will be on the cutting edge of new theories about law enforcement agencies and systems, implementing restorative practices in schools, the workplace, and at a societal level. They will have the opportunity to work inside our local jail and legal system directly with offenders through the Inside-Out Exchange Program, putting a human face on the current criminal justice program.
As graduates of our criminal justice and restorative justice program, students will have an understanding of law enforcement administration, history, and practices, with a focus on social theories of criminal psychology, criminal investigation, and society. Restorative and transformative approaches to justice are an integral part of the program and a focus on marginalized groups and the effect of criminal justice systems that neglect or downplay societal factors.
Criminal justice major career opportunities for bachelor’s degree graduates include jobs in fields such as crime scene investigation, law schools, juvenile justice, criminal investigations, federal government, human services, juvenile detention centers, law firms, and public safety.
Learn how to approach the court system and criminal activity using restorative justice practices. With a focus on repairing harm and developing positive relationships, this program will give students the skills they need to make a difference in their community.
Financial aid is available. We look forward to hearing from you!
Goshen College senior Jakyra Green’s speech claimed first prize in Mennonite Central Committee’s binational intercollegiate C. Henry Smith Peace Oratorical Contest, after winning at Goshen College’s contest in February 2023. Green’s speech, titled “The Privilege of Peace,” focused on the illusion or privilege surrounding peace for Black people and their realities in America.
Jakyra Green, a junior English education major from Elkhart, won the 2023 C. Henry Smith Peace Oratorical Contest at Goshen College with her speech titled “The privilege of peace.” This feature is a written adaptation of her speech.
February 7, 2023 was the official release date for Dr. Howard Zehr’s newest book Restorative Justice: Insights and Stories from My Journey. Published by Walnut Street Books, the book contains what the title suggests – stories and insights (and photographs!) from Howard’s years spent teaching, practicing, critiquing, synthesizing, mentoring, and leading.
of our peace, justice and conflict studies alumni volunteer at least once a year
of GC history and political science faculty have Ph.D.s
of history alumni agree that their undergraduate education prepared them for graduate or professional school
ratio of Goshen College students to incarcerated students in the “Inside-Out” program at the Elkhart County Jail
of PJCS alumni are satisfied or very satisfied with their undergraduate education
Learn more about Goshen College's exceptional academic outcomes and national rankings.
Lydette Assefa ’09 is an attorney and clinical fellow with the Children & Family Justice Center at the Bluhm Legal Clinic at Northwestern Pritzker School of Law.
Lydette's storyWith more than 25 years of experience in conflict prevention, transformation and peacebuilding, Philip Thomas ’87 has dedicated his life to helping facilitate peace and reconciliation.
Philip's storyClarissa Gaff is the executive director at Land of Lincoln Legal Aid, which provides free civil legal assistance to low income individuals in St. Louis, Missouri.
Clarissa's storyRobert Brenneman, professor of criminal justice and sociology, encourages students to prepare for a calling, not just a job.
Robert's storySammy Rosario is a humanitarian lawyer in San Francisco, California, who follow's GC's core values to help bring peace to the world.
Sammy's storyClarissa Gaff graduated from Goshen College in 2000 with a degree in English along with a history minor. Today, she is a staff attorney at Land of Lincoln Legal Assistance Foundation.
Clarissa's storyRegina Shands Stoltzfus
Professor of Peace Justice & Conflict Studies
Director of PJCS
