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. For more information, please complete the form below. We look forward to hearing from you!
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.
Dr. Regina Shands Stotlzfus, professor of Peace, Justice and Conflict studies, has been presented the 2021 Everence National Journey Award for her personal and professional dedication to anti-oppression and social justice.
Matt Troyer-Miller '05 is pastor of Wood River Mennonite Church, and an EMT and chaplain for the Wood River Volunteer Fire Department, and Elizabeth Troyer-Miller '06 works part time for Heartland Disaster Recovery Group and offers mediation services.
of history alumni agree that their undergraduate education prepared them for graduate or professional school
of PJCS alumni are satisfied or very satisfied with their undergraduate education
of GC history and political science faculty have Ph.D.s
ratio of Goshen College students to incarcerated students in the “Inside-Out” program at the Elkhart County Jail
of our peace, justice and conflict studies alumni volunteer at least once a year
Learn more about Goshen College's exceptional academic outcomes and national rankings.
Allen Bohnert ('98) is an Assistant Federal Public Defender for the Southern District of Ohio. His work is featured in the recent documentary The Penalty, available on Amazon Video. He looks forward to being left unemployed.
Allen's storyPrashansa graduated in 2016 with a degree in psychology. Originally from Allahbad, India, she was given a full scholarship to Maastricht University in the Netherlands to pursue a master's degree in forensic psychology.
Prashansa'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 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 storyJes Stoltzfus Buller ’08 knows firsthand how messy the process of peacemaking can be. Shortly after graduating from Goshen College, Buller moved to Colombia as a part of Mennonite Central Committee's Seed program.
Jes' storyLydette 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 storyRegina Shands Stoltzfus
Professor of Peace Justice & Conflict Studies
Director of PJCS
