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 right relationships.
Because our program focuses on criminal justice systems through a restorative justice lens, you’ll be on the cutting edge of new theories and systems, implementing restorative practices in schools, the workplace and at a societal level. You’ll have the opportunity to work inside our local jail directly with offenders through the Inside-Out Exchange Program, putting a human face on the current criminal justice system.
Career Opportunities
As a graduate, you’ll have an understanding of criminal justice history and practices, with a focus on social theories of crime, criminalization and society. Restorative and transformative approaches to justice are an integral part of the program, as well as a focus on marginalized groups and the effect of criminal justice systems that neglect or downplay societal factors.
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.
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.
Clarissa 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.
Prashansa 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.