Associate of Arts in Faith-Based Criminal Justice (Specialization in Restorative Justice, Advocacy)

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

A.A. in Faith-Based Criminal Justice

Total program length

60 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years

General education

18 credit hours

Faith-Based Criminal Justice core

30 credit hours

Professional application courses

9 credit hours

Capstone requirement

3 credit hours

The Associate of Arts in Faith-Based Criminal Justice is a rigorous academic program within the College of Law and Public Policy designed to provide students with a foundational understanding of the legal system, social structures, and justice processes. This curriculum explores the intersections of law, ethics, and restorative practices, emphasizing the roles of community advocacy and reconciliation in addressing systemic challenges. Students will examine the complexities of criminal justice through lenses of stewardship, servant leadership, and ethical public service. By analyzing historical and contemporary justice models, the program fosters a robust understanding of the responsibilities inherent in maintaining public safety and promoting human dignity within diverse societal contexts. This degree provides a solid academic base for those aiming to enter the field with a heart for service and a mind for justice.

The Associate of Arts in Faith-Based Criminal Justice provides students with a foundational study in faith-based criminal justice, human development, communication, ethics, community resources, and supportive service practices. This program integrates theoretical knowledge with a restorative justice framework to prepare students for entry-level roles in social service, advocacy, and community-based justice organizations, emphasizing the role of values and ethics in public policy and personal transformation.

Program Details

• Total Credits: 60
• Duration: 2 years
• Degree Level: Associate

General education | 18 credit hours

• Faith-Based Criminal Justice core | 30 credit hours
• Professional application courses | 9 credit hours

Capstone Project in Justice Advocacy

• 4
• All Core Courses
• EDU290
• Servant Leadership in Practice
• 3
• None
• CRJ250 — Victim Advocacy and Support: Focuses on the needs of individuals impacted by crime and the professional approaches to providing support and advocacy. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COU250 — Crisis Intervention Strategies: Develops foundational knowledge regarding immediate interventions for individuals experiencing acute distress. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CAP299 — Capstone Project in Justice Advocacy: The culminating project where students design a service-oriented solution to a criminal justice-related problem. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• EDU290 — Servant Leadership in Practice: Integrates concepts of servant leadership and character development as applied in the professional workplace. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Capstone requirement | 3 credit hours

• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ENG101 | Academic Writing and Research | 3 | None
• CRJ101 | Introduction to Criminal Justice | 4 | None
• THE101 | Foundations of Ethical Thought | 3 | None
• SOC105 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CRJ150 | Introduction to Restorative Justice | 4 | CRJ101
• PSY200 | Developmental Psychology | 3 | None
• MAT120 | Data Analysis for Public Policy | 3 | None
• COM210 | Conflict Resolution and Advocacy | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CRJ210 | Ethics in Justice Practice | 4 | THE101
• MIN220 | Stewardship and Community Development | 3 | None
• HIS205 | History of the American Justice System | 3 | None
• BUS200 | Nonprofit Organizational Leadership | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CRJ250 | Victim Advocacy and Support | 3 | CRJ150
• COU250 | Crisis Intervention Strategies | 3 | PSY200
• CAP299 | Capstone Project in Justice Advocacy | 4 | All Core Courses
• EDU290 | Servant Leadership in Practice | 3 | None

Career Opportunities

• Victim Advocate
• Restorative Justice Coordinator
• Community Outreach Specialist
• Probation/Parole Aide
• Nonprofit Program Assistant
• Public Policy Researcher
• Case Management Technician

Important Notices

• The program educates ethical professionals who demonstrate technical excellence, servant leadership, professional integrity, and a commitment to apply sound principles to advance faith-based organizations, strengthen communities, and contribute responsibly.
• HBIU is a lawfully operating nonpublic faith-based postsecondary institution that maintains its status under section 1005.06(1)(f), Florida Statutes. The University annually affirms its compliance with the requirements applicable to faith-based institutions in Florida through Commission for Independent Education.
• HBIU accreditation from QAHE (for quality assurance in pre-tertiary and higher education mechanisms). QAHE offers globally recognized accreditation and quality assurance for higher education, training providers, and professional institutions worldwide. Students should consider the nature and scope of this recognition in relation to their individual certification and professional goals.
• Transfer credit is evaluated individually based on course content, credit hours, grades, institutional documentation, program requirements, and applicable university policies. Although HBIU provides academically structured programs, no institution can guarantee that another college, university, employer, licensing board, or credential-evaluation service will accept its credits or credentials. Students are encouraged to obtain advance written confirmation from the intended receiving organization.
• The program develops academic knowledge and applied competencies for service in faith-based organizations, nonprofit institutions, community programs, and related professional environments. Some occupations associated with the subject area may be regulated by governmental or professional authorities. A degree from HBIU demonstrates completion of the University's academic requirements but does not, by itself, confer professional licensure or legal authority to perform regulated services.
• Where a program is related to an external certification, eligibility is determined exclusively by the applicable certifying organization. Certification bodies may establish additional requirements involving education, examinations, experience, background screening, continuing education, or membership. HBIU does not guarantee certification eligibility or examination approval unless a formal written agreement expressly provides otherwise.
• Career and occupational information is provided to help students make informed educational decisions. Employment outcomes depend on factors such as the graduate's experience, geographic location, professional qualifications, employer requirements, economic conditions, interviewing ability, and any applicable licensure or certification requirements. Completion of a program does not constitute a promise of employment, promotion, job placement, or a particular occupational title.
• This program is delivered through online instruction. Students must have access to the technology, equipment, internet service, software, and learning resources identified in the University's technology requirements.
• Internship or field-experience participation is subject to academic eligibility, site availability, supervisor approval, and the requirements of the participating organization. The University assists students with the placement process but cannot guarantee placement with a particular organization, supervisor, location, or schedule.
• Students are responsible for reviewing the catalog, understanding program requirements, providing accurate information, meeting academic and financial obligations, and verifying whether the program supports their intended educational or professional goals.
• Completion of a University program does not authorize a graduate to use a professional title that is protected or restricted by law. Graduates must use titles that accurately reflect their education, credentials, employment role, and current licensure or certification status.
• Degree abbreviation | A.A. in Faith-Based Criminal Justice
• Total program length | 60 semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years