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Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Criminal Justice, Specialization in Restorative Justice Advocacy

Academic unitCollege of Law and Public PolicyTotal credits120Estimated duration4 yearsSource documentBachelor_of_Arts_in_Faith_Based_Criminal_Justice__Specialization_in_Restorative_.docx

Program Overview

Official program overview

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

B.A. in Faith-Based Criminal Justice, Specialization in Restorative Justice Advocacy

Total program length

120 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Four academic years

General education

36 credit hours

Faith-Based Criminal Justice and Restorative Justice core

63 credit hours

Professional application courses

15 credit hours

Capstone requirement

6 credit hours

The Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Criminal Justice with a specialization in Restorative Justice Advocacy provides a rigorous academic foundation in the principles of criminal justice, legal systems, and restorative practices. The curriculum examines the intersections of law, ethics, and social responsibility, preparing students to engage with complex societal challenges through a lens of justice, mercy, and reconciliation. Students explore the structural components of the justice system while developing strategies to advocate for the healing of victims, the rehabilitation of offenders, and the overall health of communities.

This program integrates a robust general education foundation with comprehensive study in criminal justice theory, behavioral science, human development, ethical frameworks, and research methodologies. Students engage deeply with crisis awareness, service referral, program development, and community-based support strategies, all framed through the lens of restorative justice advocacy within a faith-based context.

Florida's current standard establishes a minimum of 120 semester credits for a bachelor's degree and at least 30 general-education credits for a Bachelor of Arts. This curriculum exceeds the general-education minimum.

Program Facts

Program facts

Degree abbreviation: B.A. in Faith-Based Criminal Justice, Specialization in Restorative Justice Advocacy
Total program length: 120 semester credit hours
Normal completion time: Four academic years
General education: 36 credit hours
Professional application courses: 15 credit hours
Capstone requirement: 6 credit hours
Academic unit: College of Law and Public Policy
Total credits: 120
Duration: 4 years

Program Description

Official program description

Learning Outcomes

Student learning outcomes

Analyze the structural and functional components of the criminal justice system within a contemporary societal context.
Evaluate restorative justice theories and their application in legal and community settings.
Apply ethical decision-making models to complex dilemmas in policy and practice.
Design effective advocacy strategies that promote community reconciliation and victim support.
Demonstrate proficiency in communicating justice-related concepts to diverse professional audiences.
Integrate a Christian worldview into the evaluation of public policy and judicial reform efforts.

Admission Requirements

Admission and entry requirements

Applicants must provide evidence of graduation from an accredited high school or possess a recognized equivalent credential such as a GED. Submission of official transcripts, a personal statement regarding vocational goals, and one professional or character reference are required to determine academic readiness and alignment with the institutional mission. Senior Capstone Project The Senior Capstone Project serves as the culminating academic experience for the Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Criminal Justice, requiring students to synthesize their learning across four years of study. Students will develop a comprehensive project that addresses a specific need in the field of restorative justice, demonstrating their ability to bridge theoretical knowledge with practical, ethical application. This project requires the design of a proposal, policy brief, or community-based initiative that reflects professional rigor and critical inquiry. The capstone represents a 4-credit requirement that serves as a testament to the student's mastery of the discipline and their readiness for professional practice. By evaluating contemporary issues through the lens of biblical stewardship and servant leadership, the project necessitates a thoughtful integration of faith-based principles and public policy. Students are expected to demonstrate how their proposed solutions reflect a commitment to restorative healing, justice, and the promotion of human dignity within the judicial sphere.

Program Structure

Official program structure

Program Details

Total Credits: 120
Duration: 4 years
Degree Level: Bachelor

Semester-by-Semester Curriculum

Official course sequence

Year 1

Semester 1

13 credits

Code	Course Title	Credits	Prerequisite
ENG101	Academic Writing and Rhetoric	4	None
View Description Focuses on the development of critical thinking and effective communication skills for academic research. Students refine their writing through analysis of diverse texts and systematic revision processesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
CRJ100	Introduction to Criminal Justice	3	None
View Description Explores the history, structure, and functions of the American criminal justice system. Examines the roles of law enforcement, courts, and correctionsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
PHI110	Foundations of Philosophy and Human Values	3	None
View Description This course examines the historical development of ethical frameworks and the role of logic in shaping modern society. Students analyze diverse philosophical perspectives to understand their impact on individual behavior and social structure. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
SOC120	Introduction to Sociology	3	None
View Description Provides an overview of sociological perspectives on social structure, interaction, and change. Investigates how social forces impact individual behavior and community identityThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

Semester 2

12 credits

Code	Course Title	Credits	Prerequisite
ENG102	Research and Critical Inquiry	3	ENG101
View Description Advances skills in locating, evaluating, and synthesizing academic sources. Students produce a formal research project demonstrating critical analysis of complex topicsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
CRJ150	Criminology Theory	3	CRJ100
View Description Surveys major theories of criminal behavior and societal response. Evaluates psychological, biological, and sociological drivers of crimeThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
MAT200	Statistics for Social Sciences	3	None
View Description Teaches fundamental statistical methods used to analyze quantitative data in research. Focuses on descriptive and inferential statistics applied to social phenomenaThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
HUM110	Ethics and Moral Reasoning	3	None
View Description Explores various ethical frameworks and their application to moral dilemmas. Students analyze the role of virtues and values in decision-makingThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

Semester 3

12 credits

Code	Course Title	Credits	Prerequisite
CRJ210	Criminal Law and Procedure	3	CRJ100
View Description Examines the legal principles and constitutional requirements governing criminal law. Focuses on due process and the rights of the accusedThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
RES200	Introduction to Restorative Justice	3	CRJ100
View Description Defines restorative justice principles compared to punitive systems. Explores the impact of crime on victims and communitiesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
PSY220	Developmental Psychology	3	None
View Description Studies human growth and psychological change throughout the lifespan. Analyzes factors influencing emotional and cognitive developmentThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
MGT210	Principles of Collaborative Leadership	3	None
View Description This course explores the dynamics of effective leadership, focusing on team empowerment, conflict resolution, and organizational stewardship. It emphasizes practical strategies for guiding diverse groups toward collective goals through ethical engagement. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Year 2

Semester 4

12 credits

Code	Course Title	Credits	Prerequisite
CRJ250	Corrections and Rehabilitation	3	CRJ100
View Description Evaluates the philosophy and operation of correctional facilities. Focuses on reintegration strategies and recidivism reductionThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
RES250	Victimology and Advocacy	3	RES200
View Description Focuses on the experiences of crime victims and the development of advocacy programs. Analyzes policies designed to assist and protect survivorsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
COM300	Professional Communication	3	None
View Description Enhances interpersonal and public communication skills for professional settings. Teaches conflict resolution and active listening techniquesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
HIS250	History of Social Reform	3	None
View Description Traces the history of significant social movements and their influence on policy. Evaluates how reform initiatives have shaped current justice practicesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

Semester 5

13 credits

Code	Course Title	Credits	Prerequisite
CRJ310	Juvenile Justice Systems	3	CRJ100
View Description Covers the history and legal framework of juvenile courts. Discusses unique challenges in youth rehabilitation and interventionThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
RES320	Restorative Practices in Conflict	4	RES200
View Description Provides hands-on training in mediation, victim-offender conferencing, and restorative circles. Requires critical assessment of group dynamicsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
COU350	Crisis Intervention Strategies	3	PSY220
View Description Introduces models for assessing and responding to crisis situations. Focuses on safety, stabilization, and connecting individuals to community resourcesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
BUS310	Non-Profit Management	3	None
View Description Covers the administration of non-profit organizations, including fundraising and governance. Emphasizes stewardship and ethical operation of community-based servicesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

Semester 6

12 credits

Code	Course Title	Credits	Prerequisite
CRJ360	Ethics in Justice Practice	3	CRJ210
View Description Examines moral challenges within law enforcement and legal systems. Discusses the professional responsibilities of practitioners in promoting fairnessThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
RES375	Restorative Public Policy	3	RES200
View Description Analyzes how restorative values can be integrated into legislative reform and administrative policy. Evaluates the socio-economic impacts of justice policyThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
EDU320	Community Outreach and Engagement	3	None
View Description Explores strategies for building partnerships between local institutions and community members. Focuses on social responsibility and collaborative problem solvingThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
SOC400	Sociology of Social Movements and Advocacy	3	THE110
View Description This course investigates the origins, strategies, and consequences of social change movements within contemporary societies. It provides an analytical lens for evaluating how organized groups mobilize to address institutional inequality and systemic reform. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Year 3

Semester 7

12 credits

Code	Course Title	Credits	Prerequisite
CRJ420	Advanced Criminological Research	3	MAT200
View Description Students conduct an in-depth study of a specific criminal justice issue. Emphasizes empirical methods and objective analysis of policy outcomesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
RES450	Advocacy and Institutional Change	3	RES320
View Description Focuses on strategic planning to influence institutional reform within the justice system. Covers leadership, organization, and advocacy campaignsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
MGT410	Leadership in Public Service	3	None
View Description Examines the characteristics of effective, ethical leadership in public and social sectors. Emphasizes character-driven service and organizational integrityThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
CHR450	Stewardship and Community Wellness	3	None
View Description Integrates the concept of biblical stewardship into the pursuit of community health. Focuses on sustaining resources for long-term restorative effortsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

Semester 8

13 credits

Code	Course Title	Credits	Prerequisite
CAP490	Senior Capstone Project	4	Senior standing
View Description A comprehensive project involving original research or the design of a restorative justice initiative. Students produce a formal report and presentation illustrating professional expertise and faith-informed ethicsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
CRJ480	Contemporary Issues in Justice	3	CRJ100
View Description Provides an overview of current trends and challenges in criminal justice. Students evaluate emerging problems and debate future directions for policyThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
RES490	Internship in Restorative Advocacy	3	Senior standing
View Description Supervised experience in a community or justice-oriented setting. Students apply restorative principles under professional mentorshipThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
HUM495	Senior Seminar on Moral Integrity	3	Senior standing
View Description Synthesizes the academic and spiritual development of the student. Focuses on the transition to professional life through a lens of integrity and long-term serviceThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

Major / Core Requirements

Major and core requirements

General education | 36 credit hours

Faith-Based Criminal Justice and Restorative Justice core | 63 credit hours
Professional application courses | 15 credit hours

Final Project Requirement

Final project requirement

Capstone requirement | 6 credit hours

Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
ENG101 | Academic Writing and Rhetoric | 4 | None
CRJ100 | Introduction to Criminal Justice | 3 | None
PHI110 | Foundations of Philosophy and Human Values | 3 | None
SOC120 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 | None
Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
ENG102 | Research and Critical Inquiry | 3 | ENG101
CRJ150 | Criminology Theory | 3 | CRJ100
MAT200 | Statistics for Social Sciences | 3 | None
HUM110 | Ethics and Moral Reasoning | 3 | None
Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
CRJ210 | Criminal Law and Procedure | 3 | CRJ100
RES200 | Introduction to Restorative Justice | 3 | CRJ100
PSY220 | Developmental Psychology | 3 | None
MGT210 | Principles of Collaborative Leadership | 3 | None
Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
CRJ250 | Corrections and Rehabilitation | 3 | CRJ100
RES250 | Victimology and Advocacy | 3 | RES200
COM300 | Professional Communication | 3 | None
HIS250 | History of Social Reform | 3 | None
Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
CRJ310 | Juvenile Justice Systems | 3 | CRJ100
RES320 | Restorative Practices in Conflict | 4 | RES200
COU350 | Crisis Intervention Strategies | 3 | PSY220
BUS310 | Non-Profit Management | 3 | None
Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
CRJ360 | Ethics in Justice Practice | 3 | CRJ210
RES375 | Restorative Public Policy | 3 | RES200
EDU320 | Community Outreach and Engagement | 3 | None
SOC400 | Sociology of Social Movements and Advocacy | 3 | THE110
Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
CRJ420 | Advanced Criminological Research | 3 | MAT200
RES450 | Advocacy and Institutional Change | 3 | RES320
MGT410 | Leadership in Public Service | 3 | None
CHR450 | Stewardship and Community Wellness | 3 | None
Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
CAP490 | Senior Capstone Project | 4 | Senior standing
CRJ480 | Contemporary Issues in Justice | 3 | CRJ100
RES490 | Internship in Restorative Advocacy | 3 | Senior standing
HUM495 | Senior Seminar on Moral Integrity | 3 | Senior standing

CAP490 — Senior Capstone Project — 4 credits

Graduation Requirements

Graduation and completion requirements

To qualify for the Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Criminal Justice, students must complete the 120-credit hour curriculum with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0. Successful completion includes earning a passing grade in the 4-credit Senior Capstone Project and fulfilling all prescribed major and general education courses. Graduates are expected to demonstrate both academic proficiency and spiritual maturity, evidenced through the completion of required spiritual formation coursework and participation in community engagement activities. This holistic requirement ensures that graduates leave HBI University as individuals of integrity, prepared to apply their professional skills in a manner that reflects their commitment to faith-informed service and ethical stewardship. Graduation signifies not only the fulfillment of academic requirements but also the development of a character prepared to navigate the complexities of society with humility and grace.

Career Opportunities

Career opportunities

Career Opportunities

Restorative Justice Advocate
Victim Support Specialist
Community Outreach Coordinator
Probation and Parole Consultant
Non-Profit Program Manager
Policy Researcher
Social Justice Liaison

Additional Official Information

Additional source information

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 | B.A. in Faith-Based Criminal Justice, Specialization in Restorative Justice Advocacy
Total program length | 120 semester credit hours
Normal completion time | Four academic years