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

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

M.A. in Faith-Based Criminal Justice

Total program length

60 graduate semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years of full-time study

Advanced Faith-Based Criminal Justice core

27 credit hours

Research, assessment, and program evaluation

12 credit hours

Professional application and field experience

12 credit hours

Graduate capstone requirement

9 credit hours

The Master of Arts in Faith-Based Criminal Justice with a specialization in Restorative Justice Advocacy is a comprehensive graduate program designed for professionals seeking to address systemic challenges within the justice system through the lens of ethical leadership and community healing. This curriculum integrates advanced criminal justice theory with practical advocacy skills, emphasizing restorative practices that focus on accountability, reconciliation, and the restoration of individuals and communities. Students explore the intersection of public policy, legal structures, and societal values, equipping them to navigate complex human service environments with integrity and purpose.

Throughout the program, scholars engage in rigorous academic inquiry regarding crime, justice, and the rehabilitation process. By blending theoretical frameworks with contemporary policy analysis, the program cultivates leaders who are capable of implementing humane and effective strategies for justice reform. Emphasis is placed on servant leadership and ethical stewardship, ensuring that graduates are prepared to serve as catalysts for restorative transformation in diverse professional and community settings.

The 60-credit master's program provides advanced preparation in Faith-Based Criminal Justice theory, human behavior, ethics, assessment awareness, research, program evaluation, crisis response, leadership, referral, and faith-based criminal justice-support services.

The graduate capstone may include: An applied research study; A community needs assessment; A faith-based criminal justice-support program; A professional training manual; A program-development and evaluation project; Another faculty-approved scholarly project.

The program is designed for completion within two academic years by students maintaining the University's prescribed full-time course load. Part-time students may require additional time.

Florida establishes a minimum of 24 semester credits beyond the bachelor's degree for a master's program. The University's 60-credit requirement is an institutional academic standard that exceeds that minimum.

Program Details

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

Capstone Project in Restorative Advocacy

• 6
• Completion of 54 credits
• CRJ630
• Public Policy and Systems Advocacy
• 3
• CRJ515
• SOC640
• Sociology of Urban Communities
• 3
• None
• CRJ645
• Advanced Topics in Restorative Justice
• 3
• CRJ520
• CAP699 — Capstone Project in Restorative Advocacy: The culminating research and practice project where students design, execute, and present a restorative justice initiative. This project requires evidence of academic synthesis, ethical reasoning, and community impact. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CRJ630 — Public Policy and Systems Advocacy: This course analyzes the legislative and administrative processes for policy change in criminal justice. Students develop advocacy campaigns to support systemic reform and restorative principles. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC640 — Sociology of Urban Communities: Examines the systemic factors affecting urban environments, including poverty, inequality, and community health. Focus is placed on restorative approaches to urban development and justice. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CRJ645 — Advanced Topics in Restorative Justice: Seminar-style course discussing contemporary challenges and emerging trends in the justice system, including environmental and digital justice. Emphasis is placed on the future of community-led restorative efforts. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Thesis or Capstone Project

• The culminating experience for this Master's program is the Capstone Project, a significant scholarly endeavor where students synthesize their academic learning into a practical, evidence-based project. This 6-credit course requires students to identify a systemic issue within the justice sector and propose a restorative solution that reflects both academic rigor and an ethical, faith-informed worldview. Students are expected to produce a formal research paper and a comprehensive implementation plan that addresses stakeholder needs, institutional constraints, and long-term societal benefit.
• This project serves as a demonstration of both intellectual competence and character development. Through the lens of spiritual formation, students integrate their disciplinary knowledge with principles of biblical stewardship and ethical integrity, reflecting on their role as agents of change. The project must articulate how the proposed intervention promotes justice, mercy, and humility, ensuring that the student's final contribution is both theoretically sound and practically responsive to the needs of the community.

Career Opportunities

• Restorative Justice Program Coordinator
• Community Advocacy Director
• Public Policy Researcher
• Faith-Based Nonprofit Executive
• Conflict Resolution Specialist
• Victim Advocate
• Reentry Program Manager

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 | M.A. in Faith-Based Criminal Justice
• Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
• Advanced Faith-Based Criminal Justice core | 27 credit hours
• Research, assessment, and program evaluation | 12 credit hours
• Professional application and field experience | 12 credit hours
• Graduate capstone requirement | 9 credit hours
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CRJ501 | Foundations of Criminal Justice | 4 | None
• RES505 | Research Methods in Social Justice | 4 | None
• THE510 | Ethics and Servant Leadership | 3 | None
• CRJ515 | Legal Systems and Policy Analysis | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CRJ520 | Principles of Restorative Justice | 4 | CRJ501
• PSY530 | Behavioral Dynamics of Offender Rehabilitation | 3 | None
• CRJ535 | Victim Advocacy and Support | 4 | CRJ520
• SOC540 | Social Capital and Community Engagement | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CRJ605 | Reentry and Reintegration Models | 4 | CRJ520
• BUS610 | Nonprofit Resource Management | 4 | None
• CRJ615 | Mediation and Conflict Resolution | 3 | CRJ520
• CRJ620 | Global Perspectives on Justice Reform | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP699 | Capstone Project in Restorative Advocacy | 6 | Completion of 54 credits
• CRJ630 | Public Policy and Systems Advocacy | 3 | CRJ515
• SOC640 | Sociology of Urban Communities | 3 | None
• CRJ645 | Advanced Topics in Restorative Justice | 3 | CRJ520