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

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

HBIU College of Law and Public Policy

Total credits

120

Duration

4 years

• 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.
• Course Outline
• Semester 1 — Year 1
• 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
• ENG101 — Academic Writing and Rhetoric: 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: 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: 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: 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 — Year 1
• 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
• ENG102 — Research and Critical Inquiry: 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: 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: 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: 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 — Year 2
• 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
• CRJ210 — Criminal Law and Procedure: 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: 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: 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: 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.
• Semester 4 — Year 2
• 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
• CRJ250 — Corrections and Rehabilitation: 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: 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: 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: 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 — Year 3
• 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
• CRJ310 — Juvenile Justice Systems: 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: 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: 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: 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 — Year 3
• 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
• CRJ360 — Ethics in Justice Practice: 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: 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: 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: 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.
• Semester 7 — Year 4
• 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
• CRJ420 — Advanced Criminological Research: 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: 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: 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: 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 — Year 4
• 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: 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: 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: 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: 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..

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.

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