Best Online Graduate Certificate in Restorative Justice

Best Online Graduate Certificate in Restorative Justice

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If the desire to create, strengthen, or mend individual, organizational, or social relationships is one of your professional goals, then consider getting an online graduate certificate in restorative justice. 

Best Online Graduate Certificate in Restorative Justice

People are naturally social animals, and restoring the disjointed relationships of communities, organizations, and families is a skill set that is in growing demand across many industries. If you’re passionate about repairing and rebuilding connections between people and groups, or developing mediation and conflict resolution skills, an online graduate certificate in restorative justice may be the appropriate course of action to take for you. 

Keep reading to see if one of the following certificates could provide the training you need to become the professional you desire. 

It’s common for graduates of this certification to become mediators, arbitrators, and professionals that serve to address conflicts in familial, educational, or organizational settings. Graduates also commonly work with criminal justice victims and perpetrators.

Online Schools Report is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

What Is an Online Graduate Certificate in Restorative Justice?

The social science that studies how to improve and repair relationships between communities and people is known as restorative justice. This field aims to repair relational harm, decrease antisocial and criminal behavior, build healthier communities, and elevate smooth social functionality. 

An online graduate certificate in restorative justice can boost an existing career or help students master high-demand negotiating and mediating skills. Some programs can be completed with a minimum of nine credit hours while other programs require more than 24 credit hours.

How Much Can You Earn with an Online Graduate Certificate in Restorative Justice?

A restorative justice certificate is used for mediators, social workers, educators, and even victims’ advocates in the criminal justice field. Along with a bachelor’s degree, certificate holders can earn higher salaries in a variety of areas, including arbitration and conciliation. 

In 2019, the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics reported that arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators made about $63,930 annually. Social workers and community educators earned approximately $46,060 and both correctional and probation workers earned about $54,290 annually. Workers in health care that fill educator and facilitator roles were reported as earning $46,910 annually.

What Is Required for an Online Graduate Certificate in Restorative Justice?

To earn an online graduate certificate in restorative justice, most programs encourage or require a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university. However, professionals in the education industry, justice system, social work field, or health care arena also are encouraged to apply. Practical instruction in role-playing and group interactive practices are key to developing the tools and skills needed to mediate and lead restorative discussions and exercises. Some programs will require an end-of-program examination for completion.

What Are the Best Online Graduate Certificates in Restorative Justice?

OSR uses six data points: three school-wide and three program-specific. For school-wide, OSR uses Student Satisfaction, Admission Rates, and the number of programs the school offers online. For program-specific, OSR checks the Median Debt of graduates from that program, how many degrees are offered within that program’s umbrella department, and what percentage of students at that school graduated from that department.

The six statistics are displayed by each school. The sliding bar under each statistic represents how that school compares to other US institutions. “Not reported” means a school did not release that information to the US Department of Education. A more detailed description of the OSR process can be found on the methodology page.

University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus

Quick Facts

  • Total of 12 credit hours required for completion
  • 100% online or hybrid format 
  • 3.0 GPA minimum for application
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Acceptance Rate

74%

Programs Offered Online

7

Median Debt

$20,000

Programs in Department

1

Popularity at School

1%

100%OSR Score

You can earn your online restorative justice certificate from the University of Oklahoma after earning your bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. This program covers classwork in ethical decision-making for criminal justice as well as victimology and restorative justice. Elective courses focus on human trafficking, community policing, and juvenile justice. Certificate credits are also usable toward a graduate degree.

University of San Diego

Quick Facts

  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution required
  • Online and hybrid opportunities available 
  • Total of nine credit hours required for completion
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

75%

Acceptance Rate

50%

Programs Offered Online

Not reported

Median Debt

$24,000

Programs Offered Online

Not reported

Popularity at School

0%

79%OSR Score

The University of San Diego offers students an excellent online certificate in restorative justice facilitation and leadership. The program teaches a collaborative decision-making process that unites harm causers with harmed parties to facilitate accountability. Course work includes an introduction to restorative justice, an intensive skill-building facilitation module, and a 14-week practicum. 

Vermont Law School

Quick Facts

  • Tuition: $600 per credit
  • Total of nine credit hours required for completion
  • Online, hybrid, or on-campus options available 
  • Two elective courses required
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

71%

Programs Offered Online

Not reported

Median Debt

$19,706

Programs in Department

1

Popularity at School

2%

67%OSR Score

If you’re looking to gain experience, receive specialized instruction, and prepare for professional certification in restorative justice, Vermont Law School’s online program could the best option for you. Students will focus on either the principles of restorative justice or its theory, evolution, and origins. Upon program completion, students may also apply their credits toward a Master of Arts in Restorative Justice.

University of Maine

Quick Facts

  • Team-based learning styled program
  • Total of 42 credit hours required for completion 
  • Bachelor’s degree not required for application
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

74%

Acceptance Rate

92%

Programs Offered Online

2

Median Debt

$26,000

Programs in Department

1

Popularity at School

0%

60%OSR Score

Professionals from a variety of fields that are seeking to improve their communication, leadership, and harm repair abilities should consider a restorative justice certificate from the University of Maine. Prior bachelor’s degrees are not required. Participants will focus on the philosophy, mindset, practices, and tools of the emerging restorative justice skill set.

University of New Hampshire-Main Campus

Quick Facts

  • Total of 240 hours of coursework required for completion 
  • 100% online program
  • Role-playing practice incorporated
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

72%

Acceptance Rate

77%

Programs Offered Online

Not reported

Median Debt

$27,000

Programs Offered Online

Not reported

Popularity at School

0%

52%OSR Score

The University of New Hampshire’s certificate in mediation and restorative justice utilizes the INACCORD conflict resolution model. Students will prepare to work in the criminal justice field with both victims and perpetrators. Mediators Without Borders awards graduates with multiple certificates upon program completion.

Online Schools Report is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.