Graduate Certificate in restorative Justice
Be immersed in the restorative truth of the gospel.
For those whose vocation brings them in contact with the criminal justice system, as a pastor, lawyer, social worker or community leader.
24
Credit Hours
2-4
Years to Finish
In-person program
Hope-Western Prison Education Program
Who should consider a Graduate Certificate in restorative justice?
Those who work in non-profit or church ministry, particularly with communities impacted by the criminal justice system and conflict.
Christians who work in high-conflict communities and within the criminal justice system as lawyers, clerks, judges, etc.
Those who have a passion for restorative justice but are still undecided about their specific career pathway. This program is a perfect place to start.
Course Sequence
Courses can be taken one at a time to fit within students’ schedules.
No bachelors degree is required. Not all courses are offered every year. Reach out to Admissions to learn more.
The Certificate Program includes taking integrated “inside-out” classes at the Muskegon Correctional Facility, where students will learn in a classroom integrated with both “inside” students (incarcerated students in the Hope-Western Prison Education Program) and “outside” students (WTS students). Learning about restorative justice and its practices in an integrated classroom in a prison where many intersecting justice issues are present is a rare and formative opportunity.
Core Requirements
These three required courses are taken as “inside-out” courses at Muskegon Correctional Facility:
- Leading with Courage and Compassion
- Restorative Justice
- Restorative Arts Elective
No Bachelor's Degree?
Introduction to Theological Research will be required of all students who do not have a Bachelor’s degree or its equivalent or are admitted on academic probation.
THEOLOGICAL Courses
The following courses are offered at WTS in person or online and include students from multiple degree programs.
- Old Testament Foundations
- New Testament Foundations
- Foundations of the Christian Life
- Ethics and the Christian Life
WTS welcomes transfer students and transferred coursework. Contact Admissions to learn more.
Apply
APPLICATION PROCESS
Your application will be completed fully online. Once you complete your application be sure to watch your email. Some programs require additional interviews or follow up.
Have questions? Email us at admissions@westernsem.edu.
1.
Create an Account
2.
Fill out an application
3.
Upload written Materials
4.
Request letters
5.
Submit Your Application
6.
Watch your email
Only the MA in Christian Studies and Graduate Certificate in Christian Studies are available in Spanish.
Costs
AFFORDING sEMINARY
Tuition rates vary for different programs and degrees. At WTS, we understand that finances can be a major concern for prospective students. That’s why we offer a variety of scholarships and loan options.
Important Dates
For terms starting in 2024 - 2025
Fall Semester (starts late August)
Apply by:
January
Application fee waived for Fall semester MDiv and MA applications!
March
Deadline for international students
May
To ensure housing and best financial aid opportunities
August
Final application deadline for fall start
August
Call the admissions office for options!
Contact Admissions
spring Semester (starts Early January)
Apply By
December
For best financial aid opportunities
December
Call the admissions office for options!
Contact Admissions
Frequently Asked Questions
Who should consider the GCRJ program?
Pastors, elders, ministers, church leaders, workers and volunteers who are interested in and/or engaged in the justice system or communities heavily impacted by the justice system or impacted by conflict will gain tools and strength to help them in their calling.
What if I already have an MDiv?
Graduates who already possess an MA or MDiv (from any ATS-accredited institution) who apply for the GCRJ receive “advanced standing” and may be able to waive some courses. Contact Admissions to learn more.
Can I take courses at night? On weekends?
WTS tries to schedule its courses to make it possible for pastors and congregational leaders working in the field to attend. The “inside-out” courses are required to complete this certificate and will be scheduled one time a week during normal business hours.
Will I have access to professors, the library and other services?
Seminary offices and the library are open during the times when GCRJ courses are held, so students have access to the services they need to succeed in their studies.
What if my own theology is different than that which WTS embraces?
WTS is an institution that values its identity as ecumenical and evangelical, welcoming students from a number of Christian theological traditions. While WTS is Reformed in its theological identity, many current students in the GCRJ and other study programs hold membership in non-Reformed denominations.
What do the courses cost?
Each GCRJ course is 3 credit hours. View current tuition rates here.
Is financial aid available?
Tuition discounts and scholarships have limited availability for graduate certificates.
Student loans are not available. You must be enrolled at least half-time in a degree program (not a certificate program) to qualify for student loans.
Contact Admissions to learn more.
Are classes in the GCRJ program graduate level courses?
Yes, each course in the GCRJ program at WTS is taught at the graduate level and earns students 3 Master’s level credits, which are transferable into Master of Divinity programs at accredited seminaries. Students who complete the entire program will earn 24 Master’s credits, much of the credit requirement for the first year of the Master of Divinity degree program at WTS.
