Certificate
Restorative Justice Facilitation Certificate
Overview
Restorative justice is a global social movement with growth in a variety of settings including K-12 schools, higher education institutions, workplaces, community organizations, and criminal justice agencies. There is a growing need for skilled practitioners who understand the philosophical underpinnings of restorative justice, its varied applications, and self-reflective, nuanced practice. The certificate combines an academic understanding of restorative justice with experiential learning to ensure skillful facilitation.
This three-course certificate provides a comprehensive introduction to restorative justice facilitation through both online coursework and a skill-building intensive workshop held at the University of San Diego’s campus*.
*EDU-X786R will be available with the option of in person or online depending on the cohort. Check the schedule to see which cohort you will want to sign up for depending on the format you would like to take EDU-X786R.
The Restorative Justice Facilitation Certificate is offered by the USD Center for Restorative Justice, housed in the School of Peace and Justice and facilitated by the Division of Professional and Continuing Education. The certificate is designed for professional practice with the goal of building a new generation of restorative justice leaders.
Click here for more information on scholarships available for the next term. Any questions about the scholarship program can be directed to the Center of Restorative Justice at center4rj@sandiego.edu.
Certificate Requirements
Complete the requirements below to earn a professional certificate in Restorative Justice Facilitation. The certificate can be completed in 4 months. Read Certificate Benefits and Policy.
- Complete 3 required courses, EDU-X785R, EDU-X786R and EDU-X787R (total of 8 units).
| Course # | required courses | FEES | TYPE |
|---|---|---|---|
| EDU-X785R | Introduction to Restorative Justice: A Global Social Movement (3 units) | $1195 | OFD |
| Cohort 011 Dates: Aug. 19 – Oct. 6, 2025 Cohort 012 Dates: Jan. 20 – Mar. 9, 2026 | |||
| EDU-X786R | Restorative Justice Facilitation and Skill-Building Intensive (2 units) | $1195 | C / OFD |
| Cohort 011 Dates: Oct. 13 – Oct. 16, 2025 Cohort 012 Dates: Mar. 10 – Apr. 2, 2026 | |||
| EDU-X787R | Restorative Justice in Practice (3 units) | $1195 | OFD |
| Cohort 011 Dates: Oct. 22 – Dec. 17, 2025 Cohort 012 Dates: Apr. 9 – May 28, 2026 |
Schedule & Fees
Courses- Required Courses ( 8 units)
| Course | Date | Units | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Introduction to Restorative Justice: A Global Social Movement [EDU-X785R] | See Course Options | 3 | $1195 | |
|
Online Fixed-Date
Justine Darling
This seven-module asynchronous online course introduces the history, philosophy, theory and practices of restorative justice. Participants will be introduced to the ethical framework that guides restorative approaches and a variety of applications within the criminal justice system, educational settings, and community organizations. |
||||
| Restorative Justice Facilitation and Skill-Building Intensive [EDU-X786R] | See Course Options | 2 | $1195 | |
|
Classroom, Online Fixed-Date
Justine Darling
This course is an intensive skill-building workshop in restorative practices. The focus is developing facilitation skills necessary for hosting restorative dialogues. Participants will develop skills for both “restorative circles” and “restorative conferences,” two distinct and commonly used restorative practices. The course is highly experiential with intensive role play and debriefing. |
||||
| Restorative Justice in Practice [EDU-X787R] | See Course Options | 3 | $1195 | |
|
Online Fixed-Date
Justine Darling
This is an online live course that provides an opportunity to put theory and skills into practice. The focus is on implementing restorative practices through the development and delivery of restorative programs or series of facilitated dialogues. Students will propose a project, deliver it, and write a final report summarizing their success. |
||||
$3,585
Learning method Information
Courses offer a convenient, yet rigorous style of learning that allows you to structure your education to suit your schedule while keeping you on pace toward achieving your educational.
Online Fixed-Date
Online Fixed-Date: Online fixed-date courses offer a convenient, yet rigorous style of learning that enables you to collaborate with your instructor and other students in a shared, online learning environment. These courses have fixed start and finish dates, but as an online student you will have 24/7 online access to your classroom assignments, syllabus and course resources. Our online fixed-date courses allow you to work on your assignments anytime, although you are required to complete the assignments by specific dates.
How is the learning structured? In an online fixed-date course, you and your classmates will proceed through the curriculum together, collaborating in a shared learning experience. Each online fixed-date course is asynchronous, meaning that you can work on your assignments anytime, although required to complete the assignments by specific dates. The course is designed with learning modules where all of the content is grouped into weekly assignments. Each module covers one or more topics. Within each of the learning modules, you can expect the following components:
- Module introduction that outlines what you can expect to learn in the module.
- Required readings (textbook, articles, journals, etc.) and presentations (audio and/or video).
- Assignments with due dates (which may include: written assignments, journal entries, research, blogs, etc.) based on the readings and presentations.
- Discussion forum where you answer prompts from the instructor and interact with your classmates.
- Module conclusion to review the topics and what you should have learned.
- Typically, there is a final project, paper, or exam due in the last module that culminates all of the topics covered in each of the learning modules. You’ll find that the design of the learning modules has a rhythm to help you manage your time in the course.
Classroom
These on-campus courses are offered in a traditional classroom where you can connect with your instructor and classmates in a live setting. This learning environment facilitates communication in real time, enables immediate feedback and fosters face-to-face interaction with the instructor and classmates. Classroom courses have a scheduled start and finish date, and students are expected to attend all course sessions.
Third Party Funding
This program is approved by the following third-party funding source(s):
- Department of Veterans Affairs – Post 9-11, Yellow Ribbon, etc. (VA)
For students using third-party funding, please contact Enrollment and Student Services at pce-bus@sandiego.edu to begin the registration process. Please have your funding source details readily available.
Curriculum
Enroll in this certificate program, by enrolling in EDU-X785R, or EDU-X779R (when offered), EDU-X786R and EDU-X787R. Courses must be taken in order. Please note that EDU-X786R is currently offered in both online, and in-person options depending on the cohort. The in-person option is a one week intensive face-to-face workshop that spans four days at the University of San Diego’s campus. Check each cohort before signing up, for the dates, as they vary.
What You’ll Learn
- Understand the philosophy and practice of restorative justice from an ethical and philosophical consideration of the goals and consequences of various approaches to punishment
- Distinguish various applications of restorative justice from a cross-cultural perspective
- Demonstrate familiarity with the research on restorative justice including the criteria used for assessment of restorative programs
- Assess the strategies and effectiveness of restorative justice implementation through critical assessment of grassroots (bottom-up) and administrative (top-down) initiatives
- Understand the relationship between theory and practice of restorative justice
- Distinguish and apply various restorative practices, especially circles and conferencing
- Demonstrate competence in restorative process from pre-dialogue preparation to dialogue facilitation to post-dialogue mentoring and support
- Develop strong commitment to facilitation self-reflection and co-facilitator debriefing and support for ongoing skill development
- Create a community of practice for continued learning
- Practice the tenets of restorative leadership and consider one’s role with the larger restorative justice movement
Who Should Attend
This certificate program is for people wishing to deepen their understanding of restorative justice, become skillful restorative facilitators, and lead efforts to implement Restorative Justice programs and policies. This includes K-12 educators, and those working for higher education institutions, workplaces, community organizations, and criminal justice agencies. There is a growing need for skilled practitioners who understand the philosophical underpinnings of restorative justice, its varied applications, and self-reflective, nuanced practice.
The courses in this certificate program receive graduate-level extension credits from the University of San Diego. These credits are designed for professional growth and salary advancement (if applicable) and are not accepted toward a degree program at the University of San Diego. USD Undergraduate/Graduate Students: If you are interested in taking graduate-level courses in Restorative Justice to be applied toward a USD degree program, please contact the Center for Restorative Justice for more information.
To receive information on USD’s Center for Restorative Justice and receive email notifications, please visit the Center for Restorative Justice.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to regulations from the U.S. Department of Education, the University of San Diego is unable to enroll students in its online programs who reside in Alabama, Arkansas, District of Columbia, Georgia, Iowa, Kentucky, Minnesota, North Carolina, Rhode Island, and Wisconsin. If you are from one of these states/districts, please contact our center for Restorative Justice at center4rj@sandiego.edu for advice about our program.
Key Benefits of Certificates
Develop Expertise
From classroom management and bullying prevention to teacher leadership, USD certificates provide career-enhancing skills and knowledge.
Document Your Achievement
Bolster your resume as an educator by adding a University of San Diego certificate to your professional development accomplishments.
Advance Your Salary
Boost your career by earning Graduate-Level-Extension-Credit and position yourself for salary advancement at your school.
Testimonials
Instructors
Professional development courses offered by the University of San Diego’s Division of Professional & Continuing Education are taught by faculty that possess a depth and breadth of academic and real-world professional experience.
Careers Outlook
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The global epidemic of cyber crime has triggered a worldwide effort to beef up cybersecurity at organizations across all industries. This means employers are paying top dollar for cybersecurity professionals who possess the needed skills, experience and education.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the requirements for completing a certificate program?
Requirements for completing a certificate can be found on the certificate page.
Are the continuing education courses transferable to a master degree program?
Professional and Continuing Education courses that are transferrable to a USD master degree will be stated on the course or certificate page. If you wish to transfer credit, it is your responsibility to confer with the receiving institution before enrolling, as each
individual academic institution decides whether or not to accept USD Professional and Continuing Education credit.
How long do I have to complete the Certificate?
You have five years to complete the certificate.
What are your registration/drop/refund policies?
Click here for complete details regarding our refund, drop and transfer policies
What if I can’t get into a course because it is full?
Prospective students can request to be placed on a waitlist. Should a space open up in a course, those on the waitlist will be notified. We encourage you to register early for courses.
Why USD?
The Professional and Continuing Education program nurtures key partnerships on the local, national, and international level. The goal is to better serve working professionals who seek to enhance or build their careers and help achieve their highest value and potential. Contact us today to learn more.
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