Master of Arts in Restorative Justice (MARJ)
Program Description
The Master of Arts in Restorative Justice (MARJ) degree program is for students who want to address deficiencies in our justice system and become the next generation of justice leaders.
Students in the MARJ program will gain an in-depth understanding of the history of restorative justice domestically, internationally, and cross culturally. Designed by the faculty of the Center for Justice Reform, the unique curriculum combines traditional law school courses with restorative justice courses created specifically for the MARJ degree. Graduates will be prepared to become leaders and advocates in the field of restorative justice at a regional and national level. Experiential learning opportunities, including simulations and field placements, expose students to actual cases and controversies handled through a restorative response.
Students may complete the 30-credit MARJ program residentially in 12 months or online in 18 months, but have up to five years to obtain their degree. It is also available as a joint degree with the Vermont Law School JD and is open to students enrolled at other law schools who wish to combine their JD with the MARJ from Vermont Law School. The degree can be completed online, on campus, or a hybrid of both.
Click here to learn more about degree requirements.
At a Glance
Program Center: Center for Justice Reform
Location: Online, on-campus or a hybrid of both
Credit Requirements: 30 credits
A minimum of 30 credits, including all required courses
Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.2 for successful completion of the degree
Students have up to 5 years from the date of matriculation to complete the MARJ
Careers and Externships
Vermont Law School master’s graduates are the leaders, policymakers, and professionals our communities and our world most desperately need. Master’s alumni careers include:
- Social Work
- Attorney Generals Office
- Attorney’s
- Restorative Justice Centers
- Police Officers
- Research Coordinators
- And more
REQUIRED COURSESAll of the following courses: |
||
|---|---|---|
| Course Code | Course Title | Credits |
| RSJ7115 | Principles of Restorative Justice | 3 |
| or | ||
| RSJ7110 | Restorative Justice Theory and Practice | 2 |
| or | ||
| RSJ7120 | Origins, Evolution and Critical Issues in Restorative Justice | 3 |
| and | ||
| REQ7186 | Legislation and Regulation or Legislation and Regulation Survey | 3 |
EXPERIENTIAL/WRITING COURSESYou must have a minimum of (3) Credits from the following: |
||
|---|---|---|
| Course Code | Course Title | Credits |
| RSJ7215 | Narrative Writing Seminar | 3 |
| WRI7301 | Advanced Writing Seminar | 3 |
| ENV5122 or RSJ5122 |
Communications, Advocacy, and Leadership | 3 |
CORE ELECTIVESAt least (9) Credits from the following core electives: |
||
|---|---|---|
| Course Code | Course Title | Credits |
| RSJ7140 | Applied Criminal Justice | 3 |
| RSJ7315 | Peacemaking Courts | 3 |
| CRI7380 | Pleas Sentencing and Accountability | 3 |
| RSJ7340 | Race Crimes and RJ | 3 |
| RSJ7280 | Drug Policy Reform | 3 |
| RSJ7345 | Teaching Restorative Justice | 3 |
| RSJ7355 | Police Use of Force | 3 |
| RSJ7371 | Youth Justice Reimagined | 3 |
| RSJ7365 | Teaching Restorative Justice | 3 |
| RSJ7117 | Restorative Justice Facilitation | 3 |
| RSJ7350 | Ethics and Restorative Justice | 3 |
| RSJ7325 | Advanced Restorative Practices | 2 |
| RSJ7330 | Restorative Justice in Educational Institutions | 3 |
| CRI7319 | Juvenile Justice | 3 |
| RSJ7230 | Restorative Justice in Indigenous Communities | 3 |
| RSJ7250 | Global Restorative Justice | 3 |
| REQ7140 | Criminal Law | 3 |
| CRI7305 | Advanced Criminal Law Seminar | 2 |
| RSJ7320 | New Approaches to Domestic and Sexual Violence | 3 |
| ADR6420 | Negotiation | 2 |
| RSJ7210 | Adversity, Trauma, and Victimization | 3 |
| RSJ7360 | Advanced Victim Rights Seminar | 3 |
| RSJ7270 | Clemency, Pardons, Expungement | 3 |
| Externship | 4 | |