The Bethel College Social Work Department offers a minor in Criminal & Restorative Justice. Any major may access this minor, and we have found that many of the graduates who complete the minor find social work to be a good preparation for employment in the field of criminal justice.
Graduates with this minor gain employment as restorative justice practitioners, parole officers, court service officers, prison or law enforcement, investigative or rehabilitation service providers, mediators, justice administrators, and any other job that intersects with the justice system. This minor provides students with the human-centered skills they need to be able to interact with people who are experiencing difficulty in a sensitive and compassionate manner.
Objectives of the minor include:
• understand the structure and scope of the U.S. criminal justice system, including major concepts, current trends, and best professional practices pertaining to its operation;
• understand the restorative approach to justice, including its theoretical, cultural, and spiritual roots as well as its applicability; and
• possess practical skills for applying restorative techniques in specific situations.
This minor requires 11-14 hours of coursework in Criminal and Restorative Justice, Skills for Human Services, and other Social Science courses to supplement the knowledge, skills, and competencies in order to be effective in the profession.