Academic Catalog

Course Formats

Online Courses - Students can select from a growing number of diverse online courses to create a coherent program of study that matches their interests and needs, allowing the student to complete the rest of the degree or certificate at home.

Blended Courses - If a student wants more in-person experience, they can choose from a number of conferences and professional development events designed for those who enjoy the excitement of interaction with others. Each event provides a deeper understanding of restorative practices, accompanied by online coursework that allows a student to convert their face-to-face learning into academic credit. They are highly participatory and address all types of learning styles: lecture, reflection, video, role-play, discussion, circles and group exercises.

Independent Study - With the support of our experienced faculty, a student may earn academic credit toward a degree or certificate through independent projects and study that allows the student to explore specific areas of interest.

Course List

Course Offerings

RP 500 Basic Restorative Practices
Credits: 3 | Delivery mode: Blended
Course duration: 4 weeks (18 hours online)
Prerequisite: None

This course explores the fundamental principles, philosophy, theories, practices, models and skills of restorative practices. Special emphasis will be placed on proactive and responsive circles, restorative conferencing and the informal application of these processes. Issues critical to the development of restorative practices, such as models of human interaction, theories of behavior and current research will be considered. Students will assess the role of human emotion, especially shame, in social relationships. Students will complete 18 hours of coursework online after attending the 4-day Basic Restorative Practices event. 

Students taking this course will complete up to 18 hours of coursework online after attending the 4-day Basic Restorative Practices event.

RP 506 Restorative Practices: The Promise and the Challenge
Credits: 3 | Delivery mode: Online
Course duration: 10 weeks
Prerequisite: None

This course introduces students to a wide range of possible applications for restorative justice and other restorative practices in varied settings including criminal justice, education and youth services, higher education, social work and workplaces. Students explore the potential, as well as the limitations, risks and obstacles to restorative practices through reading, online videos, interactive online discussion and writing assignments.

RP 515 Restorative Leadership Development: Authority with Grace
Credits: 3 | Delivery mode: Blended
Course duration: 7 weeks (30 hours online)
Prerequisite: RP 500

An intensive group experience, this course will immerse students in a culture of restorative practices in class. The course will emphasize self-assessment of both personal and professional styles and growth in restorative practices. Students will also learn to facilitate and implement a professional learning group. Students will complete 30 hours of coursework online after attending the 2-day Restorative Leadership Development: Authority with Grace event.

RP 525 Restorative Practices in Action
Credits: 3 | Delivery mode: Online
Course Duration: 10 weeks
Prerequisite: Participation in two Professional Development days: Introduction to Restorative Practices and Using Circles Effectively, taken after January 1, 2009

Students will implement a restorative practices project that builds on their previous experience and will evaluate their project through action research techniques. Students will acquire restorative skills through readings, lecture, self-assessment and an interactive online process.

RP 532 Aggression Replacement Training®: Behavioral Interventions that Work
Credits: 3 | Delivery mode: Blended
Course duration: 7 weeks (30 hours online)
Prerequisite: None

This course is designed to give students practical strategies for intervention with at-risk youth. The course will explore evidenced-based practices such as Aggression Replacement Training® and Life Space Crisis Intervention (LSCI). The online experience builds on the guided practice portion of the course, by examining social and emotional learning theories as they relate to the philosophical framework of restorative practices. Students will complete 30 hours of coursework online after attending the 2-day Aggression Replacement Training® event.

RP 540 Restorative Practices: Symposia and Conferences
Credits: 3 | Delivery mode: Blended
Course duration: Variable (20-27 hours online; online hours vary by event with which this course is paired)
Prerequisite: None

In this course students build on their participation at an IIRP restorative practices conference, symposium or IIRP-approved event. Students supplement this interactive in-person experience with related readings, writing assignments and online learning activities as part of a cohesive blended learning course. Students actively evaluate, analyze and synthesize presentations using restorative practices principles.

Note: This course is offered every other year, on the odd years (e.g., 2017. 2019, 2021, etc.).

RP 541 IIRP World Conference
Credits: 3 | Delivery mode: Blended
Course duration: Variable (27 hours online)
Prerequisite: None

In this course students gain credits based on participation and engagement at an IIRP world restorative practices conference. They supplement this direct experience with related readings, writing assignments and online discussions. Students actively evaluate, discuss and critique presentations using restorative practices principles. Students will complete 27 hours of coursework online after attending the conference.

RP 542 IIRP Turning the Tide Symposium
Credits: 3 | Delivery mode: Blended
Course duration: Variable (20 hours online)
Prerequisite: None

In this course students gain credits based on participation and engagement at an IIRP Turning the Tide symposium. They supplement this direct experience with related readings, writing assignments and online discussions. Students actively evaluate, discuss and critique presentations using restorative practices principles. Students will complete 20 hours of coursework online after attending the Turning the Tide Symposium.

RP 550 Transforming Relational Harm
Credits: 3 | Delivery mode: Online
Course duration: 10 weeks
Prerequisite: RP 500

This course explores a deeper application of restorative practices as it relates to emotion and harm. It uses group process, emotional dynamics, compassionate witnessing and mindful practices to address a wide continuum of harm. Understanding the neuroscience and how harm impacts the brain will be explored. Through these processes, students will begin to understand how harm, human neuroscience and emotional experiences affect relationships.

This course requires participation in synchronous skill-building experiences with the instructor and a willing participant with whom to practice compassionate witnessing.

Note: People have been exposed to various levels of trauma in their lives. This course considers the use of restorative practices in cases of grief, trauma and adversity. We advise students to consider establishing an emotional support system for themselves while taking this course.

RP 610 Evaluation of Research
Credits: 3 | Delivery mode: Online
Course duration: 10 weeks
Prerequisite: RP 500

This course teaches students to be knowledgeable consumers of research so that they can understand and critique what they read. Students will explore approaches, methods and techniques through online group discussion and readings of research that they choose based on their own areas of interest.

RP 622 Restorative Justice in Communities
Credits: 3 | Delivery mode: Online
Course duration: 10 weeks
Prerequisite: RP 500

Restorative justice views crime from the perspective of those directly and indirectly affected by an incident, empowering them to decide how best to repair harm. This course explores the possibilities of using restorative justice to respond more meaningfully to crime than current approaches used in the criminal justice system. Students examine theory and research to assess restorative justice’s potential for reducing crime and, importantly, its impact. Through case study reviews, students apply restorative responses to situations and compare them with current practices. Readings, video presentations with knowledgeable professionals and guided discussions present additional learning opportunities.

RP 623 Restorative Justice: Global Perspectives
Credits: 3 | Delivery mode: Online
Course duration: 10 weeks
Prerequisite: RP 500

This course offers students a comprehensive perspective on restorative justice practices from around the world. Students will examine how restorative justice practices have been implemented in various cultures and contextual settings. Expert speakers will join this course to provide insight from many years of experience working within the restorative justice paradigm. Students will explore these practices through a diverse selection of readings, video presentations, expert speakers and guided discussion threads.

RP 625 Restorative Practices in Life Space Crisis Intervention
Credits: 3 | Delivery mode: Online
Course duration: 10 weeks
Prerequisite: RP 500

This course focuses on the basic communication process in problem management and crisis intervention. Life Space Crisis Intervention, which helps individuals identify patterns of self-defeating behavior, is viewed through a restorative lens. Role plays of restorative responses facilitate an understanding of the process. Students will learn to apply Life Space Crisis Intervention with individuals in the moment of crisis.

This course requires participation in synchronous skill-building experiences with the instructor and a willing participant with whom to practice questioning skills.

RP 635 Narrative Processes for Empowering Facilitators
Credits: 3 | Delivery mode: Online
Course duration: 10 weeks
Prerequisite: RP 500

In this course, students will develop an understanding of social construction and narrative theories that empower the facilitation of decision making. Students will learn to organize and maintain conversations with others to address their needs and enhance their potential, through enriched narrative conversations that acknowledge the individual or group.

This course requires participation in synchronous skill-building experiences with the instructor and a willing individual with whom to practice six different narrative maps.

RP 652 Social and Emotional Learning in the Restorative Classroom
Credits: 3 | Delivery mode: Online
Course duration: 10 weeks
Prerequisite: RP 500

This course will explore how restorative learning environments provide opportunities for social and emotional learning (SEL) in any educational setting. Attention will be paid to the research behind SEL and how SEL is linked to student performance and behavior. Students will learn how to use restorative practices to encourage SEL in the classroom.

RP 662 A Restorative Approach to Educating the High-Risk and High-Need Student
Credits: 3 | Delivery mode: Online
Course duration: 10 weeks
Prerequisite: RP 500

Every classroom, whether mainstream or specialized, contains students who experience poverty, trauma, persistent adversity, addiction/substance abuse, neglect or other risk factors at some point in their lives. This course goes beyond “behavior management” to focus on a restorative framework and techniques for instruction that meet the unique cognitive and emotional needs of these learners.

RP 694 Directed/Independent Study
Credits: 3 | Delivery mode: Individualized
Course duration: variable
Prerequisite: RP 500
(Requires consent of instructor)

This course provides an opportunity for a matriculated student to develop a learning contract that defines directed study or independent study on a special topic demonstrating a deeper understanding and application of restorative practices.

Note: This course requires the approval of the Provost after a learning contract has been designed between a faculty member and the student.

RP 695 Action Research Project in Restorative Practices I
Credits: 3 | Delivery mode: Individualized
Course duration: variable
Prerequisite: RP 500
(Requires consent of advisor)

This course offers the opportunity for the student to apply restorative practices in the mode of action research to a real world problem in the student’s own sphere of influence. The course requires the identification of such a problem, a scan of environmental factors, the framing or defining of that problem, and the creation of an action plan addressing the problem and assessing the results of the project.

Note: Students electing to take RP 695 will also need to register for RP 696 in order to implement and complete their research project. Neither course's credits will be awarded until both are completed.

RP 696 Action Research Project in Restorative Practices II
Credits: 3 | Delivery mode: Individualized
Course duration: variable
Prerequisite: RP 500, RP 695
(Requires consent of advisor)

The plan developed in RP 695 will be implemented and the results will be assessed. This work will then be placed in a report; the report will be defended.

Note: Neither course’s credits will be awarded until both are completed.

RP 699 Restorative Practices Capstone
Credits: 3 | Delivery mode: Online
Course duration: 10 weeks
Prerequisite: All required master’s degree program coursework

In the capstone course, students create a culminating multimedia project that describes how restorative practices positively influences human behavior and strengthens civil society. Students also identify potential gaps in this emerging social science. Projects are developed in a highly interactive group process where students support each other in writing and presenting their capstone project. As a professional learning community, faculty and students engage in discussion about each presentation to help the group review the processes, philosophy, theory and research in restorative practices.

Credit Hour Assignment

All courses taken for credit at the International Institute for Restorative Practices (IIRP) that are applied toward completion of degree and certificate requirements conform to applicable state and federal regulations regarding assignment of credit hours.

The faculty of the Graduate School is responsible for developing, maintaining and evaluating the curriculum. Assignment of credit hours for courses are determined based on the expertise of the faculty and course learning objectives. The Office of the Provost bears the responsibility for the execution of this policy.

Assignment of Credit Hours

The IIRP has adopted a variant of the traditional “Carnegie Unit” as a measure of academic credit. This unit is known by the familiar term, “credit hour,” and is the primary academic measure by which progress toward a degree is gauged. It is recognized that such a unit measures only a part, albeit a major part, of a composite learning experience, based upon formally structured and informal interactions among faculty and students, as well as work done by students independently, outside of class.

Two hours of work outside of class (reading, writing, research, project work, etc.) are expected of students for each hour of direct classroom or online participation.

Definition of a Credit Hour

The calculation of credit hours for graduate programs follows the Pennsylvania Department of Education guidelines, which are consistent with the U.S. Department of Education’s definition of a credit hour.

22 Pa. Code § 31.21 (5)

“A master’s degree must require the satisfactory completion of a minimum of 30 semester credit hours or 45 quarter credit hours beyond the baccalaureate level.”

22 Pa. Code § 31.21 (6)(d)

“To assure academic integrity, an institution shall provide students in a distance education program access to academic and student services, including textbooks, study guides, library and other learning resources, personal interaction with faculty, tutors or other educational personnel by computer, telephone, mail or face-to-face meetings. The institution shall assure integrity of student work and provide opportunity for student assessment. These programs must comply with the regulations that apply to resident-based programs as prescribed in this chapter and Chapters 35, 36, 40 and 42 and conform to generally accepted academic practices for delivery of instruction through distance education.”

At the IIRP a three-credit graduate course comprises:

• 42 hours of classroom (“in-class” or “in-seat”) instruction, plus
• 3 hours for final examination (when applicable), plus
• 90 hours of additional work outside of class (reading, homework, research, fieldwork, project creation and other activities)

Total: 132 hours (135 hours if final exam is administered)

Academic Periods

There are three academic terms – fall, spring and summer – within which the IIRP offers courses of varying durations. The fall and spring academic periods are at least 15 weeks long each; the summer academic period is typically less than 15 weeks long, but nevertheless adheres to the policy in terms of instruction time and the amount of work required.

Course Durations

The length of individual courses, whether blended or online, can vary within each academic period. Published descriptions of courses clearly state the duration of each course. Every course, regardless of its duration, adheres to the credit hour policy in terms of the required instruction time and volume of work involved to earn full credit.

Course Delivery Modalities

Blended Courses

In-person, direct instruction at an IIRP professional development event, symposium or conference is followed by online coursework to complete a blended course. Direct instruction time for the online portion of each course is calculated based on the amount of time spent attending the in-person segment of the course. In all instances, these courses must meet the total amount of instructional and student work time required to earn full credit, based on the definition of a credit hour as described above.

Online Courses

These courses are offered entirely online with no on-site, in-person meetings. They have the same learning outcomes and substantive components as other courses offered by the IIRP. Contact time is satisfied by several means including, but not limited to:

(a) Regular weekly instruction or interaction with an instructor for the duration of the course, and

(b) Academic engagement through interactive tutorials, group discussions moderated by faculty, virtual study/project groups, engaging with class peers and online projects reviewed and graded by faculty. In all instances, these courses must meet the total amount of instructional and student work time as traditional classroom courses.

Directed and Independent Study Courses

Each course is individualized to allow the student to either complete the requirements of an existing course on an individual basis, or to explore a personal interest related to restorative practices not currently addressed in the curriculum. The time spent on in-person instruction, direct interaction between the instructor and student, and additional external study, research, writing, fieldwork and other activities will conform to the standard minimum of 45 hours of direct instruction or credit hour equivalencies plus 90 hours of outside work for a three-credit course. The total time a student spends in an independent study course, including research, fieldwork and other activities, is documented in a contract, developed by the student with a Ph.D. faculty member and approved by the faculty, which ensures that the student’s educational objectives, work plan, assignments, activities, outcomes and evaluation are equal to those of other IIRP courses.

Accelerated Courses

Courses offered outside of a standard academic period in which credit hours offered are the same as for courses offered in a standard academic period. The content and substantive learning outcomes for accelerated courses are the same as those in the standard academic period. These courses must meet the total amount of instructional time and student work as standard courses.

Definitions of In-Class and Out-of-Class Time

In online and blended courses, time spent in direct learning and interaction with the instructor and classmates via our learning management system, Moodle, is considered in-class time. Time spent in work, preparation and related activities away from Moodle is considered out-of-class time.

Institutional Learning Goals

The Institutional Learning Goals of the IIRP Graduate School articulate the learning opportunities for each student in this institution. These goals reflect the mission of the IIRP and are rooted in the restorative nature of the Institute’s focus. Specific outcomes are tied to each goal in order to support further learning for students, faculty and administration. These goals and outcomes are broadly defined to apply across the curriculum and to adapt learning in varied contexts. They include goals and outcomes that reflect the unique nature of restorative practices and attract students who value community and want to create a more restorative world by building relationships and community through leadership that empowers others. The learning goals represent core skills and knowledge all students will attain at the IIRP.

Critical Thinking: Members of the IIRP learning community will analyze, synthesize and interpret texts, experiences, feedback and other information.

Critical thinking skills are evidenced by the student’s ability to:

1. Demonstrate quantitative and qualitative literacy;
2. Analyze and interpret texts, experiences and feedback through critical reflective processes;
3. Gather evidence and analyze it to take a philosophical position, make a judgment or solve theoretical or practical problems;
4. Participate in group settings, such as professional learning groups or circles, in order to gain understanding of content, gain feedback, form collaborative relationships and translate learning into multiple contexts. 

Communication Skills: Members of the IIRP learning community will write and speak well in different contexts.

Communication skills are demonstrated by the student’s ability to:

1. Utilize the writing process to deepen learning and convey meaning to others;
2. Write effectively for a variety of purposes and audiences;
3. Deliver effective oral presentations;
4. Experience learning through speaking, listening, writing, role-plays, self-reflection and providing both critical and supportive feedback to fellow students.

Self-Directed Learning: Members of the IIRP learning community will take initiative and responsibility and assess their own learning activities.

Self-directed learning is demonstrated by the student’s ability to:

1. Take initiative in identifying areas of needed growth;
2. Work independently as needed to complete assignments;
3. Effectively manage coursework to completion;
4. Contribute to the restorative practices knowledge base through the ability to seek, share and implement restorative processes. 

Ethical Awareness: Members of the IIRP learning community will identify and analyze ethical issues associated with restorative practices.

Ethical awareness is demonstrated by the student’s ability to:

1. Articulate the meaning of the IIRP’s mission;
2. Work cooperatively and responsibly within a group;
3. Demonstrate an understanding of ethical issues in research.

Information Literacy: Ability to locate, analyze and use information appropriately.

Information literacy components are built into all IIRP courses, and competency is demonstrated by each student’s successful completion of assignments for each course. Information literacy is demonstrated by the student’s ability to:

1. Identify the type of source needed to fill the information need;
2. Use the resource effectively by constructing successful search strategies to locate required information;
3. Analyze search results to determine their suitability for the assignment;
4. Understand the definition of plagiarism, attribution of ownership of works and ideas, and the importance of proper citation format.

Master of Science in Restorative Practices

The Master of Science in Restorative Practices degree program (10 courses/30 credits) is readily accessible, even to those who live a great distance from our campus in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, USA.

A majority of the degree program can be completed through online courses or independent study. However, if the student wishes, the program can be tailored to be more of an in-person learning experience.

The IIRP master’s degree program is designed for working professionals, so it is assumed that most students will be studying on a part-time basis. The minimum completion time for a master’s degree should be two years.

Students must complete their degree program within five years from the time they are admitted to the program and matriculate.

A student’s failure to complete their degree requirements in the prescribed five-year period will be cause for review by the Provost and subject to possible dismissal from the IIRP.

A student can register for up to 12 credits before applying for admission to the master’s degree program and begin their program at various times throughout the year.

Program Goals

Students will:

1. Verify knowledge and skill in restorative processes, from basic to advanced and from informal to formal.
2. Analyze and evaluate history, philosophy, theory and significant research about restorative practices and apply it appropriately to area of concentrated study.
3. Apply strategies for self-evaluation and professional growth in a variety of increasingly complex situations.
4. Critique area of concentrated study as it relates to restorative practices.
5. Identify a problem or problems within area of concentrated study and determine a restorative approach to addressing the identified problem.
6. Demonstrate proficiencies in technological capabilities and information literacy appropriate to the graduate study of restorative practices.

Graduation Requirements

Degrees are awarded at the end of each term. There are three requirements in order to qualify for a diploma:

1) 30 Credits. A candidate for degree is required to complete successfully 30 academic credits. Degree requirements must be satisfied within a five-year period from the date of enrollment (unless the Provost has agreed to an alternative arrangement).

Due to the specialized nature of IIRP’s graduate degree programs, transfer credits will not be accepted, with the exception of IIRP coursework offered as ORLA 5340 and taught by IIRP faculty at the Summer Principals Academy, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, New York.

2) Successfully complete RP 699 Restorative Practices Capstone. In this course, students create a culminating multimedia project that describes how restorative practices positively influences human behavior and strengthens civil society. Students also identify potential gaps in this emerging social science. Projects are developed in a highly interactive group process where students support each other in writing and presenting their capstone project. As a professional learning community, faculty and students engage in discussion about each presentation to help the group review the processes, philosophy, theory and research in restorative practices.

3) Course Registration and Outstanding Debt. A candidate will file an application to graduate and register for RP 699 Resotrative Practices Capstone in the projected year of graduation by March 1. Any outstanding debts to the Institute must be paid in full thirty (30) days prior to the start date of the final class.

Course Requirements

Graduate Certificate in Restorative Practices

If a student wants to earn a graduate-level credential in restorative practices without pursuing a degree, the IIRP Graduate Certificate in Restorative Practices provides the core learning experiences of our master’s degree program. Students gain extensive knowledge and skill in restorative practices and learn tools necessary for self-evaluation and professional growth.

Students can apply to the certificate program throughout the year.

Students must complete their requirements for a graduate certificate within two years from the time their application has been received.

A student’s failure to complete the requirements for a Graduate Certificate in the prescribed two-year period will be cause for review by the Provost.

A student may earn the Graduate Certificate by successfully completing four courses: two foundational courses and two electives.

Program Goals

Students will:

1. Verify knowledge and skill in restorative processes, from basic to advanced and from informal to formal.
2. Analyze and evaluate the history, philosophy, theory and significant research about restorative practices by completing various restorative projects.
3. Apply strategies for self-evaluation and professional growth in a variety of settings.

Application for the Graduate Certificate

Students must complete the Application for the Graduate Certificate through their Student Portal.

Have an official academic transcript sent directly from the accredited college or university that granted your baccalaureate degree.

• Electronic transcripts should be sent to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
• Paper transcripts should be mailed by postal service to: Attn: Director of Student Services, IIRP Graduate School, 531 Main Street, Bethlehem, PA 18018.
• International credentials must be evaluated on a course-by-course basis by any organization approved by National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) and sent directly by that organization to the IIRP.

Create a plan of study.

Requirements to Obtain a Graduate Certificate

Any outstanding debts to the Institute must be paid in full thirty (30) days prior to the start date of the final class.

Certificates are awarded at the end of each term.

Course Requirements