What are the ways I can expand my knowledge of restorative practices?
We offer numerous opportunities for you to obtain a deeper knowledge of the field according to your individual desires and needs.
If you are looking to expand your knowledge and experience to effectively lead people, build diverse, resilient teams, and spark innovative ways of thinking by focusing on responsibility, respect, and inclusive participation, then our graduate program is for you! The Master of Science in Restorative Practices is an advanced degree that will prepare you to problem-solve in a way that fosters cohesion and creates conditions for collaborative teamwork. Our master’s degree graduates uncover the root causes of conflict and facilitate complex conversations to minimize harm, identify solutions, and repair relationships. They can problem-solve in a way that fosters cohesion and creates conditions for collaborative teamwork. Along the way, they develop emotional intelligence, self-reflection, and conflict management skills that equip them to proactively build more effective relationships and positive community culture.
Alternatively, you can enroll in a Graduate Certificate program, which can prepare you to become an expert practitioner in your setting. Within this graduate program, you will:
- Develop an in-depth understanding of the foundations of relational engagement and practical frameworks to apply restorative practices appropriately in your own setting.
- Customize your sphere of study with electives geared to your interests that enhance your specific practice.
- Join a professional learning community to elevate your skills in giving and receiving constructive feedback while gauging your proficiency in the emotional, relational, and ecological underpinnings of restorative practices.
- Apply conceptual and analytical skills in evaluating the links among practice, systems, and policy issues.
If you wish to teach others about restorative practices and provide some tools and techniques to implement it in your organization, community, school, or home then one of the Training of Trainers event is a great choice for professional development for you!
*Please note that the IIRP Graduate School does not offer professional certification in restorative practices nor certify any graduate school alumni or professional development attendee.
What is a graduate certificate?
A graduate certificate is a program that can be completed in less time than a master’s degree and can provide you with a strong foundation in restorative practices and the opportunity to implement what you learn in your career. As an added benefit, you will be attending the same classes as students enrolled in the comprehensive master's degree program and you can apply these courses in the future toward a master's degree in restorative practices from the IIRP. A bachelor’s degree is required for entry into the certificate program. A graduate certificate is not a “certification.”
I am admitted. How do I register for graduate courses?
You may register for courses in your Student Portal under the "Actions" tab.
I have a payment plan. How do I register for graduate courses?
Your monthly payments include registration costs for the professional development and online registrations needed to complete your coursework.
In order to register for the in-person portion of a blended course without making additional payment – i.e., a professional development event, conference, or symposium – choose an event and use the code Student Services issued you when you set up your payment plan. This way you can select the professional development event that you want to attend and complete the registration on your own without payment. If you lose the code or encounter any difficulties with this process, contact Student Services and we will help you!
Do you offer scholarships?
We offer Transparent Tuition, which allows for an 8.35% tuition discount for our admitted students.
We also offer Impact Scholarships and the Shawn Szuch Scholarship to matriculated master's degree students. Learn more on our Scholarships page.
Can courses taken for the Graduate Certificate be applied toward the Master of Science degree?
Yes, all of the courses will count toward your degree.
Can the Master of Science and Graduate Certificate be completed fully online?
Yes, with the introduction of RP 504 Foundations of Restorative Practices, all coursework can now be completed online from anywhere in the world. In-person professional development and blended learning remains an option.
What is my first step?
Let's get you started! Email Student Services at
We accept applications on a rolling basis.
What is a blended course?
A blended course is a graduate course that combines continuing education with online graduate learning.
For all our blended courses, participants first attend the in-person or online professional development portion. You must register for the professional development, conference, or symposium from our website. You will participate in that portion of the course with other learners who may or may not be continuing for graduate course credit.
Registration for the graduate course portion is done through your student portal. Your tuition will be reduced by the amount already paid for the professional development.
Entry-level blended courses include RP 500 Basic Restorative Practices, RP 532 Aggression Replacement Training®, and RP 541 World Conference.
Do you accept transfer credits and/or prior learning?
As a scholar/practitioner-oriented graduate school, the IIRP recognizes the value of learning acquired in settings outside traditional classroom spaces. The IIRP maintains that students who can satisfactorily document and demonstrate knowledge and skills pertinent to the degree or graduate certificate being sought and that have been derived from prior life experiences should have the opportunity to apply for academic credit for such experiential learning. The IIRP awards prior learning credit to matriculated students in its degree programs. Prior learning credit is only awarded for demonstrated graduate-level learning, not for experience alone. Students requesting prior learning credits will complete a Prior Learning Assessment Portfolio.
Learn more about the Prior Learning Credit Policy and Transfer Credit Policy in the Academic Catalog.
Can I earn graduate credits to be eligible for a pay increase at my job?
We are an accredited graduate school, and many of our students' employers recognize our coursework. You may begin earning graduate credit through our Graduate Certificate program by taking four courses (12 credits). If you require more than 12 credits, you may apply to the Master of Science program and select from a variety of electives. All of the coursework completed in one program may be applied to another. There is no application fee to apply.
As someone who lives outside of the United States, what are the travel requirements?
Travel is not a requirement, as you may complete all your coursework online. However, we do offer a number of blended courses that may be taken as electives.
Do you provide documents I can use to defer my student loans with other lenders?
We do not have those forms, but we are happy to help you with this process.
To initiate the process to defer your student loans, you need to get in touch with your lender and ask them to send you loan deferment paperwork. Once you complete the student section of the form, send the paperwork to us, and we will complete it and securely send it back to you. You are required to return the paperwork to the lender yourself.
In order for us to sign off on loan deferment paperwork, you must be enrolled in at least two courses per year at the IIRP. (We define two courses per year as the minimum to attain the status of part-time enrollment.) We will sign the paperwork once you begin your second course and return it to you so you can complete the deferment request process with your lender.
