Criminal Justice B.S., Rehabilitation and Reintegration Concentration

Criminal justice student at career fair speaking with an employer.

Transforming Justice: Specialize in Rehabilitation and Restoration

The Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a Concentration in Rehabilitation and Restoration at Westfield State University is designed for students seeking a deeper, more nuanced exploration of criminal behavior and effective correctional strategies aimed at successful reintegration into society. Ideal for those pursuing dual degrees in Criminal Justice and Psychology or those with a Psychology minor, this concentration is also open to all Criminal Justice majors eager to enhance their understanding of offender rehabilitation and restorative justice.

The major requires 42 credits, including core courses that provide a solid foundation in the field, and allows students to tailor their studies with upper-division electives that focus on contemporary issues and practices in corrections. This concentration not only enriches your academic journey but also prepares you for a career focused on transforming lives and fostering positive societal change.

Program Highlights

  • Explore criminal behavior and reintegration strategies
  • Select from specialized electives in corrections
  • Ideal for Criminal Justice/Psychology dual majors or any Criminal Justice student
  • Gain skills for impactful work in offender rehabilitation and societal change

Start Your Journey Toward a Meaningful Career in Justice

Focus on offender rehabilitation, and customize your learning with targeted electives.

  • Two students in a criminal justice class working on an assignment.

    In-Depth Exploration

    Explore the complexities of criminal behavior and the various correctional strategies designed to reintegrate offenders into society. This concentration provides a thorough understanding of the factors influencing criminal actions and the methodologies used to support successful rehabilitation and societal reentry.

  • Students working in a group in a criminal justice class.

    Customizable Learning Experience

    Tailor your educational journey with a wide selection of specialized upper-division electives that cover contemporary issues and practices in the field of corrections. From analyzing contemporary problems in corrections to exploring restorative community justice, these courses allow you to focus on areas that align with your career aspirations and interests.

  • Criminal Justice student at a career fair talking with an employer.

    Prepare for Impactful Careers

    Equip yourself with the expertise needed for roles focused on transforming lives and fostering positive change within the justice system. The program emphasizes practical skills and theoretical knowledge that will prepare you for a career dedicated to making a meaningful impact through offender rehabilitation and community justice initiatives.

What Can You Do with a Rehabilitation and Restoration Concentration

With a Rehabilitation and Restoration Concentration in Criminal Justice, you can pursue a range of impactful careers and roles focused on transforming the justice system and supporting offender reintegration. Here are some potential career paths:

  • Correctional Counselor
  • Probation or Parole Officer
  • Rehabilitation Specialist
  • Restorative Justice Coordinator
  • Juvenile Justice Specialist
  • Victim Advocate
Criminal Justice student at career fair speaking with an employer.

Ready to learn more?

Program Description

The Rehabilitation and Restoration Concentration is designed to provide Criminal Justice majors with a more in-depth and focused understanding of criminal offenders and correctional approaches that can be taken to reintegrate them as prosocial members of society. This concentration will be particularly relevant to dual Criminal Justice/Psychology majors and Criminal Justice majors with a Psychology minor, but is open to all Criminal Justice students as well.

Requirements for the Criminal Justice Major

The Criminal Justice major consists of 42 credits. All students must complete at least 21 credits of Criminal Justice coursework at Westfield State University. There are six required courses in the major (Major Core) that comprise 18 of the 42 required credits. All Criminal Justice majors must complete the Major Core courses with a minimum grade point average of 2.5, and no grade in any of the Major Core courses may be below a C-. Students may repeat any of these courses in order to meet this requirement, in accordance with the University's Course Repeat Policy.

  • Students are not required to take a concentration for the Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Degree
  • Students may take only one concentration for the Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Degree, even if they have completed the coursework for more than one concentration

Major Core Courses

Requirements for Rehabilitation and Restoration Concentration

UPPER-DIVISION ELECTIVES

Students choose upper-level electives in the major to complete 21 credits for the major, 18 of these upper-division elective credits must be from the courses listed below, to complete the 42-credit requirement. Students may take any other 3 upper-division credit Criminal Justice elective to complete the 21-credit upper-division credit requirement for the major. While encouraged to take Psychology courses, students should take note of prerequisites for each. Psychology courses taken for this Concentration will not apply to the required 39 credits in Criminal Justice required for Criminal Justice majors.

Additional Graduation Requirements

All students must meet the University Graduation Requirements and complete a general education or common core of studies, distributed among the different academic areas as detailed in General Education: WISE or Common Core.

Get big school features with small school advantages.

We offer high-quality academics, unique learning opportunities, and a gorgeous campus—and we have small classes, accessible faculty, and one-on-one support. 

You'll join fellow motivated students ready to make the most of the college experience through active participation. Become part of a caring and committed community that understands and embraces the bridge between academic study and civic responsibility.

  • Largest Criminal Justice, Government, and Non-Profit Career Fair in the Northeast held on campus

  • 92%+ of faculty hold doctorates 

  • 700+

    Internship opportunities

Learn from industry experts

The Criminal Justice Department is made up of 12 full-time faculty who are dedicated to undergraduate teaching. You’ll learn from professors who have expertise in homeland security, religious extremism, law enforcement, corrections and rehabilitation, criminal law, juvenile justice, gangs, multinational crime, crime mapping, and more.

A Criminal Justice professor stands in front of a projection screen while instructing their class of students.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Westfield State University accredited?

Westfield State University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).

Do I have to submit SAT/ACT scores or an essay when I apply?

Westfield State University does not require an application essay, SAT and/or ACT scores, or letters of recommendation (except for special program admissions).     

All first-year applicants are reviewed for admission based on their high school record. First-year applicants must meet the minimum eligibility requirements established by the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education (DHE) in order to qualify for admission to a state university.   

Learn more about the application process and admissions here.

How much does Westfield State University cost?

Westfield State University offers a comprehensive university experience at an affordable cost—with many options for financial aid. Visit our Cost and Aid page to learn more. 

Will I receive academic support?

We’re invested in your success. Whether you need a little help adjusting to college, study strategies, tutoring, or disability services, the team at the Academic Achievement Department is ready to help. Our mission is to provide you with the tools to explore academic opportunities as well as to plot strategies for continued growth. 

Learn more about our student support services here.

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Criminal Justice B.S., Rehabilitation and Reintegration Concentration