With a degree in Human Services and Restorative Justice, you’ll have an opportunity to help and make a true difference. Your work will empower others, inspire change, contribute to healthy communities, and promote advocacy.
At Penn College, you’ll join a community of tomorrow-minded students and instructors dedicated to transforming tomorrow. In coursework and internships, you'll learn how to apply a well-rounded approach to enhance services for those who need them most. And thanks to small class sizes, an immersive approach to learning, and expert faculty by your side, you’ll have the skills and confidence to spark change in this rewarding field.
You'll be prepared to address substance abuse, family violence, counseling, policing, and aging in diverse professional settings such as probation services, group homes, mental health centers, and children and youth services agencies.
Join the Penn College Human Services & Restorative Justice Community 
The Human Services and Restorative Justice program abides by the National Organization for Human Services (NOHS) ethical standards, which can be found here. Additionally, field experiences and internship sites may require background checks and clearances. Learn more.
Your coursework will cover classes specific to your area of specialization along with foundational concepts and lessons that invite fresh perspectives.
8
Semesters
40
Courses
122
Credits
Fall 2026
6 courses 16 credits
33% program-specific courses
Spring 2026
5 courses 15 credits
60% program-specific courses
Fall 2027
5 courses 15 credits
40% program-specific courses
Spring 2027
5 courses 15 credits
80% program-specific courses
Fall 2028
5 courses 16 credits
20% program-specific courses
Spring 2028
6 courses 18 credits
33% program-specific courses
Fall 2029
5 courses 15 credits
60% program-specific courses
Spring 2029
3 courses 12 credits
67% program-specific courses
Please Note: The outlined curriculum assumes a fall semester start for students completing a full credit load schedule without additional developmental math requirements. Students beginning in the spring or summer, taking less than a full load, and/or requiring developmental coursework follow an altered curriculum sequence. Speak to your academic advisor or school office with questions.
State-of-the-Art Learning Labs
3
Immersive In-Field Placements
Flexible Curriculum
The challenge course is designed to enhance problem-solving, leadership, teamwork and communication skills for students.
Reserved for Human Services and Restorative Justice students, this lab is the premier location for our mentoring program. All incoming students are paired with current students. Together they design a study plan for their time at Penn College. The lab can also be used for study sessions and peer-to-peer advising.
Also reserved for Human Services and Restorative Justice students, this applied learning space is used for mock one-on-one and group counseling sessions—all of which are captured via video for the future review and can be used as part of a resume. Upper division students play the role of the clients while students taking lower level courses act as counselors.
Selfcare is vital to the success of human services professionals. As part of a class activity, student Natalie Schrader, led a guided meditation with a focus and peacefulness and mindfulness. Students participating in the activity shared their take on being a Human Services & Restorative Justice major.
“We need to really make time for ourselves. All of us want to help other people, and that's what this activity is centered around, taking care of ourselves so we can help other people.”
– Natalie Schrader
“When I first got here, I wasn't too sure what I wanted to do. Dr. Winder sat me down one day and she just said, “tell me your story.” And that was the first time I actually told my story. I believe those were the most impactful moments, just knowing that the faculty cares as much as I do.”
– Jerome Frazier
"One of the real-life scenarios that's really impacted me is crisis intervention. I've really gravitated towards that aspect of this major - learning how to respond to individuals who are in crisis. Some of the professors have had jobs that deal with counseling and they share their experiences with us."
– Skylar Bartholomew
Think Penn College might be a good fit for you? Make plans to visit and discover what hands-on learning is all about.
As a Human Services & Restorative Justice student at Penn College, you may be elgible for 113 scholarships.
Professional development day features childhood trauma expert
February 20, 2026
Penn College’s human services & restorative justice program recently hosted a professional development day and welcomed Jennifer Lake, founder and executive…
HSJ Expo offers opportunities for internships, employment
February 05, 2026
Sixteen employers participated in the January Human Services & Restorative Justice Internship and Job Expo. The event, which takes place every fall and spring,…
Restorative Justice Week highlights importance of empathy
December 12, 2025
Pennsylvania College of Technology recently wrapped up Restorative Justice Week, which aimed to highlight the importance of understanding the expansive impact…
‘Food4Fines’ kicks off Nov. 17
November 14, 2025
As part of Restorative Justice Week, Nov. 16-22, Human Services & Restorative Justice Club members and first-year students of the program will accept…
Cross-curricular collaboration explores poverty
May 06, 2025
Can you survive a month in poverty? That was the key question at a recent Community Action Poverty Simulation explored by Penn College students in various…
Building meaningful professional connections
February 17, 2025
Over 65 Penn College students engaged with 16 employers at the Human Services & Restorative Justice Internship and Job Expo. “Engaging with employers early and…
Restorative justice circles boost students' skills
December 13, 2024
Pennsylvania College of Technology’s human services & restorative justice major recently observed Restorative Justice Week, an annual international celebration…
Penn College classes add global travel to students’ education
October 15, 2024
Supporting Pennsylvania College of Technology’s mission to equip future leaders with real-world experience, faculty members led students in exploring new parts…
Human services students fold hope into community effort
May 02, 2024
Several students in Penn College’s human services & restorative justice major provided volunteer support recently to the Union County Giving Closet. The Penn…
Therapeutic Community among topics of corrections class visit
April 15, 2024
The Introduction to Corrections (HSJ 215) class at Penn College recently received a real-world glimpse into the corrections system, courtesy of Allyson…
Dr. Craig Miller, History Professor, and recent Human Services & Restorative Justice grad Ashlee Felix-Taveras discuss prison education and restorative justice in this can't miss episode of the Tomorrow Makers podcast.
Student
Human Services & Restorative Justice
Jerome's writing a better future for himself by helping others succeed.
Faculty
Human Services & Restorative Justice
Compassionate and caring, Sarah leads by example, inspiring tomorrow's agents of change.
Student
Human Services & Restorative Justice
He knew from a young age that he was destined to make a difference. The Human Services & Restorative Justice program at Penn College was the perfect fit.
Student
Human Services & Restorative Justice
She found countless opportunities to challenge herself, quench her passion for serving others, and grow with each new semester. Above all, Krystle discovered a home and a community at Penn College.
Student
Human Services & Restorative Justice
Called to help people, Savannah is honing her skills sets and exploring her professional passions through a variety of academic and career resources across campus. Inspired by faculty and the vast opportunities within her industry, she is well on her way to transforming tomorrow's workforce.
Alumni
Human Services & Restorative Justice
Alumni
Human Services & Restorative Justice
Her passion for helping older adults began with a part-time job in a nursing home and grew through hands-on experiences at Penn College—including an internship that led to her current role.
Penn College's strong corporate partnerships impact every step of your journey – from your first day in the classroom and labs, to career placement (oftentimes before graduation) and beyond.
Internships are key for career preparation. As part of this curriculum, you’ll participate in three in-depth practical learning internships including 30 hours of observation in the community, a 175-hour internship and 350-hour internship.
The National Human Services Organization has established a code of ethics, which is designed to protect the rights and dignity of human service professionals and their clients. Students are introduced to this early in their coursework and it is reinforced through the internship experience.
Your college experience is about more than the classroom. Join one of 65+ clubs and organizations, or create your own.
See the world via Williamsport. Take your education abroad and get hands-on experience learning about your industry on a global scale.
This student-organized event was designed to raise awareness and humanize the local opioid epidemic.
Students must acquire their own tools and laptop computer as noted below.
Students must complete all HSJ-designated courses and ENL-designated courses with a grade of 'C' or above. Failure to achieve a grade of 'C' or above in a course after the maximum attempts allowed by College policy, results in withdrawal from the major. Students should work closely with their academic advisors and program faculty to ensure that they are meeting all criteria for satisfactory progress in the program.
Continued progression in the program, to include eligibility for internship courses and graduation, is predicated not only upon satisfactory academic performance, but also upon satisfactory demonstration of professional and ethical responsibility, personal responsibility, and satisfactory demonstration of skills and abilities prerequisite to the ethical delivery of services in the field. For more specific information about the criteria used to evaluate students' progress, a copy of the program manual can be obtained from the School of Business, Arts & Sciences.
The following grading system applies to all HSJ-designated courses for students in the
Human Services & Restorative Justice major:
A= 90-100%
B= 80-89.99%
C= 70 –79.99%
F= Below 70%
Alternative Credit refers to academic credits earned through means other than traditional college course completion, including: credit by exam, articulation, proof of competency gained in high school, work/life experience, and advanced placement.
Visit the Alternative Credit Options page in our Course Catalog for general requirements and procedures and for information on credit through Advanced Placement.
The Human Services and Restorative Justice program abides by the National Organization for Human Services (NOHS) ethical standards, which can be found here. Students in this program must complete a 350-hour internship in addition to the requirements of the associate’s degree. Depending on work site requirements, some of the placements may require some or all of the following background checks: completion of standard basic health appraisal form and receipt of Children's Services Protection Act 33 clearance, State Police clearance, and FBI clearances. Please note that we do not assume responsibility for the requirements of any external organization, and we cannot guarantee placements if the necessary clearances are mandated but cannot be secured by the student.
Human Services & Restorative Justice Advisory Committee Members
Ms. Robin Dadzie
Senior Case Manager
AIDS Resource Alliance
Mr. Christopher T Kriner
Chief of Police
Lycoming Regional Police Department
Ms. Amber B Morningstar
Chief Executive Officer
YWCA Northcentral PA
Mr. Zane R Pardoe
Supervisor of Education
USP Lewisburg
Ms. Penny L Sines
Parole Manager
Department of Corrections - Reentry Division
Karey Snook
Counselor
Lycoming County Pre-Release Center
Nicole J Spring, Esquire
Chief Public Defender
Lycoming County Public Defender
Ms. Rachel Thompson
Program Coordinator, Prison to College Program
Penn College
Mr. Joseph J Weber
Supervisor Family Support Services Unit
Lycoming Children & Youth Services
Mr. Jeffrey P Wheeler
Assistant Clinical Director
White Deer Run - Allenwood
Ebony Young
Talent Acquisition Manager
Diversified Treatment Alternative Centers
Assistant Professor, Human Services
Instructor, Human Services & Restorative Justice
Associate Professor, Human Services
Human Services & Restorative Justice
Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.)
Chemical Dependency, Online
Competency Credential
Emergency Management & Homeland Security
Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
Emergency Management & Homeland Security, Online
Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
Graphic Design
Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
Advertising Art
Associate of Applied Arts (A.A.A.)
Brewing & Fermentation Science
Certificate
Individual Studies
Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.)
General Studies
Associate of Arts (A.A.)