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Fists in the air representing the Transformative Justice major at Curry College

Become a Leader for Transformative Change

The field of transformative justice is intended to build alternatives to our current justice systems, break generational cycles of violence within our communities and families, and address, reduce, end and prevent violence from happening. Students graduating from Curry College with a degree in Transformative Justice will be prepared for a variety of careers in human services, organizing, non-profit, and/or human rights as advocates and assisting in interventions for those who have been harmed or are in crisis.

The Transformative Justice major at Curry will allow students to understand how harm and violence create obligations and needs within communities, and that in order to break longstanding patterns of violence, the response must both hold those who create the harm accountable while facilitating healing for individuals and communities. While recognizing that reform of current criminal justice practices and systems is important and much needed for harm reduction, transformative justice focuses on the critical role of community responses to harm, violence and/or abuse. This is based on the core belief that there are limits to how much healing the official justice system can provide, and there may be more possibility for transformation in our communities through grassroots forces than through the government.

Transformative Justice Curriculum

The Transformative Justice major at Curry draws from the fields of Criminal Justice, Sociology, Social Work and Psychology.  Each of these disciplines contributes to understanding the context where the work of social and transformative justice must happen. 

Students will:

  • Examine the current criminal justice system and its impacts on individuals, families, and communities.
  • Be asked to critique these systems and explore alternatives to our criminal justice system where the emphasis is on healing, empowerment and social change for survivors, families, and communities.
  • Evaluate the social institutions and systems that cause or contribute to injustice and how to work with communities to make changes to those systems.

Transformative Justice Major Requirements and Learning Outcomes

Courses You'll Love

Restorative Justice: Community and Incarceration   
Resiliency Rising: Restorative Justice
Court Processes and Alternative Pathways to Justice
Crisis Intervention
Justice and Human Rights Advocacy

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The Path to Your Dream Career

Just a few of the many career options include:

  • Advocacy
  • Community Organizer
  • Human Rights
  • Human Services
  • Intervention
  • Non-profit
  • Organizing
  • Outreach Worker
  • Restorative Justice Facilitator
  • Violence Interrupter
Serenity Perkins

The Power of Change: Meet Serenity Perkins '24

Ever since she was young, Serenity Perkins ‘24 has been an advocate for change. Fueled by her passion to help people in her community, within her own family, and throughout the world, she created a path that will do just that: her very own college major.

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Criminal Justice Major/Minor

Do you love the law? Want to make a difference by standing up for those who need a voice? Then a criminal justice major or minor may be for you.

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5th Year Master's in Criminal Justice

The 5th Year MACJ program is an "honors" level program for students that are interested in earning both an undergraduate degree in any discipline and a Master of Arts in Criminal Justice. This program is available to all Curry College students, regardless of which bachelor's degree they are working toward earning.

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Sociology Major/Minor

The sociology program at Curry College will offer you an in-depth look at contemporary human society including: group dynamics and social networks; social institutions like law, medicine, and education; migration and globalization; and intersectional identities.

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A collage of diverse faces represents the Critical Inequality Studies Minor/Concentration

Critical Inequality Studies Minor/Concentration

Curry's minor in Critical Inequality Studies is one of the only of its kind in New England. It follows an emerging trend among higher education leaders dedicated to expanding the understanding of inequality patterns and how these issues impact individuals, institutions, and society.

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Law and Society Minor

Students pursuing a minor in Law and Society will be prepared for careers in advocacy, legal research, paralegal studies, and for those who wish to pursue graduate school in law.

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Group therapy session represents the Restorative Justice Certificate at Curry College

Restorative Justice Certificate

Many professionals in careers that involve helping and supporting others are not adequately prepared to deal with the trauma rich environments they work in, causing a resulting stress. The Restorative Justice certificate program focuses students on trauma, healing and resiliency with an emphasis on restorative justice practices where the relationship between justice and healing is explored.

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Law Enforcement Concentration

The Law Enforcement Concentration provides students who wish to enter a competitive job market with a clear path of elective choices that will enhance both their understanding of the field of law enforcement as well as their professional marketability post-graduation.

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Social Work Minor

The Curry College Social Work minor focuses on the study of social work practice with emphasis on the historical and philosophical values of social welfare in the United States. Students will gain a deeper understanding of the knowledge and skills needed to provide social work services in today's diverse environment.

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Survivor/Witness/Victim Advocacy

The Survivor/Witness/Victim Advocacy concentration, by promoting empathy and human rights, helps prepare students for careers in informed advocacy for people who have witnessed or have been victimized by crime.

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We're excited you're considering our outstanding Curry College academic programs and look forward to helping you reach your career goals.