--- title: "The MA in Restorative Justice Program’s Next Chapter: Collaboration for Peace Leaders" description: The Master’s in Restorative Justice at USD is joining the Kroc School to prepare leaders with skills to foster healing, repair harm, and strengthen communities. image: https://krocstories.sandiego.edu/hubfs/loyola-rj-circle.png --- [Skip Navigation](https://krocstories.sandiego.edu/peace/the-innovating-peace-blog/the-ma-in-restorative-justice-programs-next-chapter-collaboration-for-peace-leaders#main) [![University of San Diego](https://krocstories.sandiego.edu/hubfs/KROC/%5BKROC%5D%20Branding%20Assets/logo-usd.png)](https://www.sandiego.edu/) [Joan B. 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Beginning in the 2026–2027 academic year, the program will transition from the School of Leadership and Education Sciences (SOLES) to the Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies (Kroc School). Additionally, the [Center for Restorative Justice](https://www.sandiego.edu/peace/restorative-justice/) will relocate to be housed within the Kroc School. ## **A SHARED VISION** By bringing together SOLES’ renowned leadership expertise with the Kroc School’s mission-driven focus on peace and justice, this collaboration offers students new opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills needed to foster healing, prevent harm, and strengthen communities. “The Restorative Justice movement in the United States was born from a deep dissatisfaction with the punitive focus of criminal justice systems, mixed with deep religious convictions that offenders who take responsibility and make amends for their actions still have much to offer society and deserve a shot to find their way home. Thus, the transition of the MARJ program to the Kroc School is both natural and strategic. It aligns with our mission to advance peace and justice, while honoring the academic excellence and values that have defined the program since its launch. Together with SOLES, our shared goal is to ensure the MARJ program continues to grow in ways that make it relevant and impactful across education, nonprofit work, criminal justice, and every field where restorative practices can create lasting change,” said Dean Kew, Dean of the Kroc School. Together, SOLES and the Kroc School are ensuring the MARJ program continues to evolve in ways that are relevant, responsive, and impactful across disciplines. “This evolution opens new opportunities for students to deepen their practice while preserving the values and pedagogical foundation that have defined the program,” said Kimberly A. White-Smith, EdD, Dean of SOLES. “Our shared goal is to ensure students are not only well prepared academically, but also empowered to integrate restorative practices into the diverse contexts where they are most needed, and to create meaningful impact within their communities and in the spaces where justice and healing are most urgently needed.” Since its launch, the MARJ program has prepared students with the skills and knowledge to facilitate restorative justice processes in schools, nonprofits, the criminal justice system, and beyond. The Kroc School, with its mission rooted in advancing peace and justice, offers a natural home for the program’s future growth. “Restorative justice practitioners are peacemakers, helping people work through conflict and harm. Joining the Kroc School will provide MARJ students with new tools and opportunities that will advance their learning in conflict resolution and collaborative problem solving,” said David Karp, PhD, MARJ Program Director and professor. ## **WHAT THIS MEANS FOR CURRENT STUDENTS** Current and incoming Fall 2025 students will remain enrolled through SOLES for the entirety of their program, ensuring continuity throughout their studies. At the same time, these cohorts will play an important role in shaping the MARJ program as it prepares to take root within the Kroc School of Peace Studies. # **Looking Forward »** Looking ahead, students will benefit from the Kroc School’s global network, interdisciplinary approach, and commitment to equipping students with the knowledge and skills to lead change. This transition ensures the MARJ program continues to thrive and remain relevant across the many fields where restorative practices are urgently needed. With student experience at its core, the program will continue to evolve, and we look forward to welcoming MARJ students into the Kroc School community—one deeply committed to justice and meaningful impact. The move marks a natural and strategic evolution. It honors the program’s origins at SOLES while creating space for new possibilities within the Kroc School for innovation, deeper impact, and broader connections for students and alumni. ![Kroc School](https://krocstories.sandiego.edu/hubfs/USD-SPS-logo-reverse-3.png) About the Author [Kroc School](https://krocstories.sandiego.edu/peace/the-innovating-peace-blog/author/kroc-school) The Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies (Kroc School) at the University of San Diego is the global hub for peacebuilding and social innovation. Founded in 2007, the Kroc School equips the next generation of innovative changemakers to shape more peaceful and just societies. We offer master's degrees in peace and justice, social innovation, humanitarian action, conflict management and resolution, and a dual degree in peace and law — programs that have attracted diverse and dynamic students from more than 50 countries. In addition to our graduate programs, the Kroc School is home to the Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice (Kroc IPJ). Founded in 2001, the Institute supports positive change beyond the classroom. Through groundbreaking research, experiential learning, and forward-thinking programs, the Kroc School and Kroc IPJ are shaping a future in which peaceful co-existence is the new normal. ![](https://krocstories.sandiego.edu/hubfs/KROC/%5BKROC%5D%20Photos/rmi-hex.svg) ## Request More Information Please complete the form below to learn more about the Kroc School graduate programs. We will email you more information regarding each of our programs. 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