You want a career that really matters, one that enriches the lives of others and strengthens your community. When you work in the growing field of human services and restorative justice, you’ll have a chance to make that happen. Study theories and methods then apply them through extensive hands-on experiences. From direct care to the administrative side of human services, the options are diverse and far-reaching. Select courses that focus on specific areas of interest such as mental health, criminal justice, or administrative positions. For those who want to keep the momentum going, this program can seamlessly transfer into the bachelor's program.
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.
Next steps...
You're on your way to becoming a tomorrow maker.
At Penn College, we believe your educational experience should go beyond specialized skills. Real-world ready means taking a broader approach that builds communication skills, inspires collaboration, and encourages exploration of arts, history, and science.
Specialization requires in-depth knowledge and high-level proficiency. Students learn and apply major-specific concepts, skills, and methods.
Perspectives are points of view, offering a variety of ways of understanding, interacting, and influencing the world. Students identify, explain, and utilize the approaches used by academics and professionals to study, analyze, or understand problems, and offer solutions.
Alumni
Human Services & Restorative Justice
Caring for others is second nature for this Human Services grad.
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
After attending two other colleges, Ashlee decided hands-on was for her. She moved to Williamsport, found her community, and couldn't be happier with her new life at Penn College.
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.
Industry
Accounting & Business Administration
Human Services & Restorative Justice
Information Technology
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.
Industry
Automotive
Baking & Culinary
Electrical
Electronics & Computer Engineering Technology
Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning
Human Services & Restorative Justice
Information Technology
Welding & Metal Fabrication
From ess.
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 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.
The challenge course is designed to enhance problem-solving, leadership, teamwork and communication skills for students.
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.
Jul 13
Undergraduate Open House
Saturday, July 139 AM - 3 PM
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.
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.
Internships are key for career preparation. As part of this curriculum, you’ll participate in two in-depth practical learning internships including 30 hours of observation in the community and a 175-hour internship.
At Penn College, learning often goes beyond textbooks and into the real world.
Admission to the major does not guarantee permission to take the internship courses or to graduate from the program. Continuation in the program to graduation and permission to take internship courses are 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.
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 advisers and program faculty to ensure that they are meeting all criteria for satisfactory progress in the program.
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 are required to complete a 30-hour supervised field experience and a 175-hour internship. 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.
Penn College graduates are in high demand. Employer participation at the Career Fair is proof. Attracting 400+ organizations, this popular event is hosted twice per year and introduces students to all types of businesses from startups to Fortune 500 companies.
