Restorative Facilitation

Part of: Master of Behavioral Science, School of Graduate Studies

Offered as: Certificate

Related Areas of Study: Behavioral Science

Part of: Master of Behavioral Science, School of Graduate Studies

Offered as: Certificate

Related Areas of Study: Behavioral Science

The Restorative Facilitation Certificate is a 12-credit graduate program designed to build leadership and facilitation skills for professionals in school counseling, public health, juvenile justice, peer support, and related fields.

You’ll explore restorative practices, justice theory, and motivational interviewing—all through a lens of healing and community empowerment. This certificate can be completed on its own or as part of the Community Counseling concentration within Western’s Master of Behavioral Science (MBS) program.

Restorative practices are in high demand across fields like education, behavioral health, juvenile justice, and community services. This certificate helps you meet that demand with confidence—providing proven tools for leading dialogue, resolving conflict, and supporting healing within individuals and groups.

Whether you’re already working in a helping profession or looking to grow your impact, this credential strengthens your ability to lead with empathy and purpose. It’s also a great step toward Western’s MBS degree, with coursework that directly supports the Community Counseling concentration.

You’ll take 12 credits focused on real-world skills—like motivational interviewing, restorative justice theory, and the application of restorative practices. You’ll also choose an elective that fits your path, such as conflict resolution, rural health, or clinical community counseling.

Courses are designed for flexibility, with fall and spring options that fit your schedule. You can complete the certificate as a stand-alone program or as part of your journey through the Master of Behavioral Science degree. Either way, you’ll join a supportive, mission-driven learning community.

Admissions, Cost & Requirements

Admission Requirements

Admission Overview: Admission will be based on an overall package that considers academic excellence as well as relevant work experience, research, and community involvement. The application process is conducted online and requires the following materials:

Academic Transcripts

Submit official or unofficial transcripts from a regionally accredited university. Unofficial transcripts may be uploaded to expedite application review; however, official undergraduate transcripts are required for full admission. Preferred qualifications include a BA or BS in fields such as psychology, sociology, social work, health sciences, public health, Native American Studies, anthropology, regional planning, or communications.
A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.2 on a 4.0 scale is recommended.

Statement of Purpose

The statement should describe the student’s interests and goals related to training and education in leadership, facilitation, and restorative practices

Professional Resume

Should outline related research, leadership, outreach, professional experience and /or volunteer work.

Two Letters of Recommendation

Should come from professors or supervisors in related fields who can attest to the applicant’s potential for success in the Restorative Facilitation certificate program.

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Program Information

Period	Credits	Tuition per Credit	Fees per Credit Hour*	Flat Fees**	Total Tuition & Fees
Year 1: Fall	6	$730	$73.40	$50	$4,870.40
Year 1: Spring	6	$730	$73.40		$4,820.40
					$9,690.80

*Mandatory graduate student fees per credit hour
Graduate Studies Administrative Operations Fee: $63.00
Library Fee: $6.50
IT Services Fee: $3.90

**Mandatory graduate student flat fees
New Student Matriculation Fee: $50.00

A certificate is a shorter program focusing on a specific field of expertise rather than an entire course of study. It does not result in a degree, but it can be completed alongside your major or as a stand-alone credential. Certificates are a great way to enhance your knowledge, strengthen your resume, and gain practical experience in a particular field.

Program Requirements

Conflict Resolution
Communication
Motivational Interviewing
Community Engagement
Crisis De-Escalation
Facilitation Leadership

School Counselor
Juvenile Justice Officer
Community Health Coordinator
Behavioral Health Case Manager
Conflict Mediator
Peer Support Specialist

Fellowships, Scholarships & Financial Aid

Scholarship & Fellowship Opportunities

To help make schooling more affordable, Western’s MBS program offers scholarships to incoming graduate students and fellowships for current students. Awards are competitive and granted to qualified students for one academic year, applied in two installments during the fall and spring semesters.

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Financial Aid & Scholarships

Graduate students at Western receive financial support from a variety of sources, including personal savings, loans, scholarships, fellowships and graduate assistantships. Learn more ways to offset these costs through financial aid opportunities.

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We are so excited about your interest in applying to the Restorative Facilitation graduate certificate! Please take a moment to review the requirements and deadlines before accessing the application.

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mbs@western.edu

Western Colorado University
Kelley Hall 210
Gunnison, CO 81231

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Common Questions

Common Searches

Admission Requirements

Academic Transcripts

Statement of Purpose

Professional Resume

Two Letters of Recommendation

Top Skills

Career Pathways

Scholarship & Fellowship Opportunities

Financial Aid & Scholarships

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