The IIRP is dedicated to the graduate education of adult learners who are baccalaureate college graduates.
Prospective students should display an aptitude for completing graduate-level coursework, a capacity for making positive contributions in their professional life and a willingness and capacity to engage in self-reflection to develop skills and competencies.
With the exception of students pursuing multiple graduate certificate programs at the IIRP and students studying through a partnership agreement, students who wish to enroll in more than 6 credits must be admitted to a program before they can enroll in courses beyond 6 credits.
Students must enroll no later than the term following the term of their admission to the Master of Science degree program or their acceptance to a certificate program.
We understand that a student might need to postpone that initial enrollment. If that is the circumstance, the student will need to submit a request for a leave of absence in their student portal (which will specify the length of the leave). Students who do not submit the request for a leave of absence or who do not reenroll for the agreed-upon term will be discontinued from the program and will need to reapply before continuing their studies.
Master of Science Degree
To be considered by the Admissions Committee, applicants must:
- have graduated from a regionally accredited college or university with a cumulative Grade Point Average of 3.0 (B average) or better, and
- submit an application for the master of science degree through their student portal, and
- submit official academic transcripts to the IIRP from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended. Official transcripts should be mailed to: IIRP, 531 Main Street, Bethlehem, PA 18018-5837 USA. Electronic transcripts should be emailed to
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , and - submit a resume or curriculum vitae, and
- submit three letters of reference, along with the Graduate School Recommendation Form. These letters should be from persons who know both the character of the applicant and the ability of the applicant to be successful in demanding graduate study in our professional discipline, and
- submit a 2-page reflective essay describing their reasons for seeking our specialized graduate education.
A candidate for admission may also submit recent Graduate Record Examination (code 2589), Miller Analogies Test (code 4030), or Pre-Professional Skills Test scores.
Direct Admission to the Master of Science Degree Program
Students who are currently admitted or have completed a Graduate Certificate at the IIRP within the last eight (8) years may be offered direct admission to the Master of Science degree if the student:
- completed the Graduate Certificate with no C or F grades,
- completed the Graduate Certificate within the prescribed timeline, and
- submits an application to the Master of Science degree through their Student Portal.
Thesis Option
Students who are applying for or are currently admitted into the IIRP’s Master of Science degree or alums who have already completed a master’s degree at the IIRP are eligible to apply for the Thesis Option.
An additional academic writing sample is required for application to the Thesis Option to demonstrate the student’s ability to engage in scholarly research, critical analysis, and academic writing. The writing sample does not need to be published. Appropriate examples include, but are not limited to:
- A final academic paper submitted for an IIRP course.
- A graduate-level paper completed at another institution.
- An unpublished manuscript or research paper prepared in an academic or professional context.
- A published journal article, book chapter, or other academic publication.
To support a manageable and consistent review process, the writing sample should fall within the range of approximately 2,500–7,000 words. If an applicant submits a longer piece, such as a thesis chapter or full manuscript, they must identify a specific section for the Admissions Committee to review.
The submission should demonstrate:
- Engagement with relevant scholarly literature (e.g., an appropriate literature review and reference list).
- Clear argumentation and coherent academic writing.
- Use of a recognized academic citation style (APA or other standard academic style), applied consistently.
The Admissions Committee may request an interview or additional materials, if needed, to assess an applicant’s readiness for the Thesis Option.
Students who completed their education outside of the United States must complete the following, in addition to the master’s degree application requirements.
- International credentials for all undergraduate and graduate institutions must be evaluated on a course-by-course basis by any organization approved by National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) and sent directly by that organization to the IIRP, 531 Main Street, Bethlehem, PA 18018 U.S.A.
- International applicants are required to demonstrate fluency in English unless they have received a bachelor's or master's degree from an institution in the following countries:
- Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Bahamas, Belize, British Caribbean and British West Indies, Canada (except Quebec), Cayman Islands, England, Guyana, Republic of Ireland, Liberia, New Zealand, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Singapore, South Africa, St. Maarten, Trinidad & Tobago, the United States and Wales.
- An applicant must submit scores from either the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL®) code 2589, the Duolingo English Test, or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). The scores must not be more than two years old and must be sent directly from the testing agency to the IIRP.
To be approved to pursue a graduate certificate program, students must:
- have graduated from a regionally accredited college or university with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 (B average) or better, and
- submit official academic transcripts to the IIRP from their undergraduate degree-awarding institutions (emailed to
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or mailed by postal service to: Attn: Student Services, IIRP Graduate School, 531 Main Street, Bethlehem, PA 18018-5837), and - submit an application to the graduate certificate program through their Student Portal.
Students who complete a graduate certificate program may enroll in additional graduate certificate programs, earning more than 12 credits without being admitted to the master's degree program.
Students may apply no more than nine (9) previously earned IIRP graduate credits toward completion of a graduate certificate, in consultation with the advisor. The student must have completed these credits within five years of enrolling in a program.
Students can apply to the certificate program throughout the year.
Note: International credentials must be evaluated on a course-by-course basis by any organization approved by National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) and sent directly by that organization to the IIRP.
Applicants will be notified of their admission status by email.
Students must enroll no later than the term following their admission to the Master of Science degree or their acceptance to the Graduate Certificate in Restorative Practices.
We understand that a student might need to postpone their initial enrollment. If that is the circumstance, the student will need to submit in writing a request for a deferral by contacting Student Services. Students who do not submit the request for a deferral or who do not re-enroll for the agreed upon term will be discontinued from the program and will need to reapply before continuing their studies.
Admission to the Master of Science in Restorative Practices degree program does not constitute approval to take the Thesis Option. If a student is not approved to pursue the Thesis Option, they may still pursue the Master of Science in Restorative Practices degree. Students admitted to the degree program and approved to pursue the Thesis Option are eligible for graduation after the successful completion of RP 707 Thesis Seminar.
The IIRP grants limited academic credit for applicable courses and experiences completed after a student has earned their bachelor’s degree and before completing their program here.
Please consult the Transfer Credit and Prior Learning Credit policies for details.
Arcadia University
Arcadia University and the IIRP Graduate School have a partnership in which students from either institution can earn a graduate certificate from the other as part of their master’s degree coursework. IIRP students can earn Arcadia University's Graduate Certificate in Social Emotional Learning as part of their IIRP master's degree. Arcadia students can earn a Graduate Certificate in Restorative Practices as part of their Arcadia master's degree.
To participate in this partnership, students must:
- Already be admitted to the master's degree at either Arcadia University or the IIRP Graduate School.
- Communicate with their master's degree institution's academic advisor about their intention to pursue credits at the other institution.
- Create and maintain student portal accounts at both institutions and submit course registrations and course withdrawals through the relevant institution's portal.
- Sign a Release of Information form upon request from each institution.
- Complete required orientations and comply with standards described in academic catalogs, student handbooks, and conduct policies of both institutions.
- Meet course requirements and uphold academic integrity standards.
- Purchase required textbooks and course materials.
- As applicable, utilize their financial aid and payment plans offered by the institution to which they are admitted as a master's student.
Participating students have access to the library and all student support services at both institutions.
IIRP Students Studying at Arcadia University
Students who are admitted to the IIRP's Master of Science in Restorative Practices program are eligible to earn Arcadia University's Graduate Certificate in Social Emotional Learning as part of their IIRP master's degree program. The required courses to fulfill the certificate requirements are:
- ED585A: Positive Behavior Supports in the Classroom
- ED585B: Foundations of Social Emotional Wellness
- ED585C: Trauma Informed Communities & Mental Health Literacy
- ED585D: Social Emotional Learning, Prevention & Intervention
Upon completion of the four required courses, students will receive a co-branded Arcadia University / IIRP graduate certificate. These courses will be added to the IIRP's student record as transfer credits without the IIRP student needing to complete the transfer credit request process.
Transcript requests for courses completed at Arcadia must be submitted to and will be fulfilled by Arcadia University.
Arcadia Students Studying at the IIRP
Students who are admitted to Arcadia University’s Master of Education program are eligible to earn the IIRP's Graduate Certificate in Restorative Practices as part of their master's degree by taking the following courses:
- RP 504 Foundations of Restorative Practices
- RP 525 Restorative Practices in Action
- Two electives
Upon completion of these courses, Arcadia students will receive a Graduate Certificate in Restorative Practices from the IIRP. Under this agreement, Arcadia University will issue transcripts, upon request, for the courses Arcadia students complete at the IIRP.
Lutheran Community Care Services (LCCS)
Learners who complete the Building Relational Capacity (BRC) through Lutheran Community Care Services and who hold a bachelor's degree are eligible to in RP 500 Basic Restorative Practices at the IIRP. The BRC professional development event serves as an approved prerequisite learning experience for RP 500.