University of Justice

Bachelor of Science in Devout Justice (B.S.D.J.)

4-Year Degree Plan | Total Credits: 120

Designed for transfer equivalency to the University of Houston (UH) system

All courses include field practicum, ceremonial training, and ethical integration

The Bachelor of Science in Devout Justice (B.S.D.J.) at the University of Justice is a pioneering degree that synthesizes spiritual integrity, ethical leadership, criminal justice awareness, and compassionate service. This 120-credit program prepares students to navigate both sacred and secular realms—from administering end-of-life blessings in hospitals to guiding oath-swearing in courtrooms, conducting non-denominational marriages, supporting incarcerated individuals, and spearheading nonprofit reforms rooted in restorative justice.

Aligned with transfer equivalency standards of the University of Houston (UH), each course maps to UH offerings in religion, philosophy, ethics, mental health, nonprofit management, and community engagement. .

Year 1: Foundations of Justice and Spirituality

(Total: 30 Credits)

JUST 1001 – Introduction to Devout Justice (3 credits)

UH Equivalent: REL 1010 – Introduction to Religious Studies

Explore the intersection of justice, conscience, and spiritual authority. Examine historical and modern roles of faith-based advocates in legal and civic spaces.

JUST 1102 – Ethics of Compassionate Service (3 credits)

UH Equivalent: PHIL 1100 – Introduction to Ethics

Survey ethical frameworks (Kantian, utilitarian, virtue, restorative) applied to crises of dignity, poverty, and incarceration.

JUST 1203 – Sacred Rites & Civic Ceremony (4 credits)

UH Equivalent: REL 2305 – World Religious Rituals + COMM 2000 – Public Communication

Learn scriptural and legal protocols for conducting oaths in court, interfaith marriage ceremonies, baptisms, and affirmations. Field: Simulated court swearing-in and hospital blessing rituals.

JUST 1304 – Foundations of Mental Health & Sacred Listening (3 credits)

UH Equivalent: PSY 2200 – Psychology of Well-Being

Study empathetic communication techniques, active listening, and spiritual care in mental health crises; includes trauma-informed practices.

JUST 1405 – Introduction to Nonprofit Justice Organizations (3 credits)

UH Equivalent: NREM 2000 – Introduction to Nonprofit Leadership

Survey organizations bridging social justice and spiritual service; develop mission statements, board structures, and community outreach models.

*JUST 3333 – Justice, Law, and the Teachings of Jesus

UH Equivalent: RELS 3320

Analyzes Jesus’ parables and sermons for their implications on mercy, forgiveness, and the transformation of justice systems. Emphasis on the Kingdom of God as a just society.

JUST 1020 – Community Dialogue & Conflict Mediation (3 credits)

UH Equivalent: PHIL 2500 – Peace and Conflict Studies

Train in mediation techniques, communal reconciliation, and restorative circles using scriptural and secular models.

JUST 1030 – Financial Integrity in Ministry & Advocacy (3 credits)

UH Equivalent: FIN 2000 – Personal & Organizational Finance

Budgeting for religious-affiliated nonprofits, ethical fundraising, transparency, stewardship, and audit readiness.

JUST 1901 – Retreat & Introspection I: Silence & Discernment (4 credits)

UH Equivalent: REL 3020 – Contemplative Practices

7-day silent retreat focused on inner justice, ethical grounding, and spiritual clarity. Required for all first-year students.

SUMMER INTERNSHIP

JUST 1010 – Field Practicum I: Hospital Patient Visitation (4 credits)

UH Equivalent: SW 3000 – Fieldwork in Human Services

Biweekly supervised visits to medical facilities; deliver presence, silent witness, and end-of-life blessings. No devices allowed. Reflective journaling required.

Year 2: Systems, Service, and Sacred Engagement

(Total: 30 Credits)

JUST 2101 – Philosophy of Law and Moral Responsibility (3 credits)

UH Equivalent: PHIL 3020 – Philosophy of Law

Analyze theories of justice from Aquinas, Rawls, and restorative justice scholars. Discuss moral duty within legal enforcement.

JUST 2111 – African Spirituality: Traditions, Transformations, and Contemporary Praxis

Credits: 3 | Prerequisite: None (recommended: INTRO AFR 101)Transfer Equivalency – University of Houston: REL 3318

JUST 2202 – Prison Theology & Incarceration Ethics (4 credits)

UH Equivalent: SOC 3050 – Sociology of Punishment

Study chaplaincy models, recidivism, and the role of ritual in rehabilitation. Partner with correctional facilities for monthly visitation.

JUST 2303 – Ritual Design & Cultural Sensitivity (3 credits)

UH Equivalent: REL 3150 – Ritual and Symbolism in Religion

Create inclusive ceremonies (weddings, naming, memorials) accessible across faiths and secular identities.

JUST 2404 – Mental Health in High-Stress Environments (3 credits)

UH Equivalent: PSY 3400 – Trauma and Resilience

Training for emotional stability in courtrooms, hospitals, and prisons; manage compassion fatigue and spiritual burnout.

JUST 2505 – Nonprofit Governance & Grant Writing (3 credits)

UH Equivalent: NREM 3100 – Nonprofit Management

Draft ethics-based grant proposals; design organizational bylaws and oversight models compliant with IRS Section 501(c)(3).

JUST 2011 – Field Practicum II: Prison Ministry & Advocacy (5 credits)

UH Equivalent: CRIM 3200 – Corrections & Rehabilitation

Semi-monthly prison visits with training in pastoral care, letter-writing programs, and reintegration planning. Ethics review board approval required.

JUST 2060 – Sacred Economics: Wealth, Justice, and Equity (3 credits)

UH Equivalent: PHIL 3650 – Ethics and Economics

Critique wealth disparity through faith traditions; examine tithing, justice-based investing, and economic reparations.

JUST 2070 – Conflict Transformation in Faith Communities (3 credits)

UH Equivalent: COMM 3150 – Interpersonal Conflict

Navigate disputes within congregations and nonprofit boards using mediation rooted in mutual dignity.

JUST 2902 – Retreat & Introspection II: Justice in Action (3 credits)

UH Equivalent: REL 4025 – Ethics and Social Change

Week-long immersive experience in Hawai‘i, focusing on decolonization, indigenous justice, and land-based healing.

SUMMER:

JUST 3222 – Field Service in Biblical Ministry – Part I

UH Equivalent: RELS 3950 (Independent Study)

First semester of structured field service with Jehovah’s Witnesses. Students complete 120 hours of practical ministry—door-to-door preaching, Bible studies, community events—under mentorship. Weekly reflection journals and leadership check-ins required.

Year 3: Leadership, Integration, and Field Mastery

(Total: 30 Credits)

JUST 3101 – Bioethics and End-of-Life Sacred Care (4 credits)

UH Equivalent: PHIL 3470 – Biomedical Ethics

Navigate DNR orders, advance directives, and spiritual presence at death. Includes hospital palliative care rotations.

JUST 3202 – Theology of Liberation & Restorative Justice (3 credits)

UH Equivalent: REL 3500 – Liberation Theologies

Study movements from Latin America, South Africa, and Hawai‘i that unite faith with justice activism.

JUST 3303 – Ceremonial Leadership in Pluralistic Society (4 credits)

UH Equivalent: REL 4220 – Religion & Public Life

Lead real-world ceremonies: court oaths, interfaith weddings, hospital baptisms. Evaluated by legal and spiritual advisors.

JUST 3402 – Catholic Denomination: Historical Foundations, Theological Development, and Modern Challenges

Credits: 3 | Prerequisite: INTRO REL 101 or equivalent | Co‑requisite: JUST 2405 (Christian Ethics)Transfer Equivalency – University of Houston: REL 3325

JUST 3404 – Mental Health Advocacy & Crisis Response (3 credits)

UH Equivalent: COUN 4000 – Crisis Intervention

Certification in Mental Health First Aid; develop protocols for spiritual support during mental health emergencies.

JUST 3505 – Financial Stewardship for Justice Organizations (3 credits)

UH Equivalent: ACCT 2010 – Accounting for Nonprofits

Prepare financial statements, manage donations, and ensure compliance with ethical fundraising standards.

JUST 3012 – Field Practicum III: Hospital & Hospice Ministry (6 credits)

UH Equivalent: SW 4200 – Advanced Fieldwork

Weekly hospital/hospice rotations; lead family conferences, deliver blessings, maintain spiritual logs. Supervised by chaplaincy board.

JUST 3080 – Organizational Leadership in Spiritual Spaces (3 credits)

UH Equivalent: BUS 3100 – Organizational Behavior

Train to lead teams in faith-based nonprofits with emotional intelligence and systemic awareness.

JUST 3090 – Ritual Innovation & Social Healing (4 credits)

UH Equivalent: REL 4300 – Religion and Social Change

Design rituals for community trauma (e.g., after violence or disaster); pilot ceremonies with community feedback.

SUMMER

JUST 4222 – Field Service in Biblical Ministry – Part II

UH Equivalent: RELS 4950 (Capstone Field Experience)

Second semester of field service, completing the remaining 120 hours toward the 300-hour requirement. Students lead ministry teams, mentor newcomers, and design outreach campaigns. Includes a final portfolio and oral presentation.

Year 4: Capstone, Certification & Professional Integration

(Total: 30 Credits)

JUST 4101 – Constitutional Rights & Spiritual Freedom (3 credits)

UH Equivalent: POLS 3350 – Civil Liberties

Study First Amendment rights, religious exemptions, and court cases involving spiritual expression in public institutions.

JUST 4202 – Advanced Prison Advocacy & Rehabilitation Programs (4 credits)

UH Equivalent: CRIM 4400 – Advanced Corrections

Design a prison education or reentry program; present to a mock parole board and prison chaplaincy.

JUST 4303 – Ethics of Interfaith Engagement (3 credits)

UH Equivalent: REL 4000 – Interreligious Dialogue

Learn diplomatic frameworks for working across world faiths in legal, medical, and civic settings.

JUST 4404 – Crisis Mental Health & Spiritual Resilience (3 credits)

UH Equivalent: PSY 4800 – Psychology of Resilience

Explore PTSD, grief, and spiritual despair; develop care plans with licensed counselors.

JUST 4013 – Field Practicum IV: Independent Ministry Placement (7 credits)

UH Equivalent: SW 4990 – Capstone Field Experience

Full-time placement (3 days/week) in hospital, prison, court, or nonprofit. Students serve under licensed chaplains or justice officers.

JUST 4500 – Capstone Project: Designing a Justice Initiative (6 credits)

UH Equivalent: NREM 4900 – Senior Capstone in Nonprofit Leadership

Create a sustainable program—e.g., mobile prison visitation, hospital blessing network, ceremonial access for underserved communities. Includes grant proposal, budget, and ethics review.

JUST 4001 – Final Retreat: Oath of Devout Justice (4 credits)

UH Equivalent: REL 4900 – Senior Seminar in Religious Ethics

Two-week culminating retreat: students compose a personal Oath of Devout Justice, participate in a ceremonial swearing-in before a panel of judges, chaplains, and community elders, and receive certification as a Devout Justice Practitioner.

Options for Electives:

JUST 2110 – Principles of Theocratic GovernanceUH Equivalent: POLS 2500Analyzes models of leadership and governance as presented in biblical text, from the judges of Israel to apostolic leadership. Compares spiritual governance with secular legal systems.

JUST 2221 – Justice in the Hebrew ScripturesUH Equivalent: RELS 3310An in-depth exploration of justice themes in the Torah, Prophets, and Writings. Students study laws of equity, treatment of the poor, and divine judgment.

JUST 2332 – Ministry Skills and Evangelism TrainingUH Equivalent: COMM 2010Develops communication, public speaking, and interpersonal engagement skills for effective ministry. Students complete 60 hours of supervised field service with Jehovah’s Witnesses.

HIST 2110 – History of Religious Freedom and Persecution

UH Equivalent: HIST 2600

Chronicles historical struggles for religious liberty and the role of faith communities in resisting oppression.

JUST 4111 – Global Justice and the Prophetic Voice

UH Equivalent: JUST 4005

Explores biblical prophets as social critics and advocates for the marginalized. Students engage in case studies of modern prophetic witness in global human rights movements.

Biblical Studies Field Service Requirement (300 Hours):

All students must complete 300 hours of supervised field service in biblical ministry through the University of Justice’s selected place of worship with Jehovah’s Witnesses’ Ministry School. This includes evangelism, home Bible studies, public speaking, and community service events. Students receive mentorship from experienced ministers and are evaluated on communication, empathy, consistency, and spiritual growth. Completion is required for degree conferral and is documented on the official transcript.

Program Highlights

Transfer Equivalency: All 120 credits align with UH system pathways in Religion, Philosophy, Ethics, Social Work, and Nonprofit Studies.

Field Hours: 350+ hours across hospitals, prisons, courts, and nonprofits—documented with UH-compatible evaluations.

Device-Free Learning: No cell phones in class. Focus on presence, ritual, and human connection.

Certification: Graduates receive the Licensed Practitioner of Devout Justice (LPDJ) credential, eligible for chaplaincy roles, nonprofit leadership, and ceremonial authority in multiple U.S. jurisdictions.

Emphasis on Hawai‘i Values: Curriculum honors aloha ‘āina, kuleana, and pono, with site-based learning on O‘ahu, Hawai‘i Island, and Maui.

"Justice is not merely law. It is presence. It is ritual. It is the sacred act of showing up—without distraction—for those on the margins."

— University of Justice Mission Statement