Second Chance Pell - Restoration Project
Philander Smith University is pleased to announce its participation in the U.S. Department of Education's Second Chance Pell Experiment, an initiative first launched by the Obama-Biden Administration to expand access to Federal Pell Grants for incarcerated individuals enrolled in participating programs.
Through the “PSC Restoration Project,” the institution will begin enrolling incarcerated individuals from the Tucker Correctional Facility and the East Arkansas Regional Unit.
What Major Should I Choose?
Major in Criminal Justice
The Department of Criminal Justice assists students in considering social justice and inequality issues as they seek to develop meaningful solutions to “change” the field of criminal justice and their communities “for the better.” Students majoring in criminal justice at PSC will be prepared upon graduation for entrance into a variety of professional fields of criminal justice. Students further receive a strong foundation that will enable them to engage in lifelong learning through graduate study in criminal justice as well as professional schools.
Courses Offered: Introduction to Criminal Justice, Criminal Behavior, Victimology, Policy, Drugs and Crime, and Comparative Justice
Major in Liberal Studies
The Bachelor of Arts Degree in Liberal Studies will spur interdisciplinary collaboration across academic Divisions of the College. Majors will have the unique opportunity to create a customized educational experience to support their future academic and career aspirations. Students in the program will graduate with a well-rounded liberal arts education that is attractive to graduate and professional school as well as a 21st Century workforce.
Interdisciplinary Majors Offered: Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, English, and Visual and Performing Arts
Major in Philosophy and Religion
The Department of Philosophy and Religion graduates are prepared to enter graduate school leading to professional careers in Theological Education, Ministry, Public Service, and Social Justice Advocacy.
Courses Offered: Survey of World Religions, Critical and Affective Thinking, Philosophical Traditions, Social/Political Philosophy, and Applied Ethics
PROMOTING ADVANCEMENT AND THE CONNECTION TO EDUCATION FOR A RESTORATIVE REENTRY(PACER)
The goal of the PACER program is to reduce recidivism and support individuals in becoming productive members of our community. The Department of Education has approved a limited number Higher Education Institutions throughout the United States to participate in the Second Chance Pell Experimental Site Initiative (ESI) to assess new models to allow incarcerated Americans to receive Pell grants and pursue a postsecondary education. Philander Smith University, through the Second Chance Pell Pilot Program, will partner with the Arkansas Department of Corrections to offer an in person and/or online curriculum that supports the completion of either a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Liberal Studies, Bachelor of Arts Degree in Philosophy and Religion, or a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
• $25.00 Application Fee
• Official High School Transcript/GED
• ACT or SAT Scores
• Immunization Records (including 2 MMRs)
• Official College Transcript (Transfer Students)
Need an Option for University? Look No Further!
Founded in 1877, Philander Smith University is a small, privately supported, historically Black, four-year liberal arts institution related to the Board of Higher
Education and Ministry of the United Methodist Church.
Second Chance Pell: Eligibility Checklist
• Citizenship
• High School Completion
• Satisfactory Academic Progress
• Likely to be Released in Five years
• Submitted FAFSA Application
• Academic Program Selection based on Career Goals
Contact:
Dr. Carmen Hardin
Chair of the Department of Criminal Justice
On-Campus and Online Degree Programs
Division of Social Sciences
chardin@philander.edu
Contact:
Dr. Alexis Griggs
Assistant Professor of the Department of Criminal Justice
On-Campus and Online Degree Programs
Division of Social Sciences
agriggs@philander.edu
