Corrections Colleges and Programs

Corrections officers, also referred to as correctional officers, are in charge of managing correctional facilities (prisons, jails, detention facilities, etc.) and their inmates. For students interested in pursuing a career in corrections, earning a corrections degree from an accredited college or university is most direct and sure pathway. Earning a degree in corrections prepares students for a myriad of careers including corrections officer, probation officer, detention officer, parole officer, bailiff and correctional treatment officer, to name just a few.

At minimum a corrections officer must obtain a high school diploma, or the equivalent (GED). For corrections jobs working with federal agencies and institutions a four-year college degree in a relevant field is typically a prerequisite. Career advancement opportunities, higher salary and benefits and job mobility are additional benefits of earning a college degree. While both associate and bachelor degrees are popular choices for those looking to qualify for entry-level positions, earning a master's degree in corrections, or a related field, is the best option for those that want to maximize their career opportunities. Corrections degrees are offered by institutions throughout the United States.

Types of Corrections Programs

As previously mentioned, corrections degrees are offered at the associate's, bachelor's and master's level. The associate degree in corrections is 2-year program and offers students the quickest pathway to becoming a corrections officer. Associate's degrees in corrections prepare students to monitor inmates, assist in the rehabilitation of criminals, work in the criminal justice system, cousel inmates, collect and record information and establish (and enforce) rules of conduct. Some of the courses included in associate degree programs in corrections includes introductions to criminal justice, sociology, psychology and legal studies, among others. Core curriculum typically focuses on correction facilities, criminal psychology, population management and inmate rehabilitation. Associate degrees provide basic subject knowledge that qualifies students for the most entry-level posistions in corrections.

The degree of choice for those seeking to launch a career in corrections is the bachelor's degree. These days, most corrections positions, especially at the federal level, require candidates to possess a bachelor's degree in corrections or a closely related discipline. A bachelor's degree in corrections provides a more indepth study into the discipline than an associate's degree and provides graduates much better understanding of how to work with and management inmate populations. Most bachelor's degree programs in corrections take from three to four years to complete. Graduates with a bachelor's degree will have a much easier time pursuing job opportunities in corrections than associate degree holders.

In addition to the job opportunitied mentioned above, there are numerous career advancement opportunities for corrections officers and criminal justice professionals who have earned a graduate degree. A master's degree is a common prerequisite for supervisory, management and administrative positions within corrections and the justice system at the local, state and federal level. Most master's degree programs take about two years to complete, although there are a few accelerated programs that can be completed in less time. Master's students can look forward to coursework that includes criminal law, justice administration, juvenile justice, court and criminal justice system, advanced criminology, research methods in criminal justice and correctional theories and practices.

Job Outlook for Corrections Officers

Unfortunately, there is no end in site to our growing inmate populations. The good news? Well, the increase in incarceration rates means there's is going to be strong and stable demand for corrections officers for many years to come. In fact, over the next 10 years the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is predicting a nearly 20% increase in the number job opportunities for correctional officers. The demand will even extend into the private sector, as many corrections agencies that are currently run by the state will begin contracting with private prisons in order the meet the need for correctional services.

Corrections programs are designed to teach students the principles and theories of correctional science and to function as professional corrections officers and other workers in private and/or public incarceration facilities. The colleges, universities and schools below offer majors and accredited degree programs in corrections. To learn more about a specific school click on any of the links below.

Alpena Community College

Alvin Community College

Amarillo College

Arizona Western College

Arkansas State University-Beebe

Austin Community College District

Baker College of Auburn Hills

Baker College of Cadillac

Baker College of Flint

Baker College of Jackson

Baker College of Muskegon

Baker College of Port Huron

Bakersfield College

Baltimore City Community College

Bay de Noc Community College

Bay Mills Community College

Belmont Technical College

Brevard Community College

Broome Community College

Broward College

Central Washington University

College of the Redwoods

Daytona State College

Eastern Wyoming College

Florida State College at Jacksonville

Garrett College

Hardin-Simmons University

Iowa Wesleyan College

Joliet Junior College

Kaplan University

Labette Community College

Lake Superior State University

Midland College

New Mexico State University-Grants

Peninsula College

Reedley College

Saint Louis University-Main Campus

Sierra College

Texas State University-San Marcos

Tyler Junior College

University of Arkansas at Monticello

University of Indianapolis

University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus

University of the District of Columbia

Weber State University