Online Degrees in Corrections

Corrections Degrees

A career in the corrections field involves the safekeeping of anyone under arrest, awaiting trial, or sentenced to a correctional institution. In order to work in this area, you will need a corrections-specific degree, as the Correctional Officer Training Act specifies certain mandatory types of college courses be completed before you can obtain certification as a corrections officer.

The quickest route to a corrections career is by earning an associate degree, either an AA or an AS. You will take introductory courses in criminal justice and corrections, also learn about specific issues and problems in corrections institutions, juvenile corrections, substance abuse, legal issues in corrections, and courses in communications and client relations. Upon graduation you may find employment as a corrections officer in a prison or jail or as a bailiff enforcing the law in a courtroom.

With a bachelor's degree in corrections, in addition to the above career opportunities you should be qualified to work as a corrections officer in the federal prison system or as a parole or probation officer monitoring prisoners who have been released on parole. A bachelor's program will focus on such areas as supervising high-level inmates, assessing inmate suicide risk, emergency medical training and safety procedures, as well as coursework in correctional psychology and counseling.

Graduate-level work in the field of corrections can prepare you for a managerial or administrative role in a corrections facility, or for a research or teaching position within the field.