Corrections Degree Program and Career Education

Corrections, also known as the penal system, is the branch of the criminal justice system responsible for the management of convicted offenders. The field of corrections includes managing the incarceration, detention, rehabilitation, probation and parole of offenders.

Corrections officials are also responsible for managing jails at the local level and prisons at the state and federal level. One recent trend is for governments to outsource corrections work, contracting the task with the private sector.

Education, Training and Degrees in Corrections

A sample of available degrees applicable to a career in the field of corrections includes:

BS in Criminal Justice/Corrections
AAS in Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement
AAS in Criminal Justice
BS in Criminal Justice
BS in Criminal Justice Administration
BS in Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement
MS in Criminal Justice
MS in Administration of Justice and Security
MS in Criminal Justice/Law
MS in Criminal Justice/Policing
MS in Criminal Justice/Leadership/Executive Management
MS in Human Services-Criminal Justice

Find more information about online Criminal Justice degrees, certificates, and diplomas.

Explore Career Opportunities in Corrections

For details concerning the educational requirements, degree programs, employment outlook and salary range for a specific position, simply choose an occupation:

Correctional Officer
The Correctional Officer is the person in charge of prisoners in various locked facilities, including reformatories, jails and penitentiaries. They are sometimes referred to as Prison Guards, Prison Warders or Detention Officers. They are charged with maintaining safety and security in these institutions, but have no law enforcement authority.

Probation Officer
A probation officer functions as an enforcement agent of the courts. Probation officers perform much of their work for the courts, investigating the accused, recommending sentences for those convicted, and testifying in court. They evaluate the progress of convicted offenders' efforts at rehabilitation and monitor compliance with the terms of their sentences, reporting their findings to the court. When an offender is incarcerated, the probation officer assists in the development of parole, release and rehabilitation plans. They plan education and training programs to improve the job skills of those on probation or parole, and provide counseling to assist them in their rehabilitation and to assure they stay out of trouble and meet other requirements of their freedom.

back to top
Get matched with leading online schools