Get Your Degree!

Get information on programs from our featured schools.

What is a Corrections Officer?

A corrections officer degree is a trained professional responsible for supervising incarcerated individuals and those awaiting trial that reside in a prison, jail, or similar correctional facility.  Correctional officers are commonly known as a prison warden, prison guard, detention officer, juvenile correctional officer, prison officer, probation officer, CO, or jail officer.  The terminology used to describe the role of a correctional officers is parsed by region and employment rolls.  As an example, correctional officers may also be known as correctional managers, state correctional officers, federal correctional officers, or corrections agents with virtually the same job description.

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Corrections Officer Degree

College of the Ozarks is a Christian institution that provides education for youth and has the vision to develop individuals into being well-educated, patriotic, and hard-working. The college was established in 1906 and now offers more than 50-degree courses to its nearly 2,000 enrollees every year.

It prepares a bachelor’s degree program for individuals who want to pursue their career in criminal justice wherein students will understand the law enforcement, responsibilities, and components of the criminal justice system as well as help them become equipped with skills that they can use in the industry. The 87 credit hours program emphasizes law enforcement and corrections. Upon graduation, students may become correctional officers. 

Acceptance Rate

10.26

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Founded in 1787, the University of Pittsburgh is known as one of the great universities in the United States. It can accommodate over 30,000 students and more than 10,000 full-time and part-time faculty and staff.

The university offers individuals to study about the diverse nature of justice and crime as well as its relationship with the community. Students of the criminal justice program will be taught by professionals who have experience in the industry. The curriculum includes hands-on learning by using the latest technology for forensic in the university’s crime scene investigation laboratory, and it will also teach students the process and management of criminal investigations.

Acceptance Rate

56.65

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Xavier University is a catholic university located in Ohio and offers more than 90 undergraduate programs. Graduates from the university have a 98% success rate in their careers, making the university a reliable and trustworthy educational institution.  It has a criminal justice undergraduate program wherein students can develop their understanding of the court and corrections system as well as law enforcement. It concentrates on criminalistics and minors in criminal justice. During the 4-year program, students will learn through various courses such as corrections, criminology, American justice, and research. Graduates will have the opportunity to work as correctional officers or counselors, attorneys, probation offices, and the like.

Acceptance Rate

76.37

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Winona State University has a reputation for giving success to its students through excellent and affordable educational learning. With an average class size of 27, the university offers over a hundred certificate and degree programs on its campuses.  Winona State University developed a corrections officer curriculum that concentrates on improving the attitudes, skills, and knowledge of the individuals to help them become career-ready in the industry. It teaches students to honor and respect the law as well as fight against the people who abuse power. Students will gain on-the-job training that they can use for their future employment as correctional officers or other jobs within the criminal justice field. 

Acceptance Rate

67.91

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

Oklahoma City University provides a diverse community of students and teaches them to become achievers, independent, big thinkers, and dedicated artists. It is also known as the leading university for liberal arts and sciences.   The university also has a criminal justice program for students who are interested in the investigation or forensic science.  Students will have an opportunity to intern in Cleveland County Juvenile Facility, Federal Transfer Center, Oklahoma City Police Department, and many others. To qualify for the program, the applicants must score 22 and above on SAT and must have a 3.0 GPA.

Acceptance Rate

74.64

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

John Jay College is committed to guiding individuals as they explore and be educated about the broad dimensions of justice. The college was founded in 1964 and has been offering professional curriculums that focus on preparing students to become engaged citizens and ethical workers. 

One of its programs is the bachelor of science in criminal justice which includes a minor program in correctional studies. With the guidance of expert professionals, the students will learn to develop ideas and approaches as well as exposing them to relevant topics such as community supervision, rehabilitation, and treatment of offenders. The correctional studies program has a total of 18 credit hours that are composed of 6 lessons. 

Acceptance Rate

40.53

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

Staffed with passionate and experienced professors, the Stephen F Austin State University offers over one hundred areas of study for its more than 12,000 students from all over the states and the world. It gives quality education and offers a student-friendly environment.   It has a mission to provide academic learning that has a greater impact on the community. For individuals who desire to do police work and are interested in national security, law, or assets protection, the university offers a criminal justice program that develops the skills of the individuals to help them become ready for their roles in the industry. The program is designed under the department of government and students can choose between bachelor of arts, bachelor of science, additional majors, minor, or a five-year program. 

Acceptance Rate

67.95

Student to Faculty Ratio

N.A

Lake Superior State University is recognized as one of the best universities that give blended learning in liberal arts and technology. With a total of 2,100 students, the university has a class size of 30 and provides a personal and intimate learning environment.  It also has an outstanding reputation for providing well-educated and well-trained professionals that teach students outstanding lessons about their chosen field. Individuals enrolled in the criminal justice program will learn about writing and research skills, as well as critical thinking. With the university’s aim to give superior education and experience, graduates of the program will excel in their future careers as police officers, correctional officers, and even lawyers.

Acceptance Rate

57.23

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

The University of Indianapolis (UINDY) has been providing connectedness within its diverse students, staff, and faculty through its environment-friendly campus. The university enhances the potential of every individual by broadening their views, ideas, and challenging them to push forward.  The university also offers an innovative correctional curriculum and various learning opportunities in the classroom as well as the community. It offers a criminal justice major wherein future correctional officers will be taught by passionate and well-educated professionals about corrections agencies, correctional law, and law enforcement. Students enrolled in the program will experience excellent internship and fieldwork as well as hands-on training in the university’s criminal justice laboratory.

Acceptance Rate

92.79

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Oklahoma University has been operating since 1890 and has three campuses across the state that are accessible and convenient. Today, the university has more than 20,000 enrolled students who are majoring in 170 degree programs.  Oklahoma University offers flexibility to its students by providing an online corrections officer degree found within the criminal justice program is designed to be finished within 20 months or more. Eleven courses are required for the program as well as 33 credit hours. The faculty has developed and teaches the program curriculum that expands the capabilities of the students in critical thinking and other others that they can use for the rapidly changing world and industry. Aspiring criminal justice students may enroll online through the university’s website.

Acceptance Rate

83.05

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

Minnesota State University is located in Mankato and has more than 700 teachers who provide teaching and motivation to more than 14,000 students from all over the world. The university offers more than two hundred degree programs in health, business, education, art and humanities, science, engineering, etc.

Its bachelor's degree in criminal justice has 120 credits and is designed for students seeking careers in the criminal justice field, as well as correctional and law enforcement jobs. The program is also open and tailored for professionals and associate degree graduates who wish to further their skills and knowledge in criminal justice. Students of the program will have courses about victimology, criminology, juvenile justice, corrections research methods, criminal laws and procedures, and other minor and elective subjects.

Acceptance Rate

62.71

Student to Faculty Ratio

22:1

With the mission to forge a bright future for its students, the Texas State University has over 200 bachelor’s, doctoral, and master’s degree programs in biology, business, geography, etc. Since its foundation in 1899, the university has been dedicated to providing excellent and innovative learning.  The School of Criminal Justice and Criminology has outlined undergraduate, graduate, master’s, and internship programs for its students. The programs are designed to provide students with the necessary skills for employment in the field of criminal justice. Students will also be ready to become responsible individuals in work and the community. Applicants can enroll online via the university’s website or in-person admission. 

Acceptance Rate

81.13

Student to Faculty Ratio

N.A

The University of New Mexico has an 800-acre campus that provides a unique environment for students, faculty, and staff. It aims to provide students with the knowledge, values, habits, and skills that they need to become responsible and dedicated professionals.  Individuals who want to pursue a degree in criminal justice can choose between major or minor programs wherein they will obtain a comprehensive introduction to the correctional field. Students will have an opportunity to become career-ready individuals by going through various relevant lessons about law enforcement, crime prevention, and correctional facility management. The university ensures that graduates of this program can also be employed in law, social work, and counseling.

Acceptance Rate

94.28

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

Hardin – Simmons is a Baptist university that has been operating for 127 years. It has a mission to provide excellence in academic learning by enlightening Christian values. It is also dedicated to helping the community with a vision to nurture their minds and spirits.

The university also helps students have an opportunity to work in the criminal justice field by providing degree programs that concentrate on forensic science, behavioral analysis, criminal psychopathology, and victimology. The program emphasizes the management and of crime policy, homeland and digital security, global perspectives, and infrastructure protection. Individuals who wish to enroll in the programs can choose between 4 criminal justice major or minor degrees. 

Acceptance Rate

83.78

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

Siena Heights University is a catholic university that has a diverse community of students and offers degree programs in the liberal arts, business, technology, etc. It has a mission to assist people to become competent, ethical, and purposeful in their personal and career growth.

The university offers a 120-credit hour bachelor’s degree program in criminal justice. Students will be taught by instructors who are experienced in the field, the courses vary from major lessons, elective, and liberal arts. The correctional officers curriculum includes an introduction to criminal justice and corrections, criminology, juvenile justice, correctional facility management, courtroom demeanor and techniques, American democracy, conflict resolution, and the like.

Acceptance Rate

73.4

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

The University of Akron has been giving educational programs in engineering, technology, business, health care, arts, and sciences for 150 years. Akron is dedicated to rising together with its students and faculty to meet the needs of the ever-changing industry.   The university offers a scholarship program for its criminology and criminal justice students. It teaches students to become ready in the field by providing excellent lessons in public safety, law enforcement, courts, and corrections. It also offers online lessons that provide flexibility and convenience to the students enrolled in the program. Students will learn how to properly enforce the law, administer justice, and become responsible employees.

Acceptance Rate

73.04

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

Southeast Missouri State University offers nearly 300 undergraduate majors, minors, and graduate programs. Students of the university will receive personal, moral, and educational support from faculty and staff throughout their college years.

Students enrolled in the criminal justice program of the university will study criminal law, juvenile justice, criminology, as well as classes on race, gender, and crime. It will also provide extensive lessons from experienced professionals that focus on the demonstration of interdependent operations and components of the criminal justice system. Graduates of the program will obtain an ability to interpret, evaluate, conduct criminal justice practices and research. 

Acceptance Rate

86.19

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

Mount Aloysius College was established in 1853 and provides a comprehensive liberal arts and science program. The college is a member of the NCAA Division III with its 16 varsity sports, and has a student body of 26 as well as an average class size of fourteen.  Mount Aloysius outlined a criminology degree program with the aim to fulfill the goals of the individuals to become professionals in the police department, probation offices, correctional facilities, and forensic investigative works. Throughout the program, students will become specialized, experience, and career-oriented individuals. The program highlights hands-on internships, investigation training courses, as well as obtaining a corrections officer certificate or forensic investigation.

Acceptance Rate

94.88

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

The Eastern Kentucky University is a student-centric university wherein learning and personal growth come first. It was established in 1874 and has 4 branch campuses that offer more than forty online undergraduate and graduate programs. 

The university’s College of Justice and Safety designed a bachelor's degree program in criminal justice for students who are interested in criminological research and economic inequality. Students will learn from the best professors and instructors that will engage students in critical and ethical thinking, reading, logic, and deep understanding of the justice system and its problems. The program lets the students experience internship programs in non-government agencies, FBI, drug enforcement administration, department of justice, and the like.

Acceptance Rate

93.83

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

The University of Baltimore is a recognized public university and an active part of the University of Maryland system. This public institution was established by the Baltimore Association of Business Professionals and is an excellent place for education opportunities for men and women in the state.

Students are welcomed to pursue a successful career as a corrections officer with UB’s Bachelor degree program in criminal justice. In this program, students can in-depth study the basics of criminal justice, tailor their studies, and prepare for a lifelong career. Admission is approved and verified by the university, and only applicants with a complete and qualified certificate can pass. 

Acceptance Rate

78.04

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Tiffin University is a first-class university accredited by the Higher Education Commission. Tiffin lives by their principle in creating an environment centered in students’ success and its mission to educate learners through linking knowledge to professional practice.

Tiffin University houses one of the leading Bachelor programs in Criminal Justice. Students can pursue a major in corrections which allows them to become an integral part in the entire backbone of the justice system. The program ensures to equip learners to handle the dynamic nature of corrections and let them focus on the connection of the field of corrections to the more comprehensive criminal justice system along with the assessment and tending of offenders in the community.

Acceptance Rate

68.9

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

At the onset, the Arkansas Tech University was originally founded as the Second District Agricultural School in 1909 was later changed to become the Arkansas Tech University after as a reflection of changes in the university’s programs. The institution as a whole, values the spirit of perseverance to strive for a better and more sustainable tomorrow.

ATU offers a rigorous bachelor's degree program in criminal justice and criminology. The program provides adequate training and education, including the background of students interested in criminal justice careers. Graduates of this program will gain both theoretical understanding and practical knowledge of the entire criminal justice system through ATU’s provided coursework and outlined electives. 

Acceptance Rate

94.74

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

The University of Central Oklahoma is hailed as the oldest existing post-secondary program in the state of Ohio with a large number of offerings of major programs with more than 17,000 students. UCO is committed to providing services to promote transformative education and inspire them to become creative, productive and participatory citizens.

At UCO, learners will find the state's oldest criminal justice program. As a university dedicated to transforming academic excellence into professional competence, UCO provides a comprehensive criminal justice program major in corrections was curated to properly train the country's next leaders in the criminal justice system. This is a major program empowered by the school’s diverse faculty with profound experience in law, research, and solid academic background and distinctions.

Acceptance Rate

84.1

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

This is a private Christian university that awards more than 50 bachelor's degrees in various disciplines including arts and sciences, business and education. The University of the Southwest, as a Christian-centered school, is devoted to achieving a lifetime of servant and leadership which thrives in faith, responsibility, and initiative.

As a leading Christian university, Southwestern University offers a prison seminary program designed to educate inmates throughout New Mexico and prepare them for professional services. The design can be completed in two years which will be spearheaded by USW’s trained professors as well as qualified pastors. For graduates of this “seminary program” they can either be released to society to continue the acts of ministry or stay in prison to live by their vocation. 

Acceptance Rate

45.39

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

The University of Alaska The University of Anchorage is one of the three universities that make up the Alaska system. It is a four-year institution of higher learning established in 1954.

The University of Alaska Anchorage firmly believes in the relevance and importance of correctional professionals in maintaining and achieving absolute public safety and criminal justice. UAA, through its Kenai Peninsula College, manages a wide range of certificate programs for corrections. It helps to assist individuals to become qualified individuals for entry-level corrections jobs.

Acceptance Rate

82.96

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

What Does a Correctional Officer Do?

Correctional officers are members of the law enforcement community with little to no authorized power outside the prison system. Corrections officer duties focus on the vital aspects of a correctional institutions security, health, safety, and operations.

A correctional officer job duties will depend on training, agency type, roles, and organizational structure. Generally, a correctional officer is charged with patrolling and inspecting aspects of a prison or correctional facility that can include the yard, units, buildings, cells, prisoners, clothing, and personal property.

In addition to the overt observations, a correctional officer can also help the prison maintain order and stability. A correctional officer job description can include the following duties:

  • Utilize audio and video monitoring
  • Intervene in any abnormal activity
  • Promote safety and stability
  • Escort visitors to designated locations
  • Monitor access gates
  • Operate the control room
  • Monitor cameras and alarms
  • Manage communication to the outside world
  • Enforce institutional rules
  • Respond to subtle changes in prisoner behavior

How to Become a Corrections Officer

The steps for students to become correctional officers will vary by municipality, state, and region. In some instances, a high school diploma or equivalent is sufficient to apply for jobs. Meanwhile, other states and institutions require correctional officer training to be a college degree or comparable work experience as a minimum requirement. Federal government agencies will frequently require a bachelor's degree in addition to qualifying work experience.

Qualifying bachelor's degrees will typically include criminal justice, law,legal studies, criminology, law enforcement, and justice administration. After earning a qualifying degree from an accredited college, students can apply for jobs with the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Site-specific training and orientation will be required for all correctional officers at every institution. Similarly, you can earn a COO certificate through the ACA if accepted by employers and institutions.

The four-step process to become a correctional officer will typically include the following:

  1. Earn a corrections degree or qualifying certificate from an accredited school
  2. Successfully complete all requisite on-site training modules
  3. Find gainful employment in corrections
  4. Complete all continuing education and/or in-service training requirements

Top Corrections Officer Training & Degrees

College degree programs for prospective corrections officers may not take the same path from school to school. More specifically, you may find an accredited college or university offering a corrections specialty or criminal justice with an emphasis in corrections. Qualifying programs may be found at vocational schools, career colleges, community colleges, training academies, and 4-year colleges.

In either case, the latent skills and knowledge are designed to prepare students for a career in corrections or adjacent vocations. To help you make a great decision for your future, a summary of popular degree programs can be found below.

Corrections Officer Associate Degrees

An associate degree in corrections can be conferred as an Associate of Arts (AA) or Associate of Applied Science (AAS). Associate degree programs are typically 2-year programs for full-time students. Part-time students will take longer to complete the degree dependent upon the course load and pace.

Both AA and AAS programs blend general education courses with core curriculum to provide a balanced education. Liberal arts classes may include courses such as history, psychology, math, communications, philosophy, and creative writing. Core classes will focus on building knowledge and analysis in criminal justice, social issues, and various aspects of institutionalization.

Corrections Officer Bachelor Degrees

A bachelors degree in corrections will most often be conferred as a Bachelor of Science (BS). Bachelor's degrees are 4-year degrees based on full-time matriculation with part-time students taking longer to earn a degree. Akin to an associate degree, the bachelor's degree track melds liberal arts courses with core curriculum.

The primary difference between the two degrees lies in the breadth and depth of the bachelors degree. From remedial courses through upper-level criminal justice classes, students in a bachelor's degree program will be exposed to a broad array of material.

Core classes in a corrections program will vary from school to school but will cover many of the same topics. One very popular Bachelor of Science program that has won many awards includes the following coursework:

Introduction to Criminal Justice Criminal Investigations
Criminal Courts Criminalistics
Law Enforcement Community-Based Corrections
Juvenile Justice Constitutional Rights of Inmates
Criminal Law Crisis Management
Justice Administration Criminal Procedures
Theories in Crime Victimology
Demographics, Diversity, and Crime Information Technology & Policing
Police Administration Comparative Criminal Justice
Correctional Institutions Criminal Justice Policy
Police Operations Law & Social Control

 

Correctional Officer Education Requirements

Correctional officer job requirements will depend on the organization, job duties, and state requirements. In fact, each correctional facility will have differing rules from a neighboring corrections facility. Correctional officers at each correctional facility will need to learn and adapt quickly based on local corrections rules, procedures, and regulations. In addition to the courses listed below, institutions may require corrections officer jobs to include orientation and minimum training hours. Classes in a corrections officer degree will often include the following:

Employment & Corrections Officers Training

Students earning a corrections degree or COO certificate, will be ready to launch a career in law enforcement. A traditional job in corrections is associated with a correctional officer or prison guard. Becoming a correctional officer will often be a path from entry-level positions to joining the ranks of officers at the correctional facility. Correctional buildings are not standardized in all facets and will require correctional officers to get familiar with each building. Officers at a prison are charged with training new correctional officers as they all rely upon each other to run a successful correctional facility.

Alternatively, you may elect to learn about becoming a correctional officer by learning adjacent knowledge and skills in corrections. Many correctional officers take alternate degrees at community colleges or universities to round out skills before starting work at a correctional facility. For example, the skills learned in a criminal justice degree program may offer a segue to similar careers for a correctional officer. Officers with relevant corrections work experience plus a bachelor's degree may be a better fit for a correctional facility.

Correctional Officer Training

Fields of specialization that students can consider after graduation can include any number of the following tracks: bailiff, security guard, firefighter, forensics, police, detective, police officer, EMT, research scientist, private detective, federal corrections officer, security guard, probation officer, and policy director.

Popular Correctional Officer Career

Graduates from an accredited corrections or criminal justice programs can find themselves employed by a variety of correctional institutions. In fact, correctional officer career paths may include one or more of the following work settings: private industry, government agencies, schools, and non-profit organizations of all sizes. A cross-section of the types of employers where you can find probation officer jobs include:

  • Bureau of Prisons
  • Federal Bureau of Prisons
  • Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives
  • Local & State Law Enforcement Agencies
  • Non-Government Agencies
  • Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
  • Department of Juvenile Justice
  • U.S. Secret Service
  • Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
  • Non-Government Organizations
  • District Attorney's Office
  • Department of Corrections (DOC)
  • Department of Justice
  • Bureau of Justice Statistics
  • Private Correctional agencies
  • Office of Public Defender
  • Federal Bureau of Investigation
  • Department of Agriculture

Corrections Officer Salary

Correctional officer salary numbers will vary by state and institution. However the BLS estimates the median annual income for a corrections officer at $42,820. The top ten percent of correctional officers average $74,360 while the bottom 10% earn just under thirty-five thousand dollars a year. The BLS projects a 4% employment growth for correctional officers for the sector adding some 17,900 jobs in the coming reporting period.

The top employers of correctional officers are state and local government agencies, followed by private prisons, federal government, and psychiatric facilities. States employing the largest number of correction officers is Texas, California, New York, and Florida.

Featured Rankings

Find Your College Match

Sort By
PHP Code Snippets Powered By : XYZScripts.com