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Affordable Corrections Degree & Schools Online

Corrections is the handling and rehabilitation of people after being convicted of committing a criminal offense. The laws of the criminal justice system exist to punish criminal offenders and include the deprivation of life, freedom or property after due process of the law. A criminal offender may be fined or sentenced by the court to probation, home confinement, electronic monitoring or serving time in prison, half-way house or a community corrections program.

A degree in Corrections with a focus on criminal justice will equip students and professionals within the field with the necessary skills needed to manage a prison facility. Students will gain a deeper understanding of the various operations and functions of the criminal justice system and the skills required to meet the daily challenges as well as potential dangers that arise when supervising criminal offenders. Professionals who work within the correctional facilities (such as correctional officers or wardens) are responsible for the care, custody and security of individuals who have been arrested and are awaiting trial, or have been convicted of a crime and sentenced to serving time in a prison. The work of corrections officers can be stressful and hazardous.

Requirements

The Federal Bureau of Prisons requires that correctional officers at the entry level to have at least 3 years experience in the field or a Bachelor’s degree in Corrections or a combination of both.

College Degrees in Corrections

Several accredited colleges and universities meet the demand for better trained and qualified professionals within the field of corrections. Some college and university programs have added law enforcement and criminal justice courses to their programs to broaden the knowledge base of students to prepare them for a successful career in the field of corrections. Classes and training will vary depending on the area and specialty of students. Students will get a deeper understanding of the components behind the procedures used in the correctional facilities, as well as the organizational structure. Course work will cover a variety of areas including:

Introduction to Corrections
Counseling and Basic Psychology
Drugs and Contraband
Policy and Procedure Training
Management of Inmates
Firearm Training
Facility Maintenance

Some courses will allow students to tour correctional facilities and may provide additional training in self-defense, emergency and first aid response, and weapon disarmament training.

More to see on Affordable Online Degrees

Online Degrees in Corrections

The online degrees in corrections resemble the same format as an on-campus curriculum in Corrections. The major advantage of the online degree programs in Corrections is that working professionals are able to adopt a flexible study course that will allow them to pursue their degree without interrupting their career.

Online Associate’s Degree in Corrections

The online Associate’s degree in corrections will provide students with a deeper understanding of the legal system, an introduction to criminal justice, cultural and language issues in corrections, ethics in corrections and a variety of other courses.

Online Bachelor’s Degree in Corrections

The online Bachelor’s degree in corrections will further enhance the skills and knowledge of students in a variety of courses including psychology, corrections, criminal law, sociology, law enforcement, juvenile justice, and theories and procedures for convicted offenders. In addition, students will gain vital skills in a variety of areas such as self defense training, social disturbance and management, institutional policies, weapons and firearm training and hostage negotiations. A Bachelor’s degree in corrections will also provide further career advancement for managerial and leadership positions.

Career Opportunities with a Degree in Corrections

The Bureau of Labor and Statistics predicts the employment for corrections officers as promising due to the number of job openings available each year. Potential career choices for graduates with a degree in corrections include wardens, correctional officers and corrections supervisors. A Bachelor’s degree is required for higher paying positions such as agency directors, correctional sergeant and supervisory positions.