Online Colleges for Probation Officers: How to Choose

Online schools for probation officers exist on both the undergraduate and graduate level. Typically, the field of criminal justice provides the training and education necessary to work in probation departments.

How to Choose an Online School for Probation Officers

Award Levels

When a student decides to become a probation officer, the level of education should be one of the first things to decide. Online programs in criminal justice provide the relevant education and training for a variety of positions in the field of probation and are available at the associate's, bachelor's and master's degree level.
Typically, an associate's degree prepares one to work in a probation department in an entry-level capacity, a bachelor's degree is often necessary for those wishing to work as probation officers and a master's degree is often pursued by those looking to enter supervisory positions in probation departments.

Program Types

Students should also decide if they want a totally online program or a hybrid program, which is a combination of online and on-campus education. Schools with hybrid programs may offer internships through a local probation department where students can gain valuable real-life experience. Fully online programs may only require participation in class discussions and the completion of tests and exams online.
Students do not have to be 'techies' to take an online course, but they should be computer-literate. Online schools' computer systems allow students to access coursework 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Students should investigate if schools have special hardware and software requirements before selecting an online program and be aware that some schools tack on technology fees that can be assessed per term.

List of Common Online Probation Officer Schools

Online Associate of Science Degree in Criminal Justice

Associate's degree programs generally take two years to complete and can prepare students for entry-level positions in probation departments. Topics that may be covered involve ethics, courts, juvenile justice, police and other classes in the social sciences. Other subjects like typing, communications, humanities and mathematics may also be required in these programs.

Online Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice

In a bachelor's degree program, students can often concentrate in areas such as security, law enforcement or corrections. These four-year programs include courses in criminal law, criminal procedure, criminology and other theoretical and practical aspects of the criminal justice system.

Online Master of Science Degree in Criminal Justice

Master's programs enable students to advance to leadership positions within a corrections agency. These degrees can be completed in two years and generally require 36 credits. A master's program in criminal justice often leads to supervisory positions in corrections, probation and parole officer departments, juvenile service and criminal investigation.. Courses involve criminal justice theories and students engage in practical research into the criminal justice system.