Online Corrections Degree Program Options

Corrections officers take responsibility for people who are awaiting trial or who have been incarcerated. While some employers only require corrections officers to hold a high school diploma, many follow the lead of the Federal Bureau of Prisons, which stipulates all corrections officers must hold a bachelor's degree. Programs are available online leading to bachelor's and master's degrees with corrections concentrations.

Online Bachelor's Degree in Corrections Overview

Most online bachelor's degree programs in corrections are degree-completion programs. Applicants must hold a high school diploma or GED and must have achieved a 2.0 GPA in all previous college coursework. Students may transfer credit from all previous college courses in which they achieved a grade of 'C' or better. Program graduates have received training in the history and philosophy of corrections, management principles and the relationships of corrections systems with the community.

Program Information and Requirements

Depending on the school and the number of transfer credits applied, students are able to complete this bachelor's degree completion program in 18-24 months. Delivered entirely online, there are no in-person requirements for this degree program. Students access their classes by various methods, including viewing live classroom sessions, which are recorded and may be viewed at a later time. Assignments and communication take place by way of discussion boards, operating under a course management system such as Blackboard.
Technical requirements include a computer with Internet access and either Windows XP or Mac OS X. Particular versions of Web browsers may also be recommended. Microsoft Office is required and some courses may call for Microsoft Media Player or Apple QuickTime.

List of Common Corrections Courses

General education courses in the humanities, natural and applied sciences, and social sciences may be required. In addition to core courses in the field of criminal justice, students typically take a number of specialization courses in corrections.

Introduction to Corrections Course

With an emphasis on the different methods and approaches to the application of corrections strategy to society, alternative tactics are examined. This course also presents a historical survey of correctional practices, up to and including present day.

Security Course

This is an overview course of the history of protection, security and loss prevention. Topics include the threat environment, the security industry, accident prevention and risk analysis.

Community Corrections Course

Focusing on the function and application of parole and probation as parts of the corrections system, this course examines the ramifications such practices may have on the outside community.

Career Information for Graduates

In the 2010-2011 Occupational Outlook Handbook, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projected that job opportunities for bailiffs would increase eight percent from 2008-2018. Over the same period, job opportunities for corrections officers and jailers were predicted to grow by nine percent (www.bls.gov). In July, 2010, a survey conducted by PayScale.com found the national median salary for bailiffs to be $36,318. The national median salary for corrections officers was $38,604.
In general, corrections officers and bailiffs must undergo a training period in the field or at an appropriate law enforcement academy. Proficiency with firearms may also be a qualification requirement. Advancement in the profession generally comes with time on the job and with continued education. Information on career opportunities and training is available through the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

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Online Master's Degree in Corrections Overview

Building on previous training, education and on-the-job experience, an online master's degree program with a specialization in corrections prepares professional corrections officers to advance to administrative or supervisory positions and manage correctional facilities or private security companies. Prerequisites always include a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. In some cases, a 2.0 GPA precludes any entrance exam requirement. Other programs may mandate GRE or MAT scores for admittance.

Program Information and Requirements

Depending on the number of courses undertaken at any one time, students are able to complete this online master's degree program in as little as 18 months. Courses are delivered entirely online and there is no in-person component. In conjunction with purchased textbooks, students participate in the program through a course management system, such as Blackboard. Usually, students are required to login to the virtual classroom a certain number of times each week. Communication and completion of assignments are accomplished via discussion boards and e-mail.
Technical requirements include a computer with Internet access; DSL or cable is preferred. Minimum requirements may also exist for Web browsers and computer operating systems. Student computers should be equipped with Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat Reader and Adobe Acrobat Flash Player.

List of Common Corrections Courses

Typically an online master's degree program in corrections consists of 48 credits. In addition to specialization courses in corrections, there are usually a certain number of foundation courses that deal with fundamental principles and theories of the criminal justice system.

Theory Course

Focusing on the history of incarceration, punishment and corrections in the United States, this course discusses the structure, effectiveness and theory of institutional corrections. Imprisonment, prison life and the nature of prisoners are among the topics examined in this course.

Community Corrections and Re-entry Course

This course investigates the de-institutionalizing process of prisoners. Among the subjects explored are the effectiveness of community corrections programs, such as community services agencies, treatment programs, work-release programs and the entire process of re-entry into society.

Penology Course

In the contexts of politics, society and the law, correctional practices and trends in the United States are examined. Of particular focus is the use of the corrections aspect of the criminal justice system as a tool of social control.

Career Information for Graduates

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projected that job opportunities for senior or supervisory corrections officers will increase nine percent from 2008-2018, which is the same as that for basic corrections officers (www.bls.gov). PayScale.com took a survey in July, 2010, that found the national median salary for senior corrections officers to be $47,010. Membership in such organizations as the American Correctional Association and the American Jail Association presents opportunities for individuals to take professional development and technology courses. Such courses can lead to executive or administrative positions. A variety of courses leading to various certifications and designations are also available, as are opportunities to attend conferences and participate in the formulation of new and effective corrections policies.