Online Courses and Classes for Correctional Officers

Courses for aspiring correctional officers are offered in online, hybrid and on-campus formats, and prepare students to earn a corrections degree and pursue a career as a probation or corrections officer. Course topics include criminal behavior, crime prevention, criminal law, and statistics in criminal law.

Online Courses and Classes for Correctional Officers

Online correctional officer courses offer students the convenience and flexibility of completing a degree program at their own pace. Depending on the school, some aspects of correctional officer courses may require hands-on skills training, so programs may not be fully online. Students may also be required to complete a first-aid course, EMT or emergency response program.
Students choosing online courses and classes for correctional officers can earn degrees, including Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Criminal Justice, Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Criminal Justice with a specialization in Corrections/Client Services or Master of Science (M.S.) in Criminal Justice.
Graduates may find many employment opportunities working in correctional facilities, security services, private and government agencies as private detectives, corrections officers, probation officers, security guards and law enforcement agents.

Online Course Requirements

Students need high-speed Internet access, a current browser and an e-mail address. Students must also have Adobe Flash player, Adobe Acrobat Reader, and Microsoft Office (Word & Excel). Students are required to purchase any software or textbooks required for the courses. Students may be required to be online at certain times for class discussions, lectures, or to take tests and assignments.

Online Correctional Officer Courses Overview

Criminology Course

This course focuses on different aspects of crime, including the definition of crime, the causes of crime, and the methods used for determining the characteristics and behavior of criminals. Students study the behavioral and social issues involved in the study of crime.

Criminal Justice Course

This course introduces students to many parts of the criminal justice system, the sub-systems and how they interact. The focus is on the operation and structure of America's court system, along with different legal concepts. Criminology is a prerequisite for this course.

Juvenile Justice Course

Students are introduced to the juvenile justice system, the nature of juvenile delinquency and the procedures and processes used by the juvenile court system. The role the correctional officer plays within law enforcement is emphasized, along with probation, juvenile correctional schools and aftercare treatment.

Detecting and Preventing Suicide in Jails Course

This course teaches students how corrections officers can detect and understand offenders or prisoners exhibiting suicidal behaviors and mental disease. Students learn to develop a prevention program that includes intake training, safe and appropriate housing, staff interaction, frequent and regular observation and communication between inmates and staff.

Inmate Privileges and Rights Course

In this class, aspiring correction officers study inmate rights from a legal perspective. Topics of study include constitutional rights, correctional law and an inmate's responsibilities and rights. This course is required for students interested in becoming certified as a county corrections officer.

Criminal Analysis Course

Students are introduced to the methods and concepts of criminal analysis as they're used by law enforcement agencies. Students will learn how to create an effective crime analysis unit and develop methods for collecting and analyzing crime data.