Corrections

Overview

Corrections programs teach people safety measures and how to work with adult and young offenders in jails and prisons. Students learn to set up and manage programs in a jail or prison.

Corrections programs include topics such as:

• Criminal justice
• Correctional science
• Police, parole, and probation systems
• Prison systems
• Counseling

Concentrations

In corrections programs students may be able to specialize in:

• Corrections administration
• Juvenile corrections

Schools

Many community colleges offer associate degree programs in corrections. An associate degree program usually takes two years of full-time study.

Some colleges and universities offer a bachelor's degree in corrections. A bachelor’s degree usually takes four years of full-time study to complete.

A few universities offer master’s degrees in corrections. A master’s degree typically requires two years of study beyond a bachelor’s degree.

See schools that offer this program.

Related Educational Programs

• Addiction Counseling
• Community Services
• Criminal Justice
• Criminology
• Human Services
• Law Enforcement and Police Science
• Mental Health Counseling
• Occupational Therapy
• Psychology, General
• Public Policy Studies
• Social Work
• Sociology

Related Careers

Careers Directly Related to this Program of Study

• Corrections Officers
• Social Workers
• University and College Teachers

Other Careers Related to this Program of Study

• Bailiffs
• Police and Detective Supervisors
• Police Patrol Officers
• Probation Officers
• Sheriffs

Program Admission

You can prepare for this program by taking courses in high school that prepare you for college. This typically includes four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies, and two years of science. Some colleges also require two years of a second language.

For this program, schools recommend that you know how to use a computer and the Internet. Some programs also require you to pass a background criminal check. You also must be able to pass a physical exam and speak, read, write, and understand English.

Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:

• Political Science
• Psychology
• Sociology

Typical Course Work

Program Courses

This undergraduate program typically includes courses in the following subjects:

• Correctional Procedures and Practices
• Corrections and the Community
• Corrections Casework
• Criminal Justice System
• Criminal Evidence and Procedures
• Criminal Law
• Criminology
• Crisis Intervention
• Human Behavior
• Juvenile Delinquency and Corrections
• Management of Correctional Facilities
• Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs
• Psychology
• Youth Addiction

Things to Know

An associate degree allows you to work as an entry-level corrections officer at a prison, adult or juvenile detention center, or work release program. You can also work at parole or probation centers or as a bailiff at the courthouse.

Many programs require you to maintain a high level of physical fitness. Often this means that you take courses in health and exercise.

Many corrections programs are offered part time, with day and evening classes.

Schools

East Side Area

Central Washington University

• Law and Justice

King-Snohomish Area

Central Washington University - Lynnwood

• Law & Justice

Green River College

• Criminal Justice--Corrections

Kitsap Area

Brandman University - Bangor

• Criminal Justice--Corrections

West Side Area

Grays Harbor College

• Criminal Justice

Yakima Area

Yakima Valley College

• Criminal Justice--Communications/Call Taker
• Criminal Justice--Correctional Certificate