Correctional Officer Degrees: Associate, Bachelor & Online Training Info

About this article
What will you learn in a correctional science undergraduate degree program? Read about program requirements, the pros and cons of an associate's and bachelor's degree and potential careers.
  • At a Glance
  • Associate
  • Bachelor's

Studying Correctional Science: Degrees at a Glance

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Correctional science studies are designed to give students the necessary analytical, problem-solving and communication skills needed to work in a variety of correctional and rehabilitation settings. Correctional science at the associate's level may be found as a standalone program or as a specialization within criminal justice. An associate's degree could lead to a position as a security guard or a correctional officer. A bachelor's degree is usually required if you wish to work as a correctional officer at the federal level.

Job prospects may vary depending on the career; for example, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicted that probation officers would see an 18% increase in jobs from 2010-2020, while correctional officers were projected to only see a 5% increase in job openings for the same time frame. If you're interested in becoming a security guard, keep in mind that you may need to get a state license before you can begin working.

Associate's Bachelor's
Who is this degree for? Individuals seeking entry-level correctional positions Individuals who want to work as a correctional officer at the federal level or pursue a mid-level career in corrections
Common Career Paths (with approximate median salary) - Correctional officer ($40,000)*
- Bailiff ($39,000)**
- Security Guard ($24,000)**
- Probation officer ($48,000)**
- Federal correctional officer (salary unavailable)
- Correctional administrator (salary unavailable)
Time to Completion 2 years, full-time 4 years, full-time
Common Graduation Requirements - About 10-15 courses related to correctional science
- Practicum/co-op experience
- Roughly 7-10 core criminal justice courses
- About 4-8 courses focused in correctional studies
- Internship/work experience
- Seminar
Prerequisites High school diploma or equivalent High school diploma or equivalent
Online Availability No Yes

Sources: *Salary.com (figures as of September 2012), **U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2011 figures).

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  • At a Glance
  • Associate
  • Bachelor's

Popular Schools

  • Online Programs Available
    1. Saint Leo University

    Program Options

    Associate's
      • AA: Criminal Justice
      • AA: Criminal Justice
  • Online Programs Available
    2. Keiser University

    Program Options

    Associate's
      • Associate of Arts - Criminal Justice
      • Associate of Arts - Homeland Security
  • Indianapolis, IN

    University of Indianapolis

  • Marquette, MI

    Northern Michigan University

  • Marysville, CA

    Yuba College

  • Cincinnati, OH

    Xavier University

  • Richmond, KY

    Eastern Kentucky University

  • Wytheville, VA

    Wytheville Community College

Featured Schools

Saint Leo University

  • AA: Criminal Justice

What is your highest level of education completed?

Keiser University

  • Associate of Arts - Criminal Justice
  • Associate of Arts - Homeland Security

What is your highest level of education?

Yuba College

Xavier University

Wytheville Community College