Some possible jobs within this career area are:
Depending on your career path, you might need to complete one or more degrees in criminal justice. Typical degree programs include:
- Associate’s Degree
- Bachelor’s Degree
- Master’s Degree
- PhD
- Job-Specific Certificate
Criminal Justice-related careers involve all areas of daily life, from security guards at our workplace to police officers and the secret service that protect our elected officials. Most careers related to criminal justice are state or locally funded, which means the salary comes from tax dollars. If you live in a growing area, growth potential is bigger. If your area is not growing, there might be more competition for these civil-service positions.
Depending on your personal goals, you could complete your coursework in criminal justice in as little as a year (for a certification) or as long as four years (for a Bachelor’s Degree). You also might decide to return to school to get a Master’s Degree, or you might need to get re-certified later in your career.
How to Become a Corrections Officer
Correction officers are also known as correctional officers. They are responsible for the oversight of people who have been arrested or convicted of a crime and typically work in jails or prisons. When officers are responsible for people waiting in a detention facility for trial, they are called detention officers. Training is required to become a corrections officer.
A corrections officer career can be stressful due to the conduct of inmates. There can be escape attempts, assaults on other inmates, and other disturbances. Enforcing institutional rules for the jail or prison is one of the primary responsibilities of a corrections officer. Corrections officers also maintain security, report on inmate activities, search for contraband, and report on the activities of inmates.
To become a corrections officer, you will need a high school diploma as a minimum. A graduation equivalency degree (GED) is acceptable. The typical path to a corrections officer career is through a training academy. After graduation, the cadets are assigned to correctional institutions. For some federal positions, however, more education is required. For example, the Federal Bureau of Prisons requires its trainees to have at least a bachelor's degree. Other state and local agencies may require some college credits but not a degree.
Training requirements for corrections officers continue throughout a corrections officer career. States may have a number of training hours required annually so that officers can keep current with policies and regulations. Other departmental training requirements vary.
Corrections Officer Salaries
For corrections officer salaries, the Bureau of Labor Statistics provides ample statistics. You can expect a median average salary of $38,380. The median salary varies according to the institutional controlling agency being federal, state, or local as follows:
- Federal $50,830
- State $38,850
- Local $37,510
(Salary data retrieved 6/13/11)
To get the education you need to become a corrections officer, find a degree program now!