Becoming a Corrections Officer: How to become a Corrections Officer

Corrections officers work in hostile, though structured environments and need to be naturally equipped to deal with criminals on a daily basis. Depending on the detention facility you want to work for, you should have at least an Associate’s degree. Some prisons may require a Bachelor’s degree for supervisor positions.

Top Schools Offering Corrections Officer Degree Programs:

The links below will allow you to request free enrollment information directly from top national schools that offer a Corrections Officer degree program:

1.
University of Phoenix - The most widely recognized online criminal justice college in the world, UofP offers accredited criminal justice degrees for almost every career goal.
2.
Capella University - Capella University Online’s top ranked criminal justice job placement stats make it a top choice for career-oriented criminal justice students.
3.
Kaplan University - The wide variety of criminal justice courses and flexible time schedules make Kaplan University a top rated criminal justice school for working adults needing a flexible learning schedule.


Degree Requirements to become a Corrections Officer:

If you want to become a corrections officer, consider earning your Associate’s degree first. You can earn a degree in criminal justice at the Associate’s level and may even be able to pick a specialty. Certain Bachelor’s degree programs may offer more concentrations in areas like corrections or juvenile justice, giving you a more focused foundation that will help you succeed in your job.

Duties of a Corrections Officer: What are the duties / traits of a successful corrections officer?

Corrections officers work in jails, prisons and detention centers, and may eventually get to work in less hostile environments like courthouses after they gain enough experience. Typical duties for a corrections officer include conducting searches, bringing inmates to court, appointments, and meals. They also monitor inmates during various break times or in special work programs at the jail.

Corrections Officer’s Salary: How much does a corrections officer make?

Corrections officers can expect to earn around $35,000 - $36,000 a year, though this amount greatly depends on your city, experience and the jail system you work for. Federal and state facilities usually offer the highest range of salaries.