The criminal justice system employs Correctional System Officers to supervise individuals in the corrections system from time of arrest, through the court system, and during terms of probation, incarceration, and parole. Corrections Officer programs train correctional, probation, and parole officers through associate degrees and bachelor’s degrees in criminal justice or social work. Corrections officer certificate programs may qualify a graduate for entry-level work but a criminal justice degree is highly recommended and often required. Advanced corrections officer programs are typically master’s degree in criminal justice, social work, or psychology. Online programs will probably require an internship or on-the-job training to for degree completion.

Corrections Officer Programs Related Careers

Following completion of a corrections officer training program, you may qualify for a number of careers in the corrections system, including:

• Detention officer, who oversees recently-arrested individuals in county and municipal jails as well as precinct station houses
• Correctional treatment specialist (also known as a case manager), who counsels inmates and creates rehabilitation plans for them
• Correctional officer, who oversees convicted prisoners in state and federal prisons
• Probation officer, who supervises convicted criminals who are not sent to prison but must be other court-determined expectations
• Parole officer, who supervises criminals after their release from prison
• Bailiff (also known as court officer or a marshal), a law enforcement officer who maintains order in courtrooms

What’s the Job Outlook?

The outlook for correctional system careers is excellent, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a 17% increase in the number of correctional officer jobs between 2006 and 2016.

How much does it pay?

Salaries for Probation officers and correctional treatment specialists are typically about $40,000 a year. Correctional system officers make about $34,000 per year.

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