Yet another criminal justice field is that of corrections. Those wanting to pursue a career as a manager, officer, or administrator in the corrections system can opt for accredited online degree courses in community corrections, corrections, jail operations, corrections management and correctional administration.
A corrections officer oversees correctional facilities and the inmates. A correctional officer is expected to maintain the facility’s security, prevent assaults, disturbances, and escapes and account for inmates. To maintain security, the officer will have to inspect the facility and check prisoners for possession of unauthorized material. The officer will also have to lead prisoners through daily schedules.
A bailiff works to ensure courtroom safety. A bailiff has to assist judges, guard juries from outside contact, deliver court documents, enforce courtroom rules, and provide courthouse security.
With a degree in corrections, you will be a supervisor of correctional officers. Apart from performing the work of a correctional officer, you will also manage your team. You will also have to perform administrative work such as handling finance, probation and parole hearings, and upkeep of the facility.
One can become a correctional officer with a high school diploma. However, you can advance further in your career by acquiring a college degree. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) says a correctional officer with the federal bureau of prisons needs at least a bachelor's degree in criminal justice or corrections. Moreover, some local and state correctional facilities expect their workers to have some college credits. You will receive training from federal, local, and state corrections departments. This training is based on guidelines provided by the American Correctional Association and the American Jail Association.
A degree course in corrections could include papers in the criminal justice system, criminal law, forensic science, victimology, and sociology of deviance. Corrections degree courses are offered by criminal justice departments in community colleges and universities. Online degree programs are available at the bachelor's, associate's, and master's levels.
With training in corrections, you can start or advance your career by becoming a correctional officer, warden, or correctional manager. You should first obtain an associate degree and get an entry-level position. To become a manager or work with the Federal Bureau of Prisons, you need a bachelor's degree. With a master's degree in law enforcement, criminal justice, or a related field you can aspire for more career advancement and become, for instance, parole officer, probation officer, and correctional treatment specialist.
Whatever your level of study, as a corrections student you will have to take papers in probation, communications, parole, and social sciences. Besides, those learning to become administrators will be taught bookkeeping, finance, and facility upkeep. Both those who are starting their college education and those returning to school to improve career prospects will benefit from online classes that allow schedule flexibility.
A corrections degree is very sought after at present. An online corrections degree offers benefits such as:
Accessibility: This is because many on-campus colleges teaching a corrections course are located in remote areas to avoid security threats that are part of the corrections field. An online course offers students the opportunity to earn a degree from an urban setting. Those who are currently working or have family commitments can easily work for a corrections degree using an online course.
Moreover, online students can study at their own pace and time without having to endure classroom sessions. Online courses are more up-to-date about the latest criminal methods, equipping students with skills required by law enforcing agencies. With an online degree in corrections, you can easily specialize in other legal fields.
After obtaining a degree in corrections you will be qualified to work in federal or state prisons as a superintendent. Other job avenues include becoming a monitor of criminals on parole with federal or state law enforcement agencies. The job involves overseeing criminals and ensuring safety of civilians. Besides, these graduates can counsel jailed criminals, especially juvenile inmates or people on parole. Moreover, graduates are qualified to prepare Pre-Sentence Investigation Reports.