Online Education options for Degrees in Corrections
A typical degree program in corrections will include a broad range of criminal justice courses. Some criminal justice programs have focuses in corrections and some do not. In most cases, the subjects studied are still quite similar. Students will study criminal law and the criminal justice system, becoming familiar with all of the processes and procedures involved in detecting crimes, arresting and prosecuting criminal suspects, and incarceration of criminals. Students may also study subjects such as forensic science, psychology, and sociology.
Online options for corrections exist at the following levels:
- Online Associates Degree in Corrections and related fields
- Online Bachelor Degree in Corrections and related fields
- Online Master Degree in Corrections and related fields
- Online Doctorate Degree in Corrections and related fields
Degrees in Corrections Career and Salary Information
Graduates of a four-year corrections degree program will typically find employment with local jails, or state and federal prisons. There they will oversee the facility and the inmates being incarcerated. Their primary duties will include processing new inmates, inspecting holding cells, and assisting inmates with their daily routines. Guards will escort inmates around the facility to various engage in various activities such as work assignments or visitations. They may be required to screen visitors to the facility and inspect them for contraband. A corrections officer will be required to stand guard during visitation, as well.
Frequent inspections of inmates and their belonging are required to ensure that they do not possess contraband materials such as weapons and drugs. Inspection of other security features such as window bars and door locks will be required to prevent escapes from the facility. Occasionally, corrections officers will be required to physically restrain inmates to prevent assaults. Corrections officers will be required to keep documentation of incidences that occur at the facility as well as maintain paperwork on each inmate. If any injuries occur, those will also need to be documented and a corrections officer will need to escort injured inmates to medical facilities to receive any necessary medical treatment.
Graduates may also work as courtroom bailiffs. A bailiff maintains security in the courtroom and assists the judges with courtroom procedures. Bailiffs are responsible for enforcing the rules of the courtroom and removing any disruptive persons. The bailiff delivers court documents and carries out any errands the judge may request. The bailiff may be tasked with guarding juries from contact with outside influences, as well.
Salaries for corrections officers vary by location and geography. The median salary for a corrections officer is $40,000 with the top ten percent earning a median of $60,000. Corrections officers working in federal institutions typically receive the highest pay and states with larger inmate populations such as California often pay higher wages. Wages for bailiffs average about the same as corrections officers.