There are numerous community, vocational and technical colleges as well as universities in the US that offer an associate’s degree in Corrections. High School graduates who want to pursue this career can enroll in this degree. Typically, an associate’s degree can be completed in 2 years.
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What Is Corrections?
Corrections is basically the study of the US Correctional System and how it deals with the imprisonment, punishment, rehabilitation, supervision and treatment of prisoners. Students of a Corrections degree are given fundamental knowledge about the US Correctional System. They are taught about correctional programs, theories and policies implemented in the US Correctional System. The students are also properly trained in dealing with prisoners.
What Can You Do with an Associate’s Degree in Corrections?
With an associate’s degree, you are eligible to enroll in a bachelor’s degree in Corrections which is preferred by employers. However, you may also be able to get an entry level job with an associate’s degree. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the following career outlook for possible jobs in this field in 2018-19.
Correctional Officers and Bailiffs- Correctional Officers
The basic job requirement of a Correctional Officer is to supervise the prisoners in a correctional facility by following the regulations implemented by the US Government. They may also be required to travel between prisons, courtrooms, jails or other place to guard the prisoners.
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Annual Median Salary, 2019
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$45,180 (Correctional Officers and Jailers)
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Job Outlook, 2018-2028
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-7%
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Annual Mean Salary, 2019
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$50,130 (Correctional Officers and Jailers)
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State with the Highest Employment Level, 2019
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Texas
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47,160 (Correctional Officers and Jailers)
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State with the Highest Salary, 2019
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California
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$78,510 (Correctional Officers and Jailers)
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Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists
Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists are trained people who provide rehabilitation services to the convicted individuals. They are required to help both the prisoners and those on parole with education, employment and any other treatments required.
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Annual Median Salary, 2019
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$54,290
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Job Outlook, 2018-2028
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3%
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Annual Mean Salary, 2019
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$59,910
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State with the Highest Employment Level, 2019
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California
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13,390
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State with the Highest Salary, 2019
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California
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$91,760
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What to Expect from an Associate’s Degree in Corrections?
The curriculum of each degree varies from one institution to another because some institutions offer associates degree in Criminal Justice or Criminology with special focus on Corrections. Others offer an associate’s degree in Corrections. For example, the curriculum of the Associates of Applied Science in Criminal Justice: Institutional Corrections offered at the Monroe Community College, State University of New York includes the following courses:
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Introduction to Criminal Justice
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Constitutional Law and Rights of People
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Introduction of Corrections
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Legal Aspects of Corrections
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Juvenile System etc.
How to Choose an Associate’s Degree in Corrections?
While choosing an associate’s degree in Corrections, you must consider a multitude of factors. For example, you must consider:
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Reputation of your desired college
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Range of courses in the curriculum
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Duration of the Program
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Mode of instruction (online/on-campus/mixed)
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Diversity and capability of faculty
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Admission and graduation requirements
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Future job prospects after completing your degree and so on
For example, the students of Associates of Applied Science in Criminal Justice: Institutional Corrections offered at the Monroe Community College, State University of New York are required to complete 60-62 credit hours to graduate.
Associates Degree in Corrections Admission Requirements
As mentioned earlier, anyone with a high school diploma or equivalent can enroll in an associate’s degree in Corrections. However, the application requirements vary from one institution to another. For instance, if you are interested in applying for the Associates of Applied Science in Criminal Justice: Institutional Corrections offered at the Monroe Community College, State University of New York, you must:
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Complete an online application
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Have your transcripts sent directly to the admission department from your previously attended institutions
For further details, please visit the official website of your desired institution.
How Long Does It Take to Complete an Associate’s Degree in Corrections?
Many schools, such as the Jackson College, Lorain County Community College, Delta College, and Alpena Community College, are offering an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Corrections, which can be completed in 2 years. After completion of this program, students are able to demonstrate familiarity with concepts related to criminal justice, community corrections, criminal psychology and intermediate sanctions.
What Are the Requirements to Complete an Associate’s Degree in Corrections?
Students enrolled in the Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Corrections are required to complete around 66 units. The curriculum includes a range of topics such as Criminal Law, Legal Issues, Criminal Justice Psychology, Crime & Delinquency, Criminology, Community Relations in Criminal Justice and Parole & Probation. After completing the degree, graduates can find employment as Correctional Counselors or Correctional Officers.
How Much Can I Make after Completing an Associate’s Degree in Corrections?
As per the employment data published by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Bailiffs and Correctional Officers made an annual median salary of $44,400 in 2018. The number of people employed in this particular field in 2018 was 453,900. If you are ready to play your part in keeping your society safe, then a career in corrections can be a good choice.
Frequently Asked Question(s)
Q:What will I study in the associate in corrections program?
A:An associate in corrections program will require an overall understanding of the management and control of jails, detention facilities and prisons. To build this understanding, students will have to study avenues of corrections such as Ethical and Legal Issues in Criminal Justice Administration, Leadership Application in Criminal Justice and Public Policy Making in Criminal Justice Programs.
Q:How long are corrections associate programs?
A:A corrections associate program is normally a two year undergraduate track of study; however this will depend greatly on the institute one is enrolled in. This program can be taken on-campus either full time or part time in some universities. It can also be undertaken online which will allow flexibility within the duration of the degree.
Q:What are the requirements for an associates degree?
A:An associate degree is an undergraduate program that can be pursued in various academic fields. To enroll in this program, students must have completed their high school education. The exact admission requirements will vary from school to school, and will also depend upon the area of study you wish to pursue. Some schools may have a minimum grade or CGPA requirement that must be met by applicants.
Q:What can you do with a Associates Degree in Corrections?
A:With an associate degree in corrections, you can end up working in different sectors. Possible job titles could include correctional officer, probation officer, parole officer, jailer or bailiff. You might even be required to pass psychological exams and background checks before you can find employment in this sector.
Q:Where can you work with an Associates Degree in Corrections?
A:You could find work in prisons, juvenile centers and all such institutions. Your understanding of the behavioral issues related to criminals as well as the administrative end of running such facilities will determine where and in what sort of work environment you end up working.
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