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Masters in Corrections

A masters in corrections prepares students for multiple career paths in prison management, jail, probation, correctional counseling and parole services. Most of these positions need professionals to have advanced postsecondary training. A master’s degree prepares graduates to get better opportunities for career advancement. It also develops a competitive edge in them.

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What Is Masters in Corrections studies?

Having a masters degree in corrections enables students to develop skills for specialized leadership roles in various criminal justice and corrections related professions. Even though each degree has its own curriculum, students have to learn some core concepts regarding correctional law, crime control strategies and prevention, and principles and procedures for correctional management. Some programs also offer students the choice of a specialization in facility administration, substance abusers and juvenile offenders, etc.

What Can You Do with a Masters in Corrections?

Correctional workers can find employment in various departments like private correctional facilities, prisons and the court system. Since all of these workplaces are challenging, employers demand candidates to have strong negotiation and organizational skills along with emotional and physical strength. Each state and department has its own hiring process and salary packages. Some positions may need additional training. The following are some of the career options chosen by people having a master’s degree in corrections.

Police and Detectives

The police is responsible for protecting the lives and property of the citizens. While detectives are expected to gather evidence and data regarding a crime scene.

Annual Median Salary, 2019	$83,170 (Detectives and criminal investigators)
Job Outlook, 2018-2028	5% (All related occupations)
Annual Mean Salary, 2019	$86,030 (Detectives and criminal investigators)
State with the Highest Employment Level, 2019	Texas	16,810 (Detectives and Criminal Investigators)
State with the Highest Salary, 2019	Alaska	$113,420 (Detectives and Criminal Investigators)

Correctional Officers and Bailiffs

Correctional officers are responsible for looking after people who have been sent to jail or are awaiting trial. On the other hand, bailiffs are professionals who maintain order and safety in courtrooms. Their duties include assisting judges, enforcing courtroom rules and guarding juries etc.

Annual Median Salary, 2019	$45,180 (Correctional Officers and Jailers)
Job Outlook, 2018-2028	-7% (All related occupations)
Annual Mean Salary, 2019	$50,130 (Correctional Officers and Jailers)
State with the Highest Employment Level, 2019	Texas	47,160 (Correctional Officers and jailers)
State with the Highest Salary, 2019	California	$78,510 (Correctional Officers and Jailers)

Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists

Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists provide social assistance to people in rehabilitation or those who are on parole. They also monitor the progress of the inmates in their care.

Annual Median Salary, 2019	$54,290
Job Outlook, 2018-2028	3%
Annual Mean Salary, 2019	$59,910
State with the Highest Employment Level, 2019	California	13,390
State with the Highest Salary, 2019	California	$91,760

What to Expect from a Degree in Corrections?

This program prepares students to work in multiple settings and in various criminal justice administration roles. This program offers different courses like correctional law, management of correctional facilities, special populations in prison, criminal justice management, correctional theory and management, etc. Some of these programs allow students to choose a concentration in one specific area which helps them develop relevant skills.

How to Choose a Degree in Corrections?

When you are choosing a corrections program, take the following things into consideration:

Choose an accredited program and consider its reputation
Consider the time and cost needed to complete the program
Check if your required area of specialization is offered or not
Check if the school offers part-time degree option

Masters in Corrections Admissions Requirements

Students who want to pursue a masters in corrections need to have a bachelor’s degree with a minimum CGPA of 3.0, in most cases. They are required to have relevant work experience, along with the completion of certain prerequisite coursework.

Frequently Asked Question(s)

Q:How many credits are there in the Graduate Programs in Corrections?

A:The Graduate Programs in Corrections has a total of around 120 credits.

Q:Which courses are taught in the Master of Correction?

A:The main courses taught in these programs comprise of criminal law, criminal justice, criminal data analysis and crime control strategies.

Q:Which courses are taught in masters for corrections degree programs?

A:The core courses taught in these programs comprise of criminal law, criminology, law enforcement and criminal data analysis. Special courses like prison management, substance abuse management and prison security are also a part of these degree programs.

Q:How soon can I complete the Masters in Corrections degree program?

A:The actual duration of these programs is 2 years, however, if students for the E-MBA program then the duration may vary. Besides, many universities allow students to complete these programs online at their own pace, which implies that students can complete these degrees much sooner or later, at their desired pace.

Q:How long is the Corrections Master program online?

A:The Master in Corrections is a two year program if pursued in a traditional campus based institute. The duration can differ when pursued online. Online Master in Corrections is a self-paced program hence there is no specified time restriction. Students can take as much time as they see fit to absorb the concepts. However, mostly online students also complete around the same time span.

Q:What are some of the benefits associated with opting for Master in Corrections online?

A:There are a number of advantages associated with opting for Masters in Corrections online. One of the biggest advantages of online education is the convenience. As these courses are online, students can study at their own pace. The syllabuses for these courses are comprehensive with every aspect of the subject discussed in detail. Students can also save money as there is no travelling and accommodation expenses involved. Prospective students interested in this course are advised to search our website for more information.

Q:Masters programs in corrections offer a course in introduction to corrections. What will I learn in this?

A:The criminal justice system comprises of a corrections system and this course will provide an overview of its workings. Students will learn to recognize and understand the main functions of law enforcement agencies. They will also study their roles, duties and different organizational setups. Other study topics will include interrogation practices, police corruption and misconduct, and protection of constitutional rights of law offenders.

Q:What will I study in the master in corrections program?

A:A master in corrections program will require an in depth 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:What are the admission criteria for the corrections master programs?

A:To pursue a master's degree in corrections, students must have completed an undergraduate bachelor's degree in a related or unrelated field of study. These can be law, criminal justice, corrections, psychology or criminal behavior and criminology. Most schools will also have set cumulative GPA requirements for entry into the master's track of study.

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