An online correctional officer college degree prepares graduates to work with detainees and prisoners in the corrections system or help ex-offenders re-adjust to civilian life after their release. You’ll learn the procedures, laws, and regulations that govern the corrections system and gain valuable skills that can help you advance in your career and earn higher salaries.
The U.S. prison population has declined over the last decade, but with more than six million inmates and ex-offenders still in the system, the need for qualified corrections professionals remains important. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 4% job growth for correctional officer jobs through 2024. Additionally, the industry is changing and new opportunities are emerging for professionals who want to work in community-based programs that focus on rehabilitation. With an online correctional officer college degree, you can look forward to a wide career path with a variety of opportunities across the industry.
| Rank | School | Score | Toggle | Content |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
University of Massachusetts-Lowell |
Value Score 7.20 |
UMass Lowell, a public research institution, offers more than 50 degrees and certificate programs online, including the bachelor's of science in criminal justice and criminology with a concentration in corrections. The program explores the criminal justice system and teaches students to apply classroom knowledge to real-world situations. Students may complete the program fully online or in a hybrid format. Graduates with the corrections concentration work with inmates in jails and prisons and with released offenders on probation or parole. The program requires 120 credits, including 36 credits of criminal justice courses. Tuition for this affordable online bachelor's in corrections is the same for in-state and out-of-state students. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Visit School Website |
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| 2 |
Eastern Kentucky University |
Value Score 6.98 |
EKU is nationally recognized for its innovative distance learning programs. Its bachelor's of science in corrections and juvenile justice studies is one of the few programs in the country devoted to adult corrections and juvenile justice. Coursework for the 120-credit, fully online program is delivered asynchronously, allowing students to study at their convenience. With accelerated eight-week terms and six start dates throughout the year, EKU accommodates adult students' busy schedules. Applicants to the bachelor's in corrections online program must have at least a 2.0 GPA and must meet college readiness standards in English, reading, and math. Transfer students may bring up to 90 approved credits. All online students pay the same tuition, regardless of state residency. Visit School Website |
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| 3 |
North Carolina Central University |
Value Score 6.86 |
Founded in 1910, NCCU in Durham, North Carolina, is an historically black university offering dynamic on-campus and online programs, including the bachelor's of science in criminal justice with a concentration in corrections. The 120-hour program provides a solid foundation in community corrections, inmate counseling, prison management, and contemporary criminal justice issues. The synchronous courses require distance learners to log in at designated times to participate in online class discussions. Students with an associate degree who want to earn an online bachelor's in corrections may consider the accelerated two-year program, which combines online learning with evening classes at a nearby community college. Students in the accelerated program follow a fixed curriculum comprising eight mini-sessions and one summer session. Visit School Website |
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| 4 |
Brandman University |
Value Score 6.17 |
Brandman's online undergraduate programs are designed to help working professionals advance their careers or begin new ones. Distance learners pursuing a bachelor's of arts in criminal justice with an emphasis in corrections delve into the complexities of the criminal mind and learn how the corrections system manages offenders. Students enhance their communication and problem-solving abilities. The asynchronous format allows students to complete assignments anytime and anywhere. Online courses are available in eight-week terms, with six start dates per year, giving students with professional and personal responsibilities the flexibility to earn their degree. Applicants to Brandman's affordable online bachelor's in corrections program should have at least 12 baccalaureate-level credits from a regionally accredited institution and a 2.0 GPA. Visit School Website |
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| 5 |
Regent University |
Value Score 5.86 |
Regent, a private Christian research university in Virginia Beach, offers distance learners the freedom to create a class schedule that fits their busy lives. Its online bachelor's of science in criminal justice program combines critical thinking with a Christian perspective. Students who choose the corrections concentration complete 120 credits in topics such as juvenile justice issues, criminal law, criminal procedure, and the criminal justice system. Regent divides the semester into two eight-week sessions. Transfer students may bring up to 90 credits earned from regionally accredited institution. Students earning a bachelor's in corrections online pay lower tuition rates and fewer fees than on-campus students. Visit School Website |
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| 6 |
Western New Mexico University |
Value Score 5.39 |
WNMU, located in historic Silver City, offers a fully online bachelor's of science in criminal justice, which prepares students for entry-level law enforcement positions at the local, state, and federal levels. The 120-credit program's concentration in corrections examines the criminal justice system and equips students with practical skills. WNMU's well-rounded curriculum gives students a strong foundation in institutional corrections, corrections law, and social and behavioral sciences. Courses are asynchronous, enabling students to complete assignments at their convenience. The average online class size is only 18 students, and full-time students typically earn their corrections online bachelor's degree in four years. WNMU is a federally designated Hispanic-serving institution and has an open admissions policy. Visit School Website |
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| 7 |
Lee University |
Value Score 4.96 |
Lee University in Cleveland, Tennessee, is a Christian university sponsored by the Church of God. It offers both on-campus programs and fully online programs, including the bachelor's of arts in criminal justice with an emphasis in corrections. The program's 120 credits include general education, religion, corrections, and criminal justice requirements. The emphasis covers the juvenile and adult justice systems, criminal psychology, and the role of law in society. Lee has an open admissions policy and offers discounted tuition to military and first responders. Applicants must have a high school diploma or the equivalent and three years of life experience beyond high school. The online bachelor's degree in corrections is delivered in an accelerated format, which enables students to earn the four-year degree in three years and four months. Visit School Website |
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| 8 |
Cameron University |
Value Score 4.79 |
Cameron University in Lawton, Oklahoma, provides quality education at affordable rates. The university's unique "Cameron University Guarantee" offers graduates of CU bachelor's programs additional education for free if their employers report their skills fall short. CU's bachelor's of science in criminal justice program is ideal for students seeking careers in law enforcement or corrections. Major requirements comprise criminal justice coursework, and minor requirements focus on corrections. An associate in applied science in criminal justice may also satisfy the program's requirements for a minor. Courses are asynchronous, allowing students pursuing the online bachelor's in corrections to complete assignments at their convenience. The 124-credit, fully online program is not available to students in California, Florida, or Massachusetts. Visit School Website |
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| 9 |
Southern New Hampshire University |
Value Score 4.78 |
With more than 3,000 on-campus students and more than 80,000 online students, SNHU is one of the fastest-growing universities in the country. SNHU's online bachelor's in criminal justice with a concentration in corrections teaches students to think on their feet in simulated law enforcement scenarios. Coursework focuses on the intricacies of American jail and prison systems. Students learn about best practices for rehabilitating offenders, community-based supervision, and factors that lead to incarceration. The program requires a capstone research paper. Students complete the 120-credit online bachelor's degree in corrections at their own pace. SNHU's tuition for online programs is among the lowest in the nation, and discounts are available for U.S. service members and their spouses. Visit School Website |
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| 10 |
Montana State University-Northern |
Value Score 4.61 |
Picturesque Havre, Montana, is home to MSU-Northern, which offers nine fully online programs, including the bachelor's of science in criminal justice. This 120-credit program equips students with practical knowledge in law enforcement, crime prevention, conflict management, and the court system. Students examine how the prison system works and study real-world challenges in probation, parole, and juvenile detention. Coursework for the online bachelor's degree in corrections is delivered asynchronously through the D2L learning platform. Applicants must have a high school diploma or the equivalent and at least a 2.5 GPA. MSU-Northern accepts transfer credits earned from regionally accredited institutions, both in-state and out-of-state. Visit School Website |
What Can I Do With a Bachelor’s in Corrections Degree?
With more than two million people in U.S. jails and prisons and another four million on probation or parole, there’s an ongoing need for corrections professionals. These professionals work with detainees awaiting trial, convicted offenders serving sentences, or ex-offenders re-entering society. This demanding career requires good communication skills, dedication, and responsiveness. Most entry-level correctional officer jobs only require a high school diploma, but an associate or online bachelor’s in corrections provides opportunities for advancement and higher salaries.
Career Paths
Educational Paths for Graduates of Online Corrections Programs
Instead of immediately entering the workforce, graduates of online bachelor’s in corrections programs can enroll in law school and pursue a career as a prosecutor or defense attorney. A master’s degree also enables you to teach criminal justice at the college level or begin a specialized career such as forensic psychology. Additionally, earning a doctoral degree enables students to pursue high-level academic positions, conduct research, and work for public policy groups or consulting firms.
What Will I Learn in My Bachelor’s in Corrections Program?
- Introduction to Criminal Justice: This course details the impact of crime in the U.S., what constitutes crime, and society’s role in criminal justice. Students learn about the relationship between law enforcement, corrections, and the judicial process.
- Introduction to Psychology: This introductory course focuses on human behavior and how the mind works. It teaches students how to evaluate research and prepares them for the more advanced concepts covered in upper-level courses.
- Correctional Systems: Students explore social problems, trends, and challenges in the U.S. correctional system. They learn about offender custody and management, prison life, and parole.
- Criminology: This class examines the different causes and types of crime and teaches learners how to research and compile crime information. Students may also learn how to use crime mapping and crime analysis tools.
- Criminal Law: This course traces the history and evolution of criminal law in the U.S. It examines the law from the points of view of prosecutors, defense attorneys, judges, and defendants.
Employment Outlook for Bachelor’s in Corrections Graduates
Bachelor’s in Corrections Salary
As with most occupations, corrections professionals are likely to earn more money as they gain experience on the job. The table below features data from PayScale and illustrates the average annual earnings for corrections industry employees at different stages of their careers. Salary also varies based on an individual’s employer and geographic location.
| Job Title | Overall Median Salary | Median Salary for Entry-Level Employees | Median Salary for Mid-Career Employees | Median Salary for Late-Career Employees |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corrections Officer | $38,679 | $34,000 | $39,000 | $48,000 |
| Parole Officer | $42,714 | $40,000 | $40,000 | $61,000 |
| Prison Guard | $44,500 | $30,000 | $35,000 | $50,000 |
| Juvenile Probation Officer | $46,384 | $35,000 | $42,000 | $45,000 |
| Corrections Supervisor/Manager | $46,384 | $40,000 | $39,000 | $51,000 |
Accreditation for Online Bachelor’s in Corrections Degrees
Accreditation demonstrates that colleges and universities meet minimum education quality standards. Institutions that undergo rigorous self-evaluation and review can receive regional or national accreditation from organizations recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Students can search through the DOE’s and CHEA’s online databases to verify an institution’s accreditation status.
Regionally-accredited institutions are generally degree-oriented, state-owned, and/or nonprofit schools. It is easier for students to transfer credits between institutions that are regionally accredited. Alternatively, nationally-accredited institutions typically work with vocational programs, technical programs, or schools with a religious affiliation. Online colleges must meet the same strict criteria as their traditional brick and mortar counterparts to earn regional or national accreditation.
Some fields also feature programmatic accreditation, which signifies that a program’s curriculum meets certain industry standards. However, no programmatic accreditation is available for online corrections programs. Nonetheless, it is important to verify that any school you are considering has institutional accreditation.
Financing Your Online Bachelor’s in Corrections Program
A program’s cost is a major factor to consider when choosing a college. However, you may discover that distance learning is a more affordable way to earn an online correctional officer college degree. Whether a program is online or on-campus, it is prudent to investigate financial aid opportunities to save money. The first step to determining if you are eligible for federal grants or loans is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. Additionally, veterans and U.S. service members (as well as their spouses and dependents) may have access to education-related military benefits. Working professionals may also qualify for employer tuition reimbursement. The tables below lists some of the scholarships available to students pursuing a bachelor’s in corrections online.