Corrections officers, because of the dangerous and stressful nature of their jobs, must be quick decision makers, vigilant, calm, and authoritative. Corrections officers handle people who have been arrested, which can mean any job from being a prison guard to transferring prisoners to being responsible for prisoners as they go to court. County jails, state and federal prisons, courthouses and juvenile detention centers are some of the institutions that employ corrections officers. During a typical day, a corrections officer must be alert at all times, and may have to manage one prisoner or an entire wing of prisoners at on time. They may have to be responsible for transferring extremely dangerous criminals or they might be in charge of filing reports for and monitoring juvenile detainees. In prisons and jails, corrections officers are in charge of keeping an organized, safe environment for themselves, visitors and for the inmates themselves. Sometimes, corrections officers are injured, verbally abused and have to break up fights or deal with other unpleasant behavior. Almost all corrections officers work 8-hour shifts, but their shift may fall on weekends, holidays or in the middle of the night. Corrections officers should be able to communicate with inmates, judges, other law enforcement officials, lawyers, and visitors to the prison respectfully and authoritatively.
Corrections officers have plenty of opportunity for advancement in their careers and can be promoted to correctional sergeant, warden, and other positions management level and/or administrative positions. The job outlook projected by the Bureau of Labor Statistics for corrections officers is supposed to be very good, as there is always a need for physically fit, well-trained and mentally tough professionals in this field. The median salary for corrections officers in 2006 was $35,760, though this amount varies on the size of the prison, exact job duties and geographical location. Correctional supervisors earned between $38,920 and $67,820. Corrections officers should expect to receive a benefits package that includes paid vacation, health insurance and other standard benefits.
For lower level positions and smaller jails, corrections officers usually only need to have a high school diploma. Federal prisons, however, require that their applicants have at least a bachelor’s degree. A Master’s degree in criminal justice will increase your chances of being considered for the most sought after jobs that pay more, as higher education demonstrates a more in-depth knowledge of the concepts and practices that make up the United States judicial system. Previous experience in law enforcement or the military can also be a way to give yourself an edge over other applicants.
Top 10 Criminal Justice Colleges
Search our rankings of the 10 top criminal justice colleges in the US below and request free information packets directly from the top criminal justice degree programs for your needs.
1.
University of Phoenix -
Master's Degree. University of Phoenix provides highly rated resources that fosters independent learning and enables the student for success. University of Phoenix graduates have shown a history of success by having long careers in the field of Criminal Justice.
2.
Everest University Online -
Master's Degree. With a career-oriented focus, a student graduating with a M.S. in Criminal Justice from Everest University Online will have the skills necessary to pursue numerous careers upon graduation.
3.
Walden University -
Master's Degree. At Walden University, the Master's Degree in Criminal Justice degree plan can be completed completely online and at the convenience of the student. Walden University is the premiere online college for students interested in pursuing a degree in the legal and justice field.
4.
Colorado Technical University -
Master's Degree. The university's Master of Science in Management with a concentration in Criminal Justice is designed to prepare individuals for roles in the emerging administrative and leadership sectors in the criminal justice system. Students are offered flexible courses online, allowing them to pursue this prestigious degree while maintaining other priorities in their lives as well.
5.
Kaplan University -
Master's Degree. The wide variety of courses and flexible time schedules make Kaplan University a top rated Masters in Criminal Justice school with the following options: Master’s of Science (M.S.) in Criminal Justice, M.S. in Criminal Justice/Corrections, M.S. in Criminal Justice/Law, M.S. in Criminal Justice/Global Issues in Criminal Justice.
6.
Capella University -
Master's Degree. Capella University Online’s top ranked job placement statistics make it a top choice by any student who wants a future in criminal justice. A Masters of Science in Public Safety - Criminal Justice, is offered.
7.
Saint Joesph's University -
Master's Degree. Saint Joesph's University Master's in Criminal Justice program is at the forefront of education in providing a dynamic curriculum to every student. Saint Joesph's makes it easy to obtain a Criminal Justice degree online affordably and from the comfort of home.
8.
Virginia College -
Master's Degree - At Virginia College, students are equipped with proper skills and training before graduation in order to succeed in their career of choice. Their Master's in Criminal Justice degree will prepare students for mid to upper-level management positions in the legal field.
9.
University of Cincinnati -
Master's Degree - This highly regarded criminal justice department prepares the student with a well respected faculty, a quick degree plan, and the choice to move on to get a Doctorate. Options include M.S. Degree in Criminal Justice, M.S. Degree in Criminal Justice (1 Year Program).
10.
Bowling Green State University -
Master's Degree. Bowling Green State University’s Criminal Justice school provides students with excellent academic training and experience. The department offers both a Masters of Science (MS) degree in Criminal Justice, and a Bachelors of Science (BS) degree in Criminal Justice.
11.
South University -
Master's Degree. The South University Masters in Criminal Justice department allows you the option of specializing in Homeland Security. The school offers two masters options: Masters of Science( M.S.) in Criminal Justice, M.S. in Criminal Justice - Homeland Security.
