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How to Become a Prison GuardFirst, decide whether you want to work for the Federal Bureau of Prisons or your state's Department of Corrections or local prison or a private prison. Keep in mind that according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Federal Prison Guards/Correctional Officers were paid the highest salaries with State Department of Corrections Prison Guards ranking as the second highest paid followed by local and private prison facility prison guards. The Federal Bureau of Prisons has specific requirements for their Prison Guards/Correctional Officers including a bachelor's (4-year) degree requirement to be hired on at the GS-05 pay grade and master's level course work to be hired at the GS-06 pay grade. Whereas, most state Department of Corrections require just the high school diploma or equivalent education. Read more about Federal and State Prison Guard requirements below or visit the Federal Bureau of Prisons or your state's Department of Corrections website to learn more about specific requirements for prison guards. Side Note: Prison Guards are often referred to as Correctional Officers and in many cases prefer this title to Prison Guard. Prison Guard RequirementsFederal Prison Guards must not have reached their 37th birthday by the time they are appointed to the Prison Guard position, must be a United States Citizen (exceptions are made for hard to fill vacancies), must pass a background investigation (no felony convictions) and a physical fitness test. The Federal Bureau of Prisons qualifications for Prison Guards hired at the GS-05 pay grade include a bachelor's (4-year) degree from an accredited school (Find criminal justice and related bachelor's (4-year) degree programs) or 3 years of work experience in a position that required one or a combination of the following duties providing assistance, guidance, and direction to individuals, counseling, responding to emergencies, managing people, teaching or selling products or services. As mentioned before, State Corrections Departments will have varying requirements for their prison guards that can be found on their websites. It is common for the State Department of Corrections to require a high school diploma or equivalent and for applicants to be US Citizens and 21 years of age at appointment to the position, no felony convictions, good physical condition and eligible to carry a firearm. Desirable qualifications include a college degree (associate's or bachelor's or master's degree) preferably in the field of criminal justice, which can lead to management positions and other higher paying positions within the corrections system or outside the corrections system. Other desirable qualifications include holding POST certifications, experience supervising people and military or law enforcement experience. It is estimated that 50% of law enforcement officers hold a college degree, so earning an associate's or bachelor's degree prior to or during employment as a prison guard can pave the way to higher earnings and positions with greater responsibilities. Below you can find a variety of accredited colleges and universities that offer associate's, bachelor's and master's programs in criminal justice and related fields. Again, learn more about specific prison requirements through your state's Department of Corrections, your local government prison or the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Prison Guard Salary and Job OutlookThe Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the median annual salary in 2006 for prison guards employed by the Federal Government was $47,750, $36,140 for prison guards employed by State governments and $34,820 for prison guards employed by local government. The 2009 GS pay grade scale was published and according to the Federal Bureau of Prisons, those hired on at the GS-05 pay grade will earn an annual salary between $27,026 for step 1 to $35,135 at step 10. According to the BLS, Prison Guard employment is projected to grow 16% between 2006 and 2016. This growth is attributed to the growing population around the country and the increase in number of prisoners incarcerated. According to recent statistics the current recession may b leading to an increase in violent crime and robbery, which should lead to an even greater demand for prison guards and other law enforcement professionals.
Criminal Justice and Related Degree Programs
In a Hurry? Click Here to request free information from the Nation's top online Criminal Justice Degree Programs.
 Associate's - Criminal Justice
Eastern Kentucky University Online: Bachelor's in Corrections and Juvenile Justice Studies
AASCJ - Corrections, Law Enforcement, Private Security Request information to learn more about these as well as other Criminal Justice Programs at Kaplan University.
Associate's in Criminal Justice - Homeland Security
Bachelor's in Criminal Justice
Walden University Online: Regionally accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association, which is one of six accrediting bodies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. B.S. in Criminal Justice - Homeland Security
Florida Tech University Online: Associate's in Criminal Justice Request free information from Florida Tech University Online to learn more.
BS in Public Safety - Criminal Justice Request free information from Capella University to learn more.
American InterContinental University: Associates in Criminal Justice Administration Request free information from AIU to learn more about these programs.
AA in Criminal Justice Request information to learn more about these as well as other programs at Virginia College.
BA in Social Science - Criminal Justice Request free information from Ashford University to learn more about these programs.
Associate's | Bachelor's - Criminal Investigations
Keiser University: E-Campus Associate's | Bachelor's - Criminal Justice, Homeland Security, Paralegal Studies Request information to learn more about these as well as other programs at Keiser University.
Associate's | Bachelor's - Criminal Justice Request information to learn more about these as well as other programs at Liberty University.
Bachelor's - Criminology and Criminal Justice
Bachelor's - Criminal Justice
Bachelor's - Cybercrime Investigations and Security
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