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• Article: Prison Guard Career

How to Become a Prison Warden

To become a prison warden, one generally starts out as a correctional officer and, with the desire to advance, gains the necessary experience, education, and training to be promoted to warden. A bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, law enforcement, corrections or a related field is usually required. These and related programs can be found below. The National Institute of Corrections provides training for prison wardens to prepare them with the necessary administrative and institutional skills to effectively run a prison. There are various levels of training required, beginning with a basic supervisor course, a bachelor’s degree or 100 hours of management training, then a master’s degree in administration or 50 hours of management training, plus additional programs or training. Furthermore, an annual minimum of 40 hours of additional on-the-job training is required to keep the certificate.

Prison Warden Job Description and Duties

Prison wardens are the head administrator of adult correctional facilities. They are responsible for the day-to-day operations, as well as the long-ranging goals and programs, and finances. Prison wardens are responsible for ensuring that the prisoners have the food, clothing, and programs they need, and for keeping them secure within the prison, keeping the public safe. They also oversee the proper training of correctional officers and lower supervisors. Prison wardens manage the finances, and ensure that the taxpayers’ money is allocated efficiently. Instituting rehabilitation goals and programs is also an important component to their job, in addition to ensuring the security of the prison. A prison warden may also speak to the public and prepare press releases, or conduct all other formal communication with the public or media.

Prison Warden Salary and Job Outlook

A prison warden’s salary can vary greatly, and depends on both region and the facility. Salaries can be as low as $35,000 and as high as $100,000. The growth of the prison population in the United States ensures that there will always be a need for efficient, forward-thinking prison wardens who can create positive change while not compromising the public’s safety.

Education Programs Related to a Prison Warden Career

University of Phoenix Online: University of Phoenix can help prepare you for careers in the field of criminal justice. University of Phoenix is the largest private university in the country and is dedicated to their students.

Associate's - Criminal Justice
Bachelor's - Criminal Justice Administration
BS Organizational Security & Management

Eastern Kentucky University Online:

Bachelor's in Corrections and Juvenile Justice Studies
Master's in Corrections and Juvenile Justice Studies

Kaplan University:

AASCJ - Corrections, Law Enforcement, Private Security
BSCJ - Corrections, Law Enforcement, Computer Crime, Homeland Security...
AAS in Criminal Justice
BS in Criminal Justice
MSCJ - Corrections
MSCJ - Global Issues in Criminal Justice
MSCJ - Law
MSCJ - Leadership and Executive Management

Request information to learn more about these as well as other Criminal Justice Programs at Kaplan University.

Rasmussen College Online:

Associate's in Criminal Justice - Homeland Security
Associate's in Criminal Justice
AACJ - Corrections
AACJ - Crime Scene Evidence
AACJ - Law Enforcement
Bachelor's in Criminal Justice

South University Online:

Bachelor's in Criminal Justice
Bachelor's in Criminal Justice - Cyber Crime
Bachelor's CJ - Juvenile Justice
Bachelor's CJ - Crime Scene Investigation
Bachelor's CJ - Law Enforcement
Master's in Criminal Justice
Master's in Criminal Justice - Homeland Security
Master's in CJ - Corrections
Master's in CJ - Cyber Crime

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
B.S. in Criminal Justice - CJ Management and Administration
B.S. in Criminal Justice - Computer Info Systems & Security
B.S. in Criminal Justice - Crime and Criminals
MISM - Enterprise Information Systems Security
Master of Public Admin - Homeland Security and Policy Coordination, Law and Public Policy, or Local Government Management
M.S. in Psychology - Terrorism and Security
Ph.D. in Human Services - Criminal Justice
Ph.D. in Public Policy and Admin - Criminal Justice, Homeland Security, or Public Safety

Florida Tech University Online:

AA in Criminal Justice
BA in Criminal Justice

Capella University:

BS in Public Safety - Criminal Justice
BS in Public Safety - Emergency Management
BS in Public Safety - Homeland Security
BS in Public Safety - Security Management

Request free information from Capella University to learn more.

American InterContinental University:

BSCJ - Law Enforcement
Associates in Criminal Justice Administration
Bachelor's - Computer Forensics
BSCJ - Forensic Science
BSCJ - Special Populations
BIT - Internet Security

Request free information from AIU to learn more about these programs.

Herzing University:

AS in Criminal Justice
BS in Criminal Justice
BS in Criminal Justice - Homeland Security
BS in Homeland Security
BS in Legal Studies

Request free information from Herzing University Online to learn more.

Boston University: Well known and respected in the law enforcement community as a top tier master's education. Many federal, city, county, and state law enforcement professionals have earned their master's degree from Boston University.

Master's - Criminal Justice

Abilene Christian University:

Master's - Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation Administration
Graduate Certificates - Conflict Resolution

Norwich University:

Master of Arts in Diplomacy
Master of Justice Administration
Master of Public Administration

Request information to learn more about these programs at Norwich University.

Portland State University:

Bachelor's in Criminology and Criminal Justice

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