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How to Become a Corrections Officer1) Start by earning an Associate's or Bachelor's Degree (The most commonly held degree by Corrections Officers is a Criminal Justice Degree). Most state corrections departments want their corrections officers to have at least an Associate's Degree. According to the Federal Bureau of Prisons, Federal Correctional Officer positions often require a bachelor's degree for entry level (GS-05) officers. This criteria is sometimes waived for those with at least 3 years full time work experience or for those with a combination of undergraduate education and work experience. Find Degrees That Will Help You Get Started in a Corrections Officer Career 2) Read more about the corrections officer job requirements below Corrections Officer Job DescriptionCorrectional officers work in the prison system, most often in a jail setting. As a corrections officer's career progresses opportunities to work in courthouses, courtrooms and related assignments. Corrections officers maintain the security and safety of the jail, process booking and release of offenders, supervision of inmate work crews, supervision during meals, conduct cell searches, escorting inmates to court, parole hearings, doctors appointments, maintain logs, dispense medications in some states, and related duties. Often, correctional officers will emergency situations where they will need to maintain their calm and rely on their training they have received to respond to the situation. Corrections officers work in close confines with inmates of differing racial backgrounds, some of which may not speak english as a first language and will need to maintain an effective form of communication. Two important criteria for corrections officers is to be able to function in a team environment along side fellow correctional officers as well as supervisors, other law enforcement agencies, the public, other county or state agencies, social workers and counselors. The second criteria revolves around physical and mental strength. Corrections officer must be able to, after their training, positively respond to verbal abuse, hostile inmates, long hours and related situations. What You Can Expect to Earn as a Corrections OfficerThe job outlook for correctional officers is very good. Increased sentence terms and laws governing parole opportunities have increased the demand for corrections officers in most states. The Bureau of Labor statistics reported that the median annual salary for corrections officers was $35,760 in May of 2006. Federal prisons paid their corrections officers the highest salaries, but require their officers to hold a bachelor's degree. Read about bachelor's degrees in criminal justice and corrections before making your decision. State run facilities had the second highest salaries then local facilities and the lowest pay was found in private prison systems, where not many correctional officers are employed.
Corrections and Criminal Justice Degrees
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 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 of Arts in Criminal Justice
Walden University Online: Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association. The Higher Learning Commission is one of six regional accrediting bodies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. BS in Criminal Justice - Homeland Security Request information about a Walden University degree program.
Florida Tech University Online: AA in Criminal Justice
AS in Criminal Justice
Associate's in Criminal Justice - Homeland Security
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