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How to Become a Penologist
1) Earn a Degree in Criminal Justice, Psychology or Justice Administration.
2) Contact the county, state or federal prison system you are interested in working for and request an internship and employment/application materials.
What is the Penologist Job Description?
First, we should define penology. The dictionary defines penology as the study, theory and practice of prison management and criminal rehabilitation. So, a career as a penologist will follow this definition.
A penologist works in the prison system, has direct contact with inmates and is involved in inmates' rehabilitation and return to society. A penologist is involved in inmate self help programs, prison architecture, prison and jail management and the treatment of the offenders in prison. Penologists also work closely with prison guards, probation officers, parole officers and criminologists.
Penologist Requirements, Qualifications and Education
A bachelor degree in criminal justice, psychology or justice administration is often required and will prepare you for a career as a penologist and will help you to meet most all the requirements of a Penologist. A degree in criminal justice or justice administration will give you the education and skills you need to succeed as a penologist in the prison or crrections system. You will study the goals and types of punishments, history of prisons in the United States, why individuals go to prison and for how long, what life is like in prison, current issues facing the correctional system (budgets, overcrowding and the death penalty).
Penologist Salary and Job Outlook
As a Penologist you can expect to earn between $26,000 and $44,000 annually. This is just an estimate based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics research in the criminology field. The job outlook for penologists is also excellent based on the fact that crime has continued to increase, prisons are becoming more and more overcrowded and the need for improved rehabilitation programs for inmates.
Online Criminal Justice, Psychology and Related Degrees
=Staff Recommended
Liberty University Online: Liberty University is regionally accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). The Online Education Database has ranked Liberty University among the top 10 online colleges in the nation for two years in a row.
Associate's in Criminal Justice
Bachelor's in Criminal Justice
University of Phoenix: University of Phoenix's Criminal Justice and Psychology bachelor degree programs will help you meet the requirements for a penologist career. University of Phoenix offers online and campus based degree options that fit your schedule. University of Phoenix is the largest university in North America. Request free information from their programs today!
BS in Psychology
BS in Criminal Justice Administration
American InterContinental University:
Associates in Criminal Justice Administration
BSCJ - Law Enforcement
BSCJ - Forensic Science
BSCJ - Special Populations
Ashford University: Ashford University will provide you with the education you need to become a penologist. Start your future today by requesting free information.
BA Sociology
BA Psychology
BA in Organizational Management - Criminal Justice
Baker College Online: Baker College is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association, which is an accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education.
Bachelor's 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.
B.S. in Psychology - Psychology Applied in Everyday Life
B.S. in Psychology - Psychology Applied in Helping Professions
B.S. in Psychology -
Psychology Applied in the Workplace
B.S. in Psychology -
Psychology Preparation for Graduate Schools
Request information about a Walden University degree program.
Capella University: Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and offers the following master degree programs that can help you advance your career in penology.
MS in Psychology
MS Human Services - Counseling
MS Human Services - Mental Health Counseling CACREP Accredited
MS in Psych - Counseling Psychology
MS in Psych - Clinical Psychology
PhD Programs in Psychology and Counseling
Request free information from Capella University to learn more.
Colorado Technical University Online: CTU can help you get started toward a career in penology with a degree in criminal justice.
AS in Criminal Justice - Stonecliffe College Online
BS in Criminal Justice
MS in Management - Criminal Justice
Request free information from CTU Online to learn more about their programs.
MS in Criminal Justice Administration
MBA in Economic Crime and Fraud Management
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Program outcomes vary according to each institution's specific curriculum and employment opportunities are not guaranteed.