2022 Corrections Degree Guide
A Spike in Corrections Degrees
In 2019-2020, corrections was the 419th most popular major nationwide with 3,984 degrees awarded. This is a difference of 2,951 over the prior year, a growth of 74.1%.
There are 136 schools offering degrees in corrections in the United States. This year's Best Corrections Schools ranking compares 54 of them to identify the best overall programs in the country. Explore this or one of our many other custom corrections rankings further below.
Best Corrections Schools by Degree
Featured Corrections Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
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BS in Criminal Justice - Corrections
Learn best practices for rehabilitating and reintegrating incarcerated individuals when you earn your specialized criminal justice degree with a concentration in corrections online from Southern New Hampshire University. Learn More > |
What Are The Requirements For a Degree in Corrections
A major in corrections prepares you for careers in which talking to others to convey information effectively is crucial. Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times and monitoring assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action are all required skills for careers related to this major.
Prior Education for a Corrections Program
New students will need to have completed high school or a GED program and each school will have their own minimum GPA and SAT/ACT test requirements. Once you obtain your degree, additional corrections certifications required to pursue a career in this field.
Types of Corrections Degrees
Corrections degree levels vary. You can get anything from a in corrections to the highest corrections degree, a . Corrections programs can take anywhere between one to four or more years for a full-time student to complete.
| Degree | Credit Requirements | Typical Program Length |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | 60-70 credits | 2 years |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 120 credits | 4 years |
| Master’s Degree | 50-70 credits | 1-3 years |
| Doctorate | Program required coursework including thesis or dissertation | At least 4 years |
A master's degree is the most common level of education achieved by those in careers related to corrections, with approximately 10.6% of workers getting one. See the the most common levels of education for corrections workers below.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| High School Diploma | 50.6% |
| Associate’s Degree (or other 2-year degree) | 11.2% |
| Some College Courses | 10.5% |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 7.8% |
| Master’s Degree | 7.6% |
The chart below shows what degree level those who work in corrections have obtained.
The education level required is different depending on the corrections career you are seeking.
Career Opportunities for Corrections Majors
Modest Decline Projected for Corrections Careers
Want a job when you graduate with your corrections degree?
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to corrections.
| Occupation Name | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Correctional Officers and Jailers | 415,500 | -7.7% |
| Police and Detective Supervisors | 111,600 | 6.6% |
| Correctional Officer Supervisors | 41,700 | -7.7% |
| Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Professors | 19,400 | 12.1% |
How Much Money Do People With a Corrections Degree Make?
As you might expect, salaries for corrections graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.
High Paying Careers for Corrections Majors
Salaries for corrections graduates can vary widely by the occupation you choose as well. The following table shows the top highest paying careers corrections grads often go into.
| Occupation Name | Median Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Police and Detective Supervisors | $93,100 |
| Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Professors | $72,390 |
| Correctional Officer Supervisors | $68,350 |
| Correctional Officers and Jailers | $49,300 |
Getting Your Corrections Degree
With over 338 different corrections degree programs to choose from, finding the best fit for you can be a challenge. Fortunately you have come to the right place. We have analyzed all of these schools to come up with hundreds of unbiased corrections school rankings to help you with this.
Corrections Related Majors
One of 13 majors within the Criminal Justice & Corrections area of study, Corrections has other similar majors worth exploring.
Most Popular Related Majors
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Criminal Justice Studies | 46,252 |
| Criminal Justice | 33,568 |
| Criminal Justice & Police Science | 23,232 |
| Other Corrections & Criminal Justice | 3,360 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections, General | 1,161 |
View All Corrections Related Majors >
References
More about our data sources and methodologies.
Featured Corrections Schools
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Southern New Hampshire University
You have goals. Southern New Hampshire University can help you get there. Whether you need a bachelor's degree to get into a career or want a master's degree to move up in your current career, SNHU has an online program for you. Find your degree from over 200 online programs ... Learn More > |
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