Given that you can become a correctional officer without a degree, earning a corrections degree online will allow you to stay a step ahead of your competition. Rather than entering into your training academy class blindly, you will already have knowledge of various terms and concepts that your peers may not. This will help you stand out among your peers and make the overall training period much easier.
Another great benefit of earning an online degree in corrections is that you will have a variety of career options. Some potential career options are private investigator, probation officer, loss prevention manager, deputy US Marshall, DEA special agent, crime analyst, and more. Although you can become a corrections officer without a degree, a degree is often required in order to acquire upper-level positions. Therefore, by beginning your career with a degree, you will be a step ahead in that regard as well.
How We Ranked the Best Online Corrections Degree Programs
The Bachelor’s Degree Center ranking of the best corrections degree online programs starts with accredited, trusted colleges and universities offering online criminal justice and corrections degrees. From there, we ranked programs by practical considerations like tuition cost, student satisfaction, and potential salary, using IPEDS, College Scorecard, and Niche data.
1. University of Massachusetts Amherst
The University of Massachusetts offers an online corrections degree program as a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice (BSCJ). UMass Amherst’s undergraduate degree in corrections is recognized by US News as one of the best corrections degree online programs available in the nation. Students enrolled in UMass Amherst’s online degree in corrections are required to complete 120-semester credits to graduate. In addition, students transferring to this UMass program may transfer up to 90 eligible credit units.
The University of Massachusetts Amherst (UMass Amherst) was founded in 1863 as the Massachusetts Agricultural College. UMass Amherst is a land- grant institution of higher education is a member of the Five College Consortium, where students from five schools can take classes at four other schools. More than 29,000 students attend classes on the Merrimack Valley campus.
What We Like: US News recognizes UMass Amherst among the top 25 public schools in the country.
Degree: Criminal Justice, BS
University of Massachusetts Criminal Justice, BS
2. Penn State World Campus
Penn State World Campus offers a BS in Criminal Justice (BSCJ) degree program that has been ranked by US News as one of the top ten corrections degree online programs. PSWC’s online corrections program includes coursework that covers 120 credit units in the areas of criminology, ethics, psychology, the juvenile system, sociology and law, and policing, among others. This online degree in corrections also offers military ‘grant in-aid’ for those students enrolled in the PSWC criminal justice program.
Penn State World Campus (PSWC) was established in 1998. PSWC is the distance learning extension of the Pennsylvania State University system. Penn State World Campus’ virtual campus serves nearly 15,000 students vying for the more than 150 academic degree programs offered online.
What We Like: Penn State University has a more than 100-year history of providing distance education.
Degree: Criminal Justice, BS
Penn State World Campus BS in Criminal Justice
3. University of Oklahoma
The University of Oklahoma’s Extended Campus offers an online degree in corrections through its Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice (BSCJ) undergraduate program. Degree candidates enrolled in OU’s online corrections degree must finish 120 semester credits to graduate from this nationally ranked (by US News) corrections degree online program. Degree candidates enrolled in OU’s criminal justice program have four academic tracks from which to select – homeland security, investigations, restorative justice, and administrative leadership. Classes are eight weeks long, which allow students to accelerate the time until they earn their degree.
The University of Oklahoma was founded in 1890. OU is a flagship, space-grant institution of higher learning that offers nearly 400 degree programs at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate levels. The University of Oklahoma’s suburban campus covers more than 2,900 acres and serves more than 28,100 students.
What We Like: The women’s softball team at OU holds several national championships under their belt.
Degree: Criminal Justice, BS
University of Oklahoma Criminal Justice, BS
4. Drexel University
Drexel University offers a BS in Criminology and Justice Policy (C&JP) that is recognized as one of the best online corrections degree programs available. Drexel University’s corrections degree online offers three academic tracks, of which Criminology/Justice Policy is one. Students enrolled in Drexel’s online degree in corrections complete coursework in comparative justice systems crime mapping, race crime & justice, restorative justice, and criminal procedures, to name a few.
Drexel University was founded as the Drexel Institute in 1891. The school’s urban campus in the city of Brotherly Love was established by financier Anthony J Drexel. Drexel University’s students participate in the school’s cooperative education program, which allows students to earn up to 1.5 years of full-time paid work experience.
What We Like: US News considers Drexel university among the top innovative schools in the nation.
Degree: Criminology and Justice, BS
Drexel University BS in Criminology and Justice Policy
5. University of Cincinnati
The University of Cincinnati offers an online corrections degree with its Bachelor of Science (BS) degree program in Criminal Justice. Students graduate from the University of Cincinnati’s online degree in corrections and enter the workforce as a court administrator, parole office, risk manager, corrections officer and park ranger, to name a few. Coursework for this corrections degree online program includes criminology, criminal justice statistics, American Correctional system, policing in America, and a senior seminar, among others.
The University Of Cincinnati was founded in 1819. The University Of Cincinnati is a member school of the University System of Ohio, with a student enrolment that exceeds 46,100 students. UC holds the distinction of being the second-largest institution of higher education in the state of Ohio.
What We Like: The University of Cincinnati operates campuses in Blue Ash, Clifton Heights, and Clermont.
Degree: Criminal Justice, BS
University of Cincinnati Criminal Justice, BS
6. Walden University
Walden University offers an online degree in corrections with its Bachelor of Science (BS) degree program in Criminal Justice. Degree candidates enrolled in Walden University’s online corrections degree program must complete 181 ‑1/4 credit units, of which up to 135 eligible credits can be transferred upon approval. The core curriculum for this corrections degree online program includes criminal law, law enforcement, victimology, social control and courts, and judicial processes, among others. Additionally, students must submit a capstone project related to the field of ethics and diversity in criminal justice.
Walden University (Walden) was established in 1970 as a for-profit online institution of higher learning, created to educate teachers and administrators as they pursue doctorate degrees. The student enrollment of Walden University near 50,000 students.
What We Like: Walden University is primarily owned and managed by Laureate Education. President Bill Clinton gave the school’s commencement speech in 2011.
Degree: Criminal Justice, BS
Walden University Criminal Justice, BS
7. Norwich University
Norwich University offers an online degree in corrections with the university’s Bachelor of Science (BS) degree program in Criminal Justice that allows for up to 90 credit units to be transferred upon approval. Students enrolled in Norwich University’s corrections degree online program generally takes an average of 1.5 — 2 years to complete the 120 credit units required to complete this online corrections degree. Norwich University’s undergraduate criminal justice program prepares students for careers as a police officer, correctional officer, deputy marshal, or a special agent, to name a few.
Norwich University was established as a senior military college in 1819. As the oldest of all military colleges in the country, Norwich University is home to more than 3,100 students in rural Vermont.
What We Like: Norwich University is considered the birthplace of the US Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC).
Degree: Criminal Justice, BS
Norwich University Criminal Justice, BS
8. Trine University
Trine University offers an online degree in corrections by way of its Bachelor of Science (BS) degree program in Criminal Justice. Students enrolled in Trine University’s corrections degree online program can select from three academic tracks – agency administration, psychology, or law enforcement. Trine University’s online corrections degree program offers student support through the ACJA – the American Criminal Justice Association. Internships for Trine University’s program include local police departments, sheriff’s departments, the state department of corrections, and probation services in Indiana and several surrounding states.
Trine University was founded as a teacher’s training school in 1884. Trine University’s school campus in Angola covers more than 400 rural acres and serves more than 1,900 residential students. Graduate students attend classes on Trine University’s campus in Detroit, MI, and Fort Wayne, IN.
What We Like: The school is named for the fact that it is centrally located among Ohio, Indiana, and Michigan.
Degree: Criminal Justice, BS
Trine University Criminal Justice, BS
9. Clarion University
Clarion University of Pennsylvania offers a BS in Criminal Justice that is one of the best online corrections degree programs available. SR Education Group recognizes Clarion’s online degree in corrections program among the best colleges for value. Students enrolled in Clarion’s corrections degree online program are provided with a unique work-coop experience which includes up to 240 of professional experience in a related facility. Students graduate prepared to enter the workforce in the fields of juvenile justice, law enforcement, probation, court administration, and corrections.
Clarion University was founded in 1867 as a seminary in western Pennsylvania. The school’s rural campus covers more than 190 acres and serves more than 5,100 students vying for degrees at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate levels.
What We Like: Clarion University operates an online division plus campuses in Pittsburg and Oil City.
Degree: Criminal Justice Administration, BS
Clarion University of Pennsylvania BS in Criminal Justice
10. Liberty University
Liberty University offers an online corrections degree program with the school’s Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice (BSCJ). Degree candidates enrolled in Liberty University’s corrections degree online program complete 120 credit hours by way of 8‑week class formats. On average, students complete Liberty University’s online degree in corrections program in 3.5 years. Affordablecolleges.com recognizes Liberty University as a best value college for online coursework. Liberty University’s generous transfer credit policy allows for up to 90 eligible credits to transferred upon approval.
Liberty University was founded by Jerry Falwell Sr. in 1971. As the largest evangelical university that operates as a private institution of higher learning, Liberty University serves more than 100,000 students through its Lynchburg campus and online.
What We Like: Students attending Liberty University are required to attend bible study classes as underclassmen/women and the school’s honor code.
Degree: Criminal Justice, BS
Liberty University Criminal Justice, BS
11. Brandman University
Brandman University offers an online degree in corrections with the school’s Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice (BACJ) degree program. The undergraduate corrections degree online program explores the relevant fields of forensics, courts, corrections, law enforcement, gangs, immigration, and contemporary issues in criminal justice. The core curriculum for this online corrections degree includes applied criminology, foundations of law, correction systems: evidence, white-collar crime, plus a culminating capstone project. Brandman University offers military members transfer credits based on a variety of professional experiences.
Brandman University was founded as a private institution of higher education in 1958 as Chapman University College. Brandman University operates more than 20 campuses throughout the states of Washington and California. Brandman University is a Member School of the Chapman University System.
What We Like: Brandman University was created to provide coursework to former members of the nearby El Toro Marine Corps.
Degree: Criminal Justice, BA
Brandman University Criminal Justice, BA
12. Tiffin University
Tiffin University offers a Bachelor of Criminal Justice (BCJ) with a specialty in corrections that is recognized as a top online corrections degree. Tiffin University’s online corrections degree prepares degree candidates for careers in court administration, fraud investigation, intelligence, law enforcement, highway patrol, and corporate security, to name a few. Tiffin University also accepts eligible transfer credits for those students transferring into the corrections degree online program. Degree candidates spend time in the field to gain real-world experience in the criminal justice system.
Tiffin University was founded as the Commercial College in 1888. More than fifteen percent of the students enrolled at Tiffin University actively participate in the school’s music programs. The school’s northwestern Ohio campus covers more than 100 acres and serves more than 4,100 students.
What We Like: Tiffin University offers bachelor’s and master’s programs at the Ohio campus and the University of Bucharest.
Degree: Corrections, BCJ
Tiffin University Bachelor of Criminal Justice
13. Claflin University
The School of Humanities and Social Sciences/Department of Social Sciences at Claflin University offers a BA in Criminal Justice (BACJ) degree program that is recognized among as a top online corrections degree program in the southern United States. Claflin University’s online degree in corrections includes coursework in criminology, leadership, probation, and parole, civil liberties, diversity issues, cybercrime, and constitutional law, to name a few. Students graduate from this corrections degree online program prepared for rewarding careers as correction officers, criminal investigations, courts, law enforcement.
Claflin University was founded in 1869. The school maintains an affiliated with the United Methodist Church (UNCF). The school’s campus covers more than 25 urban acres and serves nearly 2,000 students.
What We Like: Claflin University is recognized as a Historically Black University (HBCU) that was founded by missionaries at the end of the US Civil War for recently freed slaves.
Degree: Criminal Justice, BA
Claflin University BA in Criminal Justice
14. Salem University
Salem University BA in Criminal Justice (BACJ) degree program that is considered a top online corrections degree program. Degree candidates graduate from Salem University’s online degree in corrections program are prepared for a career as a parole officer, probation officer, corrections officer, counselor, or case manager in a prison/jail, to name a few. The curriculum for Salem University’s corrections degree online program includes 4‑week classes in criminal law, constitutional procedure, juvenile justice, ethics, terrorism, legal issues in corrections, plus a culminating capstone senior project.
Salem University was founded by 7th Day Baptists as a for-profit university in 1888. The school’s Salem campus covers more than 90 acres and serves about 800 students. Salem University offers four-week long classes that allow students to accelerate the time required to complete degree programs.
What We Like: The administration building in West Virginia is listed among the Nation’s Register of Historic Places.
Degree: Criminal Justice, BA
15. Southern New Hampshire University
Southern New Hampshire University offers an online corrections degree program with its Bachelor of Science (BS) degree program in Criminal Justice: Corrections. SNHU’s corrections degree online program allows for up to 90 transfer credits of eligible previously earned credit units. Students graduating from SNHU’s online degree in corrections are prepared to enter the workforce as a corrections officer, parole officer, public safety officer, law enforcement official, or a case manager in a jail/prison.
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) was founded in 1932, but considered among the fastest-growing institutions of higher education in the United States. SNHU’s open enrollment policy allows students to enroll in this post-high school programs with just a high school diploma or its equivalent.
What We Like: The school’s enrollment ‑including online students – exceeds 90,000 students.
Degree: Criminal Justice: Corrections, BS
Southern New Hampshire University Criminal Justice: Corrections, BS
Why Should I Get My Corrections Degree Online?
For those who are interested in earning an online corrections degree, there are plenty of benefits of getting a corrections degree online. Some of which, are as follows:
Save Money: Earning an online degree in corrections will allow you to save money. Not only are online degrees normally less expensive, but you will also be saving money on expenses such as transportation, school and activity fees, and much more.
Steady Work and Pay: Given that earning an online corrections degree will allow you to gain access to a wide array of positions, this means it will help you secure steady work and pay over the years. In other words, this will make it possible for you to apply for a wide variety of positions over the years and you will likely be able to maintain gainful employment, no matter which career track you choose.
Benefits: Another major benefit of earning a corrections degree online is that this is a career path that comes with a lot of benefits. For instance, those who work in law enforcement usually enjoy amazing healthcare benefits, life insurance, paid leave, vacation time, 401K retirement plan packages, and much more. Given that many places of employment are now providing fewer and fewer benefits for their employees, working in corrections can allow you to provide yourself and your family with a much more stable life as well as a secure future.
Help Others: Additionally, becoming a law enforcement officer will allow you the ability to help others. No matter which career path you choose, you will have various opportunities to help those who are victims of various crimes and general help make the world a better place.
Is Corrections Case Management a Good Career?
If you are looking for a well-paying job that will allow you to help others and earn a decent living, working in corrections case management may be an excellent choice. Helping to rehabilitate convicted criminals by assisting them with finding employment, and finding healthy methods of sustaining themselves, those who work case management in corrections are not only doing a service for individuals, but also for the community at large. corrections case manager jobs are ideal for those who want to make the world a better place and enjoy helping people transform their lives for the better. Therefore, although many people gravitate toward traditional law enforcement roles, case management in corrections is a worthwhile career choice that many should consider.
How Much Does a Corrections Case Manager Make?
If you are wondering how much a corrections case manager salary is, that can vary depending on where you work and the level of experience you have. Nevertheless, the median annual wage for a corrections case manager is $51,410. This field is projected to grow around 6% between 2016 to 2026, which is as fast as most other professionals. This means that a corrections manager salary can be more or less than the median amount and there may be plenty of jobs, depending on where you choose to work and apply. Therefore, working as a corrections case manager can be a great field to work in and can also offer longevity.
How Do I Get a Job in Juvenile Corrections?
If you are interested in getting jobs in juvenile corrections, be sure to complete the following steps:
Meet the Minimum Requirements: Before you can apply for juvenile corrections officer job, you need to meet the minimum requirements. This means you must be a US citizen, must be at least 21 and no older than 36 unless you have previous law enforcement experience. You must also be able to legally carry a firearm, must be able to pass a fitness test, must be able to pass a drug test and have no felony convictions. Also, you must pass a written, medical, and psychological exam.
Earn a Degree: Next you must earn a degree in a field such as criminal justice, criminology, public safety, or a related field.
Apply for a Position: Lastly, you simply need to apply for the position you wish to acquire.
Related Rankings:
25 Best Bachelor’s in Corrections
