Correctional Officer

Job Description

The life of a correctional officer is exciting and challenging at the same time. The main focus of the job is to keep prisoners in line and behaving appropriately. Sounds pretty easy right? Okay, probably not. This position requires and builds self confidence as you are providing the discipline and direction for prisoners. Some correctional officers work in court houses, some in police departments, and some work in prisons (local, State, and Federal).

This position often requires good physical conditioning and stamina especially in maximum security prisons where you may be called in to break up fights and to stop various acts of violence which are common with the inmates in those environments. So whether you are transporting prisoners or working in a prison as a guard, the job of a correctional officer is a challenging one both mentally and physically.

Requirements

In most States, correctional officers must be 21 years old, there are a few States where the age requirement is 18. In all cases, you must have a high school diploma but preferential treatment is given to those with an associate’s or bachelor’s degree especially if it is in criminal justice (but again, this is not required). All correctional officers due have to pass mandatory drug tests and very thorough background checks to determine how stable they will be on the job and to make sure they don’t have a criminal record themselves.

A correctional officer must be at least eighteen years of age, twenty-one in some states, and have a high school diploma. All correctional officers have to pass a thorough background check and prove they are capable of holding a steady job. Drug testing is mandatory, so workers must be willing to take random drug screening tests. Most employers will not hire a correctional officer if he or she has a history of job hopping. Prisons need solid, dependable workers who can stand the stresses of the job. Before the first year of employment ends, employees must successfully complete a 200 hour training course implemented by the federal government that covers weapon use, hostage negotiating, self defense, disarming prisoners, and other safety measures.

Job Outlook

The job outlook for correctional officers is very strong. Their is a high demand in most areas of the country for more correctional officers and given the rise in our nation’s prison population, this should only increase in the next 10 to 15 years and beyond. In fact, the demand for correctional officers is at an all-time high.

Find out more about degrees for Correctional Officers by clicking below:

= Certificate Program
= Associate of Arts or Associate of Science Degree Program
= Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science Degree Program
= Graduate Program

Law Enforcement

Law Enforcement , Kaplan University
Law Enforcement, Upper IowaUniversity
Law Enforcement , American InterContinental University Online
Master of Science – Law Enforcement , Grand Canyon University

Criminal Justice

Criminal Justice , Kaplan University
Criminal Justice , Virginia College
Criminal Justice, South University
Criminal Justice, Upper IowaUniversity

You can also research the following top schools as well:

	American Intercontinental University - American Intercontinental University was founded in 1970 and has been providing a quality education ever sense. They offer multiple criminal justice degree options including specializations in forensic science, law enforcement, and special populations. American Intercontinental University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission which is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
	Everest University – This university has a great variety of both associate’s degree programs and bachelor’s degree programs in a variety of criminal justice fields. For example, they have some excellent criminal investigation degrees, homeland security degrees, and paralegal programs. Everest University is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools
	Kaplan University - Kaplan has several programs available in the Criminal Justice and law fields including an accelerated program that makes it easy for you to complete a degree if you have already taken some college credits. This is one of the top online colleges in the country and it offers a solid foundation in the areas of law enforcement, courts, corrections, and security. Kaplan University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission which is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
	Upper Iowa University – This university was established in 1857 and multiple CJU employees attended this great university. They have multiple criminal justice programs and some innovative emergency and disaster management degrees (including a bachelor’s degree in Fire Science). Upper Iowa University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association
	Virginia College - Virginia College has the widest selection of programs at all degree levels in Criminal Justice. Their programs will help you prepare for or enhance your law enforcement career. Each program will emphasize the use of technology to prepare you for the future of law enforcement where new technologies are constantly being introduced to combat, solve, and prosecute crimes. Virginia College is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools.
Don’t see the Criminal Justice College you are looking for? CLICK HERE to see a listing of all the colleges in your area.

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