Corrections and law officials are in high demand. Looking to join this growing field? Here are the most affordable online corrections degrees!
Whether you're seeking a criminology or criminal justice degree, or if you're looking to become a correctional officer, there are plenty of career options for you. First responders, probation and parole officers, correctional officers, government officials, and criminal justice administrators usually all start out with degrees in criminal justice/corrections. Correctional officers are responsible for overseeing individuals who have been arrested, while criminologists may specialize in a specific field, such as juvenile crime, murder/kidnapping, crime prevention, etc.
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What kind of corrections degree should you get?
With the rise of degree offerings in corrections and law enforcement, it can be difficult to decide which program is best for you. Should you attend online or on-campus? Should you choose a concentration? Now that you've made the decision to earn a degree in corrections, plenty of other decisions will follow. Luckily, we're here to help!
Many criminal Justice graduate programs concentrate in correctional policy and leadership. College Choice has published a ranking of the 10 most affordable online degrees in corrections below. Some of these programs include a focus on things like criminology theories, law and public policy, research analysis and methodology, psychology, ethics and liability, restorative justice, and more.
For a list of the Most Affordable Online Colleges for a Master's Degrees, check out College Choice's ranking.
How much money do people make with a degree in corrections?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, correctional officers and bailiffs make, on average, $43,510 per year. Of course, your salary will be contingent upon where you work, your experience, and your degree. Jobs in this field can be quite stressful, demanding long hours and the occasional confrontation with inmates. You should be both mentally and physically prepared for a career in corrections.
Graduates who have studied corrections and criminal justice can also expect to find jobs in law enforcement, including the FBI and CIA, as well as having research jobs and working in schools. Positions in this field are projected to increase nearly ten percent in the next few years.
What can you do with a degree in corrections?
Earning a degree in corrections will open up many doors for graduates. Whether you wish to become a parole officer, a probation officer, a substance abuse counselor, or something else, there are plenty of options for you.
Some folks with corrections degrees choose to work with juveniles, while others go on to work in local, state, or federal corrections facilities. Jobs in this field can be both mentally and physically draining, so it's best to be prepared before embarking on a corrections degree.
What are the best degrees in corrections?
We've compiled a list of the 10 most affordable online corrections degrees with you and your needs in mind. Here's how we did it:
First, we located the best programs in the country as measured by reputation, student satisfaction, program quality, and return on investment. Then we looked at the bottom line – how much does it cost?
The end result is a list of schools that not only represent the best corrections education you can get and a good return on investment but also one that will fit your budget. Check out our picks below!
Rankings
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