This program offers learners the basic competencies involved in a position in a corrections facility and provides greater insight for counselors, attorneys and other legal aides into broader theories related to the US corrections system. In fact, many legal assistants, law enforcement professionals, court and corrections officials have acquired a background understanding in Correction, Rehabilitation, Parole and basic Policing in order to better inform their positions and every day actions on the job. An increasingly complex field with the growing privatization of correctional facilities and multifaceted discussions on federal sentencing mandates, addiction and other socio-economic issues, a career in Corrections is not only challenging but can be immensely rewarding as well.

The US Criminal Justice system is a complex web of interconnected authorities, facilities, issues and concerns. One of the most important facets of criminal justice is the corrections system that houses, monitors and reintegrates individuals - adults and juveniles - under supervision of the law. The criminal laws and penal system that determine corrections requirements, the various stresses on the largest corrections system in the world here in the US as well as the various issues, concerns and considerations for rehabilitating and reintegrating individuals back into society require a fundamental understanding of the entire system in order to successfully take on the roles and responsibilities of professionals working in the Corrections system.

Recognizing the need for skilled professionals that undertake a career in this difficult and complex field, the Corrections Specialist program takes learners through the ins and outs of the US Corrections system and the laws that govern it alongside the individual, political and societal issues that corrections professionals face every day.

Program Objectives

After completing this program, learners will be able to:

• Define terms related to corrections
• Assess the purpose, implementation, and effectiveness of corrections
• Trace the historical evolution of the correctional system
• Examine the organization of corrections
• Examine challenges faced by the correctional system
• Compare and contrast the differences and similarities of the various clients of a correctional facility
• Examine challenges faced by the correctional system
• Analyze prison life and the effects it can have on individuals and society
• Appraise the legal rights of inmates and the use of capital punishment Analyze the probation and parole process
• Analyze the juvenile court and juvenile justice system
• Summarize the history and administration of probation and parole
• Defend the importance of pre-sentence investigation in the sentencing process
• Examine the basic models for administering parole
• Analyze the role of rehabilitation in probation and parole
• Analyze the role of probation and parole officers
• Examine the role of supervision in probation and parole
• Use Microsoft Office®

Certification Opportunities

After completing this program, learners will have the opportunity to take the leading national/industry-recognized certification exam(s) essential to entry-level employment in this fast-growing field.

National Workforce Career Association (NWCA) Corrections (CJ-CRCT)

Optional Volunteer Externship Opportunity

Learners who complete this program are eligible to participate in an optional volunteer externship opportunity with a local company/agency/organization whose work aligns with this area of study in order to gain valuable hands-on experience.  As learners progress through their eLearning program, an Externship Coordinator will reach out to coordinate placement.

Note: Additional documentation including health records, immunizations, drug-screening, criminal background checks, etc. may be required by the externship facility.