Criminal Justice: Corrections
The Criminal Justice Corrections Associate of Applied Science degree program at Wayne County Community College District (WCCCD) is designed to provide students with the academic and professional training needed for careers in the corrections field. This program specifically prepares students for employment in correctional institutions or fields related to probation and parole.
What Do Criminal Justice Professionals Do?
Correctional officers oversee individuals who have been arrested and are awaiting trial or who have been sentenced to serve time in jail, reformatory, or prison. They ensure the safety and security of the institution, as well as maintain order among the inmates. Probation officers and correctional treatment specialists work with offenders under supervision to monitor their behavior, provide guidance, and help prevent recidivism.
Where Do They Work?
Correctional officers, probation officers, and correctional treatment specialists typically work in correctional facilities, such as jails, prisons, halfway houses, or alternative support service environments. In rural areas, probation officers may travel frequently to visit offenders, and many correctional officers work long hours, managing extensive paperwork and meeting court-imposed deadlines. Officers may also work in hospitals or community-based facilities, depending on the nature of the offenders they supervise.
Job Outlook for Correctional Officers
The employment outlook for correctional officers is projected to decline by 7% from 2022 to 2032. This decline is primarily due to changes in sentencing laws, which are leading to fewer incarcerations and increasing use of alternatives to prison, such as probation and rehabilitation programs.
Additional Similar Occupations
- Firefighters
- Police Officers and Detectives
- Probation Officers
The criminal justice system is essential in ensuring public safety while providing fair processes for all citizens. Despite declining demand for correctional officers, those entering the field can find rewarding careers in law enforcement or supervision roles within correctional facilities.
Recommended course sequencing
Semester 1 Total: 16-17 Credits
- CJS 100 - Introduction to Criminal Justice 3 Credit(s)
- ENG 119 - English I 3 Credit(s)
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- PS 101 - American Government 3 Credit(s)
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OR
- AAS 131 - American Government and African-American Struggle 4 Credit(s)
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- HUS 105 - Group Expression for Self Growth I 3 Credit(s)
- Elective: Natural Science w/Lab 4 Credit(s)
Semester 2 Total: 15 Credits
- ENG 120 - English II 3 Credit(s)
- COR 100 - Introduction to Corrections 3 Credit(s)
- COR 101 - Introduction to Juvenile Justice 3 Credit(s)
- COR 105 - Introduction to Correctional Counseling 3 Credit(s)
- Elective: Humanities 3 Credit(s)
Semester 3 Total: 15 Credits
- AAS 237 - Illegal Drug Traffic and the African-American Community 3 Credit(s)
- COR 110 - Introduction to Deviant Behavior 3 Credit(s)
- COR 200 - Social Science for Correctional Personnel 3 Credit(s)
- COR 205 - Institution Corrections Personnel 3 Credit(s)
- Elective: Humanities 3 Credit(s)
Semester 4 Total: 15 Credits
- COR 210 - Correctional Institutions and Facilities 3 Credit(s)
- COR 215 - Correctional Fieldwork 3 Credit(s)
- COR 218 - Race Relations for Correctional Personnel 3 Credit(s)
- COR 255 - Legal Issues in Corrections 3 Credit(s)
- EMT 105 - Medical First Responder 3 Credit(s)
Where is the Criminal Justice - Corrections Associates in Applied Science (AAS) Program Offered?
The Criminal Justice - Corrections Associates in Applied Science (AAS) program is offered at our Curtis L. Ivery Downtown and Northwest campus. As a WCCCD student, you can take courses, use facilities, and get involved at any of our six locations.
It is the policy of WCCCD that no person, on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, height, weight, marital status, disability, or political affiliation or belief, shall be discriminated against, excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination in employment or in any program or activity for which it is responsible or for which it receives financial assistance from the U.S. Department of Education.
