Quick Highlights:
- Our #1 ranking college for a bachelor’s degree in corrections is University of Massachusetts, Lowell, followed by Stephen F. Austin State University.
- A bachelor’s in corrections can lead to higher-paying jobs and more career options.
- Top programs offer specialized corrections tracks.
- Graduates are prepared for careers in federal, state, and local corrections.
In the evolving landscape of criminal justice, the corrections system stands at a pivotal crossroads. As society increasingly emphasizes rehabilitation over punishment, there’s a growing demand for professionals who can navigate the complexities of correctional institutions with insight, compassion, and strategic acumen.
Pursuing a bachelor’s degree in corrections offers more than just academic enrichment; it equips individuals with the tools to effect meaningful change within the justice system. Graduates are prepared to take on roles that influence policy, improve inmate rehabilitation programs, and enhance the overall efficacy of correctional facilities.
In this guide, we delve into the top bachelor’s programs in corrections, highlighting institutions that combine rigorous academic curricula with practical experiences. These programs are designed to prepare students for impactful careers in a field that is integral to the fabric of our justice system.
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- Top Criminology Colleges
- Best Criminal Justice Colleges
- Top Bachelor’s Degrees in Law Enforcement
- Best Schools for Homeland Security Degrees
Related (Online):
Last updated: May 13, 2025
What are the Best Bachelor’s in Corrections?
At CollegeRank, we strive to do our best to guide you and your family toward a fruitful academic career. The pursuit of knowledge is a noble one, and we want to help you reach your goals. To supply you with the best of the best in Bachelor’s in Corrections degree programs, we considered the following points when compiling this list, such as:
- The school’s ability to provide a quality Bachelor’s degree program in the field of Corrections,
- Offering various learning degree formats, such as online, on-campus, or hybrid coursework,
- Has an excellent reputation and has earned applicable awards in the field,
- Taught by professionals in the field of Corrections,
- Offers financial aid opportunities, such as federal loans, scholarships, and grants,
- Displays proper accreditation, pursuant to the field of Corrections,
- Prepares graduates for career placement in Corrections.
Please feel free to visit our dedicated methodology page for a step-by-step breakdown. For questions, comments, badge downloads, or data corrections, please feel free to reach out to us at editor@www.collegerank.net.
University of Massachusetts, Lowell
The University of Massachusetts, Lowell, also known as UMass Lowell, is one of the best national research universities out there. With five colleges and over 18,000 students, UMass Lowell has something for every student, regardless of whether they are pursuing a specific career or undecided.
UMass Lowell’s Bachelor of Science in criminal justice and criminology comes with a concentration in corrections. The program emphasizes professional courses while also providing a traditional, comprehensive liberal arts curriculum. Students must complete 120 credit hours, which include 36-60 credits in criminal justice/corrections courses. Specific courses include:
- Criminal Law
- Intro to Policing
- Intro to Corrections
- Criminal Justice Research Methods
- Crime Mapping
In addition, you will complete a capstone seminar course during your final year and maintain at least a 2.5 GPA in criminal justice coursework (an overall GPA of 2.2). UMass Lowell evaluates its applicants on a holistic basis. While higher GPAs and stronger test scores are ideal, UMass Lowell recognizes that not all great students will fit into this category. This is why they offer alternative admissions programs.
Stephen F. Austin State University
Founded in 1923, Stephen F. Austin State University offers over 120 major areas to study and serves nearly 13,000 students. A great aspect of SFA’s Bachelor of Science in criminal justice is the options to customize it. You can choose a specialization in corrections (or law enforcement or legal assistant, but since this ranking is about corrections, we will focus on that concentration.)
Additionally, you can select a minor in any other major subject area or pursue a joint bachelor’s/master’s program. The BS in criminal justice—corrections emphasis is 120 credit hours and includes courses like the following:
- Criminal Procedure I and II
- Professional Writing in Criminal Justice
- Criminal Justice Theory and Practice
- Understanding Criminal Justice Research
To fulfill the corrections specialization, you will take at least 18 credit hours in corrections courses. With a bachelor’s in criminal justice from SFA, you will be marketable for future police, courts, and corrections careers. Joining SFA’s Criminal Justice Association is also a great idea. Here you will learn about career placement while networking with other CJ majors and professionals.
Washburn University
If you’re looking for a top-notch university with a big-city feel, check out Washburn University. The beautiful 160-acre campus is nestled in Topeka, Kansas. Washburn offers 200+ academic programs at affordable costs, earning it recognition as a “low student debt upon graduation” school from U.S. News & World Report.
WU’s Bachelor of Criminal Justice comes with a concentrations emphasis that requires 120 credit hours with 39 credits of major requirements. Sample courses include:
- Crime and Justice in America
- Introduction to Corrections
- Correctional Treatment Strategies
- Evidence-Based Practices in Corrections
- Probation, Parole, and Community-Based Corrections
Additionally, you will complete 12 credit hours of electives and a criminal justice internship, a big perk of this program.
WU’s high-value degree in corrections prepares students for employment in federal, state, and local corrections. Because the curriculum focuses on both institutional and community-based corrections and requires an internship, graduates have no problems finding careers.
Boston University
A leading private research university, Boston University spans over 17 colleges and schools, 300+ academic programs, and serves more than 33,5000 students. BU’s Bachelor of Science in criminal justice comes with a corrections emphasis that is affordable, flexible, and can be completed through a bachelor’s-to-master’s pathway.
BU’s BS in criminal justice-corrections includes 128 credits, and the formats attract those who wish to complete the program part-time. The curriculum entails a minimum of 32 courses, including Hub requirements, major requirements, related courses, and electives. Expect to study areas such as:
- Police and Society
- Corrections: Concepts, Systems, and Issues
- Courts, Society, and Criminal Procedure
- Youth Crime Problems
As a criminal justice student at BU, you will be learning from the best. BU has been offering criminal justice education since 1973 and the first master’s degree in criminal justice in 1980. Likewise, if you are interested in eventually earning a master’s degree, you can do both with the bachelor’s to master’s pathway. You can also earn a graduate certificate in criminal justice.
Regent University
Founded in 1978, Regent University is known as “America’s Premier Christian University.” Regent is consistently ranked among the top national universities and best online bachelor’s programs by U.S. News & World Report. Regent’s Bachelor of Science in criminal justice comes with a corrections emphasis and can be completed either on-campus or completely online.
Regent’s criminal justice-corrections curriculum requires 120+ hours of courses, emphasizing critical thinking, ethics, and a Christian worldview. You will study areas like criminal law, criminal procedure, criminal justice systems, and juvenile justice. The corrections concentration entails 12 credit hours in related coursework. Regent criminal justice graduates are armed with the knowledge and skills to succeed in careers like the following:
- Police and probation officer
- Detective
- Border patrol and customs
- Bailiff
- Game warden
Don’t let the fact that Regent is a private university make you think you can’t afford it. Regent offers all sorts of scholarship and financial aid opportunities to its students.
Purdue University Global
Purdue University Global is an accredited online university geared towards working adults. Purdue Global offers innovative online classrooms and personalized career guidance as a part of the Purdue University system. Additionally, you can earn credits from previous coursework and from professional and military experience. Purdue Global’s Bachelor of Science in corrections is a flexible online program with a solid foundation in criminal justice.
Through the Bachelor of Science in Corrections, you will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to become a correctional professional. Emphasis is placed on research-based practices and analytical skills. The program is 180 quarter credits with seven discipline-specific outcomes:
- Criminological theory
- Law
- Research methods
- Leadership
- Operations
- Technology
- Treatment
You will complete a capstone project during your senior year. Purdue Global corrections graduates are ready to pursue careers in criminal justice agencies such as:
- Courts
- Adult or juvenile corrections facilities
- Community based organizations
Purdue Global also offers accelerated master’s degree programs that are worth checking out. If you’re interested in Purdue University Global, you can apply online. Make sure to submit all your previous education and experience since Purdue features a generous transfer policy.
Ferris State University
Founded in 1884, Ferris State University is known as a mid-sized university with quality academic programs and a whole lot of them! FSU offers degrees ranging from associates to doctoral, all spanning seven colleges. FSU’s Bachelor of Science in criminal justice-corrections is perfect for students who want to work in institutional settings, probation/parole, or other social service agencies.
FSU’s criminal justice-corrections program is a well-rounded degree that focuses on:
- Interpersonal communication
- Crisis intervention
- Special deviant populations
- Ethical issues in criminal justice
- Correctional institutions
This program includes Michigan Correctional Officer’s Training Council (MCOTC) certification for students who wish to work at a county jail in Michigan. Additionally, an internship is required.
As an FSU criminal justice-corrections major, you will enjoy small classes taught by professionals. You will also have access to plenty of networking resources to ensure a job right after graduation. To graduate, you need to earn at least 60 credits from FSU and maintain at least a 2.0 GPA.
California State University-Fresno
California State University—Fresno (also called Fresno State University) currently ranks #5 nationally for social mobility. If you’re looking for an affordable correctional officer degree, look here. Fresno’s Bachelor of Science in criminology-corrections option is one of the best corrections degree programs at an affordable cost.
Fresno’s criminology-corrections program provides a strong foundation for working with offenders in institutional and community-based agencies. The program entails 120 credit hours divided into general education requirements, major requirements, and electives. Corrections degree classes include ones like:
- Psychology of Criminality
- Criminal Justice Systems
- Ethics and Gender Issues in Criminal Justice
- Criminal Justice Organization and Management
Fresno State University’s Department of Criminology provides both undergraduate and graduate programs to prepare its students for professional careers. Criminology-corrections graduates are qualified to apply for jobs in the following settings:
- Law and state law enforcement agencies
- Parole
- Probation
- Federal prisons
- Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation
Farmingdale State College
Part of the State University of New York, Farmingdale State College is a top-ranking public university in the nation. SUNY Farmingdale offers 46 degree programs, including 40 bachelor’s degrees. The Bachelor of Science program in criminal justice: police, courts and corrections is among the best corrections degree programs in the country.
SUNY Farmingdale’s corrections program is well-rounded and blends coursework in many areas:
- Patrol operations
- Homeland security
- Counterterrorism
- Courts and the judiciary
- Probation and parole
- Privacy law
- Civil rights and liberties
- Law enforcement administration
- Leadership and ethics
This program aims to produce graduates who hold expertise in criminal justice agency operations and practices.
SUNY Farmingdale’s criminal justice program requires 123 credits, which includes a senior capstone project. Graduates are eligible to work in an array of careers. SUNY Farmingdale reports that typical employment opportunities include:
- Police and sheriff’s patrol officers
- Transit and railroad police
- New York detectives/criminal investigators
- New York state probation office
- Correctional treatment specialists
West Texas A&M University
Founded in 1910, West Texas A&M University boasts a handful of awards, including the safest school in Texas and one of the Top 10 in the nation (YourLocalSecurity.com). If you’re looking for an affordable online corrections degree program, WTAMU offers both a Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts in criminal justice-corrections that are worth checking out.
The main difference between a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts in criminal justice is that a BS includes additional math/science classes and a BA includes foreign language and art classes. Both programs entail 120 credit hours and require major courses such as:
- Court Systems and Practices
- Crime in America
- Correctional Systems and Practices
- Writing and Research for Criminal Justice
- Law of Corrections
You will also complete an internship and capstone during your senior year. While you can complete WTAMU’s criminal justice-corrections programs on campus, you can also earn them online. U.S. News & World Report ranks WTAMU’s online bachelor’s degrees among the best in the nation!
Career Paths with a Bachelor’s in Corrections
A degree in corrections can lead to rewarding careers across law enforcement, rehabilitation, and community justice. Below are five of the most promising paths based on job stability, earning potential, and projected demand:
1. Correctional Officer
Why it’s promising: Correctional officers play a vital role in maintaining safety and order within correctional facilities. Despite a projected decline in employment, the need to replace retiring workers ensures ongoing opportunities.
- Median Salary: $57,970 per year
- Growth Outlook: Employment is projected to decline, but about 31,000 openings are expected annually due to workforce turnover
- Work Environment: State and federal prisons, local jails, and private facilities
2. Probation or Parole Officer
Why it’s promising: As alternatives to incarceration gain traction, probation and parole officers are increasingly essential in supervising offenders and facilitating rehabilitation.
- Median Salary: $64,520 per year
- Growth Outlook: 4% growth projected through 2033, on par with the national average
- Work Environment: Court systems, state departments of corrections, and community supervision agencies
3. Case Manager (Corrections or Reentry Services)
Why it’s promising: Case managers are pivotal in developing rehabilitation plans and coordinating services to help offenders reintegrate into society. The field is growing rapidly due to increasing emphasis on individualized support and recovery.
- Median Salary: $59,190 per year
- Growth Outlook: 19% growth projected through 2033, much faster than average
- Work Environment: Nonprofits, transitional housing programs, and correctional facilities
4. Juvenile Justice Counselor
Why it’s promising: Juvenile justice counselors work with youth offenders to address behavioral issues and guide them toward positive outcomes. Their work is essential to early intervention strategies that prevent lifelong criminal behavior.
- Median Salary: $59,190 per year
- Growth Outlook: 19% growth projected through 2033
- Work Environment: Juvenile detention centers, youth rehabilitation programs, schools, and private practice
5. Correctional Treatment Specialist
Why it’s promising: These specialists develop rehabilitation plans tailored to inmates’ needs, playing a key role in reducing recidivism and supporting reentry efforts.
- Median Salary: $64,520 per year
- Growth Outlook: 4% growth projected through 2033
- Work Environment: Prisons, probation offices, and reentry centers
Each of these career paths offers unique opportunities to contribute to the corrections field, with varying focuses on security, rehabilitation, and community integration. Staying informed about the latest trends and qualifications in these roles can help you make strategic decisions about your future.
Frequently Asked Questions
A degree in corrections is worth it if for no other reason than it equips you to provide services to individuals who need guidance and direction to turn their lives around. There is some measure of job security, too – there will always be a need for competent correctional workers. A degree in this field gives you options, too.
While most graduates work in a correctional setting like a jail, you will also have the necessary skills to work in adjacent fields, like in criminal courts as a bailiff. Correctional jobs also offer excellent benefits and retirement – a distinct advantage of getting a degree in this field.
In-state tuition for a bachelor’s in corrections at a public university averages less than $10,000 per year, according to the Education Data Initiative. Tuition at a private university is much mohigherre, at an average of nearly $39,000 per year for tuition and fees. Tuition and fees aren’t the only costs related to getting an undergraduate degree, though.
You should also factor in room and board, books, necessary supplies, and costs of getting to and from school if you don’t live on campus. As an in-state student living on campus, you can expect to spend more than $104,000 getting your degree.
You can find scholarships for your corrections degree from many different sources. If you’re in high school, check with your guidance counselor for leads on any scholarships specific to this field. If you’re in college, the financial aid office can assist you with finding aid. Likewise, you can search for relevant scholarships online and apply for general scholarships, such as those based on need or merit.
A bachelor’s degree in corrections requires about four years of full-time studies. Most programs require about 120 credits, so you’ll need to take 12-15 credits (four or five classes) each spring and fall. Taking summer classes and/or an additional class each spring and fall can reduce the time needed to graduate by a semester or even a year.
No, studying corrections is not considered hard. This major has few science and math requirements and usually doesn’t have many research and writing requirements, either. However, all college degrees require a lot of work and dedication to do well. Though the work might not be hard, getting a corrections degree will be time-intensive.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, correctional officers and bailiffs make around $57,970 per year. New workers in this field might earn around $32,950 per year. More experienced workers can make more than $93,950 per year. Your level of experience heavily influences the salary potential, so the more experience you gain, the more money you’re likely to make.
Certifications, training, and completing other continuing education opportunities can also help increase the pay for correctional workers. The pay also depends on where you work. For example, the pay at large penitentiaries is often higher than at small county jails.
According to ZipRecruiter, the highest-paying corrections job is transportation officer, with a salary range of up to $131,000 per year. Another high-paying job in this field is a correctional program officer, which pays up to $141,000 per year. Correctional security officers ($62,000 per year), jail officers ($56,000 per year), and detention officers ($55,000 per year) are among the other highest-paying careers in this field.
The most common career is to become a corrections officer. However, a bachelor’s degree in corrections allows you to pursue many criminal justice-related careers:
• Juvenile Corrections Officer
• Bailiff
• Probation Officer
• Correctional Treatment Specialist
With additional education, training, and experience, you can pursue supervisory and management positions, such as night captain or prison warden.
Professional organizations can be helpful to those who currently work or want to work as corrections officers. Professional organizations are great for networking, resources, and new training opportunities. You might consider joining one of the following:
• American Correctional Association
• Correctional Leaders Association
• Association of State Correctional Administrators