Administration of Justice - Corrections

The Administration of Justice – Corrections Associate of Science Degree provides students with an understanding of the correctional systems utilized local, state, and federal levels of government.  Students will explore the various career paths and hiring practices associated with jobs in the Correctional field.   It provides a comprehensive overview of correctional facilities, community-based facilities/programs, probation, and parole utilized in the United States. This degree will prepare students for a career in corrections.

Program Goals:

1.     Provide a comprehensive overview of employment options in the corrections profession at the local, state, and federal levels of public safety.

2.     Understand the various federal, state, and local legal frameworks, concepts and precedents that guide Correctional Professionals.

3.     Compare and contrast the adult correctional system and the juvenile correctional system at the local, state, and federal levels.

Objectives:

1.     Identify the components of the hiring process for various occupations in the corrections profession.

2.     Understand the multiple sources for rules, regulations, case decisions and best practices for working in a correctional setting.

3.     Discuss the historical development of corrections in the United States.

4.     Compare and contrast adult and juvenile corrections, probation, and parole.

5.     Describe specific needs and concerns that are unique to female institutions and identify innovative programs designed to address those concerns when the clients are female.

6.     Demonstrate through mock interviews and role playing the obstacles that complicate the task of conducting objective interviews and counseling.

7.     Compare and contrast the historical development and current activities of prison gangs which impact institutional security.

8.     Differentiate between Probation and parole.

9.     Explain the constitutional rights of a person on probation and parole.

The Administration of Justice - Corrections Associate of Arts Degree is designed to prepare students for a career in the correctional field and/or provide pertinent information for promotion within the correctional field.  Completion of this program will provide students with the ability to compete effectively for entry level jobs in corrections; specifically with the completed units (requirement) or understanding of the roles and responsibilities in corrections that will prepare them for the hiring process and oral interviews.  

Currently, the San Bernardino and Riverside County Probation Departments require an Associate Degree to apply for their Juvenile Correctional Officer Position.  This program will prepare the student with a focused Associate Degree in their career field.  This is the final step in completing our pathway from Middle College to entry level employment.  

Most entry level jobs at the local, state, and federal levels require a High School Diploma only to enter correctional professions (County Jails, State Prisons and Bureau of Prisons).    However, to promote or move to specialized positions the candidate needs to have education points and/or degree to qualify.  This program provides opportunities at the entry level and advancement of their careers.