Bachelor of Science Degree in Corrections

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Program at a Glance
  • The comprehensive curriculum incorporates broad criminal justice study with specialized corrections knowledge.
  • An internship option allows you to gain real-world experience during your degree.
  • Shorten your path to a master’s degree with the accelerated bachelor’s to master’s option.
  • This program is eligible for the Tuition Cap, ensuring that you only pay a fixed amount for your education.
COURSE EFFORT 15–18 Hours per Week
COURSE LENGTH 10-Week Terms
Course Details
CREDITS REQUIRED 180
TUITION CAP MAX COST $45,000
Ways to Save
How Do I Get Started?

We offer multiple start dates to give you flexibility in your education, life, and work schedules.

July 31
August 21
September 18
October 16

Bachelor of Science in Corrections Overview

With a bachelor’s degree in corrections, you can enhance your career options and opportunities within the increasingly competitive corrections field. Curriculum in this corrections degree program offers a comprehensive study that includes:

  • Foundational classes such as composition, math, and sociology
  • Courses on legal aspects of corrections, leadership within corrections, offender treatment, and rehabilitation
  • Study of operational and technological aspects of corrections and the day-to-day operations and functions of the criminal justice system

Developed by Industry Leaders

The program was developed with the help of industry leaders who are active participants in organizations such as the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences (ACJS). ACJS is a national organization focused on developing best practices within criminal justice and has established standards on which Purdue Global’s curriculum is based. Please note, this program is not endorsed by ACJS.*

Professors are skilled corrections professionals who bring real-world knowledge to the courses they teach.


See the University Catalog for policy and degree plan information specific to this program.

Note: At this time, residents of Minnesota may not enroll in this program.

Our Tuition Cap Lowers the Cost of Your Education

Know exactly how much your education will cost when you enroll and save 33% off the total cost of your tuition.

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Engage With Fellow Students

Online discussion boards allow you to engage with students from around the country and learn from their experiences. You are also invited to join the Public Safety Club for further networking and educational opportunities.

Purdue Global Clubs and Communities

Purdue University Global Is Accredited by The Higher Learning Commission

This accreditation covers all academic programs, all regional locations, and all programs provided via distance education. For more information, please visit HLCommission.org or call 800-621-7440.

How to Become a Correctional Officer

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, entry-level correctional officers in federal prisons are required to have at least a bachelor's degree or 3 years of full-time experience in a related field. Some additional education or experience may also be required.† Earning your Bachelor of Science in Corrections at Purdue Global can prepare you to pursue these opportunities and others in this field.

Additional Career Opportunities

Graduates can consider career paths in adult or juvenile corrections, community and court probation, parole, and other responsive corrections specializations such as sexual abuse response and child protection services.

Top 5 Skills Employers Are Looking for:

  1. Social Perceptiveness
  2. Speaking
  3. Active Listening
  4. Monitoring
  5. Critical Thinking

Top Jobs With This Degree

Labor market, salary, and projected growth information are supplied by Emsi. Average salary range is based on national data. Projected growth represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2016–2028) at the state level and is based on your geographic location. Actual outcomes vary by geographic area, previous work experience, and opportunities for employment. Purdue Global cannot guarantee employment placement, salary level, or career advancement.

Local, state, and federal correctional/probation officer jobs and law enforcement positions may require additional training or education including additional state-approved higher education beyond the Purdue Global degree. This program was not designed to meet any specific state’s requirements, and Purdue Global makes no representations or warranties as to whether the degree or any individual courses meet such requirements. Refer to the University Catalog for additional information. Graduates of Purdue Global criminal justice programs are not eligible to attend police academies in Minnesota.

Your Prior Experience Can Help You Save Time and Money on Your Degree

Use Your Law Enforcement Certification to Earn Credit

If you are a certified law enforcement officer who has completed the national Peace Officer Standard Training (POST), your accomplishments may qualify you to receive 25 credits toward your bachelor’s degree.‡

Maximize Your Military Career Experience

Earn your degree faster with our PME2Degree program. Many occupations across each branch of the armed forces have been evaluated for credit toward a Purdue Global degree. Find out how many credits you've earned.

Accelerated Master's Degree Options

You can work toward a Purdue Global master’s degree in public administration, human services, legal studies, or psychology while you earn your bachelor’s degree. Complete both your bachelor’s and master’s degrees in less time and at a lower cost than completing both programs separately.


For details and eligibility requirements, speak to an Advisor.

The program’s curriculum ranges from foundational classes to courses focused on the legal aspects of corrections, leadership within corrections, and offender treatment and rehabilitation.

In your first course, you’ll have the opportunity to develop your degree plan with a faculty member to align your degree path with your career outcomes.

Sample Courses
  • Probation and Parole
  • Criminal Procedure
  • Corrections in the Twenty-First Century
  • Correctional Administration
  • Juvenile Justice
  • Correctional Alternatives
See All Corrections Courses
Credit Breakdown
  • Core Credits33
  • Major Credits88
  • Elective Credits59
  • Total Credits180

Ways to Save

  • Tuition Cap

    Save on Tuition With Purdue Global's Tuition Cap

    Pay a fixed amount for your undergraduate degree. Never owe more, even if you repeat a course. Available for select programs.

    How It Works

  • Financial Aid

    Learn How to Apply For and Receive Financial Aid

    Title IV federal financial aid is available for many of our degree programs. Get answers to common financial aid questions, learn about federal student aid, and get the facts about military Shopping Sheets.

    Financial Aid FAQ

  • Prior Work Experience

    Leverage Your Skills to Earn Your Degree Faster

    Discover pathways to earn undergraduate credit for your life and professional career experiences.

    Your Experience Counts

  • Transfer Credits

    Finish What You Started

    Earn credit for prior coursework completed at eligible institutions, including community colleges.

    Save Time and Money on Your Degree

  • Grants

    Determine Your Eligibility for Federal Grants

    Learn about federal financial grants and loan programs that may be available to Purdue Global students.

    Federal and State Grants

  • Prior Military Experience

    Graduate Sooner With Your Military Experience

    We offer college-level credit for ACE-evaluated military training and CLEP and DANTES examinations.

    Credit for Military Training

Program Cost Estimator

Calculate your estimated tuition and ways to save.

Tuition Cap

$45,000maximum cost of attendance
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View Tuition Cap FAQs. The Purdue Global Tuition Cap may not be used in conjunction with any Purdue Global tuition reductions, including military spouse reductions. Military servicemembers and veterans are not eligible for the Purdue Global Tuition Cap.

Get to Know Our Faculty

Purdue Global faculty members are real-world practitioners who bring knowledge gained through the powerful combination of higher learning and industry experience.

View Criminal Justice and Fire Science Faculty Directory
97% Faculty members who have advanced degrees
45% Faculty members who hold a doctorate
218 Faculty publications in 2017–2018
Nearly 87,000 Professional development hours logged by faculty in 2017–2018

Statistics include all Purdue Global faculty members and are not school or program-specific calculations. Purdue Global Office of Reporting and Analysis and Center for Teaching and Learning. 2017–2018 academic year. Note: all figures include data prior to the March 2018 purchase of Kaplan University by Purdue University and subsequent creation of Purdue University Global.

School Brochure

Download our brochure to learn more about our criminal justice programs and the benefits of earning your degree at Purdue Global.

View Brochure
NOTES AND CONDITIONS

*ACJS does not accredit university programs.

†Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Protective Service Occupations, www.bls.gov/ooh/protective-service/home.htm. National long-term projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions, and do not guarantee actual job growth.

‡Students must currently be a certified law enforcement officer or a federal agent (FBI, DEA, ATF, etc.), or must have been certified in either of these roles within 24 months of their enrollment date. Purdue Global does not guarantee transferability of credit. See the University Catalog for the Prior Learning Assessment policy.