How to Get a Master's Degree in Corrections

From incarceration to rehabilitation, the corrections process is a complex facet of the criminal justice system. Master's degree programs in corrections are designed to deepen your knowledge and familiarize you with the latest research, preparing you for professional or academic careers in the field. Before you begin the application process for a corrections master's degree program, you need to research your options and learn more about the degree itself. This research process is essential to your satisfaction as a student. Get the facts on corrections and criminal justice master's degree programs so that you can apply to the schools that best suit your future career goals. How to Earn a Master's Degree in Corrections Earning a master's in corrections means developing your existing training and work experience with a degree program targeted to the experience and issues within a corrections department. Begin by considering the basic distinctions between the two major master's degrees in corrections. Step 1: Learn About Different Corrections Master's Degree Programs A master's in corrections can be completed in about two years of full-time study. Though there are many different types of specializations, dual-majors, and other ways to personalize your degree, you can earn a corrections degree in one of two ways: Master of Science (MS): The research-based MS in corrections is the more popular of the two major degree types. Students complete research and training in the areas of corrections, criminal justice, and law. Master of Arts (MA): An MA in corrections and criminal justice is often recommended for students who hope to go on to earn a PhD in criminal justice. The MA is considered academically equivalent to the MS, though coursework may be more focused on academic issues within the field of corrections. Your own academic and career goals help determine which type of master's degree program you choose. If your interests lie in understanding the theoretical aspects of corrections, the MA may be better for you. If you hope to apply your knowledge in a criminal justice facility, the practice focus of the MS might suit you better. Consider the coursework and degree requirements for each program when evaluating your options. Step 2: Explore Specialties Within a Corrections Major Master's degree programs in corrections can be found in different departments. You might find a sociology master's degree program with a focus on corrections or the prison system, or a criminal justice department offering a general criminal justice program with a specialization in corrections. Additionally, you might find corrections master's degrees offering the following specializations: Criminology and public administration Corrections and social work Restorative justice and prisons Corrections and forensic psychology The ideal major and specializations you choose should depend on your career goals and your interests as a student. No two schools offer the exact same corrections degree program, and it's up to you to find a program that challenges you with coursework that holds relevance to your future career. Step 3: Consider Coursework Within Corrections Master's Degree Programs Students earning a master's in corrections come from a range of educational and work backgrounds. As you continue your research, consider the coursework each program offers. Your program should contain specific courses that interest you as well as a wide enough range of courses to give you a solid grounding in the field. Here is a sampling of coursework you might find in a corrections master's degree program:

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How to Get a Master's Degree in Corrections

From incarceration to rehabilitation, the corrections process is a complex facet of the criminal justice system. Master's degree programs in corrections are designed to deepen your knowledge and familiarize you with the latest research, preparing you for professional or academic careers in the field. Before you begin the application process for a corrections master's degree program, you need to research your options and learn more about the degree itself. This research process is essential to your satisfaction as a student. Get the facts on corrections and criminal justice master's degree programs so that you can apply to the schools that best suit your future career goals. How to Earn a Master's Degree in Corrections Earning a master's in corrections means developing your existing training and work experience with a degree program targeted to the experience and issues within a corrections department. Begin by considering the basic distinctions between the two major master's degrees in corrections. Step 1: Learn About Different Corrections Master's Degree Programs A master's in corrections can be completed in about two years of full-time study. Though there are many different types of specializations, dual-majors, and other ways to personalize your degree, you can earn a corrections degree in one of two ways: Master of Science (MS): The research-based MS in corrections is the more popular of the two major degree types. Students complete research and training in the areas of corrections, criminal justice, and law. Master of Arts (MA): An MA in corrections and criminal justice is often recommended for students who hope to go on to earn a PhD in criminal justice. The MA is considered academically equivalent to the MS, though coursework may be more focused on academic issues within the field of corrections. Your own academic and career goals help determine which type of master's degree program you choose. If your interests lie in understanding the theoretical aspects of corrections, the MA may be better for you. If you hope to apply your knowledge in a criminal justice facility, the practice focus of the MS might suit you better. Consider the coursework and degree requirements for each program when evaluating your options. Step 2: Explore Specialties Within a Corrections Major Master's degree programs in corrections can be found in different departments. You might find a sociology master's degree program with a focus on corrections or the prison system, or a criminal justice department offering a general criminal justice program with a specialization in corrections. Additionally, you might find corrections master's degrees offering the following specializations: Criminology and public administration Corrections and social work Restorative justice and prisons Corrections and forensic psychology The ideal major and specializations you choose should depend on your career goals and your interests as a student. No two schools offer the exact same corrections degree program, and it's up to you to find a program that challenges you with coursework that holds relevance to your future career. Step 3: Consider Coursework Within Corrections Master's Degree Programs Students earning a master's in corrections come from a range of educational and work backgrounds. As you continue your research, consider the coursework each program offers. Your program should contain specific courses that interest you as well as a wide enough range of courses to give you a solid grounding in the field. Here is a sampling of coursework you might find in a corrections master's degree program:

• Community corrections
• Law and justice in society
• Treatment methods in corrections
• Seminar in police and society
• Seminar in institutional corrections
• Criminal justice research, theory, and methodology

In addition to required and elective coursework, earning an MA or MS in corrections may require you to complete an internship in the community. Though individual schools have coursework requirements, most require students to complete a set number of required courses and conduct a research project analyzing your findings in the field.

Step 4: Consider On-Campus and Online Master's in Corrections

Once you've thought about your degree options within corrections, criminal justice, and sociology, think about how you'll earn the degree itself. Whether you choose to earn a master's degree online or on-campus, you should first spend some time considering the benefits of each style of learning:

• On-campus masters' in corrections: The traditional campus-based master's in corrections appeals to students who appreciate teamwork, hands-on learning, and face-to-face interaction.
• Online MA or MS in corrections: The online master's degree method is ideal for busy working students, those who travel and wish to earn a degree, and anyone who appreciates the convenience of logging on to earn a master's degree online.
• Hybrid corrections master's degree: The hybrid degree method combines online and on-campus training. Students appreciate the benefits of both degree types, with some required classroom interaction and some online learning.

You should expect to have a wide range of options in both on-campus and online master's degrees. Ultimately, your learning style, school schedule, and other commitments should all help you make your degree method determination. Learn more about online education by checking out WorldWideLearn.com's guide to online degree programs.

Step 5: Establish a List of Programs Offering an MA or MS in Corrections

By now, you've thought about the basics of a corrections degree. Now, it's time to think about individual programs within corrections, criminal justice, criminology, and sociology departments. Establish a long list of potential corrections master's degree programs, using these resources as you begin your search:

• U.S. News and World Report maintains a listing of top graduate schools. Check out their rankings for top criminology schools and top sociology schools to find programs that potentially offer a corrections master's degree.
• Use WorldWideLearn.com's directories for listings of corrections degrees. See their listing of online master's degrees in corrections as well as their list of campus-based master's degrees in corrections. Contact each potential program to learn more about each school.
• Contact the Division on Corrections & Sentencing within The American Society of Criminology for resources and information on accredited schools offering programs in corrections.

This step should help you create a long list of potential corrections, criminology, and criminal justice degree programs. As you begin to examine your list of potential corrections schools, you can begin to decide which ones match your career goals. Before you can begin narrowing your options down, however, you need to confirm the quality of each corrections program by ensuring the school offering it holds current accreditation from a third-party accrediting source.

Step 6: Determine the Accreditation of Each Master's Degree Program

Accreditation is a marker of quality given to programs that meet certain standards in your field. Accreditation requires a third-party agency to examine a school's academics, financial record, and faculty, determining the quality of each and making its findings public. By ensuring the accreditation of each of your potential schools, you'll enjoy a range of benefits:

• Students at accredited schools are eligible to secure federal loans and grants
• Correctional hiring managers and other schools recognize degrees and credit hours
• Continue on your academic path or enter the workforce with confidence

It's easy to check the accreditation status of every school on your list. Simply search for each school using the searchable database offered by the U.S. Department of Education. The database is searchable by school name and location, making it even easier to make sure your school is accredited. Even if the school's name sounds familiar to you, it's important to make sure. Find more information on accreditation with WorldWideLearn.com's accreditation answers page.

Step 7: Narrow Down Your List of Corrections Master's Degree Programs

Once you've determined the accreditation status of each corrections school on your list, it's time to narrow down your long list of schools. You already have a list of corrections programs that fit your basic requirements in terms of specialization, major, and learning method preferences, regardless of whether you want to earn a master's degree online or on-campus. Now it's time to condense your list.

Your corrections degree should be personalized to your needs. Once you've thought about multiple elements of each school, you'll have learned much more about your degree and your potential schools. Use the following categories to narrow down your options.

• Application: Every degree program in corrections comes with its own requirements. Be prepared to provide undergraduate transcripts, graduate test scores, a professional resume, recommendation letters, and more. The most selective schools generally have the most requirements for admission
• Rankings: College rankings, like the ones published by U.S. News and World Report, are a helpful way to begin your school search. As you narrow your list, remember that rankings aren't the final word on a school's quality. Think about rankings along with financial elements, location, and more.
• Location: Whether you hope to remain in the area after graduating or you hope to work while you're in school, location is important. Consider each school's location as if you were searching for a job. Seek out correctional facilities, rehabilitation facilities, social work centers, research organizations, and more. The best locations have plenty of opportunities for rewarding work.
• Finances: Consider the cost of your master's degree. Along with the cost, think about financial aid such as loans, grants, and scholarships. Some schools might offer a teaching stipend while another could waive out-of-state tuition. Weigh the cost of each program with the salary you hope to earn after graduation.
• Faculty: Learn more about the faculty members at each school on your list. Read faculty biographies, and learn where the professors are presenting papers and publishing. While you may be tempted to apply based on the strength of one faculty member, go for a well-rounded approach. You want to ensure you'll be happy with a program even if your chosen faculty member leaves.
• Perks: Lastly, think about the little extras offered by each corrections department. Students might be encouraged to complete a community internship, earn money to travel for the degree, or complete interesting research. Think about these extra perks only if you need to remove a few schools from your short list.

Your top corrections schools should begin to emerge once you've considered each element of the list above. This step of your research process does take time, but the rewards of finding the top programs for you as a student should pay off once you start school. Once you have a manageable list, begin the application process.

Step 8: Apply for Corrections Master's Degree Programs

Now that you've fully researched potential corrections programs, you should be ready to apply to the best schools for you. Whether you hope to earn a master's degree online or on a traditional campus, you'll need to apply to each corrections degree program. Start your application by keeping the following in mind:

• Requirements: Collect relevant materials and be prepared to provide school transcripts, resumes, letters of recommendation, and test scores. Each MS or MA in corrections has different requirements, and students should see each school for more details.
• Personalize: Make a strong statement on your applications with personalized information. Focus each application letter to the school's personality, appealing to the research or professional community as needed. Personalizing your application can help you impress department chairs and improve your application's chances of success.
• Deadlines: Don't waste your effort by missing important deadlines once you've gone to the trouble of researching individual schools. Stay organized and keep track of the different deadlines for each school.

The research and applications process is a time-consuming one, but it's important to your success and happiness as a student. Learn about colleges and universities beforehand and you'll save time and money when you apply to the on-campus or online master's in corrections programs that suit you.

Sources

• Criminology: Degree Programs Florida State University
• Accreditation Search U.S. Department of Education
• DCS Frequently Asked Questions Division of Corrections & Sentencing
• Graduate Study in Sociology: Corrections Minnesota State University
• Master of Arts in Criminology and Criminal Justice University of Nebraska
• Rankings: Criminology U.S. News and World Report

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