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Correctional Science Jobs (NOW HIRING)

BOP: General Practitioner

$61K/yr

Corrections professionals who foster a humane and secure environment and ensure public safety by ... One full academic year of graduate education with major study in criminal justice, social science ...

The GEO Group

CORRECTIONAL OFFICER

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$22.50/hr

College coursework and advanced training in behavioral sciences, correctional services or related field preferred. Training in cultural diversity or sensitivity preferred. * Possession of applicable ...

Department of Justice

$61K/yr

Corrections professionals who foster a humane and secure environment and ensure public safety by ... One full academic year of graduate education with major study in criminal justice, social science ...

The GEO Group

CORRECTIONAL OFFICER

Golden Valley, AZ

$26/hr

College coursework and advanced training in behavioral sciences, correctional services or related field preferred. Training in cultural diversity or sensitivity preferred. * Possession of applicable ...

The GEO Group

CORRECTIONAL OFFICER

Florence, AZ · On-site

$23.08 - $24.50/hr

College coursework and advanced training in behavioral sciences, correctional services or related field preferred. Training in cultural diversity or sensitivity preferred. * Possession of applicable ...

The GEO Group

CORRECTIONAL OFFICER

Florence, AZ

$23.08 - $24.50/hr

College coursework and advanced training in behavioral sciences, correctional services or related field preferred. Training in cultural diversity or sensitivity preferred. * Possession of applicable ...

The GEO Group

CORRECTIONAL OFFICER

Florence, AZ

$23.08/hr

College coursework and advanced training in behavioral sciences, correctional services or related field preferred. Training in cultural diversity or sensitivity preferred. * Possession of applicable ...

The GEO Group

CORRECTIONAL OFFICER

Florence, AZ

$23.08/hr

College coursework and advanced training in behavioral sciences, correctional services or related field preferred. Training in cultural diversity or sensitivity preferred. * Possession of applicable ...

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Correctional Science information

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$36.5K

$57.5K

$78K

How much do correctional science jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for correctional science in the United States is $57,518.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,500.00 and $60,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Correctional Science, and why are they important?

To thrive in Correctional Science, you need a solid understanding of criminal justice principles, correctional policies, and offender management, typically supported by a degree in correctional science or criminal justice. Familiarity with case management software, security systems, and incident reporting tools is commonly required. Strong interpersonal skills, emotional resilience, and conflict resolution abilities help professionals manage challenging interactions and maintain safety. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring the effective and humane operation of correctional facilities while maintaining security and order.

What is Correctional Science?

Correctional Science is the study of the correctional system, including prisons, probation, parole, and rehabilitation programs. It focuses on the management, treatment, and supervision of individuals who have been convicted of crimes. Students and professionals in this field learn about criminal justice policies, inmate rights, correctional facility operations, and rehabilitation strategies. This field prepares individuals for various roles within correctional institutions, probation departments, and related agencies.

What can you do with a degree in corrections?

A degree in corrections prepares individuals for careers in criminal justice, including roles such as correctional officer, probation officer, or parole officer. These positions involve supervising offenders, ensuring safety within correctional facilities, and implementing rehabilitation programs, often requiring knowledge of law enforcement procedures and communication skills.

What is the difference between Correctional Science vs Forensic Science?

AspectCorrectional ScienceForensic Science
Required CredentialsCriminal justice degree, correctional certificationsForensic science degree, criminalistics certifications
Work EnvironmentPrisons, correctional facilitiesCrime labs, crime scenes, courts
Employer & IndustryCorrectional institutions, government agenciesLaw enforcement, forensic labs, legal system

Correctional Science focuses on the management and rehabilitation of offenders within correctional facilities, emphasizing security and inmate programs. Forensic Science involves analyzing physical evidence from crime scenes to support criminal investigations. While both fields relate to the criminal justice system, Correctional Science centers on inmate management, whereas Forensic Science is about evidence analysis. Professionals often share similar educational backgrounds but work in different environments and roles.

What is the highest paying job in corrections?

In correctional science, senior roles such as Correctional Administrator or Director of Corrections tend to be the highest paying positions, often earning six-figure salaries. These roles require extensive experience, advanced degrees, and strong leadership skills, overseeing prison operations and policy implementation.

What degree is best for correctional officers?

A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required to become a correctional officer, but an associate's or bachelor's degree in criminal justice, criminology, or a related field can improve job prospects and advancement opportunities. Relevant skills include knowledge of law enforcement procedures and strong communication abilities. Certifications such as CPR or first aid may also be beneficial.

What can I do with my BS in criminal justice?

A BS in criminal justice can qualify you for roles such as correctional officer, probation officer, or crime analyst. These positions often require knowledge of criminal law, security procedures, and communication skills, and may involve working in correctional facilities, law enforcement agencies, or community programs.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in Correctional Science, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Correctional Science often encounter challenges such as managing high-stress situations, ensuring personal safety, and working with individuals who may have complex behavioral or mental health needs. Building strong communication and conflict resolution skills, participating in ongoing training, and fostering teamwork with colleagues are key strategies for addressing these challenges. Additionally, many correctional facilities offer support resources and professional development opportunities to help staff cope with job-related stress and advance in their careers.
More about Correctional Science jobs
What cities are hiring for Correctional Science jobs? Cities with the most Correctional Science job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Correctional Science jobs? The most popular types of Correctional Science jobs are:
What states have the most Correctional Science jobs? States with the most job openings for Correctional Science jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Correctional Science jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Correctional Science jobs are:
Correctional Science jobs near you
Correctional Officer (Correctional Counselor)

Correctional Officer (Correctional Counselor)

Department of Justice

Mendota, CA • On-site

$57K/yr

Other

Posted 2 days ago

New

Job description

Corrections professionals who foster a humane and secure environment and ensure public safety by preparing individuals for successful reentry into our communities.

Qualifications:

To be considered for the position, you must meet the following qualification requirements:
Education:
GL-07: One full academic year of graduate education with major study in criminal justice, social science or other field related to the position.
GL-09: There is no substitution of education for specialized experience for this position.
OR
Experience:
GL-07 and GL-09: You must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent in difficulty and complexity to the next lower grade level. This experience must have equipped the applicant with the qualifications to successfully perform the duties of the position.
Some examples of this qualifying experience are:

GL-07:

  • Experience in work such as a correctional officer, residential counselor for at-risk individuals, or re-entry services specialist.
  • Experience in demonstrating knowledge of obtaining information and resources.
  • Experience in demonstrating the knowledge of policies regarding inmate programs.
  • Experience enforcing rules and regulations in a correctional environment.
  • Experience making decisions in a crisis.

GL-09:

  • Experience in work such as police officer, social worker or mental health counselor in a residential facility or detention officer.
  • Experience in conducting individual and group counseling sessions.
  • Experience conducting internal and external audits.
  • Experience in coordinating matters pertaining to inmate personal property and involvement in the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) Inmate Intake Process and inmate Admission and Orientation process.
  • Experience following policy to respond to the Administrative Remedy grievance process.
  • Experience coordinating re-entry programs.

AND
Medical Requirement:
The Department of Justice, Bureau of Prisons has established the following medical requirements for Correctional Officer positions:
The duties of these positions involve unusual mental and nervous pressure and require arduous physical exertion involving prolonged walking and standing, restraining of prisoners in emergencies, and participating in escape hunts. Applicants must be physically capable of performing efficiently the duties of these positions and be free from such defects or disease as may constitute employment hazards to themselves or others. The duties of a Correctional Officer are arduous; and sound health as well as physical fitness is required.
If applicable, credit will be given for paid and unpaid experience. To receive proper credit, you must show the actual time (such as the number of hours worked per week) spent in activities.
**Your eligibility for consideration will be based on your responses to the questions in the application.**

Education:

See Qualifications Section for education requirements, if applicable.

ONLY if education is a requirement/substitution for specialized experience, applicant MUST upload legible transcripts as verification of educational requirement. Transcripts MUST be uploaded and electronically linked from USAJOBS at the time you apply and MUST include identifying information to include School Name, Student Name, Degree and Date Awarded (if applicable). All academic degrees and coursework must be completed at a college or university that has obtained accreditation or pre-accreditation status from an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools that meet this criteria, Click Here.

Foreign Education: For information regarding foreign education requirements, please see Foreign Diploma and Credit Recognition at the U.S. Department of Education website: Recognition of Foreign Qualifications.

If you are selected for this position and qualified based on education (i.e. basic education requirement and/or substitution of education), you will be required to provide an OFFICIAL transcript prior to your first day on duty.

Employment Type: OTHER

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