I want to be a correctional officer what are some career advancements for that job?

A career in corrections can be rewarding in that there is job security and good pay. The usual career path would take you up the ranks to Associate Warden, Chief Deputy Warden and then Warden. While a college degree isn't a requirement usually for a CO, you would definitely need a degree to move up the ranks. In Corrections, you will usually work inside a facility but there are also high level jobs in the headquarters that are very specialized. For example, you could focus on anti-recidivism programming, juvenile facilities, special-needs inmates, etc. That's where that college degree would come in very handy. There are also opportunities outside of the Dept. of Corrections. A CO could take their experience and work for a non-profit on developing programs and services that would help inmates avoid reoffending. They could teach college courses on the science of criminology and how it impacts corrections theory, etc. Lots of cool stuff to do in this field!

A career in corrections can be rewarding and offer job security with decent pay. The downside is that most facilities are in rural areas, so make sure you don't mind "country living". The typical path up for a CO would eventually result in Associate Warden, Chief Deputy Warden and finally, Warden. To move up this ladder you will DEFINITELY need a college degree. One could also end up in the headquarters working on special areas. For example, there are staff who specialize in anti-recidivism programming, juvenile inmates or special-needs populations. Outside of a correctional facility, someone with corrections experience could work for a non-profit creating programs that help inmates avoid reoffending, or perhaps even teach college courses on criminal science and the impact on the corrections model. Good luck!

Hello Tanekqa,

It is great that you are considering a career in criminal justice. Below is some information about the career opportunities and considerations or working as a correctional officer:

https://www.correctionalofficeredu.org/salaries/

https://www.correctionalofficer.org/starting-salaries-corrections

Good luck!