• This program is offered online.

  • Corrections Certificate

    If you want to pursue entry-level positions in a corrections facility, or want to advance in your current corrections career, Kaplan University's online Corrections Certificate program may provide you with the necessary skills and credentials to excel in this rapidly growing, increasingly complex career field.

    Corrections Certificate Program Highlights

    Our online certificate program is designed to meet the regulatory and continuing professional education requirements for corrections officers and employees of community-based corrections programs. In this program you will:

    • Study the U.S court system and contemporary legal issues in prisons, jails, and other correctional facilities
    • Explore the administrative and operational aspects of corrections in the United States, with a focus on topics such as inmate rights, correctional staffing, overcrowding, and privatization
    • Examine the purposes, objectives, and standards of care associated with various types of corrections programs and institutions, with emphasis on intervention strategies and community alternatives to incarceration

    What are the Career Opportunities?

    This program is designed to prepare you to seek employment at a local, state, or federal corrections facility. As a corrections officer, you may be called on to help the police investigate prison inmates. Corrections officers sometimes move on to careers as in-house or store detectives, probation or parole officers, or members of law enforcement.*† 

  • Kaplan University offers multiple start dates, giving you greater flexibility with your education, life, and work schedules.

    Jun 05

    Online Start Date
    Jun 05, 2013

    Jul 03

    Online Start Date
    Jul 03, 2013

    View the Academic Calendar

  • Curriculum: All Tracks

    Certificate Requirements

    CJ 101: INTRODUCTION TO THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM (5 Credits)

    This course provides an overview of the criminal justice system in the United States. Students gain an understanding of the philosophy and development of the criminal justice system, the current state of the criminal justice agencies and institutions, and the issues and challenges facing them.

    Total Certificate Requirements Credits: 36
    Total Program Credits: 36

    CJ 102: CRIMINOLOGY I (5 Credits)

    This course presents a framework for studying the nature and causes of crime and antisocial behavior. It focuses on explanations provided through criminal topologies and criminological theories, using a variety of multidisciplinary perspectives. Topics range from crime causation to the extent of crime, victimization, social and psychological theories, and various types of criminality including violent, property, and public order offenses.

    Prerequisites Required: CJ 101

    Total Certificate Requirements Credits: 36
    Total Program Credits: 36

    CJ 130: INTRODUCTION TO CORRECTIONS (5 Credits)

    This course examines the administrative and operational aspects of modern corrections in the United States. The historical development of corrections, the philosophy of punishment and corrections, correctional institutions, programs, and services, as well as topics such as inmate rights and correctional staffing, are examined. Contemporary issues, such as overcrowding and privatization are also explored.

    Total Certificate Requirements Credits: 36
    Total Program Credits: 36

    CJ 142: CRIMINAL ORIGINS AND CORRECTIONAL ALTERNATIVES (5 Credits)

    Criminal Origins and Correctional Alternatives introduces aspects of human development, including individual and environmental factors, that contribute to juvenile and adult criminal behavior. The course explores various modern correctional alternatives designed to meet the needs of offenders who do not require incarceration.

    Prerequisites Required: CJ 101

    Total Certificate Requirements Credits: 36
    Total Program Credits: 36

    CJ 150: JUVENILE DELINQUENCY (5 Credits)

    This course involves the study of the historical development of the juvenile justice system, the current programs and services available to juvenile off enders, as well as delinquency hearings and criminal trials.

    Total Certificate Requirements Credits: 36
    Total Program Credits: 36

    CJ 242: CRITICAL ISSUES IN CORRECTIONS (5 Credits)

    This course provides students with a set of thoughtful and critical readings on contemporary correctional issues in the United States. Topics include prisons, jails, and other correctional facilities; management and policies governing these facilities; alternatives to incarceration; community and societal perceptions; sentencing; inmate-related themes, such as health issues, elderly inmates, and female offenders; and programs in prison.

    Prerequisites Required: CJ 101

    Total Certificate Requirements Credits: 36
    Total Program Credits: 36

    CJ 340: APPLIED CRIMINAL JUSTICE ETHICS (6 Credits)

    This course teaches students the fundamentals of morality and ethics in the context of applied criminal justice. Topics covered include the role of ethics as it pertains to the recruitment, hiring, and promotion of personnel; the mission of the criminal justice system; the importance of maintaining public trust; the responsible use of discretionary authority; the devastating consequences of official misconduct and recommendations for its control; the importance of organizational leadership; the role of training; and the future of the criminal justice system.

    Prerequisites Required: CJ 101

    CJ 345: SUPERVISORY PRACTICES IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE (6 Credits)

    This course combines state-of-the-art behavioral theory with numerous cases that allow students to identify and resolve personnel and organizational problems. It prepares students for effective police management and supervision.

    Prerequisites Required: CJ 101

    Total Certificate Requirements Credits: 36
    Total Program Credits: 36

    Tuition & Fees: All Tracks

    The 25% tuition reduction applies only to international students living outside of the United States. This discount does not apply to military students. Please check with your advisor to see if you are eligible. 

    All Tracks Online &
    Learning Center     		Campus
    Cost Per Credit
    Number of Credits / Terms  
    Total Tuition Cost

    Tuition and Fees

    Some programs have additional associated fees that are not included in the price of tuition. Click here or check with an Admissions Advisor for more information. 

    Learn More about Kaplan University Tuition and Fees  

    Notice to Learning Center Students

    Kaplan University Learning Center students will only complete a portion of this program on site. You will need to complete at least 50% of the program requirements online, or through transfer credit awarded via prior learning assessment. If you have any questions about these requirements, please speak with an admissions advisor.

    Scholarships and Grants

    Learn more about grants and Kaplan University Scholarships and that may help reduce the cost of your education.

    Kaplan University tuition reductions (including active-duty, spouse, and veterans military tuition rates; scholarships; grants; vouchers; and alumni and alliance reductions) cannot be combined. 

    Tuition Rates for Military Students and Spouses

    Kaplan University has significantly reduced many of our tuition rates and fees for active-duty servicemembers, their spouses, and veterans. Click here for more information.
     

  • * Additional police academy training may be required for law enforcement jobs.

    † Kaplan University cannot guarantee employment or career advancement.

Public Safety

Request Information

  • Step 1 of 3
  • Call Now: 866 KAPLAN U

Featured

  • Military Self Enroll promo new
  • 75th anniversary
  • Kaplan Commitment