Most correctional departments require probation officers to have a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, corrections, psychology or a related field. Columbia College (ccis.edu), American InterContinental University (aiuniv.edu) and Everest University (everestonline.edu) offer Bachelor of Arts degrees in criminal justice. Ashford University (ashford.edu) offers a Bachelor of Arts in organizational management with a concentration in criminal justice. South University (southuniversity.edu) and Kaplan University (kaplanuniversity.edu) offer Bachelor of Science degrees in criminal justice with a concentration in corrections. Lincoln College (lincolncollege.edu) offers a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice and the study of the criminal mind.
A master's degree might be required for some probation officer positions, such as those in the federal system. Saint Joseph's University (sju.edu), Boston University (bu.edu) and Colorado Technical University (coloradotech.edu) offer Master of Science degrees in criminal justice. Walden University (waldenu.edu) offers a Master of Public Administration in criminal justice. Eastern Kentucky University (eku.edu) offers a master's degree in corrections and juvenile justice studies. South University (southuniversity.edu) offers a Master of Science in criminal justice with a concentration in corrections.
Although a bachelor's degree is usually required for probation officers, there are associate's degree programs in criminal justice. These programs offer introductory courses in areas such as juvenile justice and corrections. At some schools, such as Colorado Technical Institute (coloradotech.edu), completion of the associate's degree fulfills the requirements for the first two years of a bachelor's degree. An associate's degree can qualify you for some entry-level positions in areas related to probation, such as security and social services.
Probation officers should have good communication skills, both written and oral, and good computer skills. They need to prepare written reports and present them in court, and they need to be able to communicate with a diverse group of people, including their clients and government and community employees. They should be able to cope with stress and potential danger. Federal probation officers are required to have at least two years of field work. Some states require probation officers to pass a certification exam.