The general qualities that are required of someone who wants to pursue a degree and a career in corrections are that this person be a natural leader. She must be able to take charge and lead a team, work as a team and make quick decisions under stress. As well as this, she should be in good physical shape and in possession of developed communication skills.
The bachelor's degrees in corrections generally span from three to four years. In these years, students will become familiar with various aspects of the law, become proficient in offender management and learn crisis resolution. For many of the programs, a stage is included in the last year or semester of the program in which students acquire hands-on learning.
After completing a bachelor's in corrections, there are many career options available. Some of these options are working in parole, probation or in an institution. A parole officer will work with people who have recently been released from jail while a probation officer works to ensure that criminals are sticking to their probation requirements. Working in an institution would mean that you are working with criminals in a prison or correctional facility.
As of January 2011, the average salary for a corrections officer has been recorded at being between $28,000 a year and $40,000 a year. Salaries vary based on your position and experience in the field; for example, someone working at an entry-level position will make less than someone who is working as a head of the department.