This track prepares students to work within the institutions and community programs that supervise people after conviction, from county jails and state prisons to probation and parole offices. You'll study how correctional facilities are organized and secured, how rehabilitation and treatment programs are designed to reduce reoffending, and the legal framework that governs the treatment of incarcerated individuals.
Graduates pursue careers as correctional officers, case managers, probation and parole officers, and program coordinators within state and federal correctional systems. The self-paced, four-year format allows working adults to complete a full bachelor's credential on a flexible schedule.
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General Courses
10 Courses
GEN 101Introduction to the Humanities
A broad survey of the art, literature, and ideas that have shaped human culture.
- Landmark works in art and literature
- Philosophical movements across eras
- Interpreting cultural artifacts in context
GEN 102Social and Cultural Geography
Exploring how geography shapes societies, economies, and cultural identity.
- Population patterns and migration
- Urban and rural land use
- Regional cultural differences
GEN 103English Composition
Developing clear, well-organized writing for academic and professional contexts.
- Building a strong thesis and outline
- Paragraph structure and transitions
- Revising drafts for clarity and tone
GEN 104College Algebra
Building fluency with algebraic methods used across academic disciplines.
- Solving linear and quadratic equations
- Working with functions and graphs
- Applying algebra to real-world problems
GEN 105World Religions
A comparative look at the beliefs and practices of major world faiths.
- Core beliefs of major traditions
- Religious ritual and practice
- Religion's influence on society
GEN 106Ethics
Examining moral theories and how they apply to everyday decisions.
- Major ethical theories and frameworks
- Applying ethics to real-life dilemmas
- Evaluating competing moral claims
GEN 107Art Appreciation
Building a vocabulary for understanding and evaluating visual art.
- Elements and principles of design
- Major art movements through history
- Analyzing meaning in visual works
GEN 108Pre-Calculus
Strengthening the mathematical foundation needed for advanced coursework.
- Polynomial and rational functions
- Exponential and logarithmic relationships
- Trigonometric identities and graphs
GEN 109Human Biology
An introduction to how the human body functions at the systems level.
- Structure and function of major organ systems
- Cellular processes and genetics basics
- Health, nutrition, and disease prevention
GEN 110World History
Tracing major civilizations, conflicts, and turning points across the globe.
- Rise and fall of major civilizations
- Global trade and cultural exchange
- Key turning points of the modern era
CJ 125Introduction to Criminology
Introduces the theories and methods used to study why crime occurs and how societies respond to it.
- Major schools of criminological thought
- How crime data is measured and interpreted
- Linking theory to real-world policy responses
SS 126Sociology
Examines how social structures, institutions, and group behavior shape individual actions and outcomes.
- Socialization and the formation of social norms
- Social stratification and inequality
- The role of institutions in shaping behavior
CJ 448Corrections
Surveys the goals, structure, and daily operation of institutional and community-based correctional systems.
- Purposes of incarceration versus community supervision
- Organization of jails, prisons, and parole systems
- Balancing security, rehabilitation, and reentry goals
CJ 493Issues in Criminal Justice
Explores current debates and emerging challenges facing law enforcement, courts, and corrections.
- Analyzing contemporary policy controversies
- Evaluating reform proposals and their tradeoffs
- Applying critical thinking to case-based scenarios
CJ 519Criminal Procedures
Covers the constitutional rules that govern how criminal cases move from investigation through trial.
- Search, seizure, and arrest standards
- Rights of the accused at each case stage
- Consequences of procedural error on case outcomes
CJ 585Investigation
Introduces the methods investigators use to gather, document, and evaluate evidence in criminal cases.
- Planning and conducting an investigation
- Interviewing witnesses and suspects
- Preserving evidence integrity for court
LLS 642Introduction to Laws
Provides a foundational overview of legal systems, sources of law, and how legal reasoning is applied.
- Sources and hierarchy of law
- Civil versus criminal legal processes
- Reading and interpreting statutes and case law
CJ 720Comparative Criminal Justice Systems
Compares how different countries structure policing, courts, and corrections to address crime.
- Contrasting adversarial and inquisitorial systems
- Cross-national approaches to punishment
- Lessons from international justice models
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Specialist Courses
6 Courses
COR 387Fundamentals of Correctional Counseling
Introduces counseling techniques used to support behavioral change among justice-involved individuals.
- Core counseling approaches used in corrections
- Building rapport with justice-involved clients
- Addressing barriers to behavioral change
COR 402Introduction to Crime and Punishment
Explores historical and philosophical approaches to punishing crime and their influence on modern practice.
- Theories justifying punishment
- Evolution of punishment practices over time
- Balancing retribution with rehabilitation goals
COR 527Research Methods in Corrections
Teaches methods for evaluating correctional programs and measuring their effectiveness.
- Designing program evaluation studies
- Measuring recidivism and outcomes
- Applying research findings to policy
COR 576Special Topics in Corrections
Examines emerging and specialized issues shaping correctional practice today.
- Current trends affecting correctional systems
- Specialized populations within corrections
- Case-based analysis of contemporary challenges
COR 668Introduction to Probation and Parole
Covers the supervision practices and objectives of community-based correctional programs.
- Conditions and monitoring of supervised release
- Risk management in community supervision
- Responding to violations and noncompliance
COR 765Introduction to Corrections
Provides a foundational overview of correctional institutions and their role in the justice system.
- Structure of jails, prisons, and community corrections
- Goals of incarceration and rehabilitation
- Careers and roles within correctional agencies
$72,000
Total Program Cost
Fees are billed per term and are subject to change. Financial aid, scholarships, and flexible payment plans are available to students who qualify.
Explore Financial Aid
Admission requires High School Diploma or GED.
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Submit Your Application
Complete the online application with your basic and academic details.
An admissions advisor reviews your application and any transfer credit.
Receive your decision, complete enrollment, and start your first term.
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