Criminal Justice: Corrections AS

The mission of the Criminal Justice program with an emphasis in corrections is to educate and prepare students for careers in correctional services by providing a strong foundation in criminal justice principles, rehabilitation strategies, and ethical correctional practices. The program emphasizes the importance of safety, security, human rights, and rehabilitation within correctional environments. Through academic rigor, students develop the knowledge, skills, and professionalism needed to contribute effectively to the correctional field and promote positive outcomes for individuals and communities

Program Learning Outcomes

  1. Explain the roles, responsibilities, and operational differences among jails, prisons, probation, parole, and community-based correctional programs.
  2. Apply legal standards related to due process, use of force, search and seizure, inmate rights, and disciplinary procedures within correctional settings.
  3. Analyze ethical dilemmas and demonstrate integrity, accountability, and adherence to professional codes of conduct in corrections.
  4. Demonstrate the ability to communicate clearly, accurately, and respectfully with inmates, staff, legal personnel, and the public, both in writing and verbally.
  5. Apply techniques for maintaining safety, order, and security in correctional facilities, including conflict resolution, de-escalation, and supervision strategies.
  6. Identify and support evidence-based approaches to rehabilitation, case management, and reintegration of offenders into the community.
  7. Demonstrate respect for diverse populations and apply culturally competent practices when working with incarcerated individuals and colleagues.

To be eligible for admission into this program, students must meet the general requirements for admission to New River Community and Technical College.

For more information on this program, contact Dianna L. Putorek at dputorek@newriver.edu or 304-818-2009.

Apply to New River CTC!

Graduates with an associate’s degree in criminal justice with a corrections concentration could qualify for jobs as security guards, correctional officers, bailiffs, parole officers, or probation officers.