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.

 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

 Curriculum for the Corrections Certificate  

    Courses Credits
    Introduction to the Criminal Justice System 5
    Introduction to Corrections 5
    Criminal Origins and Correctional Alternatives 5
    Legal Issues in Corrections 5
    Critical Issues in Corrections 5
    Client Relations in Corrections 5
    Applied Criminal Justice Ethics OR
    Supervisory Practices in Criminal Justice 6
    Total Program Requirements 36

 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.*

For more information, chat live or call an Admissions Advisor at 866.527.5268 (Toll Free).

 Prepare for Future Studies 

The credits you earn in fulfillment of this certificate are transferable to other Kaplan University degree programs. When the time is right, come back and earn your associate's or bachelor's degree online at Kaplan University.

Tuition and Fees

Cost per credit hour$353.00
Total program requirements36

Total cost of tuition$12,708.00


This program requires a $100 technology fee per term. Effective July 1, 2009, a minimum deposit of $70 is required at the time of enrollment and will be credited toward your tuition when you begin classes. Qualifying transfer credit may reduce your total costs. Refer to the University Catalog for transfer of credit policy. We encourage you to explore the availability of financial aid and scholarships. For more information, chat live or call an Admissions Advisor at 866.527.5268 (Toll Free).

Kaplan University offers tuition discounts to active-duty military servicemembers and veterans. Call 866.583.4412 to speak to a military Admissions Advisor.


Chat with a representative about your financial aid options

Chat Now
* Additional police academy training may be required to qualify for certain positions in law enforcement.