Correctional officers, also known as detention officers, are responsible for overseeing individuals who have been arrested and are awaiting trial or who have been convicted of a crime and sentenced to serve time in a jail, reformatory, or penitentiary.
The criminal justice system has evolved greatly in recent years. No longer can applicants with minimal job skills expect to be hired. Today’s successful candidates must understand and demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of the profession and pass measurable performance standards. Supported by a broad general education, training is given to develop professional competence in the field of contemporary corrections. Our program applies to both the new student and the experienced correctional worker.
Career opportunities in corrections are abundant. The ACC program for correctional science prepares individuals for career services with the Texas Department of Corrections, with juveniles in institutions and with related correctional occupations. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, www.bls.gov, the national median annual earnings of correctional officers and jailers were $35,760 in May 2006. Salary amount often varies depending on the place of employment, job title and level of experience.
> Faculty
> Correctional Science Course Catalog (pdf)
> Student Resources
Associate of Applied Science Degree
Correctional Science .................................... 61 credit hours (2 years)
Certificates
Correctional Administration Certificate............ 31 credit hours (1 year)
Correctional Science Certificate...................... 30 credit hours (1 year)
In addition to the general requirements for admission to Alvin Community College, entry into the correctional science program requires the following:
- Degree plan should be approved by the Criminal Justice Department Chairperson.
- Satisfactory results on required tests.
- Special requirements which could impact career opportunity in the correctional field.
- Physical condition – free from any physical or mental condition which might adversely affect acceptance or performance as a correctional officer
- Normal Hearing, color vision, and eye functions
- Weight in proportion to height
- Good moral character
- Diverse training staff including police officers, police administrators, judges, lawyers, and college professors.
- Firearms experience in an indoor, 25-yard, 10-lane, computerized, air-conditioned firing range.
- Small classes with individual instruction.
- Affordable tuition and fees – Financial assistance available to those who qualify.
For more information call 281-756-3951 or email Law@alvincollege.edu.
Alvin Community College
3110 Mustang Road • Alvin, TX 77511
281-756-3500
For accommodations: 281-756-3531
TDD: 281-756-3845
