NCJ Number
217765
Journal
Corrections Today Magazine Volume: 69 Issue: 1 Dated: February 2007 Pages: 40-42
Date Published
February 2007
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This article suggests ways in which college criminal justice degree programs can play a role in developing student interest in a corrections career.
Abstract
A comprehensive corrections degree program should include academic exposure of students to the corrections field. The curriculum might include an introductory corrections course that provides initial information on the progressive movement of the corrections field and offers information on the diverse occupations inside correctional institutions. In addition to the introductory course, the curriculum should address safety and security issues in correctional institutions, including its necessity, technology, and the challenges of providing custody and security in prisons. A course on behavioral change would feature the various methods used in corrections to provide opportunity for rehabilitation and treatment tailored to addressing factors that underlie various criminal behaviors. The role of correctional treatment professions should also be addressed. Correctional administration is another topic that must be covered in a criminal justice curriculum. Theories of leadership, administration, motivation, and organizational behavior are important in preparing future correctional leaders. The curriculum should also expose students to the specific job responsibilities of employees in prisons. For students who choose to major in corrections, an internship program should be available. Internships should be sufficiently broad to accommodate the career interests of students. Collaboration between correctional organizations and universities is needed not only for internship programs but also to coordinate job placements, workshops, conferences, student tours, and guest lecturers.