Corrections Certificate of Achievement

Program Description

This certificate is designed for persons considering a career as a Correctional Officer, Youth Correctional Counselor, Jailer, or those already employed seeking advancement in their career. The corrections systems specialize in the punishment and incarceration process as well as rehabilitation of the offender.

This certificate is designed to provide students with the fundamentals of the corrections systems, the legal aspects of corrections, control and supervision in corrections, correctional interviewing and counseling, and the probation and parole concepts in corrections.

The pathway below represents an efficient and effective course taking sequence for this program.  Individual circumstances might require some changes to this pathway.  It is always recommended that you meet with an academic counselor to develop a personalized educational plan.

Division

Social Sciences, Human Development, Kinesiology & Health

Department

Corrections

Career and Academic Pathway (CAP)

Public Service, Culture, Society

Program Learning Outcomes

  1. Apply knowledge and skills required in securing and maintaining employment.

  2. Compare and contrast the differences between probation and parole.

  3. Differentiate and identify control techniques in crisis situations within the correctional setting.

  4. Distinguish the responsibilities and liabilities of the laws governing a correctional officer.

  5. Assess the legal framework within the incarceration process.

  6. Compare prison gang membership both inside and outside the facility.

  7. Choose to further personal interests by completing the requirements for an Administration of Justice degree or developing skills as a crime scene investigator.

Program Map

GE General Education
O Available Online
Program Requirement
P Program Prerequisites

1st Semester

12 units
CORREC 101 - Introduction to Corrections
This course provides a history of and critical analysis of punishment, the various types of punishment, alternatives to punishment and the impact of punishment on the criminal justice system and corrections. Students in this course will conduct a critical examination of the types of correctional institutions and the clients housed in each institution. Contemporary correctional issues are discussed.

Course Details:

  1. Departmental Advisory: READ 015 or eligibility for READ 100 as determined by the SBVC assessment process.
  • Transfers to CSU
    • CORREC 102 - Correctional Interviewing and Counseling
    This course of study is an overview of the techniques in counseling and interviewing available to practitioners in corrections. It includes the use of appropriate techniques and theories in confidence building which the correctional employee may use in client interviews and counseling.

    Course Details:

    1. Departmental Advisory: READ 015 or eligibility for READ 100 as determined by the SBVC assessment process.
    CORREC 103 - Gangs and Corrections
    This course is designed to provide students with a base of knowledge as it relates to the impact of gangs in both correctional and community settings. It includes a review of the types of gangs, history, and criminal activities associated with gangs.

    Course Details:

    1. Departmental Advisory: READ 015 or eligibility for READ 100 as determined by the SBVC assessment process.
    CORREC 104 - Control and Supervision in Corrections
    This course will emphasize local, state, and federal institutions in the role played by the offender and the correctional worker. Topics will include inmate subculture, violence and effects of crowding on inmates and staff, coping techniques for correctional officers in a hostile prison environment.

    Course Details:

    1. Departmental Advisory: READ 015 or eligibility for READ 100 as determined by the SBVC assessment process.

    2nd Semester

    6 units
    CORREC 105 - Legal Aspects of Corrections
    This course is the study of the historical framework, concepts, and precedents that guide correctional practice. Course material will present a broader perspective of the correctional environment such as the civil rights of prisoners, responsibilities and liabilities of correctional officials, the courts, and police.

    Course Details:

    1. Departmental Advisory: READ 015 or eligibility for READ 100 as determined by the SBVC assessment process.
    CORREC 106 - Probation and Parole
    This course is a study of the historical and contemporary view of the application of probation and parole procedures in the criminal justice system. Community corrections as applied to probation and parole, probation as an entity of the courts and parole as an entity of corrections compose the main focus of this course. This course material will broaden the student concept of community corrections and the rights and liabilities of a person on probation or parole.

    Course Details:

    1. Departmental Advisory: READ 015 or eligibility for READ 100 as determined by the SBVC assessment process.