People who decide to work in protective services typically have strong moral convictions about justice and civic duty. If you’re one of them, you’re probably thinking of paving a career path in Law Enforcement or Corrections.
Comparing Law Enforcement vs Corrections
While both professions focus on safeguarding people and administering public safety, there are differences between the two that you should learn more about before deciding which career to pursue.
How Can You Get Started in Law Enforcement?
Obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Law Enforcement degree will give you access to a multitude of professional options in law enforcement. Choose a good quality program that covers courses such as:
- Criminology
- Forensic Science
- Criminal Law
- Ethics
- Judicial Systems
- Emergency Management
A degree in Law Enforcement equips you with a range of careers in criminal justice, emergency management, and public safety. Courses on criminal justice theories and practices are part of this degree program, along with real-world applications for fieldwork.
You may determine whether this degree is perfect for you if you’re interested in working in criminal justice or becoming a police officer by knowing more about this educational route.
Essential Skills of a Law Enforcer
- Surveillance
- Teamwork
- Critical thinking
- Crowd control and management
Jobs for Law Enforcement Degree Holders
If you are a Law Enforcement major, you qualify for these occupations:
| Law Enforcement Degree Job | Annual median pay |
| Detective | $91,610 |
| Forensic Science Technician | $63,740 |
| Security Manager | $56,000 |
| Victim Advocate | $38,520 |
Opportunities for Advancement in Law Enforcement
A Master’s in Law Enforcement is what you need if you want to advance to higher positions. In this advanced degree, you will study the procedures, rules, laws, and regulations that are relevant to investigations.
The graduate program’s coursework includes management of investigations, evidence-based practice, risk and vulnerability assessment, public protection, cybercrime, and ethical issues in proactive investigation—all aimed at enhancing a professional’s area of expertise.
To Be or Not to Be
Why Law Enforcement could be for you:
- You are aspiring to join the police force or work in the criminal justice field.
- You like investigating and tackling crime.
- You are interested in cybercrime and disclosure of intelligence.
Law Enforcement isn’t for you if:
- You’re not a fan of research since there will be a lot of instances when you need to conduct investigation plans and scene management.
- You don’t enjoy solving cases and fixing problems. As a law enforcement professional, you will be exposed to exercises to address problems via case studies or fictitious situations.
- You don’t want to be a part of the police force.
How Can You Get Started in Corrections?
As you work to become a correctional officer, you’ll oversee prisoners and ensure everyone’s safety day in and day out. Professionals are adept in the operational and administrative processes of correctional institutions.
A Bachelor’s in Corrections degree gets you a foot in the door. A Corrections undergraduate program explores criminal law in general, emphasizing criminal punishment, correctional systems, and inmate rights. It also covers courses involving law enforcement principles.
Notably, Corrections degrees and careers aim to dramatically reduce the inmate population through punishment, treatment, and rehabilitation of offenders.
Another option is to pursue a criminal justice degree with a corrections concentration or as a minor. In fact, corrections are a discipline in the criminal justice system. Juvenile and adult prisons are the two primary correctional tracks.
Essential Skills of a Corrections Officer
As a corrections officer, you need to demonstrate these skills, which you can develop as part of your academic education:
- Teamwork
- Resilience
- A solid grasp of the principles of Psychology
- Crisis intervention
Jobs for Corrections Degree Holders
A degree in Corrections leads to these occupations:
Opportunities for Advancement in Corrections
A Master’s in Corrections program is rare, but for a more in-depth dive into the discipline, students often earn a Master’s in Criminal Justice with a Corrections Management focus. With a master’s degree in their belt, Corrections professionals qualify for higher administrative positions.
The same goes for doctorate programs in Corrections. They are quite uncommon, but students can pursue a Criminal Justice track at the doctoral level to climb up the career ladder or pursue research-focused or teaching jobs.
Although the curricula of individual Corrections graduate degrees vary, all programs emphasize policy and leadership. Correctional management, crime prevention and control tactics, correctional law, and facility administration are included in the coursework.
To Be or Not to Be
Why Corrections could be for you:
- You wish to work with law enforcement organizations, judicial departments, or prisons in executive and supervisory capacities.
- You don’t mind spending time working in juvenile or adult prisons.
- If you love to keep order in a prison and enforce any rules the institution has set.
Corrections may not be for you if:
- You don’t enjoy working in the prison or corrections industry.
- You don’t like interacting with both fellow officers and inmates.
- You are not sociable and open-minded.
Key Takeaway
Correctional and Law Enforcement officers are highly valued professionals. These two different degree programs and career types vary in the methodologies, strategies, focus, and scope of work. However, in protecting the innocent and keeping the community safe, they do the same important work that requires a sharp mind, dedication, and a passion for upholding fairness and justice.
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